Easy Crochet Border for Baby Blanket

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Blanket Size
4. Inspiration and Design
5. Stitch Technique - Berry Stitch
6. Hook Size and Tension
7. Chain Count and Starting Row
8. Working the Berry Stitch Rows
9. Working the Single Crochet Rows
10. Adding Borders and Corners
11. Finishing Touches and Tips

Introduction

Welcome to Sugar Joy! In this tutorial, I will guide you step-by-step on how to create a lovely throw blanket with a built-in berry border. This easy-to-make project is perfect for crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels. By following the instructions provided in this article, you will be able to create a beautiful throw blanket that can also be used as a baby blanket or a lap blanket. So, let's gather our materials and get started!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's make sure we have all the necessary materials for this project. You will need the following:

1. One skein of Karen One Pound yarn in the color Light Terracotta.
2. Susan Bates 8mm bamboo handle hook.
3. Scissors.
4. Tapestry needle.

You can find these materials at your local craft store, or you can purchase them online. It's always a good idea to have an extra skein of yarn just in case. The Karen One Pound yarn is equivalent to about three regular skeins, so one skein should be enough for this project.

Blanket Size

The finished size of the blanket will be approximately three feet by four feet. This makes it a perfect size for a lap blanket or a baby blanket. However, you can adjust the size to suit your preferences by adding or subtracting rows.

Inspiration and Design

The inspiration for this blanket came from a grid pattern my sister had created using the berry stitch. As a beginner crocheter, I wanted to try something similar but with a simpler design. I decided to create a frame using the berry stitch and incorporate it as a built-in border. This way, I wouldn't have to go back and add a separate border to the blanket. The result is a beautiful and unique design that is both visually appealing and functional.

Stitch Technique - Berry Stitch

The main stitch used in this project is the berry stitch. It creates a textured pattern that resembles little squares. The berry stitch is worked every other row, alternating with a row of single crochet stitches. This gives the blanket a nice tile-like appearance.

To create a berry stitch, follow these steps:

1. Insert your hook into the designated stitch or space.
2. Yarn over and pull through a loop.
3. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
4. Yarn over and insert your hook into the same stitch or space.
5. Yarn over and pull through a loop.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 four more times.
7. Yarn over and pull through all five loops on your hook.

By repeating these steps, you will create a row of berry stitches. It's important to note that each berry stitch is preceded and followed by a single crochet stitch. This creates a neat and organized pattern.

Hook Size and Tension

I recommend using an 8mm hook for this project, such as the Susan Bates bamboo handle hook. This larger hook size helps to create a looser tension, which is especially helpful if you tend to crochet tightly. However, if you prefer a denser blanket, you can use a smaller hook size.

Chain Count and Starting Row

To begin the blanket, you will need to make an initial chain count of 70. This will give you eight spaces on each side to work the berry stitch. The first row is a row of single crochet stitches, which serves as the foundation for the blanket.

To create the starting row, follow these steps:

1. Make a slipknot and secure it on your hook.
2. Chain 70 stitches.
3. Work a single crochet stitch into the first stitch from the hook.
4. Continue working single crochet stitches across the row.

Once you have completed the starting row, chain one and turn your work.

Working the Berry Stitch Rows

The next step is to work the rows of berry stitches. With the foundation row in place, you can now begin creating the textured pattern of the blanket.

To work the berry stitch rows, follow these steps:

1. Work a single crochet stitch into the first stitch from the hook.
2. Work a berry stitch into the next designated stitch or space.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 across the row.
4. Chain one and turn your work.

Continue alternating between rows of single crochet stitches and berry stitches until you achieve the desired length of the blanket. Remember to always start and end each row with a single crochet stitch.

Working the Single Crochet Rows

After each row of berry stitches, you will need to work a row of single crochet stitches. This helps to create a balanced pattern and ensures that the berries are only visible on one side of the blanket.

To work the single crochet rows, follow these steps:

1. Work a single crochet stitch into each stitch and space across the row.
2. Chain one and turn your work.

Repeat these steps for each single crochet row, alternating them with the berry stitch rows.

Adding Borders and Corners

One of the unique features of this blanket is the built-in border. Rather than adding a separate border at the end, the border stitches are incorporated into the design from the beginning. This saves time and gives the blanket a cohesive look.

To create the border and corners, follow these steps:

1. In the designated corner space, work three berry stitches.
2. Continue working single crochet stitches across the row until you reach the next corner space.
3. In the next corner space, work three berry stitches.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for each corner of the blanket.
5. After completing the last corner, continue working single crochet stitches across the remaining stitches and spaces.

By following these steps, you will create a border around the entire blanket, with the corners having three berry stitches each.

Finishing Touches and Tips

Once you have reached the desired length of the blanket, you can fasten off your yarn and weave in any loose ends using a tapestry needle. Check your work for any mistakes or inconsistencies and make any necessary adjustments.

As you work on this project, remember to take your time and practice good tension control. The berry stitch requires a bit of precision, so it's important to pay attention to your stitches and count them correctly. Don't hesitate to unravel and redo any sections that don't meet your standards.

Enjoy the process of creating this beautiful throw blanket and have fun experimenting with different color combinations and yarn choices. Happy crocheting!

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different yarn weight for this project?

A: The pattern is designed for the Karen One Pound yarn, which is a medium weight yarn. You can certainly experiment with different yarn weights, but keep in mind that it may affect the size and drape of the blanket.

Q: Can I add more rows to make a larger blanket?

A: Yes, you can easily adjust the size of the blanket by adding more rows. Just make sure to maintain the pattern and stitch count to achieve a balanced design.

Q: Can I use a different stitch instead of the berry stitch?

A: The berry stitch creates a unique texture, but you can certainly substitute it with another stitch if you prefer. Just make sure to maintain the same stitch count and pattern consistency throughout the blanket.

Q: Can I make this blanket in different colors?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to play around with different color combinations to create a personalized look. You can change yarn colors for each row or even create a gradient effect by using different shades of the same color.

Q: How long does it take to complete this project?

A: The time it takes to complete the blanket depends on your crochet speed and the amount of time you can dedicate to the project each day. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to finish.

Q: Can I sell the blankets I make using this pattern?

A: Yes, you can sell the blankets you make using this pattern. However, please give credit to the original designer and include a link to the pattern source, daisyfarmcrafts.com.

Q: Where can I find more crochet patterns and tutorials?

A: There are many online resources where you can find a wide range of crochet patterns and tutorials. Websites like Ravelry, Etsy, and Pinterest are great places to start. Additionally, YouTube is a valuable platform for finding video tutorials.

Q: Can I make this pattern in other crochet techniques, such as Tunisian crochet or filet crochet?

A: This pattern is specifically designed for traditional crochet techniques. If you want to try it in other crochet techniques, you will need to make adjustments to the stitch counts and instructions to accommodate the different techniques.