Easy Crochet Baby Blanket Tutorial – The Spiral Crochet Baby Blanket!
Welcome to The Secret Yarnery! I'm Christa, and today I'm excited to share with you the process of creating an Easy Spiral Picasso Crochet Baby Blanket. This pattern is a fantastic project for all skill levels, especially beginners looking to create something beautiful and practical.
This blanket is worked in a continuous spiral, requiring no joining or stepping up, which simplifies the process and results in a clean, polished finish. With just double crochet stitches and some color-changing yarn, the possibilities are endless. The best part? It works up into a perfect square or slight rectangle, with no blocking required!
Watch the step-by-step tutorial below to crochet along with me:
Overview of the Spiral Baby Blanket Project
This project is all about simplicity and style. The Easy Spiral Picasso Crochet Baby Blanket stands out because it's square-shaped, incredibly easy to make, and versatile in design. Perfect for gifting, this pattern highlights color-changing yarns in a stunning way. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crocheter, you'll love the quick setup and rewarding results.
This blanket can be completed without complicated stitching, making it ready for use or gifting as soon as you finish crocheting. Along the way, you can experiment with different yarn types to make it unique. Pretty cool, right?
Why You'll Love This Blanket Pattern
Simple and Beginner-Friendly
The entire project is done using double crochet stitches, making it accessible to those just starting with crochet. No tricky joining or stepping up is required, so you can crochet without interruption.
Perfectly Square Every Time
Unlike some patterns that result in uneven corners, this pattern creates a perfectly square blanket that lays flat. If you prefer, you can also adapt it to become a rectangle by adjusting the number of rows.
Works with Color-Changing Yarn
If you love the look of variegated or self-striping yarn, this project is perfect for you. Adding a contrasting solid yarn also helps stretch your fancy yarn farther, giving you twice the blanket without extra cost.
Yarn Recommendations and Quantities
Recommended Yarns
For this project, you'll need two types of yarn:
- Picasso Yarn (or any color-changing yarn) – This yarn adds a colorful and rich texture that makes the blanket pop. I've used Picasso yarn from Ice Yarns, but any similar yarn like Red Heart Stripes works too.
- Softly Baby (or a soft solid acrylic yarn) – A complementary solid color balances the dynamic shades in the color-changing yarn.
The combination of these yarns creates a visually stunning piece that's cozy and practical. If you're interested, you can check out crochet blanket patterns tagged "crochet baby blanket" here: Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns.
Yarn Quantities
Depending on the size of the blanket:
- For a baby blanket: You'll need four balls of Picasso yarn and two skeins of Softly Baby (or equivalent).
- For a larger blanket: You can use one pack each of Picasso and Softly Baby for a single large piece or two smaller blankets.
Feel free to substitute any soft yarn you love. Just ensure the colors complement each other for the best effect.
Tools You'll Need
To get started, gather the following supplies:
- Crochet Hook: 5mm crochet hook (or recommended size for your chosen yarn).
- Scissors: Any sharp pair for cutting yarn.
- Stitch Marker: These are optional but helpful for tracking the spiral’s starting point. Alternatives like bobby pins or paperclips also work.
Having the right tools ensures a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience. Looking for more ideas and tips? Visit our patterns section here: Crochet Patterns for Beginners.
Let’s Start: Setting Up the Spiral
Creating the Slip Knot and Foundation
Begin by making a slip knot and chaining three. Once you’ve created the chain, form a small ring by slip-stitching into the first chain. This ring will act as the center of your blanket.
Establishing the Foundation Square
Here’s how to crochet the starting square:
- Chain three (this counts as your first double crochet).
- Crochet two double crochets into the center of the ring.
- Chain two for a corner.
- Add three double crochets to the center. Repeat this process until you have four groups of double crochets separated by chain two spaces.
Adjust the stitches as needed, ensuring that the initial “square” has four equal sides.
Building the Spiral Pattern
Adding the Color-Changing Yarn
Attach the color-changing yarn directly to the last stitch of your foundation round. This creates a seamless transition into the spiral pattern.
Crafting the First Spiral Row
In this round, crochet one double crochet in each stitch along the side of the square. For the corners, add two double crochets, chain two, and two double crochets into the chain space. Remember to alternate stitches at the corners to keep the blanket growing evenly.
