I’m all about challenging myself in crochet, but sometimes I just need a simple pattern to relax with at the end of a long day. This blanket pattern, made completely of single crochet stitches, has been wonderful for that purpose!
I’ve been wanting to design an all-single-crochet blanket because I think the effect is so modern and sleek. Sometimes we get so caught up in thinking we need fancy stitches that we forget how modern a simple, clean design can look. Remember, if you’re gifting a blanket to a new mom with modern taste, she’s not going to care so much about fancy stitchwork – in fact, the fancier the stitchwork, the more “old-fashioned” the project can look. I can almost guarantee that she just wants a cute, soft blanket to wrap her baby in!
I chose the name “Summer Boardwalk Baby Blanket” because the colors remind me so much of the beach, and the multicolored sections remind me of the run-down wooden planks that often line a beach boardwalk.
About the Yarn
I chose Hobby Lobby’s Sweet Delight yarn (from their Baby Bee line) for this project, which is an acrylic baby yarn that is pleasantly soft. Sweet Delight is a really interesting line of DK (that’s #3 weight) yarn, because it boasts a mixture of coordinating solids as well as self-striping, marled, speckled, and variegated colorways, all working together to give you awesome options for colorwork. When I chose the colors for this blanket, I stood in the yarn aisle and searched for a self-striping skein that I loved, then chose three solids that matched the colors contained within it. I also grabbed a white for what has become sort of my signature blanket look – the ribbing on both edges. (So much more modern-looking than a full border!)
Beware, if you choose a different multi-colored yarn than I did to start with (for instance if you wanted to make a girly blanket), some of the multi-colored yarns in the line have long color changes, and some are more of a variegated… and it’s not easy to tell the difference at first glance! I learned this the hard way when I grabbed a skein of this beautiful white, lavender and green mixture. When I got home and started working with it, I discovered it was variegated (meaning, the color changes happened every couple of inches). You might like variegated yarns, but I’m not a huge fan of them, so I didn’t end up using it. If you want to avoid variegated, very carefully inspect the skein before you purchase it and make sure the color changes are more than a couple inches long. (Don’t destroy the skein and put it back on the shelf; that’s not cool.)
Lately, Hobby Lobby has been having this awesome 30% off all yarn sale every other week. I grabbed my yarn on sale week and at $5.29 retail price for 6 skeins, I was able to make this entire blanket for $23. Not bad!
One last thing. I don’t think of myself as a yarn snob, but I am sensitive to scratchy yarns. And when it comes to baby blankets, my standards are especially high. If you’re the same and are wondering how soft this yarn really is, I promise you, it’s soft! For an acrylic yarn, I was thrilled. You know how some yarns feel squishy soft in the skein but then when you start working them up, they just don’t feel that soft anymore? This one maintains its softness. Some of the colors felt softer than others, but I was not a bit disappointed in any of them. This baby blanket is actually a gift for my sister, who is giving birth to my newest nephew this week, if that tells you anything!
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SUMMER BOARDWALK BABY BLANKET
View on Ravelry
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner
Finished Size: 29″ wide x 37″ long
Hook: 4.5mm (US-7) hook
Yarn: Approx. 1,200 yards of #3 DK weight in 5 colors. To achieve the effect in the sample blanket, you’ll need to choose a self-striping yarn and a contrast color (for the ribbing) then choose 3 solid colors that coordinate with the self-striping yarn. Yarn used in sample photos is Yarn Bee Sweet Delight (from Hobby Lobby) in the following colors and amounts:
COLOR A (“Angel”) – 145 yards (this is the ribbing)
COLOR B (“Tricycle Time”) – 510* yards (this is the self-striping yarn) *This is a correction from the previously-published 340 yards
COLOR C (“Surf Baby”) – 170 yards (this is the aqua)
COLOR D (“Cloudy”) – 170 yards (this is the light tan)
COLOR E (“Toy Elephant”) – 170 yards (this is the dark tan-gray)
Gauge: 19 SC x 25 rows = 4″ square
You’ll also need: Yarn needle
Terms and Abbreviations:
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
BLO (back loop only)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) CH1s at the beginning of rows do not count as a stitch in the final stitch count.
(3) Whenever the instructions tell you to switch to a new color, you can fasten off the previous color.
