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!

Why This Crochet Baby Blanket is So Quick to Complete

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!

How It Compares to the Granny Ruth Bedspread Pattern

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.

Materials You’ll Need

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.

Getting Started: The Foundation Chain

Seeing a neat chain is the first step to loving your project from start to finish. Start by making a simple slip knot and leave a long tail for sewing in later. If you’re using DK weight yarn, chain 108 for a standard baby blanket. For worsted weight, chain 84. To make it easier to count, place a stitch marker every 10 chains. This small effort saves time and keeps you accurate!

Once your chain is completed, switch from the large hook (6mm) to the smaller hook (5mm). This change ensures the chain edge won’t be too loose compared to the rest of the blanket.

The First Row: Three Double Crochets at a Time

The real fun begins with the first row! Start by chaining three (this counts as your first double crochet). Work three double crochets into the appropriate stitches, add a chain-1 space, then skip one stitch. Keep going until the end of the row, finishing with a single double crochet in the last stitch for a straight edge.

Quick tip: If you have extra chains at the end, don’t worry! Simply undo them until the numbers match, or ignore a single leftover chain. It won’t affect the blanket’s overall look.

Introducing the Spike Stitch

The spike stitch adds a gorgeous texture that ups the blanket’s visual appeal while staying beginner friendly. To create it, yarn over and insert your hook into the chain below a space from the previous row. Pull up a loop and complete the double crochet. It’s that simple, but it makes your blanket look stunningly intricate!

Building the Repetitive Pattern

From Row 2 onward, the steps remain consistent. You’ll work sets of three double crochets around chain spaces from the previous row, always repeating the sequence: chain 1, skip one stitch, and continue the sets. This one-row repeat creates a lovely rhythm, so you can crochet without constantly checking the instructions. It’s perfect for relaxing evenings or even Netflix marathons.

Finishing Touch: The Matching Scalloped Edge

When your blanket reaches your desired length, it’s time to add the final touch with a scalloped edge. On the last row, substitute spike stitches for spiked half-double crochets. Combine this with regular double crochets to create a soft, shell-like finish that matches the slight scallop at the blanket’s starting edge. This symmetry gives your blanket a polished, professional look.

Fixing Mistakes Without Redoing Rows

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.

Final Steps: Weaving in Tails and Washing

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!

Left-Handed?

FAQs 

1. What size does the Speedy Granny Ruth Baby Blanket finish at?

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.

2. Can I use other types of yarn for this pattern?

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.

3. I’m a beginner; is this pattern too hard for me?

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.

4. How many hours will it take to finish the blanket?

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.

5. What can I do if my edges look uneven?

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.

6. Can I add a border to this blanket?

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.

7. How do I clean the finished blanket?

If using acrylic yarn or other machine-washable materials, wash the blanket on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to preserve the blanket’s shape and texture.

8. What’s the difference between spike stitches and regular double crochets?

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.

9. Can this pattern be adjusted for larger projects, like an adult blanket?

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.

10. What if I don’t have the exact hooks mentioned?

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.

11. Where can I find tutorials for similar patterns?

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

Christa Patel is a passionate crochet designer, instructor, and creator behind The Secret Yarnery. With years of experience in crafting and tutorials, Christa is known for her approachable teaching style that simplifies even the most intricate crochet techniques. She believes in making crochet fun, fast, and attainable for all skill levels.

Christa’s creative journey began as a personal hobby, but her love for crochet quickly grew into a mission to inspire and empower crafters around the world. From baby blankets to home decor, her patterns are thoughtfully designed to balance functionality with beauty. Christa's ability to break down patterns makes her a favorite among beginners and experienced crocheters alike.

Through her YouTube channel, website, and blog, Christa has built a global community of yarn enthusiasts. Her tutorials, tips, and free resources have become go-to guides for crocheters seeking easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. With a personal touch and a focus on creativity, she invites everyone to join her crochet adventures.

When Christa isn’t crocheting or filming new content, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new yarns, and connecting with her vibrant online community. Her work continues to prove that crochet isn’t just a craft—it’s a way to unwind, connect, and craft something truly special.