Mastering the Crochet Blanket Stitch: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Crocheting a blanket is a rewarding project, offering warmth, comfort, and a beautiful handmade creation. Among the myriad of crochet stitches available, the blanket stitch stands out for its simplicity, texture, and versatility. This stitch creates a dense, cozy fabric, perfect for blankets of all sizes. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn a new stitch or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick and satisfying project, this guide will walk you through the blanket stitch step-by-step.
What is the Crochet Blanket Stitch?
The crochet blanket stitch, sometimes referred to as the moss stitch or linen stitch (though variations exist), is characterized by its alternating single crochet (sc) and chain (ch) stitches. This combination creates a woven-like texture that is both visually appealing and structurally sound. The stitch is relatively easy to learn and repeat, making it ideal for large projects like blankets.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
* **Yarn:** Choose a yarn that is soft, durable, and suitable for blankets. Worsted weight yarn is a popular choice due to its balance of warmth and ease of use. Consider using acrylic, cotton, wool, or a blend, depending on your preferences and any allergies.
* **Crochet Hook:** Select a crochet hook size that corresponds to the yarn you’ve chosen. The yarn label typically suggests a hook size. If you’re unsure, start with the recommended size and adjust if necessary to achieve the desired fabric density. A hook size between H/8 (5.0 mm) and K/10.5 (6.5 mm) is commonly used for worsted weight yarn.
* **Scissors:** For cutting the yarn.
* **Yarn Needle (or Tapestry Needle):** For weaving in loose ends.
* **Stitch Markers (Optional):** Helpful for marking the beginning or end of rows, especially for larger projects.
Abbreviations Used
* **ch:** Chain
* **sc:** Single Crochet
* **st(s):** Stitch(es)
* **rep:** Repeat
Gauge (Optional but Recommended)
While gauge isn’t as critical for blankets as it is for fitted garments, it’s still a good idea to create a gauge swatch to ensure you like the fabric density and that your finished blanket will be the size you intend. To create a gauge swatch:
1. Work a small sample (e.g., 4 inches by 4 inches) using the blanket stitch pattern.
2. Measure the number of stitches and rows within a 4-inch square.
3. Compare your gauge to the recommended gauge on the yarn label (if provided). Adjust your hook size if necessary to achieve the desired gauge.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crocheting the Blanket Stitch
Now, let’s dive into the actual crocheting process.
**Step 1: Foundation Chain**
1. Determine the desired width of your blanket. This will be the length of your foundation chain.
2. Chain an even number of stitches. *Important: add one additional chain to your total required. This extra chain serves as the turning chain, that will be skipped in the first row*. For example, if you want your blanket to be 100 stitches wide, chain 101.
**Step 2: Row 1**
1. Skip the first chain from the hook (this is your turning chain). This skipped chain doesn’t count as a stitch.
2. Single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook.
3. Chain 1 (ch 1).
4. Skip the next chain (the chain you will not crochet into).
5. Single crochet (sc) in the next chain.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 across the entire row. You should end with a single crochet stitch.
7. At the end of the row, you will have a series of single crochet stitches separated by chain-1 spaces.
**Step 3: Row 2**
1. Chain 1 (ch 1) and turn your work. This ch 1 counts as the first turning chain.
2. Single crochet (sc) into the first chain-1 space of the previous row. *Important: Be sure to work *into* the chain space, not around the chain. This is where some beginners can get confused.
3. Chain 1 (ch 1).
4. Single crochet (sc) into the next chain-1 space of the previous row.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 across the entire row.
6. Your last stitch should be a single crochet into the chain 1 turning chain of the previous row.
**Step 4: Subsequent Rows**
1. Repeat Row 2 for all subsequent rows until your blanket reaches the desired length. Remember to always chain 1 and turn at the beginning of each row.
2. Maintain the pattern of single crocheting into the chain-1 spaces from the previous row, separated by chain-1 stitches.
**Step 5: Finishing Off**
1. Once your blanket is the desired size, fasten off the yarn by cutting the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6-8 inches.
2. Pull the yarn tail through the last loop on your hook and tighten to secure.
3. Weave in the loose ends using a yarn needle. Thread the yarn needle with the yarn tail and weave it through several stitches on the back of the blanket, changing direction to secure it. Trim any excess yarn.
4. Repeat this process for the beginning yarn tail.
Tips for Success
* **Maintain Consistent Tension:** Consistent tension is crucial for creating a uniform and even fabric. Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly or too loosely. Practice maintaining a relaxed grip on the yarn and hook.
