Crafting a cozy creation can be simple. Welcome to the world of the double crochet blanket – an ideal starting point for beginners eager to dive into the rich tapestry of crochet artistry.
The double crochet stitch, known for its simplicity and versatility, is the backbone of this project.
It offers an easy rhythm to pick up, allowing the crafter to see their progress as rows expand swiftly. The resultant blanket is warm and snug and showcases a timeless texture, perfect for draping over a couch or wrapping around oneself on chilly evenings.
Moreover, this project is forgiving. Small mistakes often go unnoticed, making it a confidence-building endeavor for those new to the craft.
Whether searching for a personalized gift, a comforting home addition, or a therapeutic pastime, this double crochet blanket is your gateway.
As you immerse yourself in this crafting journey, you’ll discover the meditative joys of crochet and the immense satisfaction of creating a tangible, cozy masterpiece from mere yarn and hook.
What Is A Double Crochet Stitch?
Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
The double crochet stitch, often abbreviated as “dc,” is a fundamental crochet stitch known for its height and airy texture. It’s taller than single and half-double crochet stitches, making it a popular choice for projects with faster coverage.
How it’s made
- Yarn over (yo): This means wrapping the yarn around your crochet hook. This step is what gives the stitch its height.
- Insert the hook: Push your hook into your desired stitch or space where you want to make your double crochet.
- Yarn over again: Wrap the string around your hook another time.
- Pull through: Draw the yarn back through the stitch. At this point, you should have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn over: Wrap the string around your hook once more.
- Pull through two loops: Draw the yarn on your hook through the first two loops. You’ll be left with two loops on your hook.
- Yarn over one last time: Wrap the string around your hook.
- Pull through the remaining two loops: Draw the yarn through the last two loops on your hook. You’ve now completed one double crochet stitch!
Usage
- The double crochet stitch is versatile in many projects, from blankets and scarves to hats and sweaters. Its relatively tall height means projects increase, making it a favorite among many crocheters. The stitch also provides a more open, lacy texture compared to shorter stitches, making it ideal for lightweight garments and decorative items.
Benefits
- For beginners, mastering double crochet is a pivotal step in advancing their crochet skills. The technique forms the foundation for more complex stitches and patterns. Moreover, its repetitive nature can be meditative, offering a therapeutic crafting experience.
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Is Double Crochet Stitch Difficult To Crochet?
Despite its seemingly intricate appearance, the double crochet stitch is not inherently difficult to master, especially when placed within the spectrum of crochet stitches available.
For absolute beginners, any new stitch can present an initial challenge, but the beauty of the double crochet lies in its rhythmic repetition.
Once the sequence of yarning over, inserting the hook, and pulling through is understood, the process becomes almost second nature.
One of the primary reasons the double crochet stitch is a favorite among both novices and seasoned crocheters is its straightforwardness.
Unlike some advanced stitches that require intricate maneuvers or combinations of multiple stitch types, the double crochet is singular and uncomplicated.
After a few rows, even beginners often find themselves crocheting with a fluid motion without needing to reference instructions constantly.
That being said, as with any skill, achieving proficiency requires practice. Initial attempts might result in uneven tension or missed stitches. However, you can easily overcome these minor hurdles with persistence and patience.
While the double crochet might pose a slight learning curve for some, its simplicity and repetitiveness make it one of the more accessible and rewarding stitches to learn in the crochet world.
How To Do A Double Crochet Stitch?
Begin with a foundation chain of your desired length. Remember, if you’re following a pattern, it will specify how many chain stitches you should start with.
Yarn Over
- Hold the foundation chain with your non-dominant hand. With your dominant hand, wrap the yarn around your crochet hook. This action is known as a “yarn over” (often abbreviated as “yo”).
Insert the Hook
- Skip the first three chains (these will count as your turning chain and will give height to your first double crochet). Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook.
Yarn Over Again
- Loop the yarn over your hook once more.
Pull Through
- Draw the yarn back through the chain, resulting in three loops on your hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through Two
- Loop the yarn over your hook again and tug (pull) it through the first two loops on the hook. You should now have two loops remaining.
Yarn Over and Complete
- Perform another yarn over and pull this loop through the remaining two loops on your hook.
