Hello, dear crochet friends! Are you ready to dive into a project that’s bursting with color and warmth? Today, we’re going to embark on a delightful journey to create the most adorable Bernat Diagonal Stripes Crochet Blanket. Just look at that little one peeking out from under it – isn’t it just the sweetest thing? This blanket isn’t just a project; it’s a hug made with yarn, perfect for wrapping up your own little treasures or gifting to a new arrival.
This pattern, designed by Yarnspirations™, is truly a gem. It uses the lovely Bernat Softee Baby Stripes yarn, which means the magic of color changes happens all by itself! You don’t have to worry about changing colors or weaving in a gazillion ends. How wonderful is that? It’s like the yarn is doing half the work for you, letting you focus on the rhythmic joy of crochet.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a relaxing project or a beginner eager to learn some new tricks, this blanket is perfect. The diagonal stripes create such a beautiful, eye-catching design, and the texture is simply divine. Imagine snuggling up with this cozy creation on a chilly evening, or seeing a little one wrapped snugly in its vibrant embrace. It’s a project that brings so much joy, both in the making and in the giving!
So, grab your hook, find your favorite comfy spot, and let’s get started on this enchanting blanket. We’ll go through everything step-by-step, making sure you feel confident and excited about every stitch. Let’s spark our inspiration together
Materials You’ll Need:
- Bernat® Softee® Baby Stripes™ (4.2 oz/120 g; 278 yds/254 m) in Bright Future Stripe (Shade 53008) – You’ll need 5 balls.
- Size U.S. G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook, or the size you need to get the right gauge
Let’s Talk Crochet Lingo: Abbreviations
Don’t worry if these look like secret codes; they’re just handy shortcuts
- Approx: Approximately
- Beg: Begin(ning)
- Ch: Chain(s)
- Cont: Continue(ity)
- Dc: Double crochet
- Rep: Repeat
- Sc: Single crochet
- Sl st: Slip stitch
- Sp(s): Space(s)
What Your Finished Blanket Will Be: Measurement
Once completed, your beautiful blanket will be approximately 34 inches (or 86.5 cm) square.
Getting the Perfect Fit: Gauge
This is super important for making sure your blanket turns out the right size
- 16 single crochet (sc) stitches and 19 rows should measure 4 inches by 10 cm
Time to Crochet: Step-by-Step Instructions
A little note before we begin: When you see “skipped ch 3 at beg of each row,” that little chain-3 space counts as a space in itself.
Let’s get started with your foundation!
Starting Chain:
- Chain 6.
Row 1
- Make 1 double crochet (dc) in the 4th chain from your hook.
- Then, make 1 double crochet (dc) in each of the next 2 chains.
- Turn your work.
Row 2
- Chain 6.
- Make 1 double crochet (dc) in the 4th chain from your hook.
- Make 1 double crochet (dc) in each of the next 2 chains – this creates your “beginning shell”.
- Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches.
- Now, in the next chain-3 space, you’ll make a (slip stitch, chain 3, 3 double crochet) – this is your first “shell”.
- Turn your work. You should have 2 shells now.
Row 3
- Make a “beginning shell.”
- Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches.
- Make a “shell” in each of the next 2 chain-3 spaces.
- Turn your work. You should have 3 shells.
Row 4
- Make a “beginning shell.”
- Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches.
- Make a “shell” in each of the next 3 chain-3 spaces.
- Turn your work. You should have 4 shells.
Row 5
- Make a “beginning shell.”
- Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches.
- Make a “shell” in each of the next 4 chain-3 spaces.
- Turn your work. You should have 5 shells.
Row 6
- Make a “beginning shell.”
- Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches.
- Make a “shell” in each of the next 5 chain-3 spaces.
- Turn your work. You should have 6 shells.
Row 7
- Make a “beginning shell.”
- Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches.
- Make a “shell” in each chain-3 space until you reach the end of the row.
- Turn your work. You should have 7 shells.
Repeating the Magic:
- You’ll repeat this last row (Row 7) 43 more times.
- Once you’ve done this, you should have 50 shells in total. Woohoo
Proceeding to Finish Your Blanket:
Now, let’s start shaping the other side of your blanket
Next Row:
- Chain 1.
- Make a slip stitch (sl st) in each of the next 3 double crochet stitches and then in the next chain-3 space.
- Make a “shell” in the same space where you made your last slip stitch.
- Make a “shell” in each chain-3 space until you reach the last shell.
- Make a slip stitch (sl st) in the last chain-3 space.
- Turn your work. You should now have 49 shells.
Continuing to Decrease:
- Repeat this last row until you only have 2 shells remaining. You’re almost there
Final Row
- Chain 1.
- Make a slip stitch (sl st) in each of the next 3 double crochet stitches and then in the next chain-3 space.
- Make a “shell” in the same space where you made your last slip stitch.
- Make a slip stitch (sl st) in the next chain-3 space.
- Fasten off your yarn.
A Few Friendly Tips for Our Beginners
- Don’t Stress About Perfection: Every stitch is a step in your crafting journey If a stitch isn’t perfect, it’s okay. Handmade items have character.
- Counting is Your Friend: Especially in the beginning, take your time to count your stitches and shells. It helps keep your rows even and your blanket the right shape.
- Watch for That Gauge: Seriously, it makes a difference If your work is too tight or too loose, adjust your hook size.
- Enjoy the Process: Crochet is incredibly relaxing. Put on some music, sip your favorite warm drink, and enjoy the rhythm of your hook and yarn.
We hope you have the most wonderful time creating this beautiful Bernat Diagonal Stripes Crochet Blanket! It’s truly a labor of love, and we know it will bring so much warmth and happiness wherever it goes. Happy crocheting, dear friends
