Looking for simple, beautiful crochet projects that won't leave you frustrated? At Secret Yarnery, we understand that starting your crochet journey should be enjoyable, not overwhelming. That's why we've gathered our favorite easy crochet blanket patterns that are perfect for beginners but stunning enough to make you proud.
Each pattern uses basic stitches while creating gorgeous textures and designs that friends and family will admire for years to come.
Why Blankets Are Perfect First Projects for Beginners
Blankets might seem ambitious for your first crochet project, but they're actually ideal for beginners for several reasons. Unlike garments that require precise sizing, blankets are forgiving - a few missed stitches won't ruin your project. They also use repetitive stitch patterns that help you build muscle memory and confidence as you work.
"The best way to learn crochet is through repetition. Blankets give you plenty of practice with basic stitches while creating something beautiful and useful."
Another advantage of blanket projects is that you can start small with a baby blanket or lap throw before committing to a full-sized afghan. This makes them perfect for building confidence while still completing a satisfying project.
Essential Materials for Crocheting Your First Blanket
Before diving into our patterns, let's make sure you have everything you need. The beauty of these beginner-friendly patterns is that they require just a few basic supplies:
Materials Checklist
- Yarn: Most of our beginner patterns use medium (worsted) weight yarn, which is easy to work with and widely available
- Crochet Hooks: Sizes H/8 (5mm) to K/10.5 (6.5mm) work well with worsted weight yarn
- Scissors: For cutting yarn
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends
- Stitch Markers: Helpful for keeping track of your pattern
- Measuring Tape: To check your blanket dimensions
For beginners, we recommend starting with acrylic yarn, which is affordable, durable, and comes in countless colors. It's also machine washable, making it perfect for blankets that will see regular use.
Comparing Our Top Easy Crochet Blanket Patterns
Not sure which pattern to start with? This comparison will help you choose the perfect project based on your skill level and time commitment:
| Pattern Name | Skill Level | Time to Complete | Yarn Amount | Main Stitches |
| Simple Stripes Blanket | Complete Beginner | 10-15 hours | 4-5 skeins | Single crochet only |
| Cozy Cabin Throw | Beginner | 15-20 hours | 6-7 skeins | Double crochet, chains |
| Textured Blocks Afghan | Advanced Beginner | 20-25 hours | 7-8 skeins | Single, double crochet |
| Granny Square Blanket | Beginner | 15-25 hours | 5-8 skeins | Double crochet, chains |
| Ripple Wave Throw | Advanced Beginner | 20-30 hours | 6-8 skeins | Double crochet, increases/decreases |
1. Drunken Granny Baby Blanket
This Baby Blanket is a playful, beginner-friendly crochet pattern with a unique staggered design. It uses simple double crochet clusters and chain spaces to create a lightweight, lacy texture—perfect for layering. The reversible blanket features a neat single crochet border for polished edges.
Why You’ll Love It:
Skill Level: Complete Beginner
Materials Needed:
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Yarn: Approximately 500g / 18oz (820m / 897y) of worsted-weight yarn (e.g., "Saver" yarn).
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Hook Sizes:
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- Foundation Chain: 7.0mm hook (or one size larger than main hook).
- Main Blanket: 6.0mm hook (or size recommended on yarn label).
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Additional Tools: Scissors, yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Finished Dimensions:
- Size: 36" x 40" (91cm x 102cm).
- Customization: Adjust width by chaining any multiple of 5 + 4 (e.g., 109 chains for the sample size).
Basic Instructions:
- Foundation Chain: Chain any multiple of 5 + 4 (e.g., 105 + 4 = 109)
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Row 1 (Blocks):
- Work 4 double crochet (dc), chain 2, 1 dc into the 5th chain from hook.
- Skip 4 chains, repeat 4 dc, ch 2, 1 dc into next stitch across. End with 1 dc in the last chain.
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Row 2+ (Repeat):
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- Chain 3, turn. Work 4 dc, ch 2, 1 dc into each chain-2 space across. End with 1 dc in the top of the turning chain.
- Repeat Row 2 until blanket reaches desired length.
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Edging:
- Top/Bottom: Single crochet (sc) and chains into spaces (e.g., 2 sc in corner spaces, 3 sc in chain-2 spaces).
- Sides: Work 2 sc before/after each dc block (4 sc per block). Join with a slip stitch, weave in ends.
Pro Tip: The pattern is reversible and features a simple one-row repeat, making it beginner-friendly!
Ready to Make Your Drunken Granny Baby Blanket?
Get the complete pattern with detailed instructions, stitch counts, and color change tips.
Download Free Pattern Get Ad-Free Printable ($5.75)2. Sober Granny Baby Blanket
This Baby Blanket is beginner-friendly, with a dense, cozy texture—perfect for keeping little ones warm. This modern twist on the classic granny stitch uses simple repeats of single crochet, chains, and double crochet clusters to create a soft, hole-free fabric.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed:
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Yarn:
- Main Blanket: 600g / 21.16oz (1260m / 1374y) of soft baby yarn (e.g., "Softly Baby").