Is It Possible To Crochet A Blanket Using Double Crochet Stitch Only?
Crocheting a blanket using only the double crochet stitch is possible and a popular choice among many crafters, especially those just embarking on their crochet journey.
With its moderate height and open weave, the double crochet stitch provides a textured yet cohesive fabric. The stitch allows for quicker project completion than shorter stitches like the single crochet.
Its repetitive, rhythmic nature makes for a meditative and therapeutic crocheting experience.
We utilize only the double crochet stitch for a blanket, resulting in a timeless, classic look. The resultant fabric is warm without being overly dense, making it suitable for various climates and seasons.
The openwork nature of the stitch also lends itself well to color experimentation, enabling crafters to produce visually striking patterns with color stripes, blocks, or gradient fades.
Furthermore, a blanket of double crochet stitches is a perfect canvas for embellishments. Once complete, crafters can adorn their work with borders, tassels, or even embroidery to add personal touches.
In essence, while simple in execution, a double crochet-only blanket offers endless opportunities for creativity and customization, making it a cherished addition to any home.
Which Yarn Is Best For A Double Crochet Blanket?
Choosing the suitable yarn for a double crochet blanket can significantly influence the blanket’s final texture, appearance, and functionality.
The ideal adventure often depends on the desired outcome, whether a lightweight summer throw or a warm winter comforter.
- Worsted Weight Yarn: A common choice for double crochet blankets, worsted weight yarn balances bulkiness and delicacy. It’s thick enough to provide warmth yet remains manageable for most crocheters. The resultant blanket has a good drape and a moderate weight, making it suitable for various purposes.
- Acrylic Yarn: Favored for its affordability, durability, and wide color range, acrylic yarn is hypoallergenic and easy to maintain. It’s machine washable, especially for items like blankets requiring frequent cleaning.
- Cotton Yarn: Ideal for summer blankets, cotton yarn is breathable and softens with each wash. It’s excellent for producing a cooler, lightweight blanket.
- Wool Yarn: Perfect for a warm and cozy blanket, wool is a natural insulator. Wool yarns are more elastic, making them enjoyable to crochet with. However, they may require more care in washing.
- Blends: Often, yarns blend materials like cotton-acrylic or wool-acrylic to combine the best properties of each. Combinations can provide the warmth of wool with the durability of acrylic, for instance.
How Much Yarn Do I Need To Crochet Blanket?
The amount of yarn needed to crochet a blanket largely depends on several factors: the blanket’s size, the stitch used, the yarn’s thickness, and the hook size.
Moreover, individual crocheting tension can result in variations in yarn consumption.
- Blanket Size: Naturally, more oversized blankets like the king or queen-sized covers will require more yarn than a baby blanket or lapghan.
- Yarn Weight & Thickness: Bulky or super bulky yarns cover more space quickly, meaning you’ll need fewer yards/meters than if you were using a thinner yarn like DK or sport weight.
- Stitch Choice: Some stitches, like the puff or bobble stitch, are yarn eaters and will require more yarn. In contrast, simpler stitches like single or double crochet use less.
- Hook Size: A larger hook will create looser stitches, which use less yarn than tighter stitches made with a minor theme.
- Tension: Those who crochet tightly will use more yarn than those with looser tension.
As a general guideline
- Baby blanket: 1,000-1,500 yards of light to medium-weight yarn.
- Lapghan: 1,500-2,000 yards.
- Twin size: 2,500-3,000 yards.
- Queen size: 3,500-4,500 yards.
- King size: 5,000-6,000 yards.
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How Long Should My Double Crochet Blanket Be?
The desired length of your double crochet blanket depends on its intended use and personal preferences.
However, there are some standard dimensions to consider for various types of coverings:
- Baby Blanket: Typically, baby blankets range between 34 to 36 inches in length. This size is manageable for wrapping around a baby and is versatile for use in cribs, strollers, or car seats.
- Lapghan: A blanket designed for draping over your lap and legs, lapghans are usually around 40 to 50 inches long. It’s perfect for cozying up with a book or watching TV on the couch.
- Throw: Throw blankets, decorative and functional, are generally around 60 inches long. They can add a touch of style to a living room or bedroom and provide warmth.
- Twin, Queen, and King-sized Blankets: These are meant to cover beds and thus follow standard bed sizes.
