Cosy Stripe Blanket

I am addicted to making blankets and I think much of the appeal lies in finding a pattern that delivers a huge amount of feel good throughout the making process. The very act of crocheting row upon neat row of glorious colour is so therapeutic and relaxing that I never want it to end. Having said that though, it is pretty fabulous to end up with a beautiful blanket at the end of the journey.

This pattern uses just one crochet stitch -  Treble Crochet (this is called a Double Crochet in the US). It's an incredibly simple but very effective mixed stripe using two rows of crochet for each colour. The simplicity of it (very little counting or pattern reading!) makes it a hugely enjoyable project, and it's especially suited to the colder months of the year when you can cosy up and enjoy the snugly warmth of the blanket on your lap as you work. The rows grow satisfyingly quickly, and the simple mix of stitches creates a beautiful surface texture. It's an all-round "Good Do" as they say here in Yorkshire!

Some notes before we begin........

♥ I have used 15 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK worked on a 4mm hook to make my Cosy Stripe Blanket.

♥ These 15 balls are enough to make a single bed size blanket with a finished size of approximately 4ft x 6ft / 120 cm x 180 cm.

♥ If you crochet loosly, you will need to make sure that your starting chain and first row measures roughly 120cm otherwise you will need more than 15 x 100g balls. It's fine to reduce your starting chain to achieve the correct size, just remember to make your starting chain a multiple of 3.

♥ If you wish to make the blanket bigger ie to fit a double / king size bed, you will need to increase the number of stitches in your starting chain.....the starting chain should always be a multiple of  3. You will also need to purchase extra yarn if you make a bigger size.

♥ I'm writing this pattern in UK crochet terms, as follows ::

tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)

>> NOTE << If you are an experienced hooker (!) and don't require the full step-by-step picture tutorial, I've written a normal pattern at the end for you to copy/paste/print.

To make a blanket with a width of 120cm (single bed size) chain 198 to begin.

:: ROW 1 ::

1 treble into 4^th chain from hook (shown by my needle in the picture above).

Work 1 treble into each chain along.

Assuming we are counting the turning chain as a stitch, you should have 196 stitches in total.

Chain 3 and turn.

:: ROW 2 ::

:: note :: when working a row of treble crochet, you should ignore the stitch at the base of the chain-3. Your first treble should go into the next stitch along, as shown by the arrow in the picture above.

Work 1 treble into each stitch along....

....your very last stitch should be worked into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row, as shown by the arrow above. It's sometimes easy to miss this last stitch, so watch out for it!

There we go, last treble completed.

Assuming we are counting the first ch-3 as a stitch, you should have 196 stitches in total.

Now fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end for darning in later.

:: ROW 3 ::

:: note ::  change colour for this row, and on every alternate row which will always be an odd number row.

Insert your hook into the first stitch (shown above) and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble), then 1 treble into the same stitch (as shown above)

Skip two stitches, then work 3 trebles into the next stitch (as shown above).

*Skip 2 stitches, work 3 trebles into next stitch*

Repeat between ** all the way along the row until you have 3 stitches remaining.

Skip 2 stitches, then work 2 trebles into the very last stitch (which is the top of the chain-3 from the previous row).

If you want to check your stitch count for this row, you should have the following :

(2 tr) + (3 tr x 64) + (2 tr)

Chain 3 and turn.

:: ROW 4 ::

:: note :: you'll be working out of the spaces between the groups of 3-trebles in this row.

Work 3 trebles into the first space (as shown above)

Work 3 trebles into each space along.

Work 1 treble into the top of the very last stitch, then fasten off leaving a 15cm tail end for darning in later.

If you want to check your stitch count for this row, you should have the following :

(1 tr) + (3 tr x 65) + (1 tr)

:: ROW 5 ::

:: Note :: change colour

Insert your hook into the first stitch (shown above) and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble).

Work 1 treble into each stitch along, until there is just one stitch remaining....

....IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!>>> SKIP THIS LAST STITCH!!!! Unlike previous rows, there is NO treble worked into this last stitch. Just ignore it :)

Counting your beginning ch-3 as a stitch, you should have 196 stitches in total for this row.

Chain 3 and turn.

:: ROW 6 ::

:: note :: remember to ignore the stitch at the base of the chain-3. Your first treble should go into the next stitch along, as shown by the arrow in the picture above.

Work 1 treble into each stitch along.

As with row 2, make sure you don't miss that very last stitch - work the last treble into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row.

You should have 196 stitches in this row.

Fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end to darn in later.

:: ROW 7 ::

:: note ::  change colour for this row.

Insert your hook into the first stitch and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble), then work 1 treble into the same stitch.

*Skip 2 stitches, then work 3 trebles into the next stitch*

Repeat between ** until 3 stitches remain. Work 2 trebles into the very last stitch (which is the top of the chain-3 from the previous row). Turn (do not fasten off).