- Border: 100g / 3.53oz (105m / 115y) of contrasting or matching yarn.
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Hook Size: 6.0mm (or size recommended for your yarn).
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Additional Tools: Stitch markers, scissors, yarn needle for weaving ends.)
Finished Dimensions:
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Size: 33" x 41" (84cm x 104cm).
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Customization: Adjust width by chaining any multiple of 4 (e.g., 112 chains for the sample size).
"Crochet is more than just yarn and hooks—it's a hug you can wrap around someone you love. The Sober Granny Baby Blanket is designed to be soft, sturdy, and full of heart, just like the little ones it’s made for!"
Basic Instructions:
- Foundation Chain: Chain any multiple of 4 (e.g., 112). Use stitch markers every 4th chain for guidance.
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Row 1 (Blocks):
- Work 1 single crochet (sc), chain 2, 4 double crochet (dc) into every 4th chain. End with 1 sc in the last chain.
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Row 2+ (Repeat):
- Chain 3, turn. Work 1 sc, ch 2, 4 dc into each ch-2 space across. End with 1 sc in the last space.
- Repeat until blanket reaches desired length.
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Border:
- Round 1: Work ch 3, 1 sc into each space along edges; corners: 1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc in same stitch.
- Round 2 (Shells): Into each ch-3 space, work 1 dc, 2 treble crochet (tr), 1 dc; corners: 1 dc, 5 tr, 1 dc. Join with a slip stitch.
Create Your Own Sober Granny Baby Blanket
Get the full pattern with row-by-row instructions, border options, and color suggestions.
Download Free Pattern Get Ad-Free Printable ($5.75)3. Round Granny in a Spiral Blanket
This mesmerizing circular blanket with a hypnotic spiral design, perfect for beginners! It uses simple double crochet clusters and strategic increases to create a stunning, seamless spiral. The contrast border adds a pop of color, making it a showstopping gift or cozy addition to your home.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Main Blanket: 600g / 21.16oz (DK weight, e.g., "Cakes DK").
- Border: 30g / 1.06oz (contrast color, DK weight).
- Hook Size: 5.0mm.
- Tools: Stitch markers, scissors, yarn needle.
Finished Dimensions:
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Size: 48" diameter (122cm).
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Customizable: Adjust size by adding more rounds.
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Basic Instructions:
- Center Ring: Chain 3, slip stitch to form a ring. Work 6 shells (3 dc + ch 1) into the ring.
- Spiral Rounds: Alternate between:
- Increase Rounds: 3 dc – ch 1 – 3 dc in designated spaces to expand the spiral.
- Regular Rounds: 3 dc in each space to maintain shape.
- Border:
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- Round 1: Ch 3, 1 sc in each space for texture.
- Round 2: 3 dc clusters for a scalloped edge.
Beginner Tip: Use a contrast-color stitch marker to mark the start of each round—it’s a game-changer for keeping track of your spiral increases! If your center ring feels too tight, gently tug the tail to loosen it before working your first shells.
Ready for a Bit More Challenge?
Get the complete Textured Blocks Afghan pattern with detailed instructions and helpful tips.
Download Free Pattern Get Ad-Free Printable ($5.75)4. Speedy Granny Ruth Crochet Baby Blanket
A lightning-fast crochet baby blanket with a gorgeous textured stitch pattern! This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple double crochet and spiked stitches to create a cozy, reversible fabric with no border needed. Perfect for last-minute gifts or stash-busting projects!
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed:
- Yarn:
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- DK Weight: 300g / 1080m (e.g., "Cakes Baby Fine")
- Worsted Weight: 600g / 1980m (e.g., "Saver")
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Hooks:
- 6.0mm (foundation chain)
- 5.0mm (main blanket)
- Stitches Used: Double crochet (dc), spiked dc, spiked hdc, chain (ch).
Finished Dimensions:
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- DK Yarn: 30" x 40" (76cm x 102cm)
- Worsted Yarn: Customizable (chain multiples of 4)
Basic Instructions:
- Foundation: Chain 108 (DK) or 84 (worsted) with 6.0mm hook.
- Row 1: Switch to 5.0mm; work [2 dc, ch 1, skip 1] across.
- Row 2+: Spiked dc into space, 2 dc, ch 1, skip 1 to create texture.
- Last Row: Spiked hdc to mirror foundation edge.
- Finish: No border needed—edges lie flat naturally!
Create a Speedy Granny Ruth Crochet Baby Blanket
Get the complete pattern with detailed instructions for making, joining, and bordering your granny squares.
