Learn to Crochet a Super Easy Baby Blanket

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Making a Slip Knot
4. Working the Chains
5. Starting Row One
6. Working the Single Crochet and Shell Stitch
7. Repeating the Pattern
8. Completing Row One
9. Working Row Two
10. Repeating Row Two
11. Adding the Shell Stitch Border
12. Finishing Touches
13. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial on creating a beautiful and textured baby blanket called the Very Berry Baby Blanket. This beginner-friendly blanket features a wonderful texture and can be made using just one ball of Bernat Baby Sport yarn in baby pink color. The blanket is also reversible, with no right or wrong side, and has a simple shell stitch border. It is not only a cozy blanket but also a sensory experience for babies with its delightful berry-like texture that they can fiddle with. In this article, we will go through each step of creating this blanket, from making a slip knot to adding the shell stitch border. So let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before diving into the project, let's gather all the materials we need to make the Very Berry Baby Blanket. You will need:

• Bernat Baby Sport yarn in baby pink color (approximately 1070 yards)
• 4 millimeter crochet hook
• Scissors

Now that we have our materials ready, let's begin creating this beautiful baby blanket.

Making a Slip Knot

To start the project, we first need to make a slip knot. This is a simple loop that will serve as the foundation of our crochet work. Follow these steps to make a slip knot:

1. Take the end of the yarn and hold it between your thumb and index finger.
2. Create a loop by crossing the end of the yarn over the main strand.
3. Pass the end of the yarn through the loop, creating a second loop.
4. Gently pull the second loop to tighten the slip knot around the main strand.
5. Slide the slip knot onto your crochet hook and adjust the tension as needed.

Working the Chains

Now that we have made a slip knot, it's time to work the chains. The chains will provide the foundation for the first row of stitches in our baby blanket. Follow these steps to work the chains:

1. Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand and the yarn in your other hand.
2. Insert the crochet hook under the main strand of the yarn, catching it with the hook.
3. Yarn over by bringing the yarn from behind the hook to the front.
4. Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook, creating a new loop.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have worked 154 chains.

Starting Row One

With the chains completed, we can now start working on row one of our baby blanket. This row will consist of a combination of single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches. Follow these steps to begin row one:

1. Skip the first chain from the hook and insert the hook into the second chain.
2. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain, creating two loops on the hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook, completing a single crochet stitch.
4. Work one half double crochet stitch by yarning over, inserting the hook into the same chain as the previous stitch, yarning over again, and pulling the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
5. Work two double crochet stitches by yarning over, inserting the hook into the same chain, yarning over again, pulling the yarn through the chain, yarning over, and pulling the yarn through the first two loops on the hook. Repeat this step once more to complete the second double crochet stitch.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the second chain, skipping three chains in between.
7. Continue repeating steps 1-5 until you have four chains left.
8. Skip three chains and work one single crochet stitch on the last chain.

Working the Single Crochet and Shell Stitch

Now that we have completed row one, we will continue working on row two using a combination of single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches. This pattern will create the desired texture of our baby blanket. Follow these steps to work row two:

1. Chain one and turn your work.
2. Work one single crochet, one half double crochet, and two double crochet stitches in the same stitch as the chain one.
3. Skip three stitches and repeat step 2 in the next stitch.
4. Continue repeating step 3 until you have four stitches left.
5. Skip three stitches and work one single crochet in the last stitch.
6. Chain one and turn your work.

Repeating the Pattern

From row two onwards, we will repeat the pattern established in row two until we reach row 92. This pattern consists of working one single crochet, one half double crochet, and two double crochet stitches in each single crochet stitch of the previous row, while skipping three stitches in between. Follow these steps to repeat the pattern:

1. Chain one and turn your work.
2. Work one single crochet, one half double crochet, and two double crochet stitches in the same stitch as the chain one.
3. Skip three stitches and repeat step 2 in the next stitch.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until you have four stitches left.
5. Skip three stitches and work one single crochet in the last stitch.
6. Chain one and turn your work.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for each subsequent row until you reach row 92.

Adding the Shell Stitch Border

Once we have completed row 92, it's time to add the shell stitch border to our baby blanket. The shell stitch border will give our blanket a finished and decorative edge. Follow these steps to add the border:

1. Work one single crochet between each row of the blanket. This means working one single crochet stitch in each space between the shells and single crochets of the previous row.
2. In the space between two shell stitches, work a shell stitch, which consists of five double crochet stitches. This shell stitch will create the decorative edge.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 all around the blanket, alternating between single crochet stitches and shell stitches.
4. Finish the border by working a slip stitch on top of your starting chain three to close the border.

Finishing Touches

With the shell stitch border complete, our baby blanket is almost finished. Use a pair of scissors to carefully weave in any loose ends of yarn to ensure a neater and more polished look. Once all the ends are woven in, your beautiful and textured Very Berry Baby Blanket is ready to be used and cherished.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your Very Berry Baby Blanket! This easy and beginner-friendly project has resulted in a cozy and textured blanket that both babies and parents will love. The reversible design, simple shell stitch border, and delightful berry-like texture make it a perfect gift for a newborn or a beloved addition to your own home. Feel free to customize the blanket by using different colors or adding personal touches. Enjoy the process of creating something special with your own hands. Happy crocheting!

Highlights

• The Very Berry Baby Blanket is a beautiful and textured blanket that is perfect for beginners.
• The blanket features a reversible design, simple shell stitch border, and delightful berry-like texture.
• It can be made using just one ball of Bernat Baby Sport yarn in baby pink color.
• The pattern consists of a combination of single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches.
• The shell stitch border adds a decorative edge to the blanket.
• The finished blanket is cozy, soft, and perfect for both babies and parents to enjoy.

FAQ

Q: How many chains do I need to make for the blanket?
A: You will need to work 154 chains as the foundation for the first row.

Q: Can I use a different color yarn for this blanket?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any color yarn that you prefer for your baby blanket.

Q: Is the blanket machine washable?
A: Yes, the blanket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Be sure to follow the care instructions for the yarn used.

Q: Can I add more rows to make a larger blanket?
A: Yes, you can add more rows to increase the size of the blanket. Simply continue repeating the pattern until you reach the desired length.

Q: Is the pattern available in written form?
A: Yes, the written pattern is available on our website, onboardcrochet.com. You can find detailed instructions there.

Q: Can I use a different type of yarn for this project?
A: While the pattern specifies Bernat Baby Sport yarn, you can use a similar weight yarn to achieve the desired texture and size.

Q: How long does it take to complete the blanket?
A: The time it takes to complete the blanket will depend on your crochet speed and proficiency. On average, it may take a few days to a week to complete.

Q: Can I make this blanket for someone as a gift?
A: Absolutely! The Very Berry Baby Blanket makes a wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, or any special occasion.

Q: Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, this pattern is beginner-friendly and perfect for those who are new to crochet. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow.

Q: What size is the finished blanket?
A: The size of the finished blanket will vary depending on the tension of your stitches and the number of rows you complete.