Crochet Your Team Spirit Wrap – Easy Beginner Sports Blanket Pattern!
• Christa Patel

Crochet Your Team Spirit Wrap – Easy Beginner Sports Blanket Pattern!

Are you eager to combine your love for crochet with your passion for your favorite sports team? I've got just the project for you! I'm excited to share Christa's fantastic tutorial from the Secret Yarnery on how to create a team spirit wrap. This isn't just any blanket; it's a cozy, customizable way to show off your colors. And the best part? It's designed to be beginner-friendly, with no pesky ends to sew in, and it even features built-in pom-poms for that extra touch of team pride! So, grab your hooks and yarn, and let's get started on this spirited and simple Easy Crochet project! For those who like to follow along with a written pattern, you can find it here: team spirit wrap pattern.

Why This Crochet Sports Blanket is a Must-Make for Every Fan

This Easy Crochet, Crochet Sports Blanket project has features that make it stand out.

  • No Weaving Required: Say goodbye to tedious finishing! This design eliminates the need to weave in those annoying yarn ends, making it a truly enjoyable and efficient project.
  • The Ideal Size: It's perfectly sized to be worn as a scarf or wrap, but also big enough to share with a friend at the game. Talk about versatility!
  • Pom-Pom Perfection: The built-in pom-poms (or tassels, as we'll make them) add a playful and spirited touch. They're super easy to create and give the wrap a fun, festive look.
  • Team Colors: This wrap is a blank canvas for your team pride! Choose your favorite team's colors and create a personalized accessory that shows your support.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Don't be intimidated if you're new to crochet. Christa's clear, step-by-step instructions will guide you through the entire process, making it a perfect project for crocheters of all skill levels. You can also find tons of crochet tutorials on the Secret Yarnery website.
  • The Perfect Gift: Looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for the sports fan in your life? This team spirit wrap is a winner! Crochet one in their team's colors, and you're sure to score major points.

Gather Your Supplies: What You'll Need

Before we dive into the pattern, let's make sure you have everything you need. Here's a list of the materials you'll need to create your own team spirit wrap:

  • Yarn:

    • 500 grams of your primary team color (Color A). This will be the color you use most, so choose your favorite!
    • 250 grams of a secondary team color (Color B). This will add contrast and visual interest to your wrap.
    • 250 grams of a neutral color (Color C). This could be white, gray, black, or any other neutral that complements your team colors.
    • Note: When choosing your yarn, consider the weight and fiber content. A worsted weight yarn is a good choice for this project, as it's easy to work with and creates a nice, dense fabric. Acrylic, cotton, or a blend of both are all great options. You can even find some good quality yarn online.

  • Crochet Hooks:

    • 7 mm crochet hook. This is for the main body of the wrap.
    • 8 mm crochet hook. This is for making the tassels.

  • Tools:

    • Yarn scissors. For cutting your yarn.
    • Flat-bottom scissors. These will help you trim your tassels evenly.
    • Hardcover book. You'll use this to wrap the yarn around when making your tassels.
    • Masking tape. This will help you create a straight line when trimming your tassels.
    • Measuring tape. To ensure your tassels are all the same length.

  • Optional:

    • Stitch markers. These can be helpful for beginners to mark the beginning and end of each row.
    • Accessories tins to keep small items together.

I find having the right tools makes all the difference!

Gauge and Size

While gauge isn't critical for this project, maintaining consistent tension will help ensure that your wrap turns out the correct size. Here are the approximate finished measurements:

  • Width: 28 inches
  • Length: 72 inches (excluding tassels)
  • Tassel Length: Approximately 7 inches (after trimming, using a 9-inch book)

Feel free to adjust the width and length to your liking by adding or subtracting chains and rows. Just remember to adjust the yarn amounts accordingly.

Crochet Basics: Stitches Used

Before we get started, let's review the basic crochet stitches you'll need to know for this project:

  • Slip Knot: The foundation of any crochet project. It's how you attach the yarn to your hook to begin.
  • Chain (ch): Used to create the starting chain and the spaces within the pattern. I use chain stitch on almost all crochet patterns.
  • Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used for the body of the wrap. It creates a nice, dense fabric with good drape.
  • Drop Double Crochet (drop dc) / Spike Stitch: This stitch adds texture and visual interest to the design. It's worked by inserting your hook into a stitch several rows below and pulling up a long loop.
  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to secure the yarn when attaching the tassels.

