Speedy Granny Ruth Baby Blanket: The Easiest Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern

Crocheting a baby blanket doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming, which is why I’m excited to share the Speedy Granny Ruth Baby Blanket with you! This pattern is perfect for beginners or anyone needing a quick, thoughtful gift. What sets it apart? It’s a one-row repeat, giving you a beautifully straight edge without any extra effort. And with no border or tassels required, it’s clean, simple, and baby-friendly. Let’s get started!

The Speedy Granny Ruth Baby Blanket isn’t your typical pattern. The secret is in the details: you skip every fourth stitch, which eliminates 25% of the stitching. That’s a major time-saver! Whether you’re in a crunch to make a last-minute baby shower gift or just want a fast, satisfying project, this pattern has you covered. Plus, the streamlined design keeps the process enjoyable without sacrificing the end result’s charm. It’s a win-win for beginners and experienced crocheters alike!

If you’ve tried the Granny Ruth Bedspread pattern, you’ll notice some similarities. Both use a repetitive, easy-to-remember stitch sequence. However, the baby blanket version is adjusted for baby needs—it has a neat and flat edge, with no tassels in sight. While the bedspread works beautifully for home decor, the baby blanket’s simplicity makes it perfect for snuggling up a little one. You can find the original Granny Ruth Bedspread Pattern here.

Gathering the right supplies makes crocheting this blanket a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Yarn: Three cakes of Cakes Baby Fine yarn or 300g of any DK weight yarn. For a chunkier look, use 600g of worsted weight yarn. You can explore other yarn options in the coronation baby blanket collection here.
• Hook: A 6mm crochet hook for the foundation chain, and a 5mm hook for the rest.
• Tools: Stitch markers, scissors, and a darning needle for sewing in tails.

If you’d like to experiment with other looks for the blanket, I recommend checking out related patterns, like the charming Sundae Granny Crochet Baby Blanket here.

Starting your blanket: slip knot and foundation chain

I start with a slip knot and leave a nice long tail. That tail is handy later when I weave in my ends.

For the DK style yarn and 5 mm hook blanket:

• Use a 6 mm hook for the chain.
• Chain 108.

For a worsted weight yarn with a 7 mm hook blanket:

• Use a slightly larger hook for the chain.
• Chain 84.

The stitch count works out so your sets of three double crochets line up neatly across the row.

Keeping track with stitch markers

When chaining a long length, it is easy to lose count. I use stitch markers to mark every 10 chains.

Here is how I do it:

1. Chain 10, place a marker into the 10th chain.
2. Chain another 10, place a marker.
3. Repeat until you reach your total: 108 or 84.

You can pause, recount between markers, and never have to start from zero again.

Switching hooks and setting up row 1

Once the chain is finished, I switch to my smaller hook for the body of the blanket:

• 5 mm for DK style yarn
• 7 mm for worsted weight

I pinch the last chain I made so I know exactly where it is. Then I:

1. Chain 3. This counts as my first double crochet.
2. Work 1 double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook (the chain I was pinching).

Now I have a “set” of two double crochets, but the pattern works in sets of three, so I add one more double crochet.

• Double crochet into the next chain.
• That gives me my first group of three double crochets.

From here, the pattern is very regular.

Row 1 pattern: sets of three with chain one spaces

Across the foundation chain, I work:

• Chain 1, skip 1 chain, then
• Work 3 double crochets, one into each of the next 3 chains.

I repeat this all the way along:

Chain 1, skip 1, 3 double crochets Chain 1, skip 1, 3 double crochets

Make sure your chain is not twisted, and you are always working into the little “v” shapes.

Once I am a short distance from the end, I stop and check. When row 1 is correct, you will end with two chains left.

• Work your last full set of 3 double crochets.
• Chain 1, skip 1.
• Double crochet into the very last chain.

If you accidentally have more than two chains left, you can undo the knot on the starting tail and pick out extra chains until it lines up. If you only have one extra chain, you can ignore it and work into the last one you can reach.

After this row, you can remove all your stitch markers.

Row 2: introducing the spiked double crochet

Row 2 is where the texture and “drop down” spikes start.

1. Chain 2 and turn your work.
2. This chain 2 counts as the first stitch of your first set.

Into the space below the first gap, I work a spiked double crochet. This goes down into the chain space of the row below, not into the top of a stitch.

To make that:

• Yarn over.
• Insert your hook into the chain space below, catching one loop of the chain and going under everything.
• Pull up a long loop that reaches your current row.
• Yarn over, pull through two loops.
• Yarn over, pull through the last two loops.

If you have never tried spike stitches before, you might like this photo heavy spiked double crochet stitch tutorial for extra visuals.

Then I:

• Work 1 normal double crochet into the next stitch on the current row.

Those three stitches (chain 2 as a stitch, spiked double crochet, and one double crochet) form the first set of three.