:: ROW 8 ::

:: note :: you'll be working out of the spaces between the groups of trebles for this row.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble), then work 3 trebles into the first space.

Work 3 trebles into each space along.

Work 1 treble into the top of the very last stitch.

Fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end to darn in later.

:: ROW 9 ::

:: Note :: change colour

Insert your hook into the first stitch (shown above) and pull a loop of your new colour through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 treble).

Work 1 treble into each stitch along, until there is just one stitch remaining....

REMEMBER???!!!! That's right, SKIP THE LAST STITCH!!!

Turn (do not fasten off).

:: ROW 10 ::

:: Note :: ignore the stitch at the base of the chain-3

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 1 treble into each stitch across (don't forget the last stitch is worked into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row).

Fasten off, leaving a 15cm tail end to darn in later.

After Row 10, you should be able to see how the simple mixed stripe pattern is forming.

Each colour is used to crochet one stripe, which is made up of two rows.

There is one stripe (two rows) of plain trebles, followed by one stripe (two rows) of treble clusters (groups of 3 trebles worked into one stitch).

ROW 11 = Repeat Row 7 (1st treble cluster row)

ROW 12 = Repeat Row 8 (2nd treble cluster row)

ROW 13 = Repeat Row 9 (1st plain treble row)**

ROW 14 = Repeat Row 10 (2nd plain treble row)

** NOTE >> it's very important to remember that the first plain treble row SKIPS A STITCH at the END of that row. This keeps the stitch count correct and the edges straight (there should always be 196 stitches in each of the straight tr rows)

It's very straightforward I promise you, so long as you start and end each row correctly.

A little note about darning in those pesky ends. I've found the neatest way to do this is to use a darning needle and weave the end vertically up the actual post of a treble stitch.....

....then weave it down the post of an adjoining treble stitch before taking it across to the outside edge. Dealing with your ends this way may seem fiddly, but if you do it as you go along (Listen to Lucy here, be disciplined with your tail ends!!), it's not so bad and it makes a strong, super-neat finish.

You may find your edges look a little bumpy or uneven, but remember we'll be adding a border at the end which will disguise any lumps and bumps rather nicely.

As this Cosy Stripe is a brand new blanket I'm currently making, it's still a work in progress. When my blanket measures 180cm(ish) tall, I'll stop the rows and decide what kind of an edging it needs. I'll finish writing up this tutorial then, to share my edging method :)

You can work this Cosy Stripe blanket using whichever colours make your heart sing. All you need to think about is the quantity - it takes roughly 15 x 100g balls to make a single bed size blanket, and twice as many to make a full king size bed blanket.

If you are using the Attic24 Cosy Pack of yarn colours (that's them in the bag above), I'll be sharing the progress of my own Cosy Stripe blanket (including the exact random colour order) here on my blog EVERY SUNDAY throughout November and December 2014. Here are links to the blog posts....

Cosy Blanket Part 1 (introduction and colour order for stripes 1-15)

Cosy Blanket Part 2 (progress update and colour order for stripes 16-30)

Cosy Blanket Part 3 (progress update and colour order for stripes 31-45)

Cosy Blanket Part 4 (progress update and colour oder for stripes 46 - 60)

Cosy Blanket Part 5 (progress update and colour oder for stripes 61 - 75)

Cosy Blanket Part 6 (progress update and colour oder for stripes 76 - 90)

Cosy Blanket Part 7 (all about the edging)

Cosy Blanket Edging (full tutorial for working the border)

To make things easier, here is the pattern written in a more abbreviated form for you to copy/paste/print....

Chain 198 to begin.

:: ROW 1 :: starting in 4th ch from hook, work 1 tr into each st along. Ch 3 and turn. [196 sts]

:: ROW 2 :: Work 1 treble into each stitch along. Fasten off. [196 sts]

:: ROW 3 :: (new colour) ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), work 1 tr into same st. *Skip 2 sts, 3 tr's into next st*

Repeat between ** until 3 sts remain. Skip 2 sts, 2 tr's into last st. Ch 3 and turn. [(2tr) +( 3tr x 64) + (2tr)]

:: ROW 4 :: Work 3 tr's into 1st space between groups of tr's. Work 3 tr's into each space along. Work 1 tr into top of very last stitch. Fasten off.  [(1tr) +( 3tr x 65) + (1tr)]

:: ROW 5 :: (new colour) Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), work 1 tr into each stitch along until 1 stitch remains. SKIP LAST STITCH ON THIS ROW ONLY. Ch 3 and turn.  [196 sts]

:: ROW 6 :: Work 1 tr into each st along. Fasten off.  [196 sts]

:: ROWS 7 & 8 :: Repeat rows 3 & 4

:: ROWS 9 & 10 :: Repeat rows 5 & 6

Carry on repeating rows 3-6 until you are happy with the length.