If you're new to crochet or need a refresher on any of these stitches, there are many crochet tutorials available online.

Getting Started: The Foundation Chain

Ready to get started? Let's begin with the foundation chain:

  1. Using your larger (8mm) hook and Color A, create a slip knot, leaving a 10-inch tail.
  2. Place the slip knot on your hook.
  3. Chain 188 stitches. This will determine the width of your wrap.

Tip: Try to keep your chain stitches loose, as this will make it easier to work into them in the next row. If you're having trouble with tension, try going up a hook size for the foundation chain.

Row 1: The First Row of Double Crochets

Now that you have your foundation chain, let's start the first row of double crochets:

  1. Switch to your smaller (7mm) hook.
  2. Pinch the last chain you made.
  3. Chain 3 more stitches (this counts as your first double crochet).
  4. Roll the chain to the side to reveal the back loops.
  5. Locate the back loop directly underneath your working yarn. This is where you'll begin.
  6. Yarn over, insert your hook into the back loop, yarn over, pull through a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, and pull through the last two loops. This completes your first double crochet.
  7. Continue working one double crochet into each back loop across the row.

Creating the Pattern: Double Crochet, Chain 1, Skip 1

This is where the pattern starts to take shape!

  1. After your first double crochet, chain 1.
  2. Skip the next back loop.
  3. In the following back loop, work a double crochet.
  4. Repeat this sequence (chain 1, skip 1, double crochet in the next back loop) across the row.

Tip: Make sure you're holding the "v's" of the chain to the side to easily access the back loops. If you find it difficult to work into the back loops, you can work into the chain as usual, but the back loop method gives a neater finish.

Working Sets of Three Double Crochets

Now, let's add some texture and create the signature look of this wrap:

  1. After chaining 1 and skipping 1, work three double crochets into the next three back loops.
  2. Chain 1, skip 1, and repeat the set of three double crochets.
  3. Continue this pattern (chain 1, skip 1, three double crochets) across the row.

Tip: Be patient! Working into the back loops can be a bit fiddly at first, but you'll get the hang of it. Use a stitch marker to mark the first and last stitches of each row if you find it helpful.

Finishing Row 1 and Preparing for Color Change

Almost there! Let's finish off Row 1 and get ready to switch colors:

  1. At the end of the row, you should have two chains/back loops remaining.
  2. Chain 1, skip 1, and work your last double crochet into the very last chain.
  3. Do not finish the double crochet. Leave the last two loops on your hook.
  4. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (for the tassel).
  5. Grab Color B (your second team color).
  6. Place the loop of Color B onto your hook and finish the double crochet with this new yarn.

Note: The length of the tail you leave will determine the length of your tassels, so keep that in mind when cutting the yarn.

Row 2: Introducing the Drop Double Crochet

Now for something new! This stitch adds a unique element to the wrap:

  1. Drop the tail of Color A and hold it along the back of your work.
  2. Chain 3 with Color B (this counts as your first double crochet).
  3. Turn your work.
  4. Now, you'll work a drop double crochet (or spike stitch) down into the chain that you skipped in the previous row.
  5. Insert your hook underneath that skipped back loop, ensuring everything is on top of your hook.
  6. Yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook. This completes your drop double crochet.
  7. Work one double crochet into the very next stitch.
  8. This completes your first set of three double crochets for this row.

Working Around the "Bridges"

Things are about to get interesting as you work around the "bridges":

  1. Chain 1, skip 1.
  2. You'll now be working around the "bridges" (the chain-1 spaces from two rows ago).
  3. Work one double crochet into the stitch before the bridge.
  4. Work one drop double crochet underneath the bridge, picking up that back loop down below.
  5. Work one double crochet into the stitch after the bridge.
  6. Chain 1, skip 1, and repeat this sequence around each bridge across the row.

Tip: Double-check that you only have one loop underneath your working yarn after each chain 1. This confirms you've made the chain correctly.

Finishing Row 2

You're doing great! Keep it up:

  1. After your last set of three double crochets, chain 1, skip 1.
  2. Work one double crochet into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row.
  3. Do not finish the double crochet. Leave the last two loops on your hook.
  4. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (for the tassel).
  5. Grab Color C (your neutral color).

