How To Crochet: Blanket Stitch
By Robin Beers – 309 Comments| This easy stitch is perfect for an afghan or blanket. It is just sets of 3 stitches, one single crochet and two doubles. Once you get into the hang of it, you can do it in your sleep! Use it for a baby blanket in a pretty pink or blue or for a regular afghan with bright colors! You can change colors after a few rows for a multicolored effect. |  |
The photo above is a baby blanket I am working on for charity. I am using a J-hook for this with worsted yarn. Decide how wide you want your blanket to be and chain the proper number in multiples of 3. I chained 108 for this blanket and it is about 31 inches wide. For more blanket patterns using similar stitches, click here. Oh, and by the way, feel free to try this stitch on a scarf if you want! Experiment!
Note: If you are left handed, just put your mouse over the photo for a left-handed view.
Start with a foundation row of a multiple of 3 chains.
Row 1: Make 2 double crochets in the 3rd chain from the hook.
*Skip 2 ch. Make 1 sc in next ch.
Make 2 double crochet in the same ch.
Repeat from * to the end of row 1 ending with 1 sc in the last ch.
Row 2: Chain 2, turn, make 2 dc in first sc.
**Skip the next 2 dc, Make sc and 2 dc in next sc.
Repeat from ** across ending with 1 sc in the top of the ch-2.
Repeat Row 2 until desired length is made.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Update: A lot of folks have asked about a border for their finished project. You can add any border that you like! If you want to use the same stitch pattern for your border, you can use the row 1 instructions but work it around the edge of the blanket. Instead of working into chains, you’ll be working into the sides of stitches that are along the edge of the blanket. If you are worried about spacing your stitches, you can use this tutorial first: Crochet Finish Technique: “Crochet Evenly Around†to create a regular single crochet border. Then crochet the edging into the single crochets.
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I am new at crocheting and have had a hard time understanding where to end each row (and to therefore keep the ends straight). I bought some crochet markers and am putting one of those in the “chain 2” at the end of the row. That way, when I turn it around and get to the end of the next row, I know where to put that last single crochet. This way, there is NO question and I don’t have to count stitches either 🙂
I have started an afghan and am almost done with it. I noticed there is a problem with the stitching in the first two rows and I am going to have to take them out. How can I repair the afghan once I have unraveled the first two rows?
My project does not lay flat, it also curves around. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Cindy, when a project starts the curve more than they are intended to curve it’s normally a sign that you’re accidentally adding stitches. Try counting your stitches after making each row to double check your work. But if it’s minor curving, you might just need to do some blocking. Here’s a post about blocking if you’re interested: Blocking Crochet
The curve may not necessarily mean that there is a mistake in the stitiching or that you’ve added stitches. It may be a sign that the foundation chain was too tight. A simple and easy way to avoid this in the future would be to use a larger hook for the foundation chain and go 1 hook size down for the actual body of the project. Hope this is helpful.
I am new to this stitch and my question is after I finish row 2 do I follow the pattern for row 2 for the entire afghan
Hi Lisa, yes, in Robin’s tutorial it looks like you are going to repeat row 2 until your piece is as long as desired.
Love the tutorial. thank you thank you for the left hand version!
Wow! Thanks for the great pictures and directions. I tried this last night and am going to make a headband. I think I will make a blanket next for my mom. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this little tutorial! It is so easy to follow and I’m loving this little blanket so far! It’s absolutely perfect. 🙂
my name is missy i have had a crochet pattern that was like this lost it and then i found this one love the way it works i am makeing a baby blanket and a blanket now for my daughter as a christmas present glad i found your pattern
If I am going to make a twin size blanket about how many yards do you think I am going to need for this pattern?
Hi Tonya, it really depends on the weight of yarn and the hook you decide to you. I would recommend calculating the amount of yarn by crocheting a small swatch of the blanket and then seeing how many yards you used to make that. Then you can multiply it to get the amount you need for the twin blanket.
I don’t understand what is meant by a “mulitple of 3 chains” to begin. Can you explain that to me? This is such a beautiful soft looking stitch.
Thank you
Sandra
Hi Sandra, a multiple of 3 is…3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, etc,….basically any number that can be divided by 3 evenly. Here’s a post with more details if you need it: Chaining Multiples in Crochet
Thank you so much i love it, really well explain, love the pics, great tutorial, thank you again,
Idania 🙂
I am a knitter, but your tutorial was great. I made the baby blanket and it came out just beautiful. I do know the basic crochet stitches and this little blanket was so easy. thanks
Thank you for this pattern! I have been scouring the internet for DAYS looking for a pattern that replicates one my grandma used for my baby blanket and I think you have it!
Thank you for the left-handed view!! learning new stitches is easier when you have someone show you how, and looking at it in the right handed version is confusing and frustrating.
