Crochet Baby Patterns

Posts Tagged ‘blanket’

I finally finished the baby blanket. I love the ruffles and ribbon in this particular pattern.

I finished off the ruffles with a scallop stitch, using the rose colored yarn from the body of the blanket. It really adds a nice accent.

When I gave the blanket to my daughter, she said it was one of the most beautiful blankets I’ve made. She immediately sent a picture of it on her cell phone to her friend. Her response was, “I can’t wait to wrap that little peanut in it. It’s so pretty… thank you, thank you, thank you!

This baby blanket has been one of my favorite crochet projects.

One of the best gifts you can give is a personalized baby blanket, which you’ve lovingly crocheted by hand.  There are so many beautiful patterns to choose from, and the best part is that each pattern can be made into a one-of-a-kind gift.

There’s a wide variety of yarns available – color, weight and softness among the many choices.  When I crochet a baby afghan, I try to choose as soft a yarn as possible.

As far as colors go, I try to choose a color that matches the decor which the new parents have decided on for the baby’s nursery.  Sometimes I’ll use a multi-colored yarn if the pattern doesn’t already call for one or two different colors.

When deciding on a pattern for the blanket, I take into consideration the type of stitches that will be used, and how easy or difficult they are.  For instance, if I know I don’t have a lot of time to complete the baby blanket for an upcoming shower, I stick with a pattern that I’ve used before or one that I know has easy stitches.  I also look into whether or not the pattern requires sewing multiple pieces together.

There are other ways to personalize the baby blanket once it’s finished.  You can add ribbon to the blanket, weaving it between stitches.  Another option is to make cute little bows and place them at different spots.  Be sure to tack them down securely with a needle and thread so that they don’t come loose and create a choking hazard for the baby.

Depending on the pattern you’re using, you might be able to put the baby’s name on the blanket.  This can usually be done using a cross-stitch with yarn of a contrasting color.

Here’s a unique idea if you’re making the blanket or afghan for a baby shower.  Buy several rattles, pacifiers, booties, socks, mittens or bibs and attach them to the blanket by tying them down with ribbon or heavy yarn.  You’ll want to make sure the extra gifts are easy to remove without causing damage to the blanket.

Finally, you can further personalize the blanket or afghan by carefully sewing a label with your name on it to the back outer edge.  Be sure to tack down the corners of the label so that they don’t poke the baby or cause irritation to their delicate skin.  It’s a good idea to make it easy to remove the label, so that the new mom can take it off if she so desires.

Giving a personalized baby blanket that you’ve crocheted is a great way to show how happy you are to welcome a new addition.  The blanket can be kept long after the baby has grown as a memento, or passed on to other babies in the family.

I’m almost finished with the baby blanket I’m crocheting as a gift for my daughter’s friend.  The pattern itself hasn’t been difficult, and I’m really pleased with the way the whole thing is coming together.

The hardest part was starting the second ruffle.  I had to tear it out twice because I didn’t read the directions carefully and had started the stitches in the wrong place.  That just goes to show that even though sometimes when you think you’ve read and understood the instructions, it could take one or two times of actually working the pattern to get it right!

As I stated when I first began this project, I’ve been using some leftover yarn to crochet the blanket.  I’m using a dusty rose for the body of the afghan and the second ruffle.  The first ruffle is made with an off-white yarn.  I’m on the last round of the second ruffle.  I have about 2/3 of the last row to finish, and I’ve run out of the rose colored yarn!  The yarn I chose is from a brand that doesn’t have a dye lot, so it should be easy to find that same color by that manufacturer, right?

I cut a small piece of the yarn and took it to the store where the yarn had been purchased.  They carry the same brand, but they don’t have the same color.  I’ve been to several different stores with no luck in matching the color.  Now I’ll have to tear out the second ruffle and start over on it.  I think I have enough of the off-white to use.  However, that will mean that both ruffles will be the same color.  I’ll have to decide if I want to use the off-white, or see if I can find a third color in my leftovers that will look good with the two original yarns.

Whichever way I decide to go, I’m looking forward to seeing the finished project.  After the second ruffle is finished all I need to do is put some ribbon in it.  I’ll post pictures once I’m done crocheting the baby blanket.

Anyone who enjoys crocheting can agree that there’s nothing more fulfilling than completing a hand-made gift, especially if it’s for a baby.  Whether you’re making a baby crochet item for your own child, a relative or a friend, you’ll find great pride and satisfaction in seeing an infant wrapped in something you created by hand with love.

Well-crafted baby crochet pieces can be passed from one child to another, whether given to friends, or passed through many generations.  Not only is it more economical to crochet a gift than to buy one, but the person you give it to can save money by passing it from one child to the next.

A baby’s body is very sensitive to heat and cold, so it’s important for them to have appropriate clothing and covering.  Most baby clothes are made of cotton, which is comfortable for them to sleep in.  It’s a good idea to keep their heads and feet covered, since this is where most heat loss occurs.  Hand crocheted baby booties and hats are perfect for keeping them warm.

There are many great patterns to crochet for babies.  You can make booties, socks, sweaters, hats, mittens, hooded blankets and afghans.  In addition to clothing and blankets, you can crochet baby accessories such as wash cloths, bottle covers and even diaper bags!

It’s easy to find a variety of patterns and yarns at yarn, craft variety stores.  When crocheting baby sweaters, hats and booties, it’s best to use a lighter weight yarn, or one made specially for babies.  Crocheted baby blankets and afghans can be made of heavier yarns.  There are many pattern books that have instructions which can be purchased at stores, or downloaded from the internet, some of them even free.

Crochet blanket patterns can be bought either individually or in leaflets and books with many patterns.  There are even books with baby blanket patterns to crochet for each month of the year.

With a little creativity and a little time, you’ll soon be creating beautiful handmade crocheted baby pieces to use for your baby or give as a gift that will always be treasured!