* **Counting Stitches:** Especially as a beginner, counting your stitches at the end of each row is recommended, at least for the first several rows. This ensures you are maintaining the correct number of stitches and prevents your blanket from becoming wider or narrower. If you find you’re missing or adding stitches, frog (rip out) the row and redo it.
* **Working into the Chain Spaces:** It’s important to single crochet *into* the chain-1 spaces, not around the chain. Working around the chain will create a different texture and may result in a less stable fabric.
* **Turning Chains:** The turning chain at the beginning of each row counts as the first chain of the row. Be sure to single crochet into the *space created by the turning chain* (not the chain itself) in the subsequent row.
* **Practice:** The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become with the blanket stitch. Don’t be discouraged if your first few rows aren’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon master the stitch.
* **Use Stitch Markers:** Use stitch markers, especially at the beginning and end of rows. It will make it easier to ensure that your edges are straight. This is particularly useful when working on a large project. Put a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of a row as you crochet, and you’ll easily see where to put your hook for the subsequent row.
Variations and Customizations
The blanket stitch is a versatile stitch that can be customized in various ways to create unique and interesting effects.
* **Color Changes:** Experiment with different color combinations to create stripes, blocks, or other patterns. Change colors every few rows, or randomly throughout the blanket.
* **Yarn Weights:** Try using different yarn weights to alter the texture and density of the blanket. Using a bulky yarn will create a thicker, warmer blanket, while using a lightweight yarn will create a thinner, more delicate blanket.
* **Edging:** Add a decorative border or edging to your blanket to give it a polished and professional look. Some popular edging options include single crochet, double crochet, crab stitch, or picot stitch. A simple single crochet border is often the easiest and most effective.
* **Stripes:** A simple variation is to create stripes with different colors of yarn. You can vary the width of the stripes to create visual interest.
* **Textured Variations:** Explore other stitch variations to add texture to your blanket. For example, you could alternate rows of blanket stitch with rows of double crochet or half double crochet.
* **Corner-to-Corner (C2C) Blanket Stitch:** This method involves working the blanket stitch diagonally, starting from one corner and increasing until you reach the desired size, then decreasing to the opposite corner. This creates a unique and visually appealing design.
* **Granny Stitch Blanket Stitch:** This variation combines the blanket stitch with the classic granny stitch, creating a textured and visually interesting blanket.
Applications Beyond Blankets
While the blanket stitch is primarily used for blankets, its versatility extends to other projects as well.
* **Scarves:** Create a cozy and textured scarf using the blanket stitch.
* **Washcloths/Dishcloths:** Use cotton yarn to crochet absorbent and durable washcloths or dishcloths.
* **Pillows:** Crochet a decorative pillow cover using the blanket stitch.
* **Baby Items:** Make soft and cuddly baby blankets, hats, or booties using the blanket stitch.
* **Sweaters/Cardigans:** Though less common due to the dense nature of the fabric, the blanket stitch can be used in some sweater or cardigan designs, especially for a more rustic or textured look.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with a simple stitch like the blanket stitch, some common mistakes can occur. Here’s how to avoid them:
* **Dropping Stitches:** Losing stitches is a common problem, especially for beginners. Count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure you haven’t dropped any. If you notice a dropped stitch, carefully unravel the row back to the dropped stitch and redo it.
* **Adding Stitches:** Accidentally adding stitches can also cause your project to become wider than intended. Pay close attention to where you’re placing your hook and make sure you’re only working into the chain-1 spaces.
* **Uneven Edges:** Uneven edges can occur if you’re not maintaining consistent tension or if you’re adding or dropping stitches. Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of each row and count your stitches regularly.
* **Tight Tension:** Crocheting with tight tension can make the fabric stiff and difficult to work with. Relax your grip on the yarn and hook, and try using a larger hook size.
* **Loose Tension:** Crocheting with loose tension can create a fabric that is too loose and floppy. Try using a smaller hook size to achieve a denser fabric.
* **Forgetting the Turning Chain:** Forgetting the turning chain at the beginning of each row can cause your edges to become uneven. Always remember to chain 1 and turn before starting the next row.
Conclusion
The crochet blanket stitch is a simple yet versatile stitch that is perfect for creating cozy and beautiful blankets. With its easy-to-learn pattern and textured appearance, it’s a great choice for both beginner and experienced crocheters. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips in this guide, you can master the blanket stitch and create a stunning blanket that you’ll treasure for years to come. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, yarn weights, and variations to create a truly unique and personalized project. Happy crocheting!