What's Your "Go-To" Stitch?

Let's face it. No matter how long you've been crocheting or how many stitches you happen to know there is bound to be that one stitch that you always return to again and again. You know, the one that never fails to help you churn out a beautiful final project, the one that leaves people wondering just what you did? THAT stitch. 

The Blanket Stitch is one that fits the bill for me, and I will be honest and tell you there are few crochet stitches that are simpler. Using only single crochet stitches and double crochet stitches in each row means there's really no learning curve and you can sit down and watch your favorite movies or listen to your favorite podcast while making something beautiful. As you complete each row you will start to see that each row bursts with texture and a gorgeous pattern of ripples that are undeniably charming! 

So, I thought I'd post my free pattern for making a beautiful blanket from this stitch, and I hope you will enjoy making it! The pdf version of this pattern is available on my Etsy shop's page: www.Etsy.com/shop/loopsbyelle. I've also attached my Youtube video where I show you exactly how the Blanket Stitch is made. Sometimes having a good visual of the work helps! At any rate, I hope you love it!! :)

From my heart to your hooks,

Happy Crocheting, Friends!!

Chat soon!

-Elle.

Warm Snuggles Blanket

Details: This is a warm and snuggly blanket, that when completed will be as big as you’d like it to be. You can make a baby blanket, a simple afghan for the couch or make it big enough to use with your bedding. For the purpose of duplicating this exact blanket, the finished size is 60”x60” including the 4” border measurement. Feel free to customize, change out colors and make it what you’d like it to be!! Details are within the instructions for this blanket. Happy Crocheting, friend. I hope you will love it!! 😊

Skill Level: BEGINNER

Materials You Will Need:

ü  Caron Brand Yarn in the color LACE, CREAM, AQUA, PEACH, PURPLE, and MEDIUM GRAY MIX, or the brand(s) and six colors of your choice

ü  5.0 mm crochet hook

ü  Embroidery scissors

ü  Row Counter, if desired

ü  Stitch markers, if desired

ü  Yarn needle (for sewing in loose ends when finished)

 

Abbreviations Used:

Bpdc- back post double crochet

ch- chain

dc- double crochet

hdc- half double crochet

fpdc- front post double crochet

sc- single crochet

sk- skip

sts- stitches

sl st- slip stitch

tc- treble crochet

yo- yarn over

sc2tog- single crochet two together

NOTES: Wherever the written pattern calls for you to “tie off” your work, you may alternatively simply crochet the thread into your work as you go. Instructions in parentheses () are usually going to be repeated and will follow with how to do so.

 

Instructions

FOUNDATION ROW (Row 1):

Step 1: Ch in multiples of three plus one until you have reached your desired width.    

Step 2: In the third ch place 2 dc, then a sc, (sk 2 sts and then in the third st place 1 sc and 2 dc), and work in this pattern all the way down to the end of your row until three sts remain, sk 2 sts and in the final st place only one sc, then turn your work and 2ch

Row 2: Place 2 dc into the first sc, then (sk 2 sts and place 1 sc and 2 dc into the next st), and work this pattern down the row, and at the end of the row place 1 sc into the final st, turn your work and 2 ch

Row 4-Completion: Continue to repeat Row 2 until you reach your preferred length, changing colors after the completion of four rows each color. Use your yarn needle to sew in any remaining threads, if necessary when you finish. Alternatively, work in the loose threads as you go. Prepare to work the Camel Stitch Border to finish your work, or use a different border stitch if you prefer.

*SPECIAL NOTE ON CREATING THE BLANKET: To achieve the width for this pattern, repeat Row 2 four times before you switch colors. It will create an interesting pattern on the back and front of your work, which might not be as obvious until you’ve worked a few color changes. For this pattern, the exact color order is: purple, lace, aqua, peach, cream, and medium grey mix (Caron One Pound), repeated five times.

TO COMPLETE THE CAMEL STITCH BORDER

Step One: SC all around your blanket, making sure that you keep sts pretty even throughout (to prevent curling, rippling of your blanket, or a stretched-out look) and when you get to the corners place a sc then 2 ch then anther sc all in the same st (this will create the beautiful corner you are looking for here) and when you reach the end, sl st to close this round. Tie off your work (you can switch colors here or keep it the same.)

Step Two: sl st into a corner of your blanket, 2 ch then hdc into the same space, then place hdc into each following st, making sure that when you get to each corner you place hdc, 2 ch and then another hdc all in the same space in the corner. At the end of the row you will place a single hdc in the corner space, 2 ch and then sl st into the hdc already there.

Step Three: 2 ch, hdc in the corner space. Now it is important in this row to grab the loop from the BACK of the st (look for your third loop) to place all your hdc into from here forward. (This will push the work forward and give you a really neat effect as you continue), and when you reach the corner, continue the same process of hdc, 2 ch, hdc. (As you continue adding you will see a neat corning effect beginning) When you reach the corner again, simply hdc, 2 ch and sl st to first hdc you placed at the beginning of the row.      

(Complete as many rows as you’d like. This blanket has four)

 …and just like that, you’re finished. 😊