Row 3: Introducing the Neutral Color

Adding a neutral color gives the wrap a sophisticated look:

  1. Place the loop of Color C onto your hook and finish the double crochet with this new yarn.
  2. Hold the tail of Color B down along the back of your work.
  3. Chain 3 with Color C.
  4. Turn your work.
  5. Work one drop double crochet into the same stitch underneath the bridge.
  6. Work one double crochet into the stitch right after the bridge.

Note: This establishes the repeat pattern. Every other row will be your neutral color.

Repeating the Pattern: Double Crochet, Drop Double Crochet

Get ready to repeat!

  1. Chain 1, skip 1.
  2. You'll be skipping the long drop stitch from the previous row.
  3. Work one double crochet into the stitch before the bridge.
  4. Work one drop double crochet underneath the bridge.
  5. Work one double crochet into the stitch after the bridge.
  6. Chain 1, skip 1, and repeat this sequence around each bridge across the row.

Tip: Pay close attention to your tension to ensure your stitches are even.

Color Changes and Row Counts

Here's the key to creating that eye-catching houndstooth effect:

You'll be working two rows of each color, with a row of your neutral color in between each color change.

Continue this pattern until you have 33 rows of your color, counting only the non-neutral rows.

Finishing the Last Row

Time to wrap things up!

  1. When your wrap is the desired height (33 rows of color), finish the last row in the same way you started, with Color A.
  2. Place the loop of Color A onto your hook.
  3. Chain 3, turn your work.
  4. Work one long double crochet into the stitch underneath the next space (your long double crochet).
  5. Work one double crochet into each of the next three stitches.
  6. Repeat this pattern across the row: one long double crochet into the space, three regular double crochets.
  7. Finish off by chaining 1 to secure your yarn, cut the yarn leaving a long tail for the tassel, pull your hook up, and pull the yarn through.

Hiding the Ends

Let's take care of these ends so they don't come undone.

  1. Go along the edge of your wrap and find the pairs of tails from each color change.
  2. Take each pair of tails and tie them in a double knot.
  3. Repeat this all the way along the edge of your wrap.

Tip: Make sure the knots are tight enough to secure the ends but not so tight that they distort the fabric. If you need help on crochet tips, check out Secret Yarnery's tips and tricks section.

Tassels

These are what give the blanket character and are super easy to make!

  1. Find a hardcover book. The book's edge will help you cut even tassels.
  2. Place a yarn tail over the top of the book and hold it down.
  3. Wrap the yarn around the book repeatedly.
  4. Hold the yarn tail on the other side of the book.
  5. Take your sharp scissors and slide them right along the crease of the hardcover book to cut the yarn.
  6. Repeat with your other colors.

Tip: The number of wraps determines the thickness of your tassels.

Hanging the Tassels

Here is how to put the tassels on the corners of the blanket.

  1. Start on one end of your wrap.
  2. For each tassel, use one strand of your neutral color and five strands of the color that's coming out from your work.
  3. Fold the strands in half as best you can and put them onto your thumb.
  4. Put your hook down into the very first stitch right at the corner.
  5. Thumb to hook, slide all those loops onto your hook and bring it through.
  6. Pull it up a few inches.
  7. Hold that tail from your work along with your tassel yarn.
  8. Slip stitch to join with your hook, or use your fingers if that's easier.
  9. Slide those down onto your work.
  10. Flip it over to make sure it looks good on the back.
  11. Repeat, remembering to always be going down into the same side of our wrap.

Note: It is important for each side of both ends of the wrap to match.

Trimming

Last, let's trim the tassels so they are all the same length.

  1. Lay your wrap out as flat as you can.
  2. Get some masking tape and lay it down underneath your knots so you can see if they're straight.
  3. Tape it down on each end onto your work surface.
  4. Comb the tassels out.
  5. One more piece of masking tape you want to make parallel to your top masking tape and also closer to the end, keeping the tassels as long as you can.
  6. Push this one down so that it's holding your ends, especially onto your work surface.
  7. Use a measuring tape to make sure there's five inches in between, or whatever your desired length is.
  8. One more piece of masking tape right there, leaving a spot for your scissors to make a cut line.
  9. Push this one down as well.
  10. Take your scissors and cut very carefully in between these masking tapes, making sure the bottom blade is running along your work surface.
  11. Move this one forward a bit to make sure you've cut everything.
  12. Now, take this lower masking tape off and leave the others on your work surface so you can line up the next edge of your wrap.

Tip: Using masking tape ensures a straight, even cut across all tassels.

