• Cart
  • Sign In
  • Passholder Area

Yarn + Chai

By Rebecca Langford

  • Home
  • Find a Pattern
    • Written Patterns
    • Video Tutorials
  • All Access Pass
  • Shop
  • Blog
All Posts, Blankets + Afghans, Crochet Patterns, Home Decor

Midwife Blanket

June 5, 2014

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links which help me cover the cost of publishing my blog. Should you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I will be given a small percentage of the sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Please note: There is a version of this blanket floating around that has red stripes with added heart-shaped sections. I’m getting a lot of questions about where that pattern is (I’ve even seen pattern roundups that show that blanket but link directly here). It’s not my blanket, and I do not have the pattern variation for you here. Sorry!

A Little Background

This pattern has quite a story behind it – more so than I realized when I first published it!

Back in 2014 (when I was blogging under the name “Little Monkeys Crochet”) I was watching one of my favorite tv shows, Call the Midwife, and spotted the most beautiful single-colored baby blanket.

blanketphoto-1

After an online search yielded no results, I immediately set out to figure out the pattern on my own. It gave me a run for my money but I finally finished it, published it on my blog, and the crochet world went a little crazy for it!

Quite some time later, I started to get an occasional comment here and there from someone who was so excited to discover my pattern because their mom (or grandma or aunt) had crocheted them this blanket decades ago and now they had a pattern for it! It wasn’t too much longer before the origins of this show prop were discovered: an old, out-of-print Patons & Baldwins Limited (UK) Booklet from years ago!

It was a fun discovery, but also a bit of a sad one, as I realized (perhaps later than I should have) that I had deconstructed someone else’s pattern, rewritten it, and published it on my own blog. I’m not sure why I didn’t realize this sooner – perhaps it was partly because I was a new blogger and hadn’t really thought through the legal or ethical issues of doing so, or perhaps it was because I saw the blanket on a TV show, in a pretend world, and it didn’t even cross my mind that there would be an actual real-life pattern out there for it. It’s probably a little of both.

This story does have a happy ending, though! Once it was clear where the pattern had originated, I sat down to write to the publisher who owned the rights. I explained the entire situation and timeline, apologized profusely, and offered to remove the pattern from my blog. Much to my surprise and delight, they responded with the utmost kindness and gave me permission to leave it be, enabling thousands of people to continue using it!

And so, this pattern remains on my blog with the permission of Yarnspirations, who now owns Patons. That’s a happy ending, I’d say!

 

THE MIDWIFE BLANKET

Hook: G (4.25mm)
Yarn: Light (DK). I used approximately 1,000 yards of Bernat Softee Baby Yarn in Antique White.
Difficulty: Easy
Crochet Language: American Standard Terms (I would have written it in UK, in honor of the fact that the show is from there, but I don’t know how…) 🙂
Finished Size: Approx. 30″ x 35″ (You can easily increase or decrease the size by adding to your starting Ch; just make sure you start with a multiple of 16, plus 6)

Notes:
(1) Because of the design, which is created by the use of skipped stitches, you’ll be crocheting into those stitches often. It’s up to you whether you crochet into the Ch, or the space created by it. I chose to crochet into the Ch itself because I felt it would give my rows a steadier look. Just note going into it that each of those skipped stitches still counts as a stitch for the row that follows it. So if it tells you to “DC in next 6 sts”, and there are only 4 DCs from the previous row followed by a space that was created by chains, you’ll need to put the last 2 DC into those chains (or the chain space, if you prefer).

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

To Begin: Ch 118.

Row 1: DC in 6th Ch from hook. (Ch 1, Sk 1 St, DC in next St) across. Ch 4; turn.

Row 2: Sk first 2 Sts, DC in next 15 Sts, including Ch 1s from previous row. (Ch 1; Sk 1 St. DC in next 15 Sts) 6 more times. Ch 1, Sk 1 St, DC in next St (which is part of the Ch 4 from previous row). Ch 4; turn.

Row 3: Sk first 2 Sts, DC in next 6 Sts, Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts, DC in next 6 Sts. (Ch 1; Sk 1 St. DC in next 6 Sts. Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts. DC in next 6 Sts) 6 more times. Ch 1; DC in next St  (which is part of the Ch 4 from previous row). Ch 4; turn.

Row 4: Sk first 2 Sts, DC in next 4 Sts, Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts, SLIP STITCH into next St, Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts, DC in next 4 Sts. (Ch 1; Sk 1 St. DC in next 4 Sts, Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts, SLIP STITCH into next St, Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts, DC in next 4 Sts) 6 more times. Ch 1; DC in next St  (which is part of the Ch 4 from previous row). Ch 4; turn.

