Blanket

Are you searching for a crochet pattern for your next blanket? You're in luck - I design almost nothing else! If you're looking for bright and colourful free crochet blanket patterns, Haak Maar Raak is where you want to start.

Scroll to the top of this page for all my blanket patterns. I'm sure there's a crochet project you will like! I have projects for all skill levels, ranging from beginner crocheter to advanced afghan patterns.

Supplies for your crochet

Crochet is quite an easy craft. You don't need much to get started. Besides general supplies such as scissors and a needle to work your yarn ends away, you need a crochet hook and, of course, yarn.

Crochet hooks

A crochet hook is the tool you use to crochet. Hooks come in various sizes, which one you need for your yarn is indicated on the yarn label. For example, for Bulky yarn, you will need a crochet hook that's 6mm or larger (US size J/10).

If you use Aran weight yarn, a 4 or 4.5mm crochet hook will do (US size G/6 or 7). So don't forget to check the yarn label for the hook size! Generally, you need a smaller hook for thin yarns and a thick hook for chunky yarns.

Crochet hooks also come in various shapes. Depending on how you crochet, one or the other hook can be more ergonomic.

Personally, I hold my hook like a knife. I prefer the Etimo Tulip hooks or the Clover Amour, which both have a big thumb rest to grip. The Etimo and Amours are popular choices, and I see many people working with those hooks.

If you hold your hook like a pen, you might want to consider brands like Addi Swing, which have an ergonomic curve to fit the shape of your hand.

Yarn for blankets

Yarn can be a study in itself. You want to choose the right yarn for your project or, if you have yarn on hand, the right project for your yarn.

Yarn comes in various weights, ranging from thin lace-like to chunky yarn. The heavier and thicker the yarn, the faster your crochet blankets will be finished.

Personally, I prefer fingering weight for my baby blankets. It's one of the most common weights of yarn, and it's not too thin. It's often available in many colours. Another favourite is aran or worsted weight yarn - slightly thicker than fingering weight and thus a good idea for bigger blankets. I have free patterns for all weights, so you'll find something suited for your yarn.

You might also want to check whether your yarn is washable. Washable yarn is called Superwash yarn and contains a little bit of acrylic fibre to prevent felting in the washing machine. Superwash yarn is available in any yarn weight.

Crochet afghans for beginners

Are you a beginner crocheter, and do you want some guidance in picking the right crochet projects? I have a lot of free patterns that are suitable for starters. You can get started with my Rainbow Granny Square blanket, an easy blanket pattern that's filled with colour.

Another great one for beginners is the Larksfoot blanket - a stunning stitch with a lovely rhythm to it. The Larksfoot stitch contains a few basic crochet stitches that are repeated over and over again, with a new colour in every row. Perfect for any skill level, and manageable for starters.

What size do I make my crochet blanket?

There is no fixed size to your blanket. My patterns all indicate in what size the finished throw blanket will be, and often include instructions to change the size of your blanket.

I also have a guide to the most common crochet blanket sizes, arranged from small to large:

• Baby lovey: 13.5" x 13.5" (35 x 35cm)
• Stroller cover: 30" x 35" (75 x 90cm)
• Baby Blanket: 31.5" x 39.5" (80 x 100cm)
• Toddler or play blanket: 39.5" x 47.5" (100 x 120cm)
• Afghan or Throw 51" x 59" (130 x 150cm)
• Twin Blanket: 67" x 90" (170 x 230cm)

These are just guidelines. You can choose to have your blankets longer, shorter, wider, or smaller. If you are making a bedspread, you might want to check US sites to see how big the bed is you're making the blanket for.

How much yarn do I need for my blanket?

The amount of yarn you need for your crochet blanket depends heavily on the pattern. Patterns with overlays need more yarn to make the same surface than lace patterns.

Yardage is often indicated in grams or meterage (i.e., the amount of meters or yards on a ball). This is not the same for every yarn. Some yarn balls come in 50g, some in 100g, and some in 10g. So check the yarn label to see how many meters or yards are on your ball.

A baby blanket needs around 1000m (1100 yards). Bigger blankets like throws can use double or even triple that amount, so around 3000m (3300 yards).