Easy and free textured baby blanket crochet pattern in 8 sizes!
Are you looking for a beginner-friendly crochet pattern to make a special gift for the little ones in your life? Look no further than our free baby blanket crochet pattern! Designed specifically for the Preemie Crochet Challenge 2023, this preemie blanket is both practical and adorable. The subtle texture of the little dots adds a unique touch to the blanket, and even better, those dots will flatten out when the baby inevitably lies on it. Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned pro, this is a pattern that anyone can tackle.
This blanket would make a practical and thoughtful gift for any new parent, and it’s perfect to donate to local charities or hospitals. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of making something with your own two hands.
So grab your hooks and get ready to create something beautiful for the tiniest of humans.
(Note: This post may contain affiliate links, with which I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click on them and make a purchase.)
Inspiration behind the design
The Little Dots Baby blanket crochet pattern was inspired by the larger collection of Little Dots patterns, all of which have been designed to be easy to crochet and match perfectly with each other. This blanket is no exception. It has a gorgeous display of little dots looks great in a solid colour or with different colours, the pattern is easy to follow and produces an unbelievable result that any new parent would be thrilled to receive. Plus, its soft, flat texture means that baby can snuggle into it comfortably without feeling weighed down.
Construction of the design
There are no special stitches required for this pattern – it is made entirely with slip stitches, HDC, and TC. If you can work these stitches then you absolutely can work this blanket!
As it is a blanket this one is made in rows. The back of the baby blanket is flat so baby can be comfortable and cozy. And the border is understated and simple so that it does not detract from the texture of the little dots.
The Yarn
This baby blanket crochet pattern calls for #4 weight yarn. I used Women’s Institute Aran Tweed for my version. This yarn is only available in the UK through the Hobby Craft stores.
However, great alternatives would be:
- Paintbox simply aran from Lovecrafts
- I Love this Yarn
- Caron Simply Soft
When making a baby blanket it is important to pay attention to the yarn you are using. Babies have such sensitive skin, so use of wool or wool mix yarns would not be recommended. Usually cotton, a cotton/bamboo mix or 100% acrylic are often sought after. These yarns also have the benefit of being easy to care for.
Get the PDF pattern!
You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:
The Baby Shower Event:
This pattern featured in the Baby Shower event in May 2024. You can check out the round up post to see all of the other patterns featured – many of which are free on the designer’s blog posts.
The baby blanket pattern specifics:
Materials:
| · #4 weight yarn of your choosing – approx. yardage is listed blow in the sizing section. · 5mm hook · Stitch markers (optional) · Scissors · Tapestry needle |
Gauge:
| My gauge was 10 sts sts and 8 rows of pattern per 2” But for this project gauge is not important. |
Sizing:
This pattern is written for several sizes:
Lovey – 10” x 10” – 300m / 328 yards
Security blanket – 14” x 17”. – 475 m / 520 yards
Stroller / Baby blanket – 30 x 35” – 950m / 1039 yards
Receiving Blanket – 40” x 40” – 1200m / 1312 yards
Toddler blanket – 42” x 52”. – 1500m / 1640 yards
Swaddle Blanket – 47” x 47”. – 1550m / 1695 yards
Crib Blanket – 45” x 60” – 1800 m / 1969 yards
Throw Blanket – 52” x 60” – 2000 m / 2188 yards
Abbreviations used:
| · Ch(s)–chain(s) · St(s)–stitch(es) · rep–repeat · sk—skip · HDC – half double crochet · FHDC – foundation half double crochet · TC – Treble crochet · SS – slip stitch · YO—yarn over · FO—fasten off · [ ] – everything in these brackets is worked into the same st. |
Other notes for this free baby blanket crochet pattern:
| · Written in US terms. · Ch stitches at the beginning of each row do not count as a st unless otherwise stated. · Your stitch count will remain the same as per row 1 for each row. · When working your slip stitches do not make them too tight because you will need to work into these on the next row! · The dotty texture is worked on the wrong side rows. · To amend the width of your blanket simply start with an ODD number of chains or foundation stitches. · Where the pattern differs for each size it will be written as lovey (security / stroller / receiving / toddler / swaddle / crib / throw) eg 1 (2/3/4/5/6/7/8) |
To work a Treble Crochet (TC):
YO twice, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, *YO and pull through two stitches on your hook. Rep from * twice more. TC completed.
Working into the Third Loop (row 2 of edging):
As you are working in continuous rounds for this part you are not turning your work. The third loop is found on the back of your work just behind the front and back loops of your stitch that you are working into.
The Little Dots Baby Blanket Pattern:
** This is a free baby blanket crochet pattern on the blog. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**
Row 1 – FHDC 51 (71/151/201/211/235/225/260)
OR
CH 53 (73/153/ 203/213/237/227/260), HDC in second Ch from hook (CH2 counts as a st) and each ch across
(51 (71/151/201/211/235/225/260))
Row 2 – Turn, Ch1, HDC in first st and each st across.
Row 3 – Turn, ch1, HDC in first st, ss into next st, *TC in next st, ss into next st. Rep from * across until you have 1 st remaining, HDC in last st. (51
Note: Be sure not to work your ss too tightly as you will be working into the ss in the next row!
Row 4 – Turn, ch1, HDC in first st and each st across.
Row 5 – Rep row 4
Row 6 – Rep row 4.
Rows 7-onwards – Rep rows 3-6 until your blanket is 10” (17”/35”/40”/52”/47”/60”/60”) tall
Note: You will end with a row 5.
Edging
Round 1: Turn, ch1, work 2 HDC in first st, HDC in each st across to the last st of the row. In the last st work [2HDC, CH2, 2HDC]
Turn your work 90 degrees so you are working down the side, and work HDC evenly down the side until you reach the final st of the side (I found 2 sts in each of the HDC or CH2 worked well for me. If you work too many your edge will start too ruffle, too few and your edge will kink in on itself). In the last st work [2HDC, CH2, 2HDC].
Turn your work so you are now working along the bottom of your blanket. HDC in each st across to the last st of the row. In the last st work [2HDC, CH2, 2HDC].
Turn your work 90 degrees so you are working up the final side, and work HDC evenly up the side until you reach the final st of the side. In the last st work [2HDC, CH2,]. SS to first HDC to join.
Round 2: Ch1, *SC into the third loop of each st along, In the CH2 space work (2SC, ch2, 2SC), Rep from * 3 more times around your blanket. SS to join.
FO and weave in ends.
There you have it! If you are searching for the perfect project to get involved in and give your support, make sure to check out this Little dots free baby blanket crochet pattern again. This beginner-friendly pattern is both simple yet visually stunning. By taking part in this challenge, not only are you able to use your creative skills, but you can make a meaningful difference and put those skills to good work. The Preemie Crochet Challenge is doing something amazing – giving care and comfort to premature babies around the world. To date, hundreds of blankets have been made as part of the Preemie Crochet Challenge in the last 3 or 4 years. If you want to add yours into that count, why not give this wonderful pattern a go?
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