Thank you for considering the lefties!
Beautiful pattern! Mine’s almost done; it was so easy. What type of border would you suggest? Thank you!
Thank you so much for this simple yet elegant pattern. I am making a blanket right now and it looks beautiful. I’m doing a two tone rainbow with it and it just looks fabulous! The stitch is so soft and the texture is amazing! Can’t thank you enough!
What size hook did you use for this project?
Hi Sharon, it looks like Robin is using a J (6.00mm) crochet hook in this tutorial. But you can use any crochet hook that compliments the yarn you choose to use. Here’s a table that may can help you choose: Types of Yarn and Recommended Crochet Hooks and Gauges
I love the pattern and it is very easy, and I like the way the sides end up scalloped, my question is the top will end up scalloped when done, any suggestions for the bottom where the starting chain is, any way to scallop that to make it look better , thank you
My Mom does this pattern all the time. After she finishes the first row she turns it around and does the first row again on the chain. This means that the scalloped row she did in step 1 becomes the bottom of the afghan. She after she completes the second Row 1 she goes on the complete it per the instructions. This results in an afghan with scallops on all sides.
Oh wow, that’s genius! Thanks for the idea! 😀
Thanks for that tip/trick! I’m a new crocheter and was concerned about the same thing with a flat edge. Now I can work through it all and make this afghan look stupendous for my grandson!
I love the pattern and it is very easy and I like the way the sides end up scalloped, my question is, the top will end up scalloped when done, any suggestions for the bottom where the starting chain is, any way to scallop that to make it look better, thank you, wasn’t sure if this went thru the first time
How much yarn did you use when you had a starting chain of 108?
I really don’t know how much yarn I used, but that chain row won’t be scalloped like the sides of the top when done.
Did you put a border on your afghan?
Maybe I did somthing wrong, because mine is really pretty but scallaped on the sides unlike your small square in picture, Any thoughts
It is suppose to be like that Diane. Only the last row will have the scalloped look.
thank you, but any thoughts about the first chain row. That ends up flat across where the other 3 sides are scalloped. Do you do any kind of edging there to make it look like the other 3.
Yes, you can actually work this same stitch pattern but just make 1 row of it along edge of the beginning chain. That should make it look like the other end.
thank so very much
Your easy baby blanket looks wonderful. You said 108 stitches makes a 31 inch blanket. I would like a 38 inch blanket. How many stitches do I need?
Thanks,
Judy, I figured 114 stiches devided by the multiple of 3 comes to a 38inch finished size. Anyone correct me if I am wrong…….I love this pattern, so easy and looks wonderful in the doll blanket I am doing.
Hello
I have just found this pattern and love it. I am doing a baby blanket and am on the third row. When I do my 2 chain stitches do I come across to the first single crochet and do the 2 double crochets in it.
Hi Bobbie, yes you should make the 2 double crochets into the first single crochet.
Hi , I’ve just found your website and it’s so fascinating,i want to start making blanket .In your opinion ,how much yarn do i need,I’ll be glad using your help for making this blanket.thanks
I was wondering about an edging. What did you use? I’m using a variegated for the blanket and wanted a solid color for the border.
Thank you! Love this stitch!!
Thank you, I love this pattern
I have just started (15 mins ago – already done 3 rows!!) a baby blanket for my new nephew in this lovely stitch and wanted to say how much I’m enjoying it and how beautifully it is turning out! Very easy and so nice not to have to count as you can see exactly where the next set of 3 starts. Really gorgeous. Thank you so much for writing it all up and explaining it so well. I will be bookmarking your blog for all the other patterns! Found you on Pinterest by the way.
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Thank you. Just finished a blanket in baby pink and it came out beautiful! Easy, fast, and pretty!!! Do you have a baby sweater pattern with this stitch?
Hi Karen, not at the moment but maybe I can add it to the to-do list.
Here’s the link to the baby sweater pattern that we do have though: Classic Baby Cardigan Sweater – 5 Sizes
If you’re feeling creative you can switch the stitches in the pattern 🙂
I am a very beginner at Crochet (started last week!) I decided to make a baby blanket for a girlfriend back home and would like to add a border in a different color. I am clueless on how to do that and wondered if you could email me some instructions? I would be forever greatful!! If possible I would also like to share a picture of the very final product (constructive criticism welcome!)
Hi Ashley, here are some instructions that might help:
Crochet Pattern: Basic Shell Edging (you can use any border pattern, but here’s a basic one to get you started)
Crochet Finish Technique: “Crochet Evenly Aroundâ€
Hi, Im just wondering how wide an average afghan is lol
I LOVE this pattern. I just finished a baby blanket in blue for my pastor’s new baby. I’ve noticed some questions about some kind of border for the blanket. Is there some kind of border you would suggest for this pattern, maybe a shell stitch or something? I love to crochet, but am not very creative with making it up as I go. Any suggestions?
