How Hard is it to Crochet a Blanket? 

For beginners, crocheting a blanket may seem like a daunting task, but with perseverance, patience, and the right skills, anyone can create a beautiful, cozy piece. Often, the level of difficulty depends on the pattern or stitch used and the crocheter’s experience. Start with simple patterns and gradually progress to more intricate designs as you gain confidence and expertise.

One of the key factors in determining the difficulty of crocheting a blanket is the chosen stitch and any special techniques used. Basic stitches, such as single and double crochet, are relatively easy, while more advanced stitches may require practice and patience. Additionally, the size of the blanket can also affect the ease with which it can be made and, importantly, the time commitment required.

Read on to learn the basics of creating a crochet blanket, some simple stitches to get you started, and some ideas to move onto as you gain confidence.

Understanding the Basics

Common Stitches

The foundation of crocheting is mastering a few basic stitches. Some of the most common crochet stitches include:

• Chain stitch (ch): This is the starting point for almost all crochet projects.
• Single crochet (sc): The simplest and smallest basic stitch, creating a tight fabric.
• Half double crochet (hdc): A slightly larger stitch than single crochet.
• Double crochet (dc): A popular stitch creating a loose, open fabric; a little larger than half double crochet.

By learning these basic crochet stitches, you can quickly build the necessary skills to tackle a blanket project.

For more information about how to do these basic stiches, and a few more, check out this post on 10 Quick Stitches for a Crochet Blanket.

Yarn Selection

Choosing the right yarn is essential for a successful crochet blanket. There are various yarn weights and fibers to consider, ranging from light and delicate to thick and sturdy. Some prime considerations include:

• Fiber type (e.g., acrylic, wool, cotton, or blends): Different fibers have unique qualities and may be better suited for certain projects.
• Yarn weight: Lighter weight yarns are better for intricate patterns, while heavier yarns work well for producing cozy, warm blankets.
• Color: Selecting harmonious colors or creating gradients can have a significant impact on the final appearance.

Read this article to learn What Weight Yarn to Use for a Crochet Blanket.

This article discusses What is the Best Yarn for a Crochet Baby Blanket, and this one is about How Much Yarn is Needed to Crochet a Blanket.

Crochet Hook Sizes

Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right size is crucial for achieving a desirable result. Hook sizes are typically indicated by letters or numbers and may include a size in millimeters (mm). Some common hook sizes include:

US Size	Metric Size
B-1	2.25 mm
E-4	3.50 mm
H-8	5.00 mm
J-10	6.00 mm

When crocheting a blanket, it’s important to match the hook size with both the yarn weight and the desired stitch tension. A larger hook may produce a looser stitch, while a smaller hook will result in a tighter stitch. Each pattern may provide a recommended hook size, but adjustments may be needed based on individual tension and preference. Make some samples, or swatches, before you start with different hook sizes to find the one that works best for you with your chosen yarn.

Have a read of this article for lots of advice about What Crochet Hook is Best for Beginners?

This article discusses What Size Crochet Hook is best for Granny Squares?

And this one is all about whether you can use a bigger hook, weighing up the pros and cons.

Choosing a Blanket Pattern

Designed for Beginners

As a beginner, when choosing a crochet blanket pattern, try to focus on simple designs that use basic crochet stitches. Some popular beginner-friendly patterns include:

• Single crochet stitch blankets: They are easy to make and create a dense fabric.
• Double crochet stitch blankets: These provide a slightly more open texture and work up faster.
• Granny square: A classic pattern that can be easily customized by using different colors and stitches.

Choose a pattern suits your skill level, so you can gain confidence and experience before moving on to more complex projects.

For a great range of blanket patterns and tutorials perfect for beginners, check out Attic 24’s great range of gorgeous but easy designs.

Size and Shape Options

Blanket sizes can vary depending on the desired usage, from small baby blankets to large bedspreads. Here are some common blanket dimensions:

Blanket Type	Dimensions (inches)
Baby Blanket	30×40
Lap Blanket	36×48
Throw Blanket	50×60
Twin Bed Blanket	66×90
Full/Queen Blanket	90×90
King Blanket	108×90

Remember that the finished size of your blanket may vary slightly based on the specific crochet pattern, stitches used, and your personal crochet tension.

When deciding what size to make your blanket, always consider its intended use as this will be a key factor in deciding how big to make your blanket.

For more advice about blanket sizes, read these articles:

• What is a Good Size for a Crochet Throw?
• What is a Good Size for a Crochet Baby Blanket?
• What Size is a Crochet Lap Blanket?
• What Size to Crochet a Blanket for a Toddler

More Common Stitch Patterns

Along with the beginner patterns mentioned earlier, there are several other popular crochet blanket stitch patterns. These include:

• Chevron: This pattern creates a visually appealing zig-zag design.
• Ripple: Similar to the chevron, but with a softer, wavy look.
• Cable stitch: A more intricate pattern that mimics the look of woven cables in knit fabric.
• V-stitch: A lace-like pattern, ideal for lighter blankets.

