Best Easy Crochet Stitches for Baby Blankets

Best Stitches for Crochet Baby Blankets

There are many times when it’s great to follow crochet baby blanket patterns. However, it’s also lots of fun to let your creative juices flow and make your own blanket design from beautiful crochet stitches.

There are so many crochet stitches out there that it can be overwhelming to find a good, easy stitch that you can use to make a crochet baby blanket.

To help you find your next crochet baby blanket stitch, I’ve put together a collection of my absolute favorite beginner-friendly, easy stitches that make wonderful baby blankets.

Note: these stitches aren’t just for baby blankets! You can use these crochet stitches to make full size throws, afghans, lapghans or any type of crochet blanket!

Each stitch referenced below includes the recommended yarn weight, hook size, the number of starting chains required and step-by-step instructions for how to crochet the stitch. There’s also links to full patterns with additional details such as how much yarn is required and full video tutorials.

Crochet Blanket Sizes

Before we get to the stitches, let’s review the average size of crochet blankets.

Crochet baby blankets range from 11″ x 11″ for a lovey/security blanket all the way to 42″ x 60″ for a crib blanket.

Here’s a chart with the average baby blanket sizes:

Crochet Baby Blanket Type	Size (Width x Height)
Lovey/Security Blanket	15″ x 15″
Receiving Blanket	36″ x 36″
Basinet/Cradle Blanket	18″ x 30″
Carseat/Stroller Blanket	30″ x 35″
Crib Blanket	36″ x 50″

Learn more including the average sizes of throws and larger blankets in my full Guide to Crochet Blanket Sizes.

Note that there is LOTS of flexibility when it comes to making crochet blankets and the sizing doesn’t need to be exact. Whatever size your blanket turns out will still be lovely!

Notes about these Blanket Stitches

Terminology

The crochet terms referenced in this post are in standard US crochet terminology. The instructions are written for right-handed crochet.

Abbreviations

The following crochet abbreviations are used throughout this post:

• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sk = skip
• sp = space
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet

Starting Chains

Multiples

Each stitch referenced below includes the number of starting chains required by indicating the multiples. Multiples is a set of numbers that will help you adjust the size and ensure you have the proper number of stitches.

For example, if the stitch or patterns calls for multiples of 4 + 3, what this means is to take any number that is a multiple of 4 such as 40, 80, 400, etc. and then add 3 to that number. In this example the number of starting chains required would be 43, 83 or 403.

Back Ridge Loops

For some of these stitches, the instructions say to work into the back ridge loops of the starting chains. The back ridge loops are the bumps along the back. You can learn more in this guide to how to crochet in the chain.

Recommended Yarn Weight

You’ll see below that I recommend a specific yarn weight for each stitch.

The most frequent question I get asked is “can I use a different size/weight yarn?” My answer is: you are of course welcome to try. However, the overall look, feel and size of your finished work may be different.

Let’s look at any example: My Simple Blanket Crochet Pattern recommends using a Size 3 (light) yarn. Using this lightweight yarn and a large crochet hook creates a blanket that is light, airy and flows nicely – perfect for a baby blanket. 

If you were to use a Size 4 (medium) yarn and follow the exact same pattern:

• Your blanket would look and feel different.
• It would be heavier, stiffer and tighter. 
• You would also need more yarn to complete the pattern and it would be a larger size. 

For all of these stitches below and in all of my patterns, I clearly state which yarn weight I recommend using. If a yarn weight isn’t listed, you know to only use the size(s) recommended. 

Learn more with this Complete Guide to Yarn Weights.

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Easy Crochet Stitches for Blankets

Now let’s get to the fun part and find your next blanket stitch! Here are the easy crochet stitches for blankets:

Lemon Peel Stitch

The Lemon Peel Stitch creates a lovely textured stitch without big holes, which is perfect for a baby blanket.

The Lemon Peel Stitch creates a beautiful blanket that is light and airy yet still soft and cuddly. It is made with only basic crochet stitches.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 3 (light)
• Recommended hook size: K/10.5 (6.5 mm)
• Number of starting chains: multiples of 2 + 1
• Reversible: yes

How to Crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch:

Start: Chain your desired number of starting chains in multiples of 2 + 1. For reference, making 117 starting chains creates a width of approx. 43″ (without a border).

Row 1: In the second ch from hook, sc. In the next ch, dc. *In the next ch, sc. In the next ch, dc.* Repeat from * to * across entire row.

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Sc into the first st (the top of the last dc you completed). Dc into the next stitch (the top of the sc from the previous row). *Sc in the next st. Dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * across entire row.

Row 3 and on: Repeat Row 2 until your desired height.