- Twin: Approximately 90 inches in length.
- Queen: Roughly 95 to 100 inches in length.
- King: Typically around 108 inches in length.
- Customized Lengths: If crafting a bespoke blanket, measure the person from chin to feet and add a few inches to ensure ample coverage and coziness.
Essential Tools & Material
Having the right tools and materials is vital for a smooth crafting experience and a quality finished product when setting out to crochet a double crochet blanket.
Here’s a rundown of essential items you’ll need:
Yarn: The primary material for your blanket. Its weight, texture, and fiber content greatly influence the blanket’s look and feel. For a double crochet blanket, medium-weight (worsted) yarn is commonly chosen due to its versatility, but you can opt for bulkier or lighter wool based on your preference.
Crochet Hook: Match the hook size to your yarn’s recommended size. A size H-8 (5mm) hook is typically suggested for worsted-weight adventure. However, if you crochet tightly or loosely, you might need to adjust the hook size.
Scissors: A sharp pair will ensure clean cuts, preventing yarn fraying.
Yarn Needle: Essential for weaving ends seamlessly. Opt for a needle with a large eye for easier threading.
Stitch Markers: Especially useful for marking the beginning or end of rows or tracking stitch counts in larger projects.
Tape Measure: Vital for keeping track of your blanket’s dimensions and ensuring you adhere to the desired size.
Pattern: A written or digital practice can be invaluable if you follow a specific design or layout. It guides you on stitch counts, color changes, and other design elements.
Optional Accessories: Depending on your design, you might want additional materials like buttons, tassels, or other embellishments.
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Finishing Techniques For Double Crochet Blanket
Finishing a double crochet blanket is as crucial as the primary crocheting process.
Proper finishing techniques elevate the blanket’s look, feel, and durability, ensuring it remains cherished for years. Here are some standard finishing methods:
- Weaving in Ends: You’ll have loose ends as you change yarn colors or add new balls of yarn. Using a yarn needle, weave these ends into the stitches of the blanket, ensuring they’re secure and invisible. It prevents any unraveling and offers a neat look.
- Blocking: Especially if your blanket has curled edges or uneven tension, blocking can help shape it. Wet the blanket and pin it to a blocking board or a flat surface, stretching it slightly to the desired shape. Allow it to air dry. This process sets the stitches and evens out the blanket.
- Adding a Border: Borders can give a polished look to your blanket. Single crochet, picot, or shell stitch are popular choices. A border also provides additional stability to the blanket’s edges.
- Fringe or Tassels: Add a frame or tassels to the blanket’s ends for a decorative touch. They can complement the primary blanket color or introduce a new contrasting hue.
- Washing and Care: Before gifting or using, wash the blanket according to the yarn’s care instructions. Some adventures can be machine washed, while others, like wool, might require hand washing. Proper care ensures the blanket remains soft and vibrant.
- Storing: If storing the blanket for an extended period, place it in a cool, dry place. Using a breathable bag or container prevents moisture build-up, which can damage the yarn.
How To Add Tassels & Pom-Pom To The Blanket?
Adding tassels and pom-poms to a blanket can provide a fun and decorative touch. Here’s how to create and attach both to your crochet project:
- Create the Tassel: Wrap yarn multiple times around a sturdy piece of cardboard or your hand. The width of the cardboard or space between your hands determines the length of the tassel.
- Secure: Slide a cut piece of yarn through the top of the wrapped twine, and tie it tightly to form the head of the tassel.
- Cut the Tassel: At the opposite end of the knot, cut through the loops to create the fringe of the tassel.
- Tighten: Wrap another piece of yarn around the top part of the tassel several times and knot securely.
- Attach: Using the yarn from the tassel’s head, sew it onto the corners or edges of the blanket.
- Create the Pom-pom: Using a pom-pom maker or a piece of cardboard, wrap yarn around until sufficiently thick. If using cardboard, two pieces cut into circles with a center hole work best.
- Tighten: Tie a piece of yarn around the middle of the wrapped twine, pulling tightly.
- Shape: Cut through the loops on both sides. Trim as necessary to form a round shape.
- Attach: Sew the pom-pom onto the blanket using the long tails from the knot.
