Simple and Sweet Baby Afghan Pattern and Tutorial

It's baby-palooza in my neck of the woods.  So many friends are having babies and I would love for each one of them to have a special hand made gift from me.  I love handmade gifts for babies for so many reasons.  They are frugal but don't have to look like it. They are a special way to tell the new little one (and mama!) that they are so loved and cherished that you spent a commodity greater than money.  You spent TIME crafting a gift as one of a kind as they are.  While I am taking that precious time to create the gift I like to offer special prayers for the family.  The rhythm of crochet lends itself to prayer and meditation, its the reason so many people enjoy it so much.

As much as I would love to devote hours and hours special intentions for each brand new human.... I have a brand new human of my own to care for (and laundry to fold).  I have a go-to baby blanket pattern that I have used many times but I was looking for something new.  Something that can be done quickly and without too much counting or thought.  I sometimes only get a few minutes to crochet at the end of the day, the last thing my tired brain needs is a complicated pattern.  Bonus points its worked up all in one color so I don't have to go back and weave in ends.

I created this pattern for my most recent baby blanket.  The pattern is very easy.  Repetitive enough that I can work on it without it taking my whole attention but no so repetitive that it's... well, repetitive.




This pattern uses US crochet terms.  The finished size is around 30 inches square.  You can adjust the finished size by adjusting the foundation chain and the number of rows.  Materials needed are: 14 ounces worsted weight yarn (I used Bernat Satin in color Fern), size I crochet hook, yarn needle and scissors.

Special Stitches
Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog)
Yo, insert hook into the first st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook.  You have 2 loops on hook.  Yo, insert hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull thorough 2 loops on the hook.  You have 3 loops on the hook.  Yo, insert the hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook.  You have 4 loops on the hook.  Yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.

Foundation
Ch 134 (or any multiple of 3 + 5)
Row 1: Skip first 4 ch from the hook, *dc3tog over the next 3 ch, ch 2, repeat from * to the end of the foundation ch.  Dc in the very last ch of the foundation chain.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in the first ch 2 sp, *3 sc in the next ch 2 sp, repeat from * across, 3 sc in the last space made by the turning ch.
Row 3:  Ch 4, skip the very first st, *dc3tog over the next 3 st, ch 2, repeat from * across, dc in the last sc.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 ending on row 3 for a total of 72 rows or until the project is as long as you like.
Finishing:
Sc around all four sides as a simple border.  To begin, ch 1 to ease around the corner.  Working down the first side work 2 sc around the dc at the ends of row 3 and 1 sc in the ends of row 2, ch 1 to ease around the corner.  Along the bottom edge work 1 sc into the remaining loop of each ch of the foundation ch, ch 1 to ease around the corner.  Work up the other side as you did the first side, ch 1 to ease around the corner. Working along the top edge, put 3 sc in each ch 2 sp, sl st into the beginning ch1 of the border, fasten off.  Weave in ends.


Here is a close up photo of the beginning of row 3 to show exactly where you will start.  I hope this helps :)

This pattern and tutorial is my own creations.  Please credit me as designer and link to the original pattern or video when sharing.  This pattern is available at no charge to you for your own personal use, to make a gift, or to donate.  I ask that you do not sell finished items and do not sell this pattern or claim it as your own.  Thank you

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