Crochet Baby Patterns

Posts Tagged ‘project’

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

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.

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.