Crocheting a blanket is a great way to relax and take a break from a busy day. Here is a collection of the best crochet stitches for blankets plus free, easy-to-follow, and modern crochet blankets for yourself, your family, or your friends.
What's even more fun is finding different stitches to use in your favorite patterns. Before we get to the patterns below learn 45 new crochet stitches that you will be sure to want to use in these blanket patterns and your other projects. Watch my step by step video classes free for 2 days.
Introduction to Crochet Blankets
Crocheting blankets may seem like a big project requiring a huge commitment, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Some patterns are quick to finish, some you can follow mindlessly and enjoy other hobbies at the same time like watching your favorite shows or movies, and some are just really fun to make you won't care how long it will take to finish.
Here is a list of free crochet blanket patterns you can use to make a blanket or afghan for yourself or to give as gifts to your family and friends.
Why Crochet a Blanket?
- Handmade crochet blankets will always be a special item for a person, made with inspiration, skill, love, and patience.
- Crochet blankets are unique, squishy, and cozy. They make a perfect gift for family or friends.
- Everyone can use a crocheted blanket and they can be made to fit into any decor.
- Many of the patterns shared here can be followed without thinking too much about what you are doing, so you can relax and watch shows or have a conversation with family or friends.
If you haven't tried to crochet a blanket yet, now is the time to start with these stitch ideas and free crochet blanket patterns.
Materials and Tools for Crocheted Blankets
Want a full rundown of all the Crochet Essentials? Check out my video classes here that will go over yarn, patterns, techniques and more! Check out these video classes here.
Yarn
Along with the stitches, the yarn also affects the texture of a crochet blanket. There are tons of pretty and soft yarns to choose from.
The yarn you choose may depend on the recipient of the blanket. Soft and washable yarns are best for babies or people with sensitive skin. If you’re making a blanket for yourself you might be willing to hand wash, but be sure you have a tub big enough to accommodate your finished blanket.
Here are some of our favorite yarns for blankets, arranged by weight.
(3) Light
(4) Worsted
(5) Bulky
(6) Super Bulky
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
- Bernat Baby Blanket
- Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Thick and Quick
Crochet Hook
The size of the crochet hook to be used will depend on the weight of the yarn to be used and on what is also indicated in the pattern. You can use any size within the recommended range labeled on the yarn if you’re making up your own blanket. If you use a different size from the one recommended in the pattern, your blanket may come out a different size.
The following crochet hooks are some of our favorites:
Other Notions
To make sure your crochet blanket is sized just right, you’ll need a tape measure.
Stitch markers are inserted on stitches that are needed to be remembered, such as the first or last stitch of a row or where you need to make a special stitch, increase or decrease, or change yarn color. You can also use them to help you keep track of rows when changing colors.
Blocking is optional but it's a great way to set your crochet blanket’s stitches for a more professional finished look. Use a blocking kit for a more convenient process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crochet Blankets
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Blanket?
The number of hours or days it will take you to crochet a blanket depends on several factors.
Blanket size: Smaller blankets in general will be faster to crochet than bigger ones.
Yarn weight: You might be able to accomplish a crochet blanket in 5 hours or less if you use bulky or super bulky yarn. Using a lighter-weight yarn will make the blanket take longer to stitch.
Crochet stitches: Some crochet stitches, particularly the ones used to create textures like puff stitch, waffle stitch, and bobble stitch, require more time to build, while easy stitches like double crochet and treble crochet (two of the fastest stitches to make a blanket) will be quicker to make.
Skill and experience: If this is your first time crocheting anything, it will take you more time to finish a blanket than a crocheter who’s been practicing this craft for years.
Crocheting a blanket is undeniably time-consuming, even if you use thick yarns and quick-to-make stitches. But when you’re done with one, it will always be worth it.
What Are the Best Crochet Stitches for Blankets?
All of the stitches listed above and shown in the patterns below are great for blankets, so how do you decide which one you want to use? Here are some things to consider.
Plain or Textured: If you want a plain blanket, you can use crochet stitch patterns like single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. If you want to add some texture, you might want to use special stitches like puff stitch, waffle stitch, and bobble stitch.
Thin or Thick: If you want to crochet a blanket that will be used during the warm season, use stitches that create holes to let fresh air pass through. If you need a crochet blanket during the cold season, use stitches that create a solid and thick texture to keep you warm.
Baby or Adult: Crochet blankets for babies should be lightweight, and you also want to avoid holes baby’s fingers or toes might get stuck. When designing a blanket for adults you have a lot more leeway.
How Do You Personalize a Crochet Blanket?
Let your crochet blanket be memorable to you, your family, or your friends by personalizing it. There are several ways to do this.