Row 5: Sk first 2 Sts, DC in next 6 Sts (don’t forget to include the Chs from the previous row in your count!), Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts, DC in next 6 Sts. (Ch 1; Sk 1 St. DC in next 6 Sts. Ch 3, Sk 3 Sts. DC in next 6 Sts) 6 more times. Ch 1; DC in next St  (which is part of the Ch 4 from previous row). Ch 4; turn.

Row 6: Sk first 2 Sts, DC in next 15 Sts. (Ch 1; Sk 1 St. DC in next 15 Sts) 6 more times. Ch 1; DC in next St  (which is part of the Ch 4 from previous row). Ch 4; turn.

Row 7: Sk first 2 Sts. DC in next. (Ch 1, Sk 1 St, DC in next St) across. Ch 4; turn.

You’ve completed one row of rectangles. To continue your blanket, repeat rows 2-7 10 more times for a stroller blanket, or as many times as you want to achieve desired length. At the end of your final row, do not Ch 4, but continue to “Edging”.

Edging You will be working along the little boxes that line the perimeter of your blanket, using two of them together to create a scalloped edge.  Ch 1. SC + DC into first space. DC into the stitch that divides the two spaces. DC + SC into second space. This completes 1 scallop. (Sk next dividing st. SC + DC into next space. DC into the stitch that divides the two spaces. DC + SC into second space.) Repeat () all the way around the blanket (I added an extra DC when working in the corners).

Depending on how many rows of rectangles you chose to do, you may end up with a leftover box at the end, like I did. I simply improvised and made a 3-box scallop at the end. There’s probably a better way to figure that out, but I’m not above a little improvisation to get a job done. 😉 Fasten off; weave in ends.

by yarnandchai 
676 Comments

About yarnandchai

View all posts by yarnandchai

Related Posts

  • Herringbone Slouch
  • Zigzag Bag | Backpack Cinch Bag Crochet Pattern by Yarn + ChaiCinch Bag Series: The Zig Zag Bag
  • Desktop Succulent
  • Cosmos Scarf

Copyright Notice

All pattern text and photos are ©Rebecca Langford and may not be copied for purposes of redistribution online or in print. If you wish to share a pattern, please provide recipient with a link to the pattern instead. If you wish to use one or more of my patterns in a round-up on your own blog, you may use one (1) photo per pattern. You may sell your finished products made from Yarn + Chai patterns; a link to https://yarnandchai.com in your online listings is appreciated. For all other uses, please contact me directly. Your adherence to these guidelines is appreciated and ensures that I can continue providing quality patterns for free.
previous post: Sweet Ocean Breeze Baby Blanket (Original Version)
next post: Striped Mug Cozy

Comments

  1. CNB says: February 10, 2023 at 8:22 pm

    Thank you for this. I just rewatched the call the midwife episode and fell in love with the blanket. I looked online with no luck and then low and behold I came across a link for your blog. Can’t wait to make this.

    Reply
  2. Jillian Tempesta says: January 31, 2023 at 8:40 pm

    Hello! Thank you for the pattern! For this instruction in Row 2:
    (Ch 1; Sk 1 St. DC in next 15 Sts) 6 more times.
    I don’t have enough room on my chain to repeat the pattern 6 more times. I chained 118 to begin and I’m pretty sure I did the first row correctly. Do you know what I might be doing wrong?
    Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Lynne says: January 30, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    In the Edging directions, does Sk (Sk next dividing stitch) mean skip? Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Riley says: December 8, 2022 at 9:50 pm

    This pattern was perfect to make baptismal blankets for our church. I made two to donate. I used white dk weight yarn and changed the edging slightly so it was not ruffled. They turned out beautiful. Thank you for sharing the pattern.

    Reply
  5. Gail says: October 14, 2022 at 10:24 pm

    I must have made this blanket 7 times. When I lived in NY I would sometimes line it with a nice flannel. I live in the Caribbean now and a coworker is expecting a little boy in December. I am making a blue grey blanket for her. Thank you for sharing such a lovely pattern.

    Reply
  6. Krystle says: July 14, 2022 at 4:02 am

    I have a question. When crocheting row 5, do you crochet into the slip stitch? I mean I think you do but my first try turned out really messed up. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jess says: July 21, 2022 at 6:29 pm

      Yes you dc into those skipped stitches. I went into the ch sp.

      Reply
    • Kristy says: October 3, 2022 at 11:28 am

      No. The slip stitch is one of the stitches that you skip.

      Reply
  7. Jacqueline Ellis says: May 29, 2022 at 8:05 am

    Thank you so much for such a beautiful, easy, relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable blanket 💖 im almost at the end of making it and will definitely be doing another one ir ten in different colours!
    Can I ask…..has anyone added any extra scalloped rows to the border? I was wondering whether to add another couple of rows of scallops but don’t know how to work it out.
    Many thanks again, Jackie

    Reply
  8. Marlene says: February 9, 2022 at 1:38 pm

    Just checking, this project requires 1,000 yards?

