The things that MAKE a crochet blanket, and a NEW PATTERN.

Okay, you guys, this on was so much fun. I thought I would use my Ellie's Daisy square and come up with my own granny square blanket. I think this will be my signature granny square blanket, for now, though I think it would be cool to do a dark version of it with pops of bright color. 

I have always said that there are a few things that totally make a crochet blanket:

NUMBER ONE: THE PATTERN! 

I have found that patterns that really catch the eye have an amazing stitch or stitches (hey, I love texture too!) as the main feature. Let's be honest with ourselves, the stitch you choose really does set the tone for everything that comes after. Call it the foundation of your blanket, if you will. The chosen stitch should catch the eye and be something that stands out.

Often there are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect crochet stitch for a blanket. Are you making the blanket for an adult or child? For the bed or for the sofa? Considering the purpose helps hone down the appropriate stitch and also prepares you to decide what is the next major factor that makes a crochet blanket. 

Take the time to find the pattern that makes your heart sing! It will be worth it, and if you like it you will enjoy making it too.

Best Always,

Ellie.

This charming blanket pattern is available NOW at my shop!

NUMBER TWO: THE YARN YOU CHOOSE.

This is a BIG one, but it's often the most overlooked. I'm going to be completely honest in telling you that all yarns are not created equally. This doesn't mean you can't opt for a steal-of-a-deal on bargain yarn, but it does mean a little bit of care in choosing what yarn type matches your project will save you a lot of time, effort, and possibly money spent purchasing anti-itch cream. The size of your yarn and the materials that comprise the yarn you choose are very important. With blanket making, do keep in mind that the finished product will be in close contact with your skin and consider how thick you would like it to be for your purposes. Finally, always keep in mind that the size of your yarn will have an impact on how long it takes you to finish your blanket project. For example, a size 6 yarn will work up far quicker than a size 4 yarn. Take the time to select carefully, and by all means try out different yarn brands to find what you like and what works best for you.

NUMBER THREE: THE COLORS!

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times: I could take two blankets of equal size, made from the same pattern, and with the same yarn type and put them side by side... but if one is comprised of dull, mismatched, or otherwise unflattering colors it will be a dud. EVERY. TIME. You would be surprised at just how much color choices impact the final outcome of your blanket project. Experiment with different combinations to find what you like best. You can also do a little digging to see what the trending colors for the current year and season are and develop your own combinations. If you are pressed for time, like most of us are, you can purchase a yarn kaleidoscope and use it to play with different yarns you already have. You might be surprised at what you come up with!

NUMBER FOUR: EDGING.

If I had a nickel for every beautiful blanket I've seen, that has all the bells and whistles yet seems to have phoned it in on the edging, I'd be a very rich woman. It's true, far too often the small details of an otherwise fabulously made blanket are overlooked. The edging of any blanket should be something that elevates the entire piece, that last little detail that takes your blanket from being just so-so to WOW. I have found that the perfect edging adds personality to a blanket. So, by all means, practice using different edging... step outside of your comfort zone as a crocheter to try new things and up the ante, as it were. You will be so glad you tried something new, added to your crocheting skill-set, and made something amazing all in one go!

                

This list is by no means exhaustive, as there are many factors that go into making a perfectly delectable blanket, but it's enough to get you thinking about how you put together your beautiful crochet projects. 

Above all else, just make sure you're having fun with it and the rest will come in time.

Check out an example of all four of these helpful reminders displayed in my most-recent crochet blanket. I have named it The Sweet Daisy Darling Crochet Granny Square Blanket, and it features a new blanket square I've named Ellie's Daisy. The crochet square is a combination of impressionist art and the classic daisy square we have all come to love when making these beautiful crochet blankets! I hope you love it, and if you're looking for the pattern, check out my Etsy shop:

www.Etsy.com/shop/loopsbyelle OR www.loopsbyelle.com

From my heart to your hooks,

Ellie