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Beginner Crochet Blanket Lesson
Crochet a simple rectangle in single crochet. This beginner lesson walks through a gauge swatch, a starting-chain calculation, and each step to finish the blanket.
Sample pattern
One-size example
- Finished target
- 36 × 48 in (91 × 122 cm)
- Yarn
- About 1,800 yd (1,646 m) of smooth medium/worsted-weight yarn (#4), plus extra for swatching
- Hook
- US H/8 (5 mm)
- Single-crochet gauge
- 14 stitches × 15 rows per 4 in (10 cm), after washing and drying the swatch
- Example starting chain
- Chain 127 to work 126 single crochets for a 36 in (91 cm) width at the draft gauge
Before you begin
Materials and tools
- About 1,800 yd (1,646 m) of smooth medium/worsted-weight yarn (#4), plus extra for the swatch
- US H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook
- A blunt yarn or tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- A tape measure or ruler and scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, useful for checking the edges)
The yarn estimate is provisional. Your swatch, yarn, and finished measurements affect how much you need, so check your gauge and buy enough for your planned size from one dye lot when possible.
Quick glossary
Crochet terms
- Chain (ch)
- A foundation loop made by pulling yarn through the loop already on your hook.
- Single crochet (sc)
- Insert the hook into a stitch, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
- Turning chain
- A chain made at a row end to give the hook room to begin the next row.
- Gauge
- How many stitches and rows fit in a measured area; it helps estimate the finished size and yarn needs.
This lesson uses US crochet terms. In UK terminology, US single crochet is called double crochet.
Work at your own pace
Step-by-step instructions
Make, wash, and measure a swatch
With the suggested hook and yarn, chain enough stitches to make a small square, then work single crochet rows until it is about 5 in (13 cm) tall. Wash and dry it as the yarn label directs. Lay the swatch flat without stretching and measure across its center. The draft gauge is 14 stitches and 15 rows in 4 in (10 cm). If your count differs, use your washed swatch measurements in step 2; you can also try another hook and make a new swatch.
Choose a width and calculate the stitch count
The one-size example aims for a finished width of 36 in (91 cm). At 14 stitches per 4 in, calculate 36 × (14 ÷ 4) = 126 stitches. For a different width, multiply the desired width in inches by your measured stitches per inch, then round to a whole stitch. For example, divide the stitches in 4 in by 4 to find stitches per inch. Your measured gauge changes the starting chain and can change how much yarn you need.
Make the foundation chain
Make a slip knot on your hook. Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front) and pull the hook through the loop to make a chain. Repeat until you have 127 chains for the 126-stitch example. The extra chain gives you room to make the first single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Keep the loops even and loose enough for the hook to pass through.
Work the first single-crochet row
Starting in the second chain from the hook, insert the hook under the top loops of the chain. Yarn over and pull up a loop; you now have two loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through both loops. That is one single crochet. Repeat in each chain across to make 126 stitches. Count the stitches so the first row sets the blanket width.
Chain one, turn, and work even rows
At the end of the row, chain one and turn the work. This turning chain gives the hook room to begin the next row and does not count as a stitch in this sample. Single crochet in the first stitch and in every stitch across. Count each row and check that you still have 126 stitches; working into the first and last stitches helps keep the edges straight.
Continue to the target length
Repeat the chain-one, turn, and single-crochet row until the piece is about 48 in (122 cm) long. Lay it flat to measure, without pulling the fabric. Your row gauge and yarn can change how many rows this takes. If you need another ball, join the new yarn at the beginning edge of a row and leave tails to weave in later. Check the label and, when possible, use yarn from the same dye lot.
Fasten off and weave in the ends
After the last stitch, cut the yarn leaving a tail about 6 in (15 cm) long. Yarn over and pull the cut end all the way through the loop on your hook to fasten off. Thread each tail onto the blunt needle and weave it through several stitches on the wrong side, changing direction once. Trim the tails without cutting the fabric.
Wash, shape, and dry
Wash the blanket according to the yarn label. Lay it flat and gently shape it toward the 36 × 48 in (91 × 122 cm) sample size without stretching. Let it dry fully before folding or using it. Care instructions vary by yarn, so follow the label rather than assuming every fiber can be machine washed or dried.