9 Best Crochet Stitches for a Baby Blanket

I recently shared with you nine easy, interesting crochet stitches that I made video tutorials for in the past. While working on that post, I came across all my old videos for my Crochet Stitch Sampler Baby Blanket. This blanket was originally a CAL, in fact, it was my first big CAL that included my own pattern and videos for each step of the way. It’s been years since the original crochet-along, but the sampler stitch blanket pattern still holds up. It includes the nine best crochet stitches, one per square, for making a unique, interesting, fun crochet baby blanket. So, I thought that I’d put all of those videos together for you here in one place.

How To Use These Videos

If you’re interested in making the crochet baby blanket, you can work through each video, making one square in each stitch pattern. That’s how I originally designed the CAL. The entire ad-free PDF is for sale on Ravelry.

However, you can also use these videos in other ways, including:

• Learn one new stitch pattern per week to boost your crochet skills.
• Choose one crochet stitch pattern you love. Make nine squares in just that stitch, in the same color or different colors, to create a blanket of your own design.
• Choose just a few of the crochet stitches to work with. Make a set of squares to stitch together into a long super scarf, a baby blanket, or even a larger blanket. Each square is 11″ x 11″, so keep that in mind when planning your project.
• Bookmark these videos so you can refer to them when you need new crochet stitch ideas for any project.

The 9 Best Crochet Stitches For a Baby Blanket

I chose these as the nine best crochet stitches for a baby blanket because they’re easy to make and yet go beyond the basics of crochet. These aren’t just single crochet or double crochet squares. But with some basic crochet knowledge, you can master all of these stitch patterns.

1. 1×1 Double Crochet Ribbing

There are so many different ways to create crochet ribbing. You can work in the back loop only, for example, or you can play with post stitches, as we do in this pattern. Ribbing creates texture and stretch, so it’s great to learn different ways to crochet it. In this square, you’ll learn 1×1 double crochet ribbing, which is a terrific, easy, reversible crochet stitch pattern.

2. Basketweave Crochet Stitch

Basketweave crochet also uses front and back post stitches. The more you play with crochet, the more you’ll realize that you can do the same thing in different combinations to create totally different textures. Here, you’ll stack fpdc on top of fpdc for five rows, then bpdc on top of bpdc for those same rows. Then you’ll switch, working front into back and back into front posts. Then you’ll stack again for this great texture.

3. Fan Tail Crochet Stitch

You can work stitches into the same stitch from the row below in a specific way to create crochet fans. There are crochet shells and fans of different heights and widths, so there’s a lot of room to switch them up. In this example, we work the fan tail crochet stitch. You’ll see we add a chain stitch to turn a classic crochet shell into a fan in this stitch. It’s a lace stitch, but it’s not too openwork. This is a great beginner stitch pattern.

4. Crochet Bobble Stitch

Crochet bobbles are one of the best ways to add texture to a project. They’re also among the best crochet stitches for baby blankets because babies love grabbing that texture! You create the bobble stitch by working 5dctog. In this pattern, the bobbles are offset from row to row, giving you great symmetry without an overly crowded design.

5. Cross Hatch Crochet Stitch

Look at this terrific dense crochet texture. One of the things that you’ll learn when working with this crochet stitch pattern is how to crochet into the side of a stitch. It’s tough to learn at first because you’re not used to it, but the video tutorial should help clarify things. And the result is so interesting!

6. Fan Trellis Crochet Stitch

Use groups of single crochets and double crochets with the right spacing to get a beautiful lace crochet stitch pattern. You create a trellis design with wide fans. This is one of the best crochet stitches for baby blankets because it is open and lacy. This allows the blanket to breathe so the baby doesn’t get too warm. And babies like to poke their little fingers and toes through those open holes. Of course, always be safe when sharing your crochet with babies!

7. Long Wave Crochet Stitch

This is such a fun stitch pattern that you can create if you know the basic crochet stitches. You work single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet in a pattern across each row to create long diamond shapes or waves. Then you change colors and work the opposite stitches into one another (singles into trebles, for example) to even out the rows and complete the wave design. So much fun.

8. Catherine’s Wheel Crochet Stitch

This crochet stitch seems to go in and out of popularity, but I think it’s always a great stitch to use in a project. Each “wheel” is created in two rows, a row of “peaks” and a row of “valleys.” You showcase that wheel or starburst design by changing colors every two rows.

9. Blooming Granny Crochet Square

There are so many different crochet granny squares to create. This is one of them, and you can use it for tons of different projects. Check out my Blooming Granny Square Baby Blanket, too.

Crochet Stitch Sampler Baby Blanket Pattern

You can use the stitch tutorials above to learn all of the new stitches. However, if you want to create the blanket as designed, get the crochet stitch sampler baby blanket pattern now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a crochet stitch good for a baby blanket?

A few things matter most! The stitch should lie flat and not curl at the edges (garter stitch in knitting lies flat, but some crochet stitches naturally curl). It should be soft and gentle against baby skin. Good coverage is important for warmth. And practically… it should be a stitch you can work on autopilot for the many rows a blanket requires. Simple, rhythmic stitches that you can memorize quickly are ideal. Bonus points if the stitch creates some texture or visual interest while still being accessible to make.

What’s the most beginner-friendly stitch for a first baby blanket?

Single crochet in rows is the most basic option, but it can feel slow and creates a very dense fabric. Half double crochet is a step up that works faster, creates a slightly softer fabric, and still lies flat. Many beginners love the simple shell stitch as a first “fancier” option… it’s just groups of double crochets that create a beautiful wavy look and works up at a good pace. Granny stripe (continuous granny square rows) is also very popular for first baby blankets… it’s colorful, fun, and very forgiving.

Should I use textured stitches for a baby blanket or keep it smooth?

Both work! Smooth stitches like single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet create an easy-care blanket where details show clearly. Textured stitches like the bobble stitch, puff stitch, or moss stitch add tactile interest that babies actually find engaging… sensory texture is developmentally great for little ones! Just make sure textured stitches don’t create open gaps where small fingers could catch, and that any raised elements are firmly anchored and won’t snag. A lightly textured but secure stitch is perfect for baby blankets.

How big should a crochet baby blanket be?

The classic receiving blanket size is about 40 inches square… perfect for swaddling, stroller cover, and all-purpose baby use. A smaller size (30 to 35 inches square) works as a car seat cover. A slightly larger 45 to 50 inch blanket makes a wonderful crib blanket that baby will grow into. Lap blankets for older babies in strollers or high chairs are typically 24 to 30 inches. The 40-inch square hits the sweet spot for a versatile gift… big enough to be useful, not so big it’s overwhelming.

What’s the best yarn for a crochet baby blanket?

Machine washable is non-negotiable for a baby blanket! Soft acrylic like Lion Brand Pound of Love, Red Heart Soft, or Bernat Baby are popular choices because they’re gentle, washable, and come in beautiful pastel and neutral colors. Superwash merino wool is luxurious and machine washable. For a cotton blanket that’s great for warm-weather babies, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton or similar is wonderful. Avoid regular (non-superwash) wool, anything scratchy, or non-washable fibers… the people caring for that baby need to be able to throw the blanket in the wash at any hour.