Color. If you or the recipient has a favorite color, you can opt to use it for the whole blanket or to incorporate it in some parts of the blanket.
Design. Do you or does the recipient love tassels or ruffles? You add these to the borders or corners of the blankets. You can also use colorwork techniques such as corner-to-corner or tapestry crochet to make a personalized design. Or add a person’s name in bobbles!
Add other items. As you give the crochet blanket to your recipient, you can add other crochet items with it like pillow covers. Or add things that aren’t crocheted like a great book and coffee mug to help them get extra cozy.
If you need more ideas for crochet stitches for blankets, check out the free crochet patterns below!
Crochet Stitches Used for Blankets
Using any easy crochet stitches repeatedly will make a blanket. But if you want to try unique crochet stitches for blankets that make an interesting and textured blanket, here are some of the favorite stitches used for blankets. You can find the crochet stitch tutorials of these and more in the Crochet Stitch Library.
Half Double Crochet
Half double crochet is one of the fundamental crochet stitches for blankets. A lot of crocheters' favorite stitch is this one because it has an elegant effect without being too difficult.
Simple Half Double Crochet Blanket
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Get in rhythm while crocheting with just the most basic crochet stitches, single crochet and half double crochet. Be surprised with the simple, squishy, and modern blanket you'll end up with when you're finished.
The Andy Crochet Throw Blanket
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Here's another beginner-friendly blanket pattern you can crochet. Feel cozy with its knit-like texture whenever you wrap it around yourself. You can also make more of this blanket as a gift for family and friends.
Buttercup Fields Afghan Pattern
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket
Crochet a beautiful blanket with just a simple pattern. You can do this even when you're doing something else like watching your favorite shows, having a good chit-chat with family or friends, or just having some me time while drinking tea or coffee.
One Day Crochet Blanket
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Enjoy a day of crocheting with this blanket pattern. It’s a great tutorial for beginners who want to enhance their skills in basic crochet stitches.
Moss Stitch (Granite Stitch)
Moss stitch is a simple crochet stitch pattern made up of alternating single crochets and chain stitches. Some crocheters call it the linen stitch because it looks sort of like a woven piece of fabric would.
Moss Stitch Blanket
Designer: Katie Gets Creative
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
If you’d like to try a moss stitch blanket pattern, this bulky weight blanket is a great choice. It works up quickly, is super warm, and looks great on the couch.
Crochet Modern Moss Stitch Blanket
Designer: Daisy Farm Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron One Pound
Have fun making stripes in a blanket with this beginner-friendly pattern. The moss stitch and contrasting yarn colors added an interesting formation of the stripes.
Moss Stitch in a Square Pattern
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Big Cakes
In this pattern, the moss stitch is built in a square manner, just like in granny square. With this, you can crochet a blanket in any size you want by just adding more rows.
Spike Stitch
Spike stitches are made on a background of single crochet or another basic stitch pattern, with the spikes being made by working a stitch in a lower row than the rest of the stitches are worked on.
Crochet Spike Stitch Blanket
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Bold spike stitches make this colorful blanket even more fun. It’s such a great graphic element that’s not difficult at all to do. The pattern includes a video tutorial on making the spike stitch and an adorable but optional flamingo applique.
Spike Stitch Baby Blanket
Designer: Crochetpedia
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Home Cotton
If you’ve got assorted scrap yarns in the same weight, you can use them in this blanket where the colors will be captivatingly stitched together.
Chevron Stitch
This can be made using single crochets, half double crochets, or double crochets. The zigzag effect of the stitches makes it a fascinating and timeless pattern.
Easy Chevron Crochet Blanket Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Who doesn't love the chevron pattern? Make yourself, family, or friends this blanket with the lovely chevron pattern. If you know how to do the single crochet stitch, then you can absolutely master this easy pattern.
Chevron Flare Blanket
Designer: Simply Collectible Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Bernat Softee Baby
This pretty blanket uses two colors to make the chevron pattern pop. It uses simple half double crochet stitches and has sizing for a baby blanket up to a king-sized bed.
Wonders Chevron Crochet Blanket Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Wrap yourself in a soft and cozy crochet blanket. This pattern uses the ribbed stitch for a thicker blanket.
Gentle Gradient Ripple Blanket
Designer: Underground Crafter
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This rippled crochet blanket is just too cozy! Whether you want to sleep or just lie down on your couch to read books, watch movies, or crochet, it’s a perfect blanket to keep yourself warm and comfortable.
Star Stitch
Star stitch is made with clusters of single crochet stitches that look like stars or flowers (it’s also sometimes called daisy stitch). It’s a little tricky getting started but once you get the hang of it, it’s a pretty and feminine stitch pattern.
