Basic Freeform Blanket Instructions: Pick up a crochet hook, and some yarn or thread. Begin crocheting at random. You could crochet squares, hexagons, triangles, or any combination of these shapes – or you could crochet completely irregular pieces. Then later you would join them together to create your blanket. That’s how I approached the blanket pictured at left. Or you could crochet a long starting chain that’s blanket-sized, and then crochet random rows of stitches to create your blanket. These are not the only two possibilities, so feel free to let your creativity take over if you have other ideas for how to approach a freeform crochet blanket. Want to learn more? See this freeform crochet overview, and these freeform crochet resources for more information and project inspiration. This pattern is available in several sizes, including the size pictured, receiving blanket size, and a couple of larger sizes. Instructions are also available for crocheting crib size and twin size versions of the design. If you want to make a blanket that will (hopefully!) be able to stay with the kid until graduation, I’m thinking the twin size is the way to go. But that, of course, is up to you; the smaller sizes use less yarn, are quicker, and are also nice to have on hand if needed. This colorful scrap afghan was submitted by one of our readers, Dayle. This particular filet crochet design would be lovely to use for making either a blanket or a bedspread. If you know how to do filet crochet already, you can just use this checkered diamonds chart, which tiles seamlessly, for crocheting a piece that’s as large as you want your blanket to be (allowing room for a border if desired.) You could also use the same chart to crochet other matching accessories such as panels for curtains, a runner for your dresser, etc. If you don’t already know how to do filet crochet, you’re invited to check out our filet crochet tutorials and give it a try. The pattern linked here is for making the granny square. To create an afghan or blanket from this design, you’ll need to crochet a bunch of the squares, then join them together, then add the blanket border or edging of your choice. You can follow those basic instructions and use them for making afghans out of just about any type of square or rectangle pattern, including the rest of the square patterns linked on this page. This pattern is easier than it looks. If you’ve mastered the single crochet stitch to the point that you can be confident in achieving consistent tension throughout a piece when you work it, you might like to try this pattern. If you like v-stitches then you might also be interested in our free crochet doll blanket pattern made from this same stitch. To make your blanket, you’ll just crochet a bunch of these squares, then join them together, then add the blanket edging of your choice around the outer edge.