Download Free Pattern Get Ad-Free Printable ($5.75)5. Drunken Granny Baby Blanket 2.0 with Border
An updated classic with a playful twist! This beginner-friendly blanket features a drunken shell border that elevates the traditional granny stitch. The lacy body works up quickly with a simple repeat, while the border adds a polished finish—no flipping needed for perfect edges!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: 600g / 990m (21.16oz) of worsted-weight yarn (e.g., "Saver").
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Hooks:
- 7.0mm (foundation chain)
- 6.0mm (main blanket & border)
- Stitches: Double crochet (dc), half double crochet (hdc), single crochet (sc).
Finished Dimensions:
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Size: 32" x 44" (81cm x 112cm).
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Customizable: Chain any multiple of 5 + 4 (e.g., 109 chains).
"The ‘drunken’ border dances along the edges like confetti—proof that even simple stitches can create magic!"
Basic Instructions:
- Foundation: Chain multiples of 5 + 4 with 7.0mm hook.
- Row 1: With 6.0mm hook, work [4 dc, ch 2, 1 dc] into every 5th chain.
- Repeat Rows: 4 dc, ch 2, 1 dc into each ch-2 space across.
- Border: Sides/Bottom: Drunken shells (1 sc, ch 3, 3 dc) + corner clusters (sc, hdc, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, hdc, sc).
- Finish: Join with slip stitch or invisible seam.
Important: Use a larger hook for the foundation chain to prevent tight edges, and mark every 20th stitch to keep your count accurate while working the border!
Ready to Make Waves?
Get the complete Ripple Wave Throw pattern with detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Download Free Pattern Get Ad-Free Printable ($5.75)Essential Tips for Beginner Crocheters
Getting Started Right
- Start with light or medium-colored yarn to easily see your stitches
- Use a hook that feels comfortable in your hand
- Practice basic stitches before starting your blanket
- Watch video tutorials if you get stuck
- Don't worry about perfection - small mistakes add character!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Blanket getting wider? You might be adding stitches at the ends of rows
- Blanket getting narrower? You might be skipping the last stitch in rows
- Edges look uneven? Try using stitch markers at the beginning and end of rows
- Tension too tight? Hold your yarn more loosely and take breaks
- Tension too loose? Try wrapping the yarn around your fingers differently
Remember: Every crocheter was a beginner once. Be patient with yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out to the Secret Yarnery community if you need help!
Start Your Crochet Journey with Secret Yarnery
We hope these easy crochet blanket patterns inspire you to pick up your hook and start creating! At Secret Yarnery, we believe everyone can learn to crochet beautiful, heirloom-quality pieces - even as a complete beginner.
Each of our patterns comes with detailed instructions, helpful tips, and access to our supportive community of crocheters who are always ready to help if you get stuck.
Ready to Explore More Patterns?
Visit the Secret Yarnery pattern library for hundreds of beginner-friendly crochet patterns, including blankets, scarves, hats, and more!
Explore Our Pattern LibraryStay Hooked!
FAQs
What is the easiest crochet blanket pattern for a complete beginner?
A classic granny square blanket or a simple one-piece afghan made with single or double crochet stitches are the best starting points. These patterns use basic stitches, are easy to follow, and let you practice without feeling overwhelmed.
What size should a beginner crochet blanket be?
Start with a small lapghan or baby blanket, around 30” x 40”. Smaller blankets are less time-consuming, boost your motivation, and are easier to manage as you learn.
What yarn is best for beginner crochet blankets?
Medium-weight (worsted weight #4) acrylic yarn is ideal. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and comes in many colors. Avoid fuzzy or dark yarns, as they make it hard to see your stitches.
Which crochet hook size should I use for my first blanket?
A 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook works well with medium-weight yarn. Always check your yarn label for the recommended hook size and stick with that for best results.
How can I keep my blanket edges straight?
Count your stitches at the end of every row. Using stitch markers at the start and end can help you see if your count is off before moving on.
How do I fix mistakes in my blanket?
If you spot a mistake, you can gently pull out your stitches (called “frogging”) back to the problem spot and re-crochet that section. Don’t worry—mistakes are normal and part of learning.
Can I mix yarn types in one blanket?
Stick to one yarn type and brand per blanket, especially as a beginner. Different yarns can wash and wear unevenly and may not behave the same in your stitches.
Christa Patel is a passionate crochet teacher, designer, and yarn enthusiast. As the creator behind Secret Yarnery, she has helped thousands of beginners find joy and creativity in crochet. With years of experience, Christa specializes in making crochet easy to learn with clear instructions, simple patterns, and friendly guidance.
Her mission is to help everyone create beautiful, practical projects—no matter their skill level. Christa’s approachable style, love for color, and focus on stress-free learning have made her tutorials and patterns trusted by crocheters around the world.
When she’s not designing new patterns, Christa enjoys sharing tips, inspiration, and step-by-step videos to keep crafters motivated and confident. You can find more from Christa at Secret Yarnery or join her YouTube community for free lessons, project ideas, and lively crochet chats.