Crochet Baby Patterns

Archive for July, 2009

• Crochet Cluster Shell

July 30, 2009
– Great post for learning how to do a cluster shell.

• Yarn Size and Confusion

July 30, 2009
– She makes a great point about the importance of gauging your work. Make it a habit to always do a test pattern first to be sure your gauge will be equal to the size required in the pattern. And learning about the various sizes of yarn is also important, as it will affect how your project looks.

• Baby High Top Booties – Toddler/Child Size

July 30, 2009
– What a cute pattern! You could also make these to use as decorations at a baby shower.

My oldest daughter once asked me, “How did you learn to crochet baby blankets?” I told her that my grandmother had taught me the basics of crochet, such as how to make a chain, single crochet, double crochet, etc. I also told her that another good way is to read books, especially pattern books, to learn more of the difficult stitches. (This was before the days of internet research!)

These days I would suggest that anyone wanting to learn how to crochet baby blankets, or any other crochet items, should go online to watch videos. The reason I suggest videos as opposed to just books is that in the videos you can see how to hold the yarn and hook, as well as any other steps needed to make certain stitches.


I’ve found YouTube to be a great resource in finding these videos. You simply type in “crochet” or “crochet baby blanket” in the search bar and you’ll find lots of how-to videos.

You can also go to Google and type in the words “crochet videos” or “crochet baby blanket videos” to bring up lots of results.

Of course, there are many different patterns for baby blankets and afghans. Each pattern will have different stitches that you’ll need to learn, if you don’t already know how. Most times the patterns will have instructions for the basic stitches and other more advanced stitches. If you’re new to crocheting, I’d suggest starting out with a very basic pattern. I’ve found fairly easy patterns to follow are granny squares or ripples.

If your pattern calls for stitches that you’re not familiar with and the instructions don’t seem clear, do another search for videos using that specific stitch in your search term. For example, in Google or YouTube you might try searching for “double crochet stitch” or “double crochet stitch video.”


Another great way to learn is like I did, by having someone experienced show you. If you don’t have a grandmother, mother, aunt, etc. who is skilled at crocheting, try asking some of the women you associate with such as co-workers, church groups, friends and other family members. Many churches have a time when the ladies get together and bring in their various craft projects. This would be a great resource.

Good luck!

Crocheted items  are made with many different types of acrylic, cotton or wool yarns. Today there are yarns you can buy that are made especially for babies, which are made of 100 percent cotton . Craft stores carry ample amounts of crochet yarn, and large varieties as well. There is such a variety that you can complete almost any look you want, from the casual look to elegant look as well.

When using different types of yarns you will have different care instructions. If you know then exactly what type of yarn an item is made of, you can easily find the proper care techniques on line. When you purchase a new pattern, and if you look close the pattern makers will also provide you with care instructions when you buy a pattern that they made.

When you have made, or you have been given some hand crocheted items, in order for them to retain their original look then you will have to spend some time maintaining them. You will have to keep them in good shape, because with crocheted items a lot of joy and love goes into items that you handmade yourself.

There are many crocheted things that are made that become almost priceless to many families. Babies’ christening gowns are a prime example of crocheted things handed down generation to generation and are often used over and over again. If you care for them properly, they can last for many years. Nothing means more to women then a crocheted gift that is handmade, especially with them in mind.

When the crocheted article needs to be washed you can gently hand wash it in cold water, using a mild detergent (such as Woolite). Do not use any type of bleach! Rinse item in cool water with your hands until water is clear, then if you would like, rinse again in water with a liquid fabric softener. It’s very important to never twist or try to wring the item out, as this will tend to twist it out of shape.

The best way – and safest – way to remove water is to put the item down on a towel and roll it up in the towel carefully. Then unroll the towel and let it back out and then lay it flat to dry on another dry towel, reshaping the item very gently to remove unwanted wrinkles. Do not use a hand dryer on handcrafted items . The heat from the dryer will shrink the article for sure.

Let the article air dry at room temperature. After it has become completely dry, then you can try and shake it gently again to soften up the fibers. Do not iron an item unless you are sure of the type of yarn was used and you know for sure that it will withstand an iron. Store the crocheted item on a shelf or in a drawer.

Do not use an type of hanger!  This will definitely cause the item to stretch or develop “hanger” marks. These directions are a good guidelines to use for all your crocheted items when you are unsure of their fiber content.

When you use these simple tips, it will retain the quality of your item for many years to come. I hope that you will find this article good information and put it to good use.