Crochet Baby Patterns

Posts Tagged ‘crochet’

I haven’t started any new crochet projects lately. I’ve still got plenty of unfinished blankets to work on, but I’m splitting my free time between crochet and cross stitch. (If you’re into doing cross stitch, I found a great site with lots of instructions and tips at CrossStitch101.)


I’ve found a couple of new patterns from Lion Brand Yarn for baby toys to crochet. (You can download them by clicking on the pictures or visiting the links next to them.)

Download the Nursery Blocks pattern

Download the Pond Friends Stacking Toy Pattern

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.

Learning to create an item using a baby crochet pattern can be truly gratifying. At the same time, it can also be confusing when you’re not sure how to read the crochet pattern. Here are a few pointers for learning to read baby crochet patterns.

Understanding Abbreviations and Symbols
Crochet patterns use abbreviations and symbols for the most commonly used terms in the pattern. Most instructions have a guide for these symbols and abbreviations. However, if you come across something that you find confusing, do a search online, through videos or at crochet sites.

Read the Pattern First
Before beginning any crochet project, read the pattern directions first. Sometimes it’s necessary to read them several times before they make sense. It’s a good idea to keep some extra yarn handy to practice new stitches before using them in your crochet project.


Keep Project Notes
Sometimes a pattern will make more sense if you write it in a notebook without the abbreviations and symbols. When doing so, you can also make a note of when to switch colors, if the pattern calls for more than one color. If you’ve practiced a stitch and figured it out, write down any special steps used to make the pattern easier to understand. You can also use your notes to record your progress by tracking the number of rows you’ve completed.

Check the Stitch Gauge
Many patterns give you a gauge to use as a test piece to be sure your piece will come out the same size as the pattern you’re using. It’s important to do a test piece to determine whether you need to loosen or tighten your stitches, or whether you need to use a different hook size. Keeping your stitch size consistent throughout your project ensures an even look to the design. Even your mood can affect the tension in your stitches.

Use a Pattern that Matches Your Skill Level
Crochet patterns are usually grouped into four skill levels: Beginner, Easy (sometimes referred to as Advanced Beginner), Intermediate and Experienced. Obviously, the Beginner level is the easiest to learn. Once you’ve mastered one level, move up to a pattern in the next level. If you come across a pattern that seems too difficult, don’t get discouraged. Simply put the project aside and start on one at a lower skill level. You can always come back to it later when you’ve gained more experience.

Wrapping It Up
Many beginning crocheters can feel intimidated the first time they try to read and follow a pattern. The tips listed above make it easier to understand baby crochet patterns. Once you understand the instructions, you’ll have a great time completing any baby crochet project.

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!