Placement Tips
- Tassels are often added to corners or evenly spaced along one or both ends of a blanket.
- Pom-poms can be added in the same manner as tassels or spaced evenly around the entire blanket perimeter.
- When attaching, ensure both tassels and pom-poms are securely fastened to withstand regular use and washing. These embellishments can dramatically enhance the aesthetics and tactile appeal of your blanket.
Additional Notes
In crafting a double crochet blanket, the journey can be as enriching as the end product. As you embark on this creative endeavor, keep a few additional insights in mind:
- Yarn Quality Matters: Opting for higher-quality yarn can make a noticeable difference in the blanket’s texture, appearance, and longevity. While budget-friendly threads are available and can work well, keep quality high.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Especially if you’re new to crocheting or the double crochet stitch, take some time to practice on smaller swatches. It helps in achieving consistent tension and mastering the technique.
- Personalize: Don’t hesitate to put your unique touch on the blanket. There’s room for creativity, from color combinations to the inclusion of patterns or motifs.
- Care Instructions: Always save or make a note of your yarn’s care instructions. Proper care ensures that your blanket remains vibrant and intact for years.
- Relax and Enjoy: Crocheting is therapeutic for many. Embrace the process, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the rhythmic dance of yarn and hook. The love you pour into every stitch will radiate from your finished blanket.
Pattern Details
| Pattern Details | |
| Skill Level | Easy |
| Yarn Brand | Hobby Lobby |
| Yarn Name | I Love This Yarn Stripes |
| Yarn Weight | 4 Medium |
| Hook Size | I/9 (5.5 mm) |
| Stitches | Double Crochet (Article Not Updated For Interlinking) |
| Color | Black Marble |
| Category | Blankets |
How To Crochet A Blanket With Double Crochet Stitch?
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials
- Yarn: Medium-weight (worsted) yarn, approximately 1000-1500 yards, depending on the desired size. You can opt for a single color or multiple shades for stripes.
- Crochet Hook: Size H-8 (5mm)
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- st = stitch
Gauge & Size
- Gauge: Approximately 13 dc and 8 rows = 4 inches.
- Size: This pattern will yield a blanket approximately 50 inches wide by 60 inches long. Adjust the starting chain for a wider or narrower blanket.
Instructions For Double Crochet Blanket
- Foundation Row: Start by making a foundation chain of 166 chains (or a multiple of any number if you adjust the size). Considering the gauge, this will give you a blanket width of approximately 50 inches.
- Row 1: Yarn over (Yo), insert your hook into the 4th chain from the hook, yarn over again, and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over (Yo), pull (tug) through two loops (2 loops on the theme), yarn over again, and pull through the remaining two loops. It is your first dc. Continue with dc in every chain to the end. Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), make a dc from the previous row in each dc. Ensure you also push a dc at the top of the turning chain of the prior row. Turn.
- Continuation: Repeat Row 2 until the blanket reaches your desired length, approximately 60 inches for this pattern.
- Finishing: Once you’ve reached your desired size, fasten off the yarn and weave in all ends with your yarn needle.
- Optional: Add a border by cropping around the entire blanket or adding tassels or pom-poms for a decorative touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Different Type Of Yarn Than Recommended?
While the pattern recommends medium-weight yarn, you can use any type, but be sure to adjust your hook size accordingly and make a gauge swatch to ensure the final size aligns with your expectations.
How Do I Change Colors If I Want A Striped Double-Crochet Blanket?
To change colors
- Complete your last dc of the current color until two loops are left on the hook.
- Yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops.
- Continue with the new color.
- Weave it ends securely for a neat finish.
Is Chain 3 At The Beginning Of Each Row Counted As A Stitch?
In this pattern, chain 3 at the start of each row is considered your first double crochet.
I’m A Complete Beginner. How Long Might It Take To Complete This Blanket?
The time it takes varies depending on your comfort with the double crochet stitch and speed. As you practice, you’ll become faster. For complete beginners, it might take several weeks of casual crocheting.
How Can I Make My Double Crochet Blanket Softer?
The softness largely depends on the yarn you choose. However, washing the blanket with fabric softener or gentle baby shampoo and then air drying can enhance its softness. Always refer to the yarn’s care instructions to ensure longevity.
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