Plush Yarn Easy Crochet Blanket:  Weekend Pattern for Beginners

Plush Yarn Easy Crochet Blanket: Pattern by Janice Jones

Are you one of those crochet enthusiasts who would love to give more blankets as gifts, but just don't have the time to make them?  

This blanket was created for my daughter, who loves pink and craves soft textures. She was thrilled, especially with how the fabric felt on her skin. What surprised both of us was when we put it on the bed, my little Shih Tzu decided it was his. In his customary manner, he started digging in and circling to create his own little bed. Once he finally settled, I began to wonder who really owned the blanket.

The Pattern at a Glance

  • Skill level:  Basic/Beginner
  • Blanket size:  80 x 90 inches (200 x 225 cm)
  • Yarn weight:  #6 Bulky weight Yarn
  • Why it's fast:  All stitches used are basic stitches.  The treble stitch rows add an inch or more to the length of the blanket
  • What stitches are used:  Chain stitch,  single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet.
    • Plush yarn is used to make this queen sized crochet blanket

    Why a Plush Yarn Crochet Blanket

    Afghans are fun to make, but there are easier solutions today.   During my days of nonstop Granny Squares, I would crochet all the squares and then spend weeks weaving in the ends. I got so bored with that method that I started weaving in ends after each square. That reduced my boredom somewhat, but slowed me down.

    Yes, you can hide some of the ends by crocheting over them, but my experience showed that those I just hide under the next row of stitches eventually begin to unravel. Weaving in ends is an inevitable part of crochet, but if you are like me, finding a pattern with fewer ends to weave in is a real advantage.

    I wanted a pattern that was quick and easy for beginners who have learned the basic crochet stitches, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet.

    I wanted the project to provide plenty of practice with those stitches while also creating something useful and practical. The stitch sequence was intentional so beginners could actually see the size progression of each row, but as I began to crochet it, I liked the texture the pattern created.

    Pattern Notes

    Even though the stitch definition was not as clear when using the plush yarn, what really stood out to me was how the row of treble crochet stitches opened up the design, creating a lighter, airier feel.  As you look at the blanket, your eyes are drawn to the tall treble stitches. They create that extra space between stitches and rows, making it feel almost lace-like.

    • Skill Level:  Basic/beginner
    • All instructions are written in US terms.
    • My blanket was crocheted for a full-size double bed 80 x 90 inches (200 x 225 cm)
    • I used a CYC #6 Super Bulky Weight Plush Yarn and an M (12.00 mm) hook.
    • Other supplies:  Scissors and an extra-large-eyed tapestry needle.

    Written Instructions

    Chain 127, placing stitch markers every 25 stitches, for convenience.

    Row 1: Chain 1.  Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each chain across row.

    Row 2: Ch 4, turn.  Tr in 2nd st from hook, then in each sc across the row.

    Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd tr stitch and then in each tr stitch across row.

    Row 4:  Ch 2, turn.  Hdc in 2nd dc and then in each dc stitch across row.

    Row 5: Ch 1, turn.  Sc in 2nd hdc from hook and then in each hdc across row.

    Repeat rows 2-5 until the desired width of the blanket is reached.

    Fasten off. 

    Weave in ends. Add a border if desired.

    Border (Optional)

    I created two rows of single crochet stitches around the blanket in a contrasting color.  The corners were created with two crochet stitches, one chain, and two more crochet stitches, all worked into the same corner crochet stitch.  

    How Big Do You Want Your Blanket to Be?

    You can make blankets in just about any size to meet your needs but if you want a more conventional sizing chart, I have provided one below.

    Table of various sizes of blankets shown in inches and centimeters

    What Type of Yarn Do I Need for a Blanket:  Weights, Fibers, Look and Feel

    Generally speaking, the thicker the yarn you choose, the less time it will take to complete the blanket.  Here are some general guidelines for yarn weights from the Craft Yarn Council

    Chart of Yarn Weights based on the Yarn Craft Council Standards

    If you want a fast project, choose CYC's #5, 6, or 7.  Crochet Afghans normally use worsted-weight yarn, #4.  If you go smaller than that, the speed at which you complete your project will be slower.

    CYC #5 Bulky:  Use 7.00 mm, (L) 8.00 mm, (M/N) 9.00 mm

    CYC #6 Super Bulky:  Use N/M) 10.00 mm, 12.00 mm

    CYC #7:  Jumbo:  Use (P/Q) 15.00 mm, (Q) 16 mm

    Choose a yarn that is durable and easy to wash, especially if you are making a baby blanket.  Some good choices include acrylic, cotton, polyester, and bamboo.

    Superwash wool is also an excellent choice, but avoid fibers that must be hand-washed, such as wool and alpaca, as it is difficult to manage a large blanket by hand.

    Regardless of the fiber, pick one that is soft and comfortable against your skin.  Plush yarn blankets are supposed to be cozy, and you wouldn't want one that is scratchy or irritating your skin.

    Color is another consideration.  If you are making a blanket for yourself, it's easy to choose.  Pick what you like.  Choose a coordinating color for your home décor, or choose a bright, flamboyant shade that will make your room pop.

    If you are creating a blanket for someone else, find out their likes and dislikes.  After all, you want them to love and use the blanket that you so lovingly handcrafted.

    What the Plush Yarn Easy Crochet Blanket Stitch Looks Like in Cotton Yarn

    It is often difficult to see what this stitch looks like in number 5 plush yarn, so, I created it in a 100% cotton so you can see what you will be creating in the yarn recommended for the blanket.

    The plush yarn blanket stitch is worked in cotton for easier visibility.Stitches used to make this plush yarn blanket

    Review

    REMEMBER

    To reach the correct height for each stitch at the beginning of the row:

    For single crochet, chain one

    For half double crochet, chain two

    For double crochet, chain three

    For treble crochet, chain four

    Designer's Notes

    I watched how quickly my dog's digging affected the blanket. Even a small 10-pound Shih Tzu, which is not known to be a big digger, was able to snag strands of yarn and pull up loops. I can't imagine how this could play out if the dog were larger, stronger, or a more ardent digger. Luckily, the stretched loops could be pulled back into shape, so no damage was done. Note to self: My Shih Tzu deserves his very own blanket.

    Pin for Future Reference

    A plush yarn crochet blanket is folded at the end of a bed with a Shih Tzu dog resting on top.Plush Yarn Crochet Blanket: Please Pin for Future Reference

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