Three weeks ago I taught myself to crochet in order to make this blanket. I scoured free internet patterns and Ravelry in search of the perfect pattern for my friend Quirk’s little boy. My plan was to knit a blanket, but I couldn’t find a pattern I liked. I’m not a fan of the pastel blues and pinks or the frilly lacy blankets. I wanted something modern, with bold, fun colors that doesn’t scream BABY.
Then I found this pattern . It was perfect…except, I only knew how to knit. Shoot. I’d heard crocheting was faster and easier than knitting so I decided to tackle the new project and the new skill all at once. Oh, did I mention I had a tight deadline? The baby isn’t due until December, but I’m flying off to the Dominican Republic in a few weeks and wanted to complete the blanket before I leave.
It turns out that crocheting isn’t hard at all! In fact, it was much easier to learn than knitting. The hardest part was figuring out what the pattern wanted me to do and how to interpret the abbreviations. Not to mention that I finished it much faster than a knitting project. (Thanks in part to the virus that gave me a sore throat + fever and confined me to the couch for 2 days…)
Anyway, I love the way it turned out. I was tempted to keep it for myself. I’m actually even a little jealous that Quirk gets to have it. I hope she and the new baby love it as much as I do!
I love your blanket. I would have kept it:) I’m not a fan of baby blue also and My son is 7 months and that’s what he got, So i’ve been searching and I couldn’t find anything. So thank you. I’m even going to steal you color pattern. But I have a question I’ve only crochet dolls, never blankets. Am I going to be able to figure out the instructions? hope you’re having fun in the Dominican Republic.
Sorry. I didn’t notice when you wrote your post. You’re probably not on vacation still. Still hope you’re having fun and not sick.
Hi Ashley,
I think you’ll be able to figure out the instructions if you know the basics for crocheting. This blanket was my first crochet project and I was amazed how easy it was to pick up the techniques. Crocheting is far easier to learn than knitting and is also much faster! If you have any questions on the pattern, let me know.
I think this is the best page I’ve come across on the subject. Thank you for this and keep it up.
Love your afghan and and going to copy it for my first afghan as it works for my living room very will by changing the taupe to dark purple. Would you tell me what your color repeat pattern is and how many rows of each color you did? It looks like a combination of 1, 2 and 3 rows per color. I have never done a project this large and want it to turn out well. I am having a hard time visualizing how wide stripes need to be for this large of a item.
Thanks, Terri
Hi Terri,
I alternated the colors with 1, 2, and 3 rows per color. So with 5 colors, I went in order with 1, 2 and 3 rows until each color had a complete set (once with 1 row, 2 rows, 3 rows). If you’re doing a larger blanket, you may want to have larger stripes (2 or more rows). I thought that 1 row seemed a little small and that’s why I ended up alternating between 1-3 rows per color. As long as you’re consistent, I think it will work well. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
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I LOVE this blanket. All the other patterns I was looking at had the same color scheme of pastel blues and greens and cream. This one is gender neutral, bright and beautiful! My boyfriend’s brother and his wife are having a baby soon, and I am definitely going to use this pattern. I’m having a little trouble finding the right yarn though because I’m in Spain and can’t fine decent yarn appropriate for babies. But thanks so much for posting this. Great work!
Thanks, Stephanie! I’m a big fan of normal colors on baby blankets. I hope you find some great yarn for your project!
This is so cute. I love the color scheme!
My cousin is having a baby in the summer and I think im gonna make her a baby blanket since I haven’t crocheted in a while.
Thanks, Rayna! I love the colors in this blanket, too. I’m usually knitting, but the occasional crochet project is fun…especially since they’re always faster than knitting!
I found some yarn at Hobby lobby that was similar in color to yours. I’m only going to use 4 colors.Im not a fan of the “baby colors” either; Im using Sugar & Cream – sage green, country yellow, country red, and warn brown. My cousin thinks she is having a boy (,but its to early to know) so I wanted something that could be for a boy or girl,and something that was “different” from the average baby themed gifts.
Sugar & Cream is a nice yarn. I’m sure it will work well with this pattern, too. I can’t stand all the pastel blues and pinks and try to avoid them as much as I can!
Where did you find those great colors of yarn?
Oh, I see your link! Love your blanket and those amazing colors!
I am wondering if you did a finishing border on this project? If so, could you share the pattern you used? This will also be my first crochet project – your colors and pattern are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Chrissy,
I did put a simple border around it with the brown yarn, but I can’t remember exactly what pattern I used. I think I did a single crochet all around and then maybe went around with double?
You could really use any border pattern, you might want to look up a simple one online to give you the specifics.
Lindsay
Lindsay,
My wife fell in love with this blanket and wants to know what colors you used and how where you got them.
Thanks,
Randy
Hi Randy,
These colors remain some of my favorites, too!
The yarn is Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Lime, Taupe, Maize, Terracotta and Lake.
Cotton-Ease is widely available through retail stores or online through Lion’s website.
Hope that helps!
Lindsay
i love this blanket but i carnt find the pattern anywere could you please help i have just done afghan ripple but its the same pattern each row wot is your alternative row
The pattern is included in a link above: http://www.handcraftingwithlove.net/yarn/pat-ripple.html
This blanket has the same pattern in each row, too. I just varied the width using the colors.
Have this blanket almost finished but can’t figure out the edging by the picture. What kind of stitches did you use.
Jan, I did 2 rows of single crochet around the edge and then a scalloped edge like in this tutorial (http://yougogirl.typepad.com/you_go_girl/2010/03/crochet-like-crazy.html)
Hope that helps!
Lindsay
Thank you 4 giving me the edging I knew that there was a scallop in the edging but wasn’t sure what it was. Now I can finish it & send it to TX 4 my great grandsons birth his mother loved the picture so they talked me into doing it 4 them didn’t take much talking. Thanks again Jan
You’re welcome! This remains one of my favorite blankets and fortunately, it isn’t too hard to make!
You can do it without the border, but I think it adds a nice finishing touch.
I looked forever for the perfect blanket for my new g-baby (due in May). I found your blanket and fell in love! My yarn FINALLY got here today. I have 1 question…… Did you crochet in both loops or just the back loop?
Thanks for your time!
Hi Momma D,
I’m so glad you found the pattern! I loved how this one turned out. I crocheted in both loops when I made it since it seemed like it made a sturdier blanket. Hope that helps!
Lindsay