Thanks so much, I have been making lots of baby blankets, this stitch looks adorable, will try it next!
Jenna
Thanks for the pattern! I love how fast and easy this goes. After I had done a few test rows I realized that it’s very similar to the pattern used in one my baby brothers blankets. I had been trying to figure it out to no avail! Thanks for sharing!!
Wow!!! I’m pretty much a beginner at this and I find this stitch easy. I love the pattern! I’m a little slow but figure I will get faster as I go. I thought I’d try to make a blanket for an old child’s doll cradle that we purchased at an Antique Auction. This doll cradle is for our new Granddaughter. I know she will enjoy it when she gets older and will have a beautiful blanket to cover her baby doll with that her Mamaw made. Many Thanks for sharing and the comments. They help a great deal!!!
I have to say this is the first tutorial that I was able to
Understand. I am at crocheting and have struggled
at other tutorials. I am on my 3rd scan if yarn and it
is turning out perfect and evenly squared up so far.
Thanks for the great instructions.
Thank you for this pattern and easy to follow instructions. I am a beginner at best, but have not crocheted for years and was pretty rusty on how to even begin! This tutorial and photos made it oh so easy to get started again. I just finished my first baby afghan and love the look of this pattern!
Oh, dear I feel stupid. At the end of row 2, would you T U R N and start row 3? And keep turning for each row? Or is row 2 going to keep going “around”? So want to do this pattern! I’m using cotton yarn.
Hi Sherrie, sorry for the confusion. Yes, you will turn at the beginning of each row.
I have done this stitch before and love the texture! I am using Loops & Threads Big Skein of Impeccable Ombre in Fresh Lilac. It’s so soft and pretty, the blend is almost like water colors. Thank you
With the last sc on row 1, do you just add it in that last stitch right next to the two dcs?
AC, it looks like you’ll end with 1 sc in the last chain. So you’ll skip the “2 dc in same stitch” that you would normally end the repeat with. The last chain should only have the 1 sc in it.
Hi,
I’m a new crocheter and I picked this pattern to make a blanket for my brother and sister-in-law. I accidentally goofed on the single crochet and started doing what I think is a slip stitch instead, but that’s okay because now it’s got a bobble look. I used Lion Brand Homespun yarn in the beige variegated and an N-sized hook. It looks great and is super warm! Thanks so much for helping this crocheting rookie feel accomplished!
What a great idea to hold one’s mouse over the picture and it shows the left handed view. I am so impressed and thank you for that…..
This looks like a great pattern. I am new to crochet, but would like to try this. How many skeins of yarn should I buy for an afgan – throw size? Also I really do not care for the polyester inexpensive type yarns. The texture is unappealing to me. Any suggestions for an easy to find, economical yarn for this project that has a nice hand?
I have just started this pattern. It’s lovely and so easy to follow your tutorial. Thank you. I am also so glad that before I got too far along, only beginning row 3, that I saw in the comments, that continuing around at the end of row one, and completing another row one on the backside of the beginning chain makes a nice scallop. I tried it and am very happy with the result. I have also found that doing this eliminates the curve that was occurring . Thanks for all the suggestions. This will be a go to pattern for the blankets we make in our church’s fibre ministry.
I am just finishing my blanket and it looks lovely is there an edging you recommend with this blanket? Thanks for sharing 🙂
You don’t have to add an edging if you don’t want to. I think it looks good even without one! You can use the same pattern, but as a edging too. Just work the same stitch pattern, but around the outside of the blanket.
I love this pattern! Works up fast with a k hook and looks great. Making a baby girl blanket in light raspberry. Thanks!!!
Thank you for this simple and easy to follow tutorial. A friend’s baby has arrived early and I should get this blanket done in double quick time. Will be starting tonight with my feet up and a good movie. 🙂 Thanks again 🙂
**Skip the next 2 dc, Make sc and 2 dc in next sc*. Is this one stitch or two stitch jump? I am not sure 🙁 I making the blanket but see it waving. I am skipping two, but recall double in one stitch. hope you understand my ?
Thank you for all 🙂
Hi Jania, you will be skipping 2 stitches. Then making a single crochet and two double crochets into the next stitch. So you’ll have 3 stitches all in that single crochet stitch.
ok, thanks 🙂 trying again…went 4 rolls and the stitches increased-not right I assume because the blanket is not even. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful pattern-Love & Peace
I just found out I’m going to be a grandma and this is the perfect blanket to make. Could you tell me how much yardage I might need if using worsted cotton and a J hook?
It would depend on what size blanket you want to make. To get a good estimate, you can make a small swatch or a few rows with the pattern and measure how much yarn you used to make it. Then multiply to get the amount needed for the entire blanket.