More Advanced Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic stitches and some more special ones, you might like to consider some more advanced techniques such as mosaic and tapestry crochet. Whilst these techniques may look complicated and require a little extra concentration to start with, once you get the hang of them you’ll find them very easy and they produce some really beautiful results.

Read this article for advice about which tapestry crochet blanket pattern is best for beginners.

Preparing to Crochet a Blanket

Gathering Tools and Materials

Before starting a crochet blanket project, gather the essential tools and materials. To crochet a blanket, you will need:

• Yarn: Wool yarn and acrylic yarn are popular choices for crochet blankets.
• Crochet hook: Select a hook size based on the yarn and pattern requirements.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors are needed to cut the yarn.
• Stitch markers: These are helpful for tracking stitch counts and pattern repeats.
• Tapestry needle: You will need a needle to sew in your ends at the end of the project.

It can also be helpful to have a bag for keeping your project in, and a notepad and pencil for keeping track of your progress.

Understanding Tension

Tension is an essential aspect of crochet, as it affects the final size and appearance of your blanket. It refers to how tight or loose the yarn is held on the crochet hook while working. Be mindful of your tension to create consistent stitches throughout the project. Each crocheter’s tension may vary, so it’s good to practice before starting the blanket.

To find the right tension, practice various stitches to see if the hook slides through the loops easily without snagging the yarn. Adjust the grip on the yarn and hook to achieve the ideal tension while maintaining a comfortable grip.

Crocheting the Blanket

In this section, we will discuss the key aspects involved in crocheting a blanket, including creating a foundation chain and working in rows and rounds.

Creating a Foundation Chain

When you create a blanket formed in rows, the foundation chain serves as the base of your blanket and determines its width. To begin, select your desired yarn and crochet hook. Then, follow these steps:

1. Create a slipknot by making a loop with the yarn and pulling the yarn tail through.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the slipknot and tighten gently.
3. Make a chain stitch by wrapping the yarn around the hook and pulling it through the loop on the hook.
4. Continue to chain stitches until you have reached your desired length for the foundation chain.

Remember to keep your tension consistent throughout the chain to prevent uneven stitches.

Working in Rows and Rounds

Depending on your chosen pattern, you will either crochet in rows or rounds. Here’s an overview of both methods:

• Rows: For a rectangular or square blanket, work back and forth in rows by flipping your work after completing each row, alternating between right and wrong sides.
  1. At the end of the foundation chain, start your stitches according to the pattern.
  2. Complete the row and turn your work around to start the next row.
  3. Follow the pattern’s instructions and achieve a desired length.
     
• Rounds: For circular or square blankets, crochet in continuous rounds.
  1. Join the starting chain in a circle by slip-stitching into the first stitch, or form a magic loop.
  2. Follow the pattern’s instructions and work in a circuit, moving around the starting circle or loop.
  3. Continue crocheting in rounds until the desired size is achieved.

Adding a Border

Finally, don’t forget to add a border to your blanket. This will really set your work off and give it a professional finish. It can also help to even out any wavy edges.

Finishing and Caring for Your Blanket

Weaving in Ends

Once you have finishing crocheting your blanket, the first finishing touch is to weave in the loose ends. Use a tapestry needle to sew these ends neatly into the stitches of the blanket by following these steps:

1. Thread the tapestry needle with the loose yarn end.
2. Weave the needle in and out of the crochet stitches on the wrong side of the blanket.
3. Once the end is securely woven in, trim off any remaining excess yarn.

Blocking the Blanket

To improve the shape and overall appearance of your crochet blanket, blocking is a crucial step. Blocking involves wetting the blanket and setting it into the desired shape. Here’s a simple process for blocking:

1. Wet your blanket thoroughly with water, either by submerging it in a sink or bath, or by spraying it.
2. Gently squeeze out any excess water, taking care not to wring or twist the fibers.
3. Lay out the blanket flat on a clean surface, preferably one that’s protected by towels or foam blocking mats.
4. Use rustproof pins to secure the blanket to the surface, stretching and shaping it to the desired dimensions.
5. Allow the blanket to air dry completely before removing the pins.

Cleaning Methods

To preserve your blanket and ensure its longevity, follow these cleaning methods:

• Check the yarn label for specific care instructions, as different blanket materials have unique requirements.
• For most yarn types, machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water is recommended. However, some fibers may be hand wash only.
• Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these may damage the fibers.
• To dry, lay the crochet blanket flat on a clean surface, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources.

Conclusion: How Hard is it to Crochet a Blanket?

Crocheting a blanket can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby for many people. The difficulty of this project depends on the individual’s skill level, the complexity of the pattern, and the desired size of the blanket. For beginners, it is advisable to start with a simple design and gradually progress to more intricate patterns.

While crocheting a blanket may present challenges for some, with dedication and the right tools and resources, it can become a fulfilling and enjoyable pastime. The satisfaction and sense of achievement you will feel when you complete a blanket will be well worth the effort.

As your skill levels increase, the complexity of the patterns and designs can also advance, allowing for endless creative possibilities. With a positive mindset, a willingness to learn, and some patience, crocheting a blanket is a hugely satisfying and rewarding accomplishment.

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