Star Stitch Striped Baby Blanket
Designer: Dabbles & Babbles
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Hygge
This pretty striped baby blanket will give you plenty of practice to perfect your star stitch. It’s worked in bulky yarn so it will stitch up quickly and be super cozy for the baby. Or you can easily make it larger for a throw or bed blanket.
Crochet Star Stitch Blanket
Designer: Maria’s Blue Crayon
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Big Cakes
Aside from the stripes created by different colors, this pattern also alternates different crochet stitches together with the star stitch for the stripe effect. Plus, you can add pompoms at the corners of the blanket for added cuteness.
Lemon Peel Stitch
This pattern is made by alternating a single crochet and a double crochet stitch across the row. It’s so simple and easy to make but the result is beautiful.
Bernat Lemon Peel Stitch Crochet Throw
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (7) Jumbo
Suggested yarn: Bernat Blanket Extra Thick
Lemon peel stitch has a fun texture that is emphasized even more when you stitch it in jumbo yarn! This super cozy throw will stitch up in no time and be the perfect addition to your favorite snuggly space.
Coziness is a Mood Throw
Designer: This Pixie Creates
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Hygge
Aside from giving you crochet instructions, the message of this throw pattern is also to treat yourself with care and gratitude. It's a quick-to-make blanket that uses fancy, durable, and affordable yarn.
Suzette Stitch
This is also a combination of single crochet and double crochet worked in the same stitch, making the stitches look staggered. It’s a fun texture that looks more complex than it is.
Suzette Baby Blanket
Designer: Sigoni Macaroni
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
This pretty Suzette stitch blanket is a great way to learn the stitch and have a lovely gift for a baby shower. The tassels on the corners are extra cute but you can leave them off if you like.
Modern Striped Crochet Baby Blanket
Designer: Jewels and Jones
Yarn weight: (3) Light
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Are you excited to crochet a baby blanket but not sure of the baby's gender yet? Here's a gender-neutral blanket with stripes that you can create. In this pattern, there are some suggested color combinations that you can make use of and a bonus of instruction for making tassels that you can put at the corners of the blanket.
Ribbed Half Double Crochet
Ribbed hdc is a variation of half double crochet made in the back loop only of stitches. It pushes some parts of the stitches creating the ribbed texture.
Ribbed Half Double Crochet Blanket
Designer: Craft Mart
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Wonderfluff Ombre
This post includes a full tutorial for making the ribbed half-couple crochet stitch, as well as a blanket pattern using this easy stitch. Working it in self-striping yarn makes it extra bold without any extra work.
Basketweave Stitch
Basketweave stitch is composed of front post and back post stitches. Some areas will be raised, making the pattern look like the woven strips of a basket.
Crochet Basketweave Blanket
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
This blanket looks super cozy and is easy to stitch once you get the hang of the patchwork stitching. It’s made in a lap blanket size but you can adjust the pattern if you’d like a larger one.
Plaza Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern
Designer: Knitting with Chopsticks
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Sirdar Supersoft Aran
This wonderful blanket has a basketweave texture that will softly cover your sweet baby. This pattern also has additional instructions for the bobble stitch border for a more adorable baby blanket.
Shell Stitch
Shell stitch is made with a cluster of double crochets spaced evenly along a row. Each row of shells can be made in one color, or you can make it more exciting by making it multi-colored.
Shells Preemie Crochet Blanket
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Sirdar Snuggly DK
Want to practice shell stitch on a small scale? This preemie-sized baby blanket could also be a doll blanket, or size it up for a full-term baby. This one uses two colors but you could use a single color, too.
Shell Stitch Baby Blanket
Designer: The Stitchin’ Mommy
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Classic
This lovely blanket is fun to make because of the pretty stripes. It includes a mini shell border that’s super sweet.
Bobble Stitch
Bobbles are super fun to make. They’re worked by starting several stitches worked into the same base stitch and finishing them off all at once.
It can be used to fill the whole blanket with bobbles or to define and emboss some shapes like triangles or hearts.
Bobble Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern
Designer: Mermaids and Monkeys
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Worsted
This cute little blanket uses three colors and regularly placed bobbles to give you practice working this fun stitch. Once you get the hang of it you can make your own bobble designs on a blanket as large or small as you like.
Barclay Baby Blanket
Designer: Maisie and Ruth
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Brava Bulky
Are you searching for a last-minute crochet baby blanket? We’ve got you one of the most straightforward patterns you could ever find. Make a textured blanket with a bobble-like stitch with less amount of yarn.
