Tag Archives: baby blanket

Energizing Rainbow Baby Blanket- Free Pattern

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Every baby deserves something special, and I was asked to create something that unique, and it is a free pattern to you. The Energizing Rainbow is my creation inspired by a local Apple Orchard, Rainbow Orchards.

Energizing Rainbow Baby Blanket

It is created using the Catherine Wheel technique of one row of shells, followed by another row of large decreases. In this approach, I offset the colors in some of the rows to create waves instead of circles. I then alter it back to circles periodically to create a shift in the direction of the wave.

If you want to explore more about the Catherine Wheel, I explain more here, while I explain working decreases here. I also framed the waves with a row of single crochet, so that there is a break in the color blocking.

If you find that you want to explore more with this stitch technique, check out my two additional free patterns, Rolling Along (to benefit Warm Up America), and Moorish Tiles (as part of the Moogly 2020 CAL)

This blanket measures about 36″x 48″.

Materials

  • Hook: J/10/6.00mm
  • Lion Brand Basic Stitch Premium medium weigh 100% premium acrylic yarn (219yd/200m/3.5oz/100g) 1 skein each: (X) #113 Garnet, (X1) #133 Cayenne, (X2) #158 Saffron, (X3) #172 Ivy, (X4) #110 Saltwater, (X5) #147 Blackberry, (X6) #100 Snow

Special Stiches

Double Crochet 4 Together (dc4tog): [Yo, insert hook into indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] 4 times, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook

Double Crochet 9 Together (dc9tog): [Yo, insert hook into indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops] 9 times, yo, pull through all 10 loops on hook

Beginning to Make Waves

Row 1: With X ch 114, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 3 chs, 9 dc in next ch, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch] across, change to X1, turn. – (14) 9 dc groups, 15sc

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, dc4tog, [ch 3, sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog] 13 times, ch 3, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in next sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in next sc, sc in turning ch, change to X3, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 6 & 7: Rep Rows 3 & 4, changing to X5 at the end of Row 7.

Making a Full Circle

Row 8: Rep Row 3.

Row 9: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in next sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in next sc, 5 dc in top of turning ch, change to X, turn.

Row 10: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1.

Back to Waves

Row 11: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 12: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last sc, change to X2, turn.

Row 13: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 14 & 15: Rep Rows 11 & 12, changing to X4 at the end of Row 15.

Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 17 & 18: Rep Rows 11 & 12, changing to X at the end of Row 18.

Another Circle

Row 19: Rep Row 11.

Row 20: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X1, turn.

Row 21: Ch 1, scv in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Back to Waves

Row 22: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, dc5tog, turn.

Row 23: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in next sc, sc in top of turning ch, change to X3, turn.

Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 25 & 26: Rep Rows 22 & 23, changing to X5 at end of Row 26, turn.

Row 27: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

Rows 28 & 29: Rep Rows 22 & 23 changing to X1 at end of 29, turn.

Going Around Again

Row 30: Rep Row 22.

Row 31: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in next sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in next sc, 5 dc in top of turning ch, change to X2, turn.

Row 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Energizing Rainbow

Making it Wavy

Row 33: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 34: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last sc, change to X4, turn.

Row 35: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 36 & 37: Rep Rows 33 & 34 changing to X at the end of Row 37, turn.

Row 38: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Rows 39 & 40: Rep Rows 33 & 34 changing to X2 at the end of Row 40, turn.

Circles, Circles, Circles

Row 41: Rep Row 33.

Row 42: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X3, turn.

Row 43: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Love Some More Waves

Row 44: Ch 4, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 45: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in sc, sc in turning ch, change to X5, turn.

Row 46: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

Rows 47 & 48: Rep Rows 44 & 45, changing to X1 at the end of Row 48.

Row 49: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Rows 50 & 51: Rep Rows 44 & 45, changing to X3 at the end of Row 51.

Around Again

Row 52: Rep Row 44.

Row 53: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in sc, 5 dc in turning ch, change to X4, turn.

Row 54: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Lets make it Ripple

Row 55: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 56: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc in last st, change to X, turn.

Row 57: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Rows 58 & 59: Rep Rows 55 & 56 changing to X2 at the end of Row 59, turn.

Row 60: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 61 & 62: Rep Rows 55 & 56 changing to X4 at the end of Row 62, turn.

Another Going Around

Row 63: Rep Row 55.

Row 64: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in center of dc9tog, sc in next sc] 14 times, change to X5, turn.

Row 65: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X, turn.

And Back to Up and Down

Row 66: Ch 3, dc4tog, ch 3, [sc in next st, ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3] 13 times, sc in next st, ch 3, dc5tog, turn.

Row 67: Ch 1, sc in same st, [9 dc in sc, sc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, 9 dc in sc, sc in last st, changing to X1, turn.

Row 68: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X2, turn.

Rows 69 & 70: Rep Rows 66 & 67 changing to X3 at the end of Row 70.

Row 71: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X4, turn.

Rows 72 & 73: Rep Rows 66 & 67 changing to X5 at the end of Row 73.

Getting Dizzy Yet…More circles

Row 74: Rep Row 66.

Row 75: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in sc, 9 dc in center of dc9tog] 13 times, sc in sc, 5 dc in turning ch, change to X, turn.

Row 76: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X1, turn.

Up & Dow, Up & Down

Row 77: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, dc9tog, ch 3, sc in next st] 14 times, turn.

Row 78: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, [sc in center of dc9tog, 9 dc in sc ] 13 times, sc in center of dc9tog, 5 dc last sc, change to X2, turn.