(4) There is no stitch multiple for this pattern. If you want to make it wider, add rows to the first ribbing section. If you want to make it longer, simply repeat the color blocks, or make them thicker.
INSTRUCTIONS
TOP RIBBING
With COLOR A, CH11.
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. (10)
Rows 2-134 (or until ribbing measures about 29-30″ long): CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 8 STS. SC in final ST. (10)
– – – – – – – – – –
BODY (Row count restarts back to 1)
Body, Row 1: CH1, do not turn. SC in each row end along the long edge of the ribbing. (134, or however many ribbing rows you completed)
Rows 2-4 (3 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR B.
Rows 5-34 (30 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR A.
Rows 35-38 (4 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR C.
Rows 39-68 (30 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR A.
Rows 69-72 (4 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR B.
Rows 73-102 (30 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR A.
Rows 103-106 (4 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR D.
Rows 107-136 (30 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR A.
Rows 137-140 (4 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR B.
Rows 141-170 (30 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR A.
Rows 171-174 (4 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR E.
Rows 175-204 (30 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – –
Switch to COLOR A.
Rows 205-208 (4 rows): CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (134)
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
BOTTOM RIBBING
In this section, we will be creating the bottom ribbing by making vertical ribs and attaching them with slip stitches to the last row of the body as we go. We’ll be referring to “Row 208” quite a bit; that’s the last row of the body of the blanket we completed, and that’s what the ribbing will be attaching to. If you need a little extra help, check out my tutorial on how to add ribbing at the end of a crochet project.
CH11.
Row 1: Turn. SC in 2nd chain from hook and in each of the remaining 9 chains. SL ST into the first SC from Row 208, the stitch on which your CH11 was built. SL ST into the next SC from Row 208. (10, plus the two slip stitches along Row 208)
The section we just created, built on the CH11, will hereafter be referred to as the “ribbing.”
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS you put in Row 208, SC in BLO of each of the first 9 STS of the ribbing. SC in both loops of the last ST. (10)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in 1st ST. SC in BLO of each of the remaining 9 STS of the ribbing. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS of Row 208. (10, plus the 2 SL STS along Row 208)
Row 4: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS you put in Row 208, SC in BLO of each of the first 9 STS of the ribbing. SC in both loops of the last ST. (10)
Rows 5-134: Repeat Rows 3-4 all the way across Row 208. (10)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
– – – – – – – – – –
Done! If you’re sharing on social media, be sure to hashtag #summerboardwalkbabyblanket and tag me @yarnandchai.design!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Love this. 🙂 I started one with colors I had around the house (you know, the yarn we buy while waiting for the perfect pattern to show up to go with it). The yarn I have is a little too variegated, it is longer segments, but still just a bit too short. It’s coming out nicely though. I LOVE your colors and have placed my yarn order for the same. (Hobby Lobby should give you some free yarn as I only ordered because of your gorgeous blanket! Hint, hint!)
I’d like to make this for a house warming gift for a friend. The colors are beautiful and neutral. I’m a beginner and this would be my first full sized project. Do you have a specific suggestion about the colors of the rows to add to increase the size? Would a good rule of thumb be to increase by 100% buy 100% more yarn? Greatly appreciate your advice.
It would depend on how you plan to make it larger; whether you’re planning to keep the color blocks the same height and just increase the width and repeat the color sections, or whether you plan to enlarge each individual block by both width and height. You’ll need to compare square inches per color block; it will take some guesswork. Or, if your yarn source is nearby, you could purchase for the first block and find out how much yarn it will require, then buy similar amounts for the other sections. That’s the easiest way.
Hi! I am fairly new to crochet and hoping to make this! I always mess up when starting a new row, so I wanted to ask where do I start after the CH1? Into the same stitch as the chain one, or the very next one? Thanks!
Same stitch.
I have been searching for a crochet pattern for my Grandson who is to arrive in September. I have seen so many, but when I saw this one I knew it was the one I wanted to make. I love the colors and I ordered the exact colors you used from Hobby Lobby. I am waiting for them to arrive. Thank you so much. This Grandma is very happy!!