The core one row repeat

From here on, every row follows the same rhythm. Around each chain 1 space from the row below, I work:

1. Double crochet in the stitch before the space.
2. Spiked double crochet into the chain space below.
3. Double crochet into the stitch after the space.
4. Chain 1, skip 1 (you always skip the spike stitch from the previous row).

I repeat that across the row.

Visually, you will see sets of three stitches stacked on top of each chain 1 space, with a chain 1 gap between them. The spike in the center dips down to fill the gap from below and creates that pretty texture.

A quick trick to remember your chain 1

If you are not sure whether you remembered to chain 1, look at your working yarn right under your hook.

• If you see one strand, you already chained.
• If you see two strands together, you forgot and you still need to chain 1.

This simple check stops a lot of little mistakes.

Ending each row with a clean edge

The end of the row can look a bit confusing at first, but it settles into a groove quickly.

At the end of every row:

1. Work your last full set of three stitches.
2. Chain 1 and skip the next stitch (which will be a double crochet).
3. Double crochet into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.

You can roll that chain a bit toward you to see the “v” on top, or just feel for it. I like to get two loops of the chain on the hook, so the edge is strong and not floppy.

At first, this edge might look like a little “blip” sticking out. Once you turn and work a few more rows, the edge straightens and forms a soft scalloped side.

Working the blanket to your desired size

From row 3 onward, you are simply repeating row 2:

• Chain 2 and turn.
• Spike into the stitch under the first space.
• Double crochet into the next stitch.
• Chain 1, skip the spike, and work your sets of three around each space.

Keep going until:

• You reach the size you like, or
• You are near the end of your third cake (for DK style yarn).

I like to stop when I have just enough yarn left for one more full row, which will be my final scalloped edge.

You can see how this structure works out in other dense baby blankets too, such as my Speedy Granny Ruth Crochet Baby Blanket pattern, which follows the same idea of fast, repetitive stitching with a warm fabric.

Did you miss a stitch? Don’t panic! You can easily fix a skipped spike stitch without unraveling the whole row. Thread a bit of yarn (in the same color) onto a darning needle. Work the missing stitch as carefully as possible onto your row. Once it’s secure, tie it off and weave in the tail—it’ll look like the mistake never happened.

Before gifting or using your blanket, weave in all the loose ends securely with a darning needle. The acrylic yarn used in Cakes Baby Fine is machine washable, so caring for the blanket is easy—just use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent.

Whether it’s for your own baby, a shower gift, or just to try a straightforward and enjoyable project, this pattern will surely delight you. If you'd like to experiment with more baby blanket ideas, see more in Crochet Blanket Patterns tagged baby here.

The Speedy Granny Ruth Baby Blanket is proof that simplicity can still create something beautiful. So grab your yarn, pick up your hook, and start crocheting today!

The size depends on the yarn weight and the number of chains you start with:

• Using DK weight yarn with 108 chains creates a standard baby blanket around 30x35 inches.
• Using worsted weight yarn with 84 chains makes a chunkier blanket of roughly the same dimensions. You can adjust the chain length to make the blanket larger or smaller.

Yes! While the pattern recommends DK weight or worsted weight yarn, you can experiment with other types. Keep in mind:

• Bulkier yarns will create a thicker blanket and finish faster.
• Lightweight yarn will result in a softer, more delicate project.

Pro Tip: Stick to baby-friendly yarns that are soft and washable.

Not at all! This pattern is designed for beginners. With just basic stitches (chains, double crochets, and spike stitches), the repetitive sequence makes it easy to follow. The step-by-step instructions help eliminate potential confusion.

The time can vary based on your crochet skill level and speed, but thanks to the 25% fewer stitches (skipping every 4th), this blanket is significantly faster than traditional patterns! Many crafters complete it in 4–8 hours.

Uneven edges are usually caused by missing or adding stitches:

• Double-check that you’re ending each row with one double crochet in the last stitch.
• Use stitch markers to help count spaces and stitches.
• Practice makes perfect, and blocking the finished blanket can also even out edges.

Absolutely! While the pattern doesn’t include a border, adding one is simple:

• Try a single crochet border for a clean finish.
• A scalloped or shell edge creates a decorative touch that complements the blanket’s texture.

Spike stitches are double crochets worked into a lower row, creating a visually stunning texture. This small adjustment to the regular double crochet stitch gives the blanket its unique design.

Yes, you can scale it up! Simply:

• Increase the foundation chain in multiples of 3+3 (e.g., 111, 114, etc.).

• Use more yarn to accommodate the additional size.

You can substitute a hook size close to 6mm (for the chain) and 5mm (for the pattern). Just know that a larger hook creates a looser weave, while a smaller hook produces a tighter texture. Always test with a swatch first to match your desired look.

Check out The Secret Yarnery's YouTube Channel for video tutorials or explore more patterns in their collections here.