♥ Wishing you a Happy,  COSY blanket journey! ♥

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Comments

[Afzaa]

I love this pattern so much, i was wondering if this blanket can be started pff with a chainless foundation chain rather than doing a normal foundation chain

[Ginger]

How many chains for a baby blanket?

[Hilary Fraser]

I’m just starting crotchet and my chain foundation row of 198 stitches only measures 100 cms. Does this mean they are too tight ? Should I add more chains in multiples of 3 to make the 120 cms stated in pattern or re chain the foundation row more loosely

[Jan]

In response to Johanna, I counted very carefully and used knitting markers to make sure my clusters were on track. It works. I did have to rip out a lot at first but once I got going, it looks great. I just used 3 colors and a lot of white and it turned out lovely. Jan

[Angelica Lopez]

This is a very beautiful blanket, and I will try to make it. Because I like crochet to make anything. Thank you very much.

[Jan]

To keep the rows even,I count the stitches and use knitting counters every 10 or 20 or 30 stitches. I'm experienced too but I make any necessary corrections on each row &follow the tutorials.

[Betty Moore]

Absolutely lovely. Picks your spirits up just looking at of. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Nora Ambrose]

Hi Lucy,
This is a lovely pattern. Thank you for sharing it. Just wanted to ask where can I get the instructions on how to do the border?

Thank you!

[Annie]

I have made this blanket now, twice. Both these beautiful blankets were made to use up my stash ( or at least try ) first my wools, then my acrylic yarns. Both blankets have turned out absolutely lovely and, like your illustration, are so colorful. The acrylic one I just finished somehow named itself while I worked on it. The colors are so vibrant and I am in love. It insisted on naming itself "music". Really!!! It just would not be quiet about its name. So "music" it is. It is to be given to my very last grandchild. This will be the very last out of 10 blankets and 10 grand children. Her sister was the recipient of the gorgeous wool one and everyone comments on it and loves it. I know this "music" that her sister will receive will also be loved and admired. Thank you so much for this pattern. I have knit or crochet so many many blankets. These are my favorites. AND EASY!! This pattern is so perfect for knitting up wonderful things to help knit down some of our sizable stash!!

[Donnie]

Love the pattern! I haven't crocheted in years but hope to get started once again when I retire in a few months.
This looks like a very easy pattern to get me back in the swing of things.

Thanks so much for sharing!

[Gabri]

I've been searching for just the right blanet pattern to showcase the colors I have chosen. Happily I have found it here!
Since I am just not a fan of beginning with long chains, I wonder if it's possible to begin with a tr foundation row.

[marliah]

the tutorial is very helpfull, thank you so much

[Michele Brisker]

Are packs available in superwash merino?

[Susan Jensen]

Justy found your site, terrific pics and instructions!
One question, I always worry about the end coming out a little so you see little tails. Once you have woven up and down then out to the edge do you just strim off or do extra weaving please?
Thanks, Sue.

[Marie Gunns]

Has someone figured the amount of stitches needed for a double bed? X

[Gina Rossellini]

Beautifully illustrated, Clear instructions. THANK YOU 😉

[Janice]

Been looking for this pattern. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Mechaela]

Thank you for mentioning skipping the last stitch on the treble crochet rows. I had started a blanket from a pattern similar to this but couldn't figure out how I had an extra stitch. I pulled put multiple rows and was just going to try a different pattern but I'm so glad I found yours. Thank you!

[ANN DRURY]

I love this pattern! I have made one for my love seat and now I want one for my sofa.

[Kathleen]

Where can I find this pattern in US Directions

[Robyn Brodie]

This is my go to for blankets. I have used it for a temperature lapghan, stroller blanket, knee warmer, etc, and I don't get sick of doing it. Thank you tsuch a beautiful but simple pattern. Well worth the effort.

[Luz Virginia Barratachea]

Dear Lucy what a beautiful blanket fell in love with the colors . Can you let me know the baby colors you use and where can i purchase it. Also how many chains for a baby blanket.Please let me know and I thank you so much. Virginia from Texas.

[Martha]

In response to Johanna - so long as your total stitches is divisible by 3 I have found it works. The clusters should be going into every third stitch so there are two skipped ones in between and your total number of stitches then remains the same. Good luck!

[Johanna]

I am an experienced crocheter but this one is killing me. I have my first two rows but the math does not work for the number of clusters. There are significantly more than 3 sets of 64 if you do one cluster every 2 stitches. The blanket keeps growing because I am evidently missing something in the pattern. So disappointing as I was so looking forward to gorgeous spring colors.
Can anyone offer any assistance? My first 2 rows are great but I lose it on the next rows. And a pet peeve - if the number of stitches is posted in the pattern they need to be correct.
Any help from anyone?

[Marie Bristow]

Beautiful