Expanding the Blanket
Alternating the Yarn Colors
Switch between the color-changing and solid yarns as you build the spiral. This alternating effect highlights the vibrancy of the project while creating beautiful visual contrast.
Maintaining Consistent Corners
To prevent distortion (often called “wonky corners”), create small corners in every third round. A small corner consists of one double crochet, chain two, and another double crochet. For all other corners, stick to two double crochets, chain two, and two double crochets.
Adjusting for Your Desired Size
Continue crocheting until the blanket reaches your desired size or until you run out of yarn.
Finishing the Blanket
Final Touches
To finish, cut the yarn, pull through the last loop, and weave in the ends securely. This step ensures there’s no unraveling. For a polished look, end your blanket with the solid yarn for a crisp edge.
Optional Blocking
While blocking isn’t necessary for this blanket, it’s an optional step for those who want perfectly sharp edges.
Tips for Success
- Count Your Stitches: Regularly check your stitches to avoid missed spots or accidental increases.
- Experiment with Colors: Try bold combinations of solid and variegated yarns for a unique look.
- Use a Stitch Marker: Especially for beginners, this helps track where the spiral starts and prevents mistakes.
For more adventurous crochet projects, explore our Easy Crochet Projects here: Easy Crochet Projects for Beginners.
Wrapping Things Up
This Easy Spiral Picasso Crochet Baby Blanket is a joy to create. Whether you're gifting it to a loved one or keeping it for yourself, the finished piece will always stand out. Thanks to its straightforward design and adaptability, this pattern is perfect for all levels of crocheters.
I hope this tutorial inspires your creativity. If you try this pattern, I’d love to see your results! Share your work and explore more crochet designs at The Secret Yarnery. Remember, your creativity has no limits—it all starts with a simple stitch!
Left Handed?
FAQs
1. Can I use different yarns for this project?
Yes, you can experiment with any color-changing or solid yarn. Just ensure the colors complement each other and have similar thickness for uniformity.
2. Do I need to block the blanket?
Blocking isn’t necessary for this blanket because it usually lays flat. However, you may block it if you prefer sharp, crisp edges.
3. What size blanket can this pattern create?
The pattern is flexible. You can make a small baby blanket with the recommended yarn quantities or continue crocheting to create a larger throw or lap blanket.
4. What crochet skills do I need to know for this project?
This is a beginner-friendly pattern! You just need to know how to do a slip knot, chain, double crochet, and work in the round.
5. How do I avoid messy or uneven corners in my blanket?
Prevent wonky corners by alternating corner styles. Use smaller corners every third round (1 double crochet, chain 2, 1 double crochet) to maintain balance.
6. Can I use scraps of yarn instead of new skeins?
Yes! This project is excellent for using leftover yarn. Just make sure the scraps are the same weight, and the colors blend nicely.
7. Is a stitch marker mandatory for this project?
A stitch marker is optional but highly recommended to track the starting point of the spiral and avoid confusion as you work.
8. How long does it take to finish the blanket?
The time required depends on the blanket size and your crochet speed. A baby-sized blanket may take a few evenings for an average crocheter.
9. How do I switch between yarn colors smoothly?
When switching yarn colors, attach the new yarn to the last stitch of the previous round. This creates a seamless transition for the spiral pattern.
10. Will it work with other stitch types?
This pattern is designed for double crochet stitches, but you can experiment with other stitches if you’re experienced. Keep in mind that different stitches may affect yarn usage and the finished look.
Christa Patel is the creative mind behind The Secret Yarnery, a haven for crochet lovers of all skill levels. With years of experience, Christa specializes in designing easy-to-follow patterns that inspire creativity and confidence in beginners while still delighting seasoned crocheters. Her passion for teaching shines through her detailed tutorials and approachable style.
She is known for her love of vibrant color combinations, simple yet stylish designs, and her ability to make crochet accessible to everyone. She believes that crochet is not just a craft but a joyful way to connect with others and create treasured pieces.
When she's not crocheting, Christa enjoys exploring new yarns, engaging with her online community, and developing projects that bring smiles to those who create them. You can find more of her work, tutorials, and patterns at The Secret Yarnery or join her lively crochet community on YouTube.