35 Free Knit and Crochet Christmas Afghans
Prepare for the holidays with these beautiful holiday throws! With stripes, snowflakes, gingerbread, trees and more, there’s a blanket for everyone from Yarnspirations! Get started today so the afghans are ready for the holidays!
Knit and Craft Christmas Blankets
Knit cables, plaid and more with these projects! Plus, make a tree-themed blanket with just your fingers!
- Reversible Wave Throw
- Christmas Eve Knit Afghan
- Christmas is Coming Throw
- Mitered Christmas Blanket
- EZ Graph It Holiday Tree Blanket
Crochet Christmas Blankets
Every type of crochet throw is here — stripes, ripples, motifs, and more! Whether you want to have snowflakes or stars, trees or pompoms, find your perfect blanket pattern.
- Holly Jolly Mosaic Crochet Holiday Blanket
- Plaid Christmas Blanket
- Christmas Morning Striped Throw
- Christmas Wreath Throw
- Plaid Christmas Blanket
- Christmas Star Throw
- Ripples of Joy Throw
- Christmas Star Throw and Pillow
- Snowflake Throw
- Christmas Tree Throw
- Dashing Holiday Throw
- Poinsettia Throw
- Joyous Throw
- Crochet Christmas Reindeer Blanket
- Holiday Cables Throw
- Holiday Chevron Throw
- Happy Holiday Throw
- Holiday Throw
- Holiday Hearts Throw
- Holiday Stripes Throw
- Holiday Edged Fleece Throw
- Holiday Striped Throw
- Holiday Balls Throw
- Victorian Ornaments Afghan
- Poinsettia Throw
- Scandinavian Snowflake Throw
- Retro Ornament Throw
- Star Throw
- Gingerbread House Throw
- Dusty Snowflake Throw
- Evergreen Mosaic Crochet Blanket
Also on the Blog
- Merry Holidays: Plaid Crochet Christmas Afghan Free Pattern
- Christmas Tree Crochet Throw
- FREE Christmas Patterns with Video Tutorials
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a blanket a “Christmas afghan”?
Either the colors, the motifs, or both! Classic Christmas afghans use red, green, and white in various combinations. Holiday motifs like snowflakes, Christmas trees, candy canes, reindeers, stars, and Nordic patterns identify a blanket as Christmas-themed. Some Christmas afghans are purely colorwork… bold red and white stripes feel festive. Others have elaborate holiday graphic designs worked into the fabric. And some use Christmas colors so beautifully that they read as festive without a specific holiday motif. With 35 patterns, this collection covers all