Unlike most blankets, it's worked from the center out and can be customized to become full-sized blankets in your favorite colors! It's a thoughtful gift for the new babies in your life and their mamas. Try it with the free pattern below or get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here.
Baby blankets are a great way to try out new crochet stitch patterns. This one uses an easy cluster stitch worked from the center out in two colors. Learn the cluster stitch and 44 other stitches in my Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library where I share step by step video instructions for all 45 crochet stitches in my collection. Check out the video classes here.
The crochet pattern is specifically designed to be sized for a premature baby, but you can keep working the blanket pattern in the same fashion to make a larger project for a full-term baby, a toddler, or even an adult.
Use two colors that go with the nursery or make this a fun stash-busting crochet project by working each round or every couple of rounds in different colors.
Before we get to the pattern, here's another baby blanket pattern I think you'll love… the Log Cabin Baby Blanket. It’s not just cute, it’s also so much fun to make. There’s a great variety of stitches you'll learn, it can be made small or large making it an excellent stash-buster project and it's perfect for beginners and advanced crocheters alike.
Want 23 more blanket pattern classes? I have a bundle includes step by step crochet alongs for my favorite blanket patterns! Join me and my instructors while we crochet up these fun blankets and learn some new techniques. Check out the bundle here.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials:
Hook: US Size D/3 (3.25 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn:
- DK / Light worsted weight yarn
- 163 yds dark blue (A)
- 81 yds light blue (B)
Notions
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Size:
23 inches diameter from flat side to flat side (not points)
Gauge:
In pattern, 7 cl x 8 rows = 4 inches.
After rnd 4, work should measure 4 inches in diameter from flat side to flat side (not points)
The pattern uses US crochet terms
| ABBREVIATIONS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| rnd | Round |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| sp | Space |
| yo | Yarn over |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here
Special Stitch:
Cluster (cl): [Yo, insert hook in indicated st or sp, draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook, ch 1.
The ch-1 at the end closes the cluster and creates a ch-1 sp. When working into a cl, work into this ch-1 sp at the end.
Join rnds where indicated with a sl st in the first st of the rnd.
With A, ch 3.
Rnd 1: 6 cl in 3rd ch from hook, join. (6 cl)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 cl in each st around, join. (12 cl)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in next st, [2 cl in next st, cl in next st] around, join. (18 cl)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 2 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 2 sts] around, join. (24 cl)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 3 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 3 sts] around, join. (36 cl)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 4 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 4 sts] around, join. (48 cl)
Rnd 7: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 5 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 5 sts] around, join. (54 cl)
Rnd 8: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 6 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 6 sts] around, join. (60 cl)
Rnd 9: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 7 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 7 sts] around, join. (66 cl)
Rnd 10: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 8 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 8 sts] around, join. (72 cl)
Rnd 11: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 9 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 9 sts] around, join. (78 cl)
Rnd 12: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 10 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 10 sts] around, join. (84 cl)
Rnd 13: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 11 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 11 sts] around, join. (90 cl)
Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here
Rnd 14: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 12 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 12 sts] around, join. (96 cl)
Rnd 15: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 13 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 13 sts] around, join. (102 cl)
Rnd 16: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 14 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 14 sts] around, join. (108 cl)
Rnd 17: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 15 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 15 sts] around, join. (114 cl)
Rnd 18: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 16 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 16 sts] around, join. (120 cl)
Change to B.
Rnd 19: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 17 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 17 sts] around, join. (126 cl)
Rnd 20: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 18 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 18 sts] around, join. (132 cl)
Rnd 21: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 19 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 19 sts] around, join. (138 cl)
Rnd 22: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 20 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 20 sts] around, join. (144 cl)
Change to A.
Rnd 23: Ch 2, 2 cl in first st, cl in each of next 21 sts, [2 cl in next st, cl in each of next 21 sts] around, join. (150 cl)
Fasten off.
Weave in all ends.
Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here
If you enjoy crocheting simple shapes like rectangles, you may want to check out our Crochet Anything with Rectangles class where you'll take the basic shape you already have down pat and turn it into useful, practical, and beautifully professional projects.
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Thank you to Red Heart Yarns for sponsoring this post!
Hi Cathy! We’ve just updated this pattern and should now indicate the stitch counts at the end of every round. The cluster stitch is also defined as a “special stitch” so we don’t call it as sc, dc, etc.
Hope this helps!
There are NO stitch counts at the ends of all the rows. It would be better to just say “the chain 3 DOES count as a stitch” and leave it at that. Also, as others have noticed, there’s no indication of what size stitch is used in the cluster: Single Crochet, Half Double, Double, or other, which is very important information.
Why don’t you add a little note, just as a reminder, on how to make a cluster stitch? Is it just 3 DC into the same stitch?
I’m getting too old and can’t afford any links for 45 different stitches. Can’t I just have the one you call out in your pattern?
I think this blanket is difficult for a beginner. I have done baby blankets but if you do not have an idea is better yo begin with the category “easy”
What type of cluster does this pattern has? There are many variations of this stitch. Also do you have a tutorial?
Thank you so much for the beautiful baby blanket pattern.
I am a real beginner I do better with visual then step by step instructions. Having both would help me. However I think your project is nice. I am a senior trying to learn how to make blankets for seniors and the homeless. I want it to be something they will remember and treasure.
You’re welcome, Josephine!
Thank you.