I’ve been searching all day for a simple, classic crochet pattern like this. Everything you said is Soooooo true. I started a blanket with front post double crochet and single crochet stiches and it was looking too “old fashioned” I agree with you 100percent and I can’t wait to make this blanket!!! Beautiful beautiful!! I’ll be looking for you on YouTube!
-JJ
Thank you Rebecca for this lovely pattern, and for generously providing all of your quality content. I know this pattern is from a while ago, but in case anyone is still listening I had a quick question. I have some #4 self striping yarn with coordinating solids that I’m trying to use up. I reduced the number of ribbing rows to keep the width at around 30”. I know I’ll probably have to do fewer single crochet rows to keep the finished length of the blanket in proportion. Can you tell me how high each section of 30 single crochet rows and each section of 4 single crochet rows should measure? If I have those measurements I’ll be able to reduce my number of rows accordingly to keep the overall blanket size the same. Thank you!
Hi Rebecca – just wondering if you used the entire skeins w/ the 29X37 size – mine is at about 31″ wide at this stage and I’m wondering if I’m going to run out of yarn??? – I chose the exact same colors – so pretty!! Blankie is for my best friend’s daughter’s baby boy coming in a month! Love this easy breezy pattern so simple and clean!
Kathy
Hi Kathy! All my yardage is listed in the pattern. I only needed one skein of the solids, and went into a 2nd skein for the variegated. Good luck!
Hi Rebecca, I’m really loving the look of this blanket. It is a real gender-neutral design and requires nothing but a possible color change, if you really think it’s required. I have loved working with DK yarn for many years, it is my go-to favorite. Thanks again for the beautiful pattern.
Thank you, Rebecca! This looks so nice I am inspired to make it for my niece who is delivering in February.
I bought this exact Yarn except the Angel I noticed when I got home is baby bee Hushabye solid. It is slightly thicker than the sweet delight. Do you think this will work and maybe give a slight texture look to the blanket? Any advic is appreciated .
Hi Rebecca! I haven’t used Hushabye but according to the Hobby Lobby site, it’s a #4 yarn. I don’t think mixing the two would work very well; your Hushabye sections would definitely be a little wider which might result in warping.
Love this pattern! My corners on the ribbing want to pull in and kind of curl. Any tips to keep it square? I have a photo if helpful but can’t post it here.
Thanks!
Amy
Hi Amy! You can block the corners if you need to 🙂
Are you able to suggest substitute yarn cannot get hobby lobby in Australia unfortunately please help
Hi Marina! You just need to find a self-striping yarn (#3/DK weight), and three solids that coordinate with it, plus a white. 🙂
How long did it take you to make this? I have that same yarn and always felt it takes forever to work especially as a single crochet.
I find that SC goes very fast, but I love projects that allow me to zone out. And it’s always fun when you get to a new color block. But really it’s just personal preference. I don’t time my projects because with a 20 month old at home, my crocheting time is so intermittent that it would be near impossible to give you an accurate guess 🙂
Thanks a bunch! I’ll give it a try.
This is a beautiful, simple blanket! I’ve been looking for something simple, modern and eye catching. I believe I found it! Thanks for sharing! <3
Gorgeous project for summer, my dear! It’s so fresh and smart. I love this color combination. Thank so much for sharing the pattern with all of us. This one is going to my “To Do List”, that’s for sure! And also I’d like to include this project (one picture plus link) in my next “Summer Round-Up post” that I’m going to publish in my blog today. Have a lovely Sunday, dear!
I have purchased an All Access Pass, but I cant figure out how to get and print the PDF’s. I was charged for a pattern that I am trying to print.
Can you do a video tutorial for this blanket
It’s actually a very simple blanket – all single crochet! If you need help with the 2nd section of ribbing, you can view this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5F_OMt6eFc
Thank you for the awesome pattern! I was wondering if you could share the exact color choices you chose. I would love to make the exact one you made and that yarn has so many beautiful colors, but some of them are very close. Thanks Rebecca! #hugefan
Aww thanks Chrys! If you look up in the pattern info, under “Yarn”, you’ll find the exact names of the colors I use. Enjoy!
Where can I find your video that shows how to do the ribbing and connecting it to row 208?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5F_OMt6eFc 🙂
I bought the All-AccessPass since April 2018…How do you download the ad-free pdf’s? I am logged into the passholder area and can’t find them. Thank you in advance