Yarn Information

The recommended yarn for this project is Bernat Softee baby yarn. The weight is "light worsted," "DK," or "Double Knitting." This is important to know in case you want to select a different yarn to substitute; look for the same weight if you aim to create a blanket with the same drape. That said, you can use any yarn weight and a corresponding hook size to create an easy crochet baby blanket using this pattern.

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Blanket Sizes: Preemie, Newborn, Toddler

This crochet baby blanket pattern includes instructions for three sizes: preemie, newborn, and toddler. Instructions list the smallest size first with changes for the larger sizes noted in parentheses.

The measurements below don't include any edging; if you wish to add a baby blanket edging, your finished blanket will be a little bit bigger.

Preemie: The smallest blanket measures about 26 inches wide by 34 inches long. If you crochet your blanket using Bernat Softee, you will need two to three 5-oz skeins of yarn to complete this project, depending on how tight you crochet. As far as yardage goes, you'll need about 724 yards/662 meters for the blanket itself, plus a bit more for your gauge swatch.

The smallest blanket measures about 26 inches wide by 34 inches long. If you crochet your blanket using Bernat Softee, you will need two to three 5-oz skeins of yarn to complete this project, depending on how tight you crochet. As far as yardage goes, you'll need about 724 yards/662 meters for the blanket itself, plus a bit more for your gauge swatch. Newborn/receiving blanket: The mid-sized blanket is 30 inches square. You can make it a little bit longer if you prefer a more rectangular shape for the blanket. If so, aim for 30" x 34". You will need two to three of the 5-oz balls of Bernat Softee for this size, depending on how tight you crochet.

The mid-sized blanket is 30 inches square. You can make it a little bit longer if you prefer a more rectangular shape for the blanket. If so, aim for 30" x 34". You will need two to three of the 5-oz balls of Bernat Softee for this size, depending on how tight you crochet. Toddler: The largest of the blankets measures 36 inches by 44 inches. You will need four 5-oz balls of Bernat Softee to crochet this size.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

ch = chain

ch-1 sp = chain-1 space, the space formed when you crochet a chain stitch in the previous row

rep = repeat

sc = single crochet

st = stitch

Gauge

Stitch gauge: 4 stitches = 1 inch when crocheting the stitch pattern as instructed below.

4 stitches = 1 inch when crocheting the stitch pattern as instructed below. Row gauge: The row gauge is not important for this pattern.

Crochet a Gauge Swatch

To check your gauge, crochet a gauge swatch. Form a starting chain of 25 stitches and crochet using the blanket pattern instructions until your piece is square. End off. Measure your swatch to see how many stitches per inch you are crocheting. Compare your gauge against that recommended in the pattern (above). If you are crocheting fewer stitches per inch than recommended, try again with a smaller crochet hook. If you are crocheting more stitches per inch, try again with a larger hook.

The swatching process is necessary because you want your baby blanket to be a useable size. If your gauge is different, your baby blanket could finish at the wrong size or you may run out of yarn before finishing the blanket.

Design Notes

The pattern directions instruct you to crochet into the ch-1 spaces. If you have difficulty finding these—sometimes they seem to vanish—carefully poke your finger at the row of stitches from back to front. Your hands will feel the gap even if your eyes don't spot it at first.

How to Crochet a Baby Blanket