Puff Stitch
Puff stitches are just like bobbles that are made of several half double crochets in one base stitch. They have a raised effect, so it’s great for emphasizing a design you want to include in your blanket.
Braided Puff Crochet Baby Blanket
Designer: Traverse Bay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
Isn’t this blanket so adorable? It has also a touch of minimalist sweetness in it. The pattern is simply written, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Hearts Puff Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket
Designer: Jo to the World Creations
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Colour Crafter
Form some hearts on the surface of your blanket with the puff crochet stitch. This blanket makes a perfect baby shower gift for expecting parents.
Waffle Stitch
Waffle stitch is a stitch with tons of beautiful texture that’s formed with groups of double crochets and front post double crochets. It is ideal for crocheting thick blankets.
Waffle Stitch Blanket
Designer: Amanda Crochets
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Cakes
This pattern includes a video tutorial for how to work the post stitches if you need extra help. It’s so pretty in a multicolored yarn (and not having to change colors makes it look more complicated than it is).
Waffle Stitch Crochet Blanket
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Comfort
Warm and squishy are the best words to describe this blanket. Its rich texture will always tempt you to snuggle in it.
Granny Stitch
Granny stitch is worked with double crochets made together in a space on the previous row. It is commonly used for granny squares but can also be worked as a solid fabric.
Modern Granny Stitch Blanket
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Granny stitch is a great repetitive and meditative stitch pattern that is so fun to use on a blanket. It looks lovely in stripes, so pick a color palette or use your scraps to make a super colorful version.
Alissa Easy Crochet Blanket Pattern
Designer: Easy Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials
This gorgeous blanket will keep you warm and snug when you wrap it around you. Try it with a self-striping yarn to experience crocheting a multi-colored blanket without having to weave in the tail ends when you're done.
Granny Square Blanket Pattern
Designer: Mama In A Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease
Do you want to take a break from big crochet projects? Create small granny squares then join them together later to make your blanket. This pattern has a great photo tutorial to help you along.
Bloom Anyway Granny Square Blanket
Designer: Crochet 365 Knit Too
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Bloom your room with this floral granny square blanket. This pattern encourages you to use scrap yarns of the same weight suggested.
Cheering From The Couch Crochet Blanket
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Isn’t it a cherishable moment every time we lie on our couches to watch our favorite show after a busy day? Having a great blanket to cuddle under such as this one makes the experience even nicer.
Cluster Stitch
Cluster stitch is made of grouped unfinished double crochets, almost like a flat bobble. It adds texture and an interesting pattern to any piece.
Cluster Stitch Crochet Blanket Pattern
Designer: Daisy Cottage Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Try your hand at cluster stitch with this easy pattern that includes a video tutorial. It’s worked in color-blocked stripes but you can make yours in a solid color or use a multicolored yarn if you’d rather.
Cluster Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern
Designer: Leelee Knits
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Mighty Stitch Bulky
Crochet your baby this winter blanket to keep them warm and cozy. The cluster stitch is easy for beginners and is also fun to make as you crochet along.
Iris Stitch
Iris stitch is composed of clustered double crochets and chain stitches. The pattern is lacy and elegant.
Iris Stitch Tutorial
Designer: Crochetpedia
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona
This is more of a tutorial than an actual blanket pattern, but it explains how to stitch the iris stitch and shows multiple colorways you can choose for your own blanket design. Because the iris stitch just needs a multiple of 3 stitches it’s easy to make a blanket whatever size and with whatever yarn you like.
Powder Iris Blanket
Designer: Wietske Meindertsma, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
Decorate your room with an elegant crochet blanket. Though this pattern is written in UK terms, the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Iris Stitch in a Square
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish
This is a tutorial on how you can make a square with the Iris stitch. Just continue working more rows until you reach your desired size, or make a patchwork blanket.
Looking for More Stitches to Try in Your Crochet Projects?
Of course, this is just the beginning when it comes to the different stitches you can use to make blankets. Looking for more inspiration? The Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has a collection of 45 different stitches you can learn and use on blankets or any other projects you like.
It includes written instructions and video tutorials to help you boost your stitch knowledge quickly.
Are You New to Crochet And Looking for Help to Boost Your Skills?
Crochet blankets are great first projects for new stitchers, and they give you a perfect canvas for learning new stitches.
If you need a little help with the basics, our Crochet Fundamentals course covers everything you need as a new stitcher. From how to hold your hook and yarn to basic stitches, shaping and finishing techniques, and more, it will help you boost your crochet skills quickly!
Looking for more great crochet ideas, stop by my fantastic new curated blog post of 55+ Cute And Free Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns, 30 Must-Try Unique Crochet Stitches for All Crocheters, 30+ Crochet Ripple Afghan Patterns