    Reply
  9. Tracy bloomfield says: January 16, 2022 at 2:15 pm

    My great aunt crochet me one when I was born, now I have found the patten I can do it for my niece and daughter in law who are due in June to convert it into English all you do USA DC is English Tr stitch

    Reply
  10. Beverley says: October 20, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    Very comprehensive and beautiful.

    Reply
  11. Beverley says: October 20, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    Thanks very much quite comprehensive and beautigul.

    Reply
  12. Linda says: August 27, 2021 at 4:41 am

    I made this blanket when my first nephew was born. He is in his 40s now and has teenage children of his own. My sister still has the blanket! I was amazed to see it on *Call the Midwife and I’m so pleased to have found the pattern again!

    Reply
  13. Mar Kelleher says: July 7, 2021 at 8:02 am

    Thank you for sharing the story. I also watch the Midwifes and loved the show. Have a blessed 2021. M

    Reply
  14. Michelle says: July 2, 2021 at 6:46 pm

    This is a beautiful pattern! I was a little concerned at the end of the row (a couple times) that my stitches weren’t lining up properly to create the square border along the edge… but working back towards the middle its really nice to have that grid pattern to ensure I’m right where I should be. Thank you. I will be making this up many times for miscarried babies in my area.

    Reply
  15. Kim Quinn says: June 16, 2021 at 3:42 pm

    I wish to make this 54″ x 66″. I have 3000 yds of a beautiful worsted antique gold that felt like it cost the earth. Using an H hook. I dont have a brain for adjustments and am hoping you could please tell me if the 3000 yds will be enough.
    Thank you so much.
    Kim Quinn

    Reply
    • Michelle says: July 2, 2021 at 6:45 pm

      I’m not the blog owner, but I would advise you do a test swatch of one rectangle, plus one row of 2 to mimic a border, and see how much that weighs! I’m a big fan of using a kitchen scale to see if I can finish the whole project. If not, you’ve scrapped an hour and have to frog a little, versus not having enough. You can always do the border in another color if you run out too.

      Reply
    • Sandra says: October 17, 2021 at 8:16 pm

      I am almost finished a queen blanket of the midfire blanket and I have almost used 4,000 yards of yarn if that helps you with figuring thing out. You can add another color to the end if you do not have enough.Hope this helps you. Sandra

      Reply
      • WINIFRED BEZUIDENHOUT says: January 27, 2022 at 3:02 am

        Hi what is the midfire blanket you have mentioned here?

        Reply
        • MaryLou Dennis says: February 18, 2022 at 11:03 pm

          I think she meant midwife but it was a typo.

          Reply
        • Joey says: May 21, 2022 at 12:55 pm

          ‘Call the midwife’, was a series on TV about a group of very dedicated midwives in the 1950’s, east end London and the wonderful women they helped bring their babies into the world. There were 95 episodes. It was aired on PBS, BBC

          Reply
          • Narelle says: August 24, 2022 at 12:01 pm

            It hasn’t finished yet 🙂

          • KALEN Delaney says: March 24, 2023 at 3:35 pm

            It’s still going on. New episodes are being made even now. I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!

      • B_anana says: July 7, 2022 at 12:52 pm

        How many chains did you start with? I’m terrible at math, lol

        Reply
  16. Laurel says: June 9, 2021 at 7:18 am

    Thank you for this easy to follow pattern.

    Reply
  17. Laura says: May 23, 2021 at 11:29 am

    I made this into a scarf for my daughter a year ago and love it! I’m making the blanket for my expecting niece now. Can I make it bigger?

    Reply
    • Sandra says: October 17, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      Yes you can make it larger. I have made a lot of baby blankets with 7 squares across and 14 rows down. Sandra

      Reply
« Older Comments

Leave Your Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me

I'm so glad you're here! I'm Rebecca, the designer behind Yarn + Chai, and I can teach you how to find the right combination of pattern, yarn and color to produce modern, wearable crochet.

Let’s Be Social

Never miss a pattern.

We'll email you so you don't miss out.

I value your privacy!

Search

  • Privacy Policy

Instagram

Unable to communicate with Instagram.

Follow Me @yarnandchai.design

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Coffee Cup Cozy
    Accessories, All Free Patterns, All Posts, Crochet Patterns, Miscellaneous
  • Mosaic Pumpkin
    All Free Patterns, All Posts, Crochet Patterns, Home Decor

Never Miss a Pattern.

We'll email you so you don't miss out.

Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in