Easy Crochet Blanket for Beginners

In this post, we’ll dive into an approachable crochet blanket pattern, you’ll learn how to crochet a blanket for beginners, and I’ll share some helpful tips to make your project a success.

Why Start with an Easy Crochet Blanket?

A blanket is a fantastic beginner project that allows you to practice essential stitches without needing to worry too much about complicated patterns or techniques. The simplicity of an easy crochet blanket also means it works up quickly, so you can see results faster – making it especially satisfying!

Here’s why a crochet blanket is the perfect choice:

1. Relaxing and Meditative: Crocheting has a calming, meditative quality, making it a wonderful way to unwind.
2. Practical and Useful: Unlike smaller items, a blanket is a functional piece that you or a loved one can use daily.
3. Gift-Worthy: Handmade blankets make thoughtful gifts for family, friends, or new babies.

Designer Tip: Make sure to turn your work in the same direction after completing each row. This will keep your edges nice and neat.

How Long Does It Take to Crochet a Blanket?

The time it takes to complete a crochet blanket depends on several factors, such as your crochet speed, yarn choice, hook size, and blanket size. On average:

• Small Baby Blanket: 5-10 hours
• Throw Blanket: 10-20 hours
• Full-Sized Blanket: 30+ hours

Remember, there’s no rush – enjoy the process! This project is about relaxing and creating something beautiful.

Skills You’ll Use

The Ocean Hues Gradient Blanket is an easy crochet pattern that was designed with the single crochet mesh stitch. To crochet the single crochet mesh stitch pattern, you’ll only need to know two basic stitches: single crochet and chain.

This simple crochet stitch pattern is an easy one row repeat, making it perfect for beginner crocheters or those looking for a mindless and relaxing crochet project.

The written pattern is for a crochet throw blanket, but instructions are included to make your blanket ANY size.

Yarn

For the Ocean Hues Gradient Blanket, I chose a cozy, soft yarn that’s warm but durable. I chose Lion Brand Yarns Mandala Gradient for this easy crochet blanket so that the yarn would do all the colorwork for me!

Mandala Gradient Yarn is a worsted weight / 4, acrylic nylon blend yarn and it’s currently available in 12 beautiful colors!

There are several other worsted weight yarns that would make great substitutions. Lion Brand Wool Ease Recycled, Lion Brand Heartland, Lion Brand Pound of Love, Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice… just to name a few.

For help determining what size to make your crocheted blanket, check out my Standard Blanket Size Chart.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch(s): chain(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sc: single crochet
• Rep: repeat

Experience Level

• Beginner / Easy

Gauge

• In sc: 12 sts = 3.5″; 10 rows = 3″

Sizes

• 44″ W x 56″ L
• Make ANY size blanket using my Standard Blanket Sizes Chart
• See Pattern Notes below to adjust your blanket size.

Pattern Notes

• I tend to crochet on the tighter side. You may need to go down a hook size (or two) to meet gauge if you crochet on the looser side.
• Beginning chain(s) are not included in stitch count, unless noted otherwise.
• Each ch-1 space worked within a round in the crochet border is counted as a stitch.
• The first stitch of each row is worked into the same stitch as the beginning chain, unless stated otherwise.
• Yarn Notes: Lion Brand Yarns Mandala Gradient was used for the sample. Other comparable yarns may be used as long as gauge is met.
• Lion Brand Yarns Mandala Gradient, worsted weight / 4 yarn, 90% Acrylic / 10% Nylon (295 yards / 270 m / 150 g / 5.29 oz)
• Color & Yardage
  • Mandala Gradient Dark Teal #558-211BE (1,765 yards / 6 cakes)
• Standard Blanket Sizes can be found in my Blanket Size Chart.
• Easily Adjust Size: If you’d like to make a smaller or larger blanket, simply adjust your foundation chain in multiples of 2. Your foundation chain needs to be an even number so that your stitch count is an odd number.
• How to crochet a throw blanket: This cabled crochet blanket is crocheted back and forth in rows. After crocheting the cabled portion of the blanket, a simple linen stitch border is then added.

Make ANY Size Blanket: To make ANY size blanket, simply begin with a foundation chain that is any multiple of 2. Use my Standard Blanket Size Chart to help you determine how long to make your foundation chain for your intended blanket size.

Easy Crochet Blanket

Gradient Colorwork: To create the gradient blanket as shown in the sample below, you will alternate beginning each new cake of yarn with the color you left off with. Begin each cake with the following colors:

• Cakes #1, 3 & 5: Begin with the darkest color of the yarn cake.
• Cakes #2, 4 & 6: Begin with the lightest color of the yarn cake.

Set-Up: With yarn & a 6.50mm crochet hook, ch 152, switch to a 6.00mm crochet hook, working into the back humps of the foundation ch, sc into the 2nd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Turn. (151 sts) Row 1 should be approximately 44″ wide.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) rep from ( to ) across. Turn. (151 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next ch-1, sc in the next sc) rep from ( to ) across. Turn. (151 sts)

Rep Row 2 until you have just enough yarn left in the last cake to work one final row of single crochet.

Last Row: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-1 across. (151 sts)

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Your blanket should measure approximately 44″ W x 56″ L.

Creating an easy crochet blanket is a fun journey that results in a warm, handmade masterpiece. This simple project provides the satisfaction of finishing a meaningful, functional item while helping you hone your crochet skills. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or making a gift, a crochet blanket is sure to be treasured.

So grab your hook and yarn, get cozy, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of crochet as you create your perfect blanket!

Frequently Asked Questions about Crochet Blankets

1. What is the best yarn for a beginner crochet blanket?

A soft, worsted-weight yarn is ideal. Avoid very thin or thick yarns for your first blanket, as they can be more challenging to work with.

2. What is the easiest stitch for a beginner blanket?

The double crochet stitch is a perfect beginner stitch for blankets. It’s easy to learn, creates a cozy texture, and works up faster than single crochet, but I love the single crochet mesh stitch because it’s less holey than double crochet stitches. It also has a nice subtle, visual texture.

3. Can I wash my crochet blanket in the machine?

Yes, if you use machine-washable yarn! Check the yarn label for care instructions.

More Crochet Blanket Patterns I Think You’ll Love

• Cabled Blooms Crochet Blanket
• Agate Beach Chevron Blanket
• Sea Glass Hexagon Afghan
• Marseille Crochet Cable Blanket
• Elayna’s Afghan
• Mitered Rectangle Lapghan

More Free Crochet Blanket Patterns

Are you looking for more free crochet blanket patterns? We have several more free crochet patterns for blankets that use self-striping yarns, cables, simple stitch repeats, and more.