You're Done!

Now you can take off all of the masking tape, and there are your tassels all trimmed nice and evenly! Your Easy Crochet, Crochet Sports Blanket is complete!

Now that you've completed your team spirit wrap, show off your creation at the next game! Share your finished project online using #SecretYarnery.

Pattern Notes and Suggestions

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your wrap:

  • Adjust the width and length of the wrap by modifying the number of chains and rows.
  • Experiment with different color combinations to represent your favorite teams or create a unique design.
  • Use stitch markers to keep track of your rows and pattern repeats, especially if you're a beginner.
  • For a cleaner look, use a smaller hook (one size down) to weave in your ends.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you run into any snags along the way, don't worry! Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Tension Issues: If your wrap is curling or becoming uneven, try adjusting your tension. Make sure you're not pulling the yarn too tight or leaving it too loose.
  • Stitch Counting: Double-check your stitch counts at the end of each row to ensure accuracy. This will help you avoid mistakes and keep your pattern consistent.
  • Color Changes: Keep your color changes neat by pulling the new yarn tight to secure it. This will prevent any gaps or loose ends from forming.
  • Tassel Length: If you prefer shorter tassels, simply wrap the yarn around a smaller book.

Support Christa's Work

If you enjoyed this pattern and found it helpful, consider supporting Christa's work:

Stay Connected

Want to stay in the loop with all things Secret Yarnery? Here's how:

More Patterns and Inspiration

Looking for more Easy Crochet patterns and inspiration from Christa? You can find a variety of crochet patterns on the Secret Yarnery website, as well as video tutorials on the Secret Yarnery YouTube channel: Secret Yarnery YouTube. Follow the Secret Yarnery on social media for updates and inspiration.

Left Handed?

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of yarn for this project?

You can use most yarn types, but worsted weight yarn is recommended for its ease of use and the dense fabric it creates. Acrylic, cotton, or blended yarns work great. Make sure to choose colors that complement each other and represent your team spirit.

2. How do I adjust the size of the wrap?

To make the wrap wider, add more chains to your foundation chain (in multiples of 2). For a longer wrap, simply add more rows to your project. Be sure to adjust the amount of yarn accordingly.

3. What if I’m a beginner? Is this too complicated?

This pattern is beginner-friendly! With clear step-by-step instructions, it’s perfect for new crocheters. Take your time initially with the stitches like double crochet and drop double crochet, and refer to video tutorials if needed.

4. Can I substitute the built-in tassels with pom-poms?

Yes! You can customize the wrap with pom-poms instead of tassels or even skip them altogether. Use a pom-pom maker or follow simple DIY tutorials to match your team's colors.

5. What tools are optional but helpful for this project?

Optional but helpful tools include stitch markers (to track rows easier) and flat-bottom scissors for precise tassel trimming. A hardcover book is effective for binding tassels evenly.

6. Does the pattern require exact stitch counts?

While it’s good to maintain consistent stitch counts, the pattern is forgiving. Double-check your stitch counts after each row to ensure alignment and avoid trouble later.

7. How do I manage the yarn tails when switching colors?

No sewing is needed! The yarn tails integrate into the tassels, making this project faster and eliminating finishing hassles. Just tie the tails securely as instructed.

8. What if my tassels turn out uneven?

Use masking tape or a guide to align and trim tassels evenly. Patience and care here will ensure a polished, professional look.

9. How long does it take to complete this project?

Depending on your skill level and speed, completing this project may take anywhere from 6–10 hours. Beginners may need slightly more time to learn the stitches.

Christa Patel, the creative mind behind the Secret Yarnery, has been inspiring crocheters worldwide with her passion for yarn crafts. With years of experience and a love for teaching, Christa has built a vibrant online community where crocheters of all skill levels can learn, share, and grow.

Through her detailed tutorials, patterns, and crochet tips, Christa helps bring creativity to life, one stitch at a time. Her approach focuses on making crochet accessible, fun, and relaxing for everyone, whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned expert.

When she's not working on her latest design or filming step-by-step YouTube tutorials, Christa spends her time exploring new color combinations and innovating crochet techniques. Her dedication to creating practical yet beautiful designs has made the Secret Yarnery a go-to resource for thousands of crochet enthusiasts.

Want to see more from Christa? Check out:

Christa believes crochet is more than a craft—it's a way to express yourself, bring joy, and connect with a creative community. Happy crocheting!

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