Row 79: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X3, turn.

Rows 80 & 81: Rep Rows 77 & 78 changing to X4 at the end of Row 81.

Row 82: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change to X5, turn.

Rows 83 & 84: Rep Rows 77 & 78, change to X at the end of Row 84.

Even Out to Finish

Row 85: Rep Row 77, fasten off.

Edging

Rnd 1: With X6, join to any corner, ch 1, 3 sc in in same corner, sc evenly on side of afghan working 3 sc in each corner, sl st to join to first sc, turn.

Rnds 2-5: Ch 1, sc in same st, work sc in each stitch across to corner (the center sc of 3sc), working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 3: With X5, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 4: With X4, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 5: With X3, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 6: With X2, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 7: With X1, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join, turn. Fasten off.

Rnd 8: With X, join to any corner, ch 1, 3sc in same corner, sc in each stitch across working 3 sc in corner, sl st to join. Fasten off.

Swirls That Will Brighten Your Day

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Sometimes while crocheting my mind can completely wonder and I have no idea what I am stitching. This is actually a really therapeutic approach at times, it allows me to be productive and keep my hands busy while allowing my mind to day dream or work things out. My latest design Swirling Valley Circular Throw, in the August issue of I Like Crochet Magazine, actually was created this way.

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet Magazine

I began working on a spiral motif, but then I began thinking of other things and before I knew it I had an entire throw. The stitch pattern is essentially that needed to create a flat circle, but you have to work more than one color, and thus more than one strand of yarn, in each round. This can be a bit daunting as you need to keep the strands from tangling, but I have found that by twisting the yarn in the same direction each time I switch colors that I can at least create a uniform tangle that I can easily untwist every few rounds. I know others that have easier techniques, using holders that keep the skeins apart so they cannot wrap around each other, or little finger rings that hold each color independently ready for use. However I have never really gotten the hang of these and simply just untangle as needed…this at least changes my task at various times.

Photo courtesy I Like Crochet Magazine

Swirling Valley Circular Throw is made up of only three colors but utilizes six colors per round, so if you wanted something to have a real spiral effect you could simply use six different colors in this throw instead of each color twice.

I like this design for kids, I can easily see it in bright vibrant colors to adorn a play room, or even in soft pastels to create a dazzling throw for baby.

I have an additional confession, when I started working the final rounds I was getting a bit exhausted, thinking that they would never end. This is typical of large circles, but the color changes at least kept it more interesting and manageable, so this did not become an un-finished project (UFO) in my work bag.

 

Berry for a Bit of Texture

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Often it is just a subtle texture that can give a great effect on a fabric. This little stitch, which I refer to as a berry stitch, is quite effective in this regards.

This stitch is essentially a single crochet and a chain 3 loop. The chain 3 loop is worked between the stitches, then pushed to one side of the fabric. This enables the fabric to have a little more stretch, and a very gentle little “bump” of texture. The chain loops can also be worked between larger stitches, however the loose a bit of their “bump” effect as it basically squeezes the loop in the space between the tall stitches. The single crochet is a shorter stitch so the chain loop is pushed outward.

This chain loop can be worked between every stitch, as I did in my sample, it can be worked every few stitches. Working every stitch creates a row that reminds me of little pearls, but this stitch can be worked so that it would be a staggered bead of these little pearls instead of a row. These loops are typically worked in one row and the next row is worked without the loops. This results in a fabric that only has bumps on one side. There is nothing that forbids working this stitch on every row, I just find that in my purposes I prefer it only on one side.

I have used this stitch several times, often I use it in floor mats or the soles of slippers. I also find that I really like it in baby blankets. One of the things that I find nice with this stitch is that for slippers and mats, is that the extra stretch in the stitch gives it a very soft, fluffy, almost pillow like quality. That then is not only attractive to look at, but it is also very functional.

Changing a “Go-To” for a New Addition- Lion Brand Baby Soft

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I haven’t had reason to use any baby yarns in a while, but we are expecting a new addition in our extended family and I was inspired to create a baby blanket as a gift. I have made numerous baby blankets over the years, to many really to count. I usually have one “go-to” pattern that I use, when I think about the first time I worked the pattern, I realize that baby should be well over 20 years old now.

When I work this pattern I usually have a “go-to” baby yarn that I always use, Bernat Baby Coordinates, this isn’t so much because I love this one over all others, as much as some others have left me wanting. I always look for a yarn that is low maintenance for the parent, so that usually means a good acrylic. I like something soft, and not to thin or fine. I don’t like to feeling like I am working with a thread. I also want a yarn that is smooth in texture and doesn’t pill.

Baby Soft by Lion Brand

For this latest blanket I decided to try something other than my “go-to” and I found that Lion Brand Baby Soft was an excellent choice. It is actually only 60% acrylic with 40% nylon, the nylon giving it extra strength, so it is still a low maintenance yarn that the parents can easily throw in the washing machine and not worry about how it is going to come out. There was a nice selection of colors (I used Circus Print), as I get tired of the same simple pastels. It is a light weight yarn, but does not feel to “thin”, it has a bit of loft to it. The yardage is fairly generous at 367yd/335m for a 4oz skein. I found that I could make a decent size blanket with just 3 skeins, but decided to make a larger option with 4.

Baby Soft was pleasant to work with, and even when I had to rip back mistakes it flowed easily, and did not pill or snag with other fibers. I might have to add this yarn to a new “go-to” listing.