My Simple Baby Blanket (pictured above) is made with the Lemon Peel Stitch. The Simple Baby Blanket Pattern includes a full video tutorial showing how to do this stitch and how to add a lovely shell border. I made this blanket in one solid color (I used pink and made it for a little girl but you can use any color).

I’ve also used this stitch in my Simple Scarf Pattern and Simple Pillow Pattern.

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Suzette Stitch

The Suzette Stitch is another lovely textured stitch that creates a blanket that is cozy yet still light and does not have any large holes.

The Suzette Stitch is a great choice gender-neutral baby blanket and looks stunning in any color.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 3 (light)
• Recommended hook size: H/8 (5.00 mm)
• Number of starting chains: multiples of 2
• Reversible: yes

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch

Start: Chain your desired number of starting chains in multiples of 2. For reference, making 130 starting chains creates a width of approx. 36″ (without a border).

For Row 1 (only) work into the back ridge loops.

Row 1: In the second ch from hook, sc. Sc in each ch across. Ch 1 and turn. 

Row 2: Sc in the first st (the st attached to the ch). Dc in the same st. Sk the next st. *Sc in the next st. Dc in the same st. Sk the next st. * Repeat from * to * across row until the last st. Sc in the last st. Ch 1 and turn. 

Row 3: Sc in the first st (the st attached to the ch, which is the last sc from the previous row). Dc in the same st. Sk the next st. *Sc in the next st (which is the next sc from the previous row). Dc in the same st. Sk the next st.* Repeat from * to * across row until the last st. Sc into the last st. Ch 1 and turn. 

Row 4 and on: Repeat Row 3 until your desired height.

My Adorable Baby Blanket (pictured above) is made with Suzette Stitch. The Adorable Baby Blanket Pattern includes a full video tutorial on how to do this stitch and how to add a ribbed border, which really compliments the blanket.

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Modified Blanket Stitch

I don’t believe there’s an official name to this stitch. I’m calling it the Modified Blanket Stitch because it’s similar to the Blanket Stitch except the order of stitches is reversed.

The end result from this Modified Blanket Stitch is stunning and has great texture. It’s very easy to do and it works up really quickly.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 4 (medium)
• Recommended hook size: H/8 (5.00 mm)
• Number of starting chains: multiples of 4 + 3
• Reversible: yes

How to Crochet the Modified Blanket Stitch

Start: Chain your desired number of starting chains in multiples of 4 + 3. For reference, making 127 starting chains creates a width of approx. 33″ (without a border).

For Row 1 (only) work into the back ridge loops.

Row 1: In the second ch from hook, sc. Ch 2 (note: every time you ch 2, it creates a ch-2 space that you will work into on the following row). In the next ch, make 2 dc in the same ch. *Sk the next 2 chains. In the next ch, sc. Ch 2. In the next ch, make 2 dc in the same ch.* Repeat from * to * across.

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Sk the next 2 sts (the st attached to the ch and the next st). Working into the ch-2 space, (sc, ch 2 and 2 dc) in the same ch-2 space. *Sk the next 3 sts. Working into the next ch-2 space, (sc, ch 2 and 2 dc) in the same ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * across row.

Row 3 and on: Repeat Row 2 until your desired height.

My Classic Baby Blanket (pictured above) is made with the Modified Blanket Stitch. The Classic Baby Blanket Pattern is a very easy blanket and the free pattern includes a full video tutorial on how to do this stitch and how to add the border.

I’ve also used this stitch in my Summer Headband Pattern.

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Shell Stitch

The Shell Stitch creates a truly stunning blanket and it is incredibly simple.

This stitch uses only single crochet and double crochet stitches. All stitches are worked into the top of stitches in the row below so there is no confusion about where the stitches go.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 3 (light)
• Recommended hook size: K/10.5 (6.50 mm)
• Number of starting chains: multiples of 6 + 2
• Reversible: yes

How to Crochet the Shell Stitch

Start: Chain your desired number of starting chains in multiples of 6 + 2. For reference, making 104 starting chains creates a width of approx. 29″ (without a border).

For Row 1 (only) work into the back ridge loops.

Row 1: In the second ch from hook, sc. Sc in each ch across. (103 sts).

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. In the first st, sc. *Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st, make a Shell (5 dc in the same st). Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st, sc.* Repeat from * to * across.

Row 3: Ch 2 and turn. In the first st, make 3 dc in the same st. Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st (the top of the middle st from the Shell in the previous row), sc. Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st (the top of the sc from the previous row), make a Shell. Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st, sc. Sk the next 2 sts. Repeat from * to * across until there is 1 st left. In the last st, make 3 dc in the same st.

Row 4: Ch 1 and turn. In the first st, sc. Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st, make a Shell. Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st, sc. *Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st, make a Shell. Sk the next 2 sts. In the next st, sc.* Repeat from * to * across.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 consecutively until your desired height.

My Easy Shell Blanket (pictured above) uses this Shell Stitch. The free crochet blanket pattern includes diagrams, step-by-step instructions and a full video tutorial showing you how to crochet this great stitch and how to add a lovely shell border to this blanket.

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Moss Stitch

If you’re looking for a very easy simple stitch that looks beautiful when complete, you cannot go wrong with the Moss Stitch.

With this Moss Stitch, there are no holes for a baby’s fingers to get caught in and it’s great baby shower gift for a baby boy or baby girl.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 4 (medium)
• Recommended hook size: K/10.5 (6.50 mm)
• Number of starting chains: multiples of 2 + 1
• Reversible: yes

How to Crochet the Moss Stitch

Start: Chain your desired number of starting chains in multiples of 2 + 1. For reference, making 101 starting chains creates a width of approx. 27″ (without a border).

For Row 1 (only) work into the back ridge loops.

Row 1: In the second ch from hook, sc. Sc in each ch across.

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Sk the 1st st (the st attached to the ch). In the next st, SC (gap space created). *Ch 1. Sk the next st. In the next st, SC (gap space created).* Repeat from * to * across row. (Your final st is a SC into the last st of the row).

Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. In the 1st gap space from the previous row, SC (gap space created). Ch 1. *In the next gap space from the previous row, SC (gap space created). Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * across row until last gap space. SC in the last gap space (which is the space between the last SC and the turning chain from the previous row) (gap space created).

Row 4 and on: Repeat Row 3 until your desired height.

My Moss Stitch Baby Blanket (pictured above) is made with the Moss Stitch. The Moss Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern includes a full video tutorial on how to do this stitch and how to add the border. It’s a very simple pattern that makes a beautiful baby blanket.

I’ve also used this stitch in my Easy Mug Rug, Easy Placemats and Easy Bookmark patterns.

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Granny Square Stitch

A granny square blanket is really fast and easy to make. You can get creative with the color combinations and you can use either size 3 or size 4 yarn.

When making a continuous blanket using the Granny Square Stitch, you start in the middle and you can continue making rounds in your desired size.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 3 (light) or size 4 (medium)
• Recommended hook size: For size 3 (light) yarn: H/8 (5.00 mm) and for size 4 (medium) yarn: I/9 (5.50 mm).
• Number of starting chains: N/A
• Reversible: yes

How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket

Start: Make a Magic Circle.

Round 1: Ch 1. Make 2 dc in Magic Circle. Ch 2. [3 dc in Magic Circle. Ch 2.] x 3 (meaning to complete the instructions in brackets a total of 3 times). Pull Magic Circle tight to close. Sl st into top of first dc to join.

Round 2: Turn. Sl st in the ch-2 sp below. Ch 2. Make 2 dc in the same ch-2 sp below. [Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp.] x 3. Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp (the starting corner), make 3 dc. Ch 2. Sl st into top of first dc to join.

Round 3: Turn. Sl st in the ch-2 sp below. Ch 2. Make 2 dc in same ch-2 sp below. [Ch 1. In next ch-1 sp, make 3 dc. Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp (the corner), (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp.] x 3. Ch 1. In next ch-1 sp, 3 dc. Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp (the starting corner), 3 dc. Ch 2. Sl st into top of first dc to join.

Round 4: Turn. Sl st in the ch-2 sp below. Ch 2. Make 2 dc in the same ch-2 sp below. [Ch 1. In next ch-1 sp, make 3 dc. Ch 1. In the next ch-1 sp, make 3 dc. Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp (the corner), (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp.] x 3. Ch 1. In next ch-1 sp, 3 dc. Ch 1. In the next ch-1 sp, 3 dc. Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp (the starting corner), 3 dc. Ch 2. Sl st into top of first dc to join.

Round 5: Turn. Sl st in the ch-2 sp below. Ch 2. Make 2 dc in the same ch-2 sp below. [*Ch 1. In next ch-1 sp, make 3 dc.* Repeat from * to * across until corner. Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp (the corner), (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp.] x 3. *Ch 1. In next ch-1 sp, 3 dc.* Repeat across until corner. Ch 1. In next ch-2 sp (the starting corner), 3 dc. Ch 2. Sl st into top of first dc to join. 

Round 6 and on: Repeat Round 5 until your desired size.

My Continuous Granny Square Blanket (pictured above) uses the Granny Square Stitch. The Continuous Granny Square Blanket Pattern is an easy pattern and includes a full video tutorial of how to do this stitch and how to add the border. This blanket makes a perfect gift for a baby. Or, you can easily adjust the size and make it as a larger blanket.

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Interlocking Shell Stitch

This Interlocking Shell Stitch creates an absolutely beautiful lacy baby blanket. This stitch is more on the advanced-beginner level but the pattern uses only basic stitches. There are four rows that are repeated so it’s not one to easily memorize but you get the hang of it quite quickly and the end result is worth it.

This stitch creates a very special blanket, perfect for christenings or as a heirloom blanket.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 3 (light)
• Recommended hook size: H/8 (5.00 mm)
• Number of starting chains: multiples of 8 + 4
• Reversible: yes

How to Crochet the Interlocking Shell Stitch

Special Stiches:

• V-st = (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same st 
• Shell = 7 dc in the same st 

Start: Chain your desired number of starting chains in multiples of 8 + 4. For reference, making 124 starting chains creates a width that is approx. 30″ (without a border).

Note about Row 1: after making a shell, the next chain can be quite small and hard to see. Ensure you are skipping 3 chains after a shell, which includes the next (very small chain).

Row 1: In the fourth ch from hook, make 3 dc in same ch. Sk the next 3 chains. V-st in the next ch. Sk the next 3 chains. *Shell in the next ch. Sk the next 3 chains. V-st in the next ch. Sk the next 3 chains.* Repeat from * to * across until there is 1 ch left. In last ch, 4 dc in same ch. 

Note after Row 1: the holes between stitches may seem extremely big. They tighten up as the pattern grows. 

Row 2: Ch 3 and turn. In the 1st st, dc. In next st, dc. Sk the next 3 sts. V-st in the ch-1 space. Sk next 2 sts. *Dc in next 5 sts. Sk the next 2 sts. V-st in the ch-1 space. Sk next 2 sts.* Repeat from * to * across until there are 2 sts left. Dc in the next 2 sts. Dc in turning ch. 

Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. In the 1st st, dc. Sk the next 3 sts. In the ch-1 space, make a shell. Sk next 3 sts.
*V-st in the next st. Sk the next 3 sts. In the ch-1 space, make a shell. Sk the next 3 sts.* Repeat from * to * across. Make 2 dc in the turning ch. 

Row 4: Ch 3 and turn. In the 1st st, dc. Sk the next 2 sts. Dc in the next 5 sts. Sk the next 2 sts. *V-st in ch-1 space. Sk the next 2 sts. Dc in the next 5 sts. Sk the next 2 sts.* Repeat from * to * across. Make 2 dc in the turning chain. 

Row 5: Ch 3 and turn. In the 1st st, make 3 dc in same st. Sk the next 3 sts. V-st in next st. Sk the next 3 sts. *In ch-1 space, make a shell. Sk the next 3 sts. V-st in next st. Sk the next 3 sts.* Repeat from * to * across. Make 4 dc in the turning ch.  

Row 6 and on: Repeat Rows 2 – 5 until you are approx. 2.5” away from your desired height.

When you are 2.5” away from your desired height and you have just finished your last Row 5, complete Rows 2, 3 and 4 – ending the blanket body after Row 4.

My Lacy Baby Blanket (pictured above) is made with the Interlocking Shell Stitch. The Lacy Baby Blanket includes a full video tutorial on how to do this stitch and how to add the border (and a detailed stitch count).

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Alternating Rows of Simple Stitches

Sometimes rows of very simple stitches can look wonderful when alternated. For this pattern, you will make a row of single crochet stitches. Then you will repeat a row of double crochet stitches followed by a row of single stitches for the entire blanket. These rows of simple stitches make the blanket incredibly easy to make, perfect for absolute beginners and the end result is absolutely lovely!

These two rows create a relaxed, gorgeous cozy blanket.

• Recommend yarn weight: size 3 (light) or size 4 (medium)
• Recommended hook size: For size 3 (light) yarn: I/9 (5.50 mm) and for size 4 (medium) yarn: K/10.5 (6.50 mm).
• Number of starting chains: for size 3 (light): any number + 1. For of size 4 (medium): any number + 1 or if adding tassels, multiples of 3 + 2 (so the tassel are placed evenly).
• Reversible: yes

I have two patterns that use this technique:

My Beginner Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern (pictured above) uses these alternating rows. The border of little shells compliments the blanket body.

My Beginner Throw Blanket Crochet Pattern (pictured above) also uses these alternating rows. Instead of adding a border, this pattern adds tassels to the finished blanket.

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Baby Blanket Patterns that use these Stitches

Each of these stitches have been used in my baby blanket patterns and there are links to each of those free patterns above.

Do you prefer ad-free patterns that are beautifully laid out in a document that you can easily save, print, write notes on and keep forever?

You can now get ALL of these baby blanket patterns as PDFs AND my entire library of 100+ PDF crochet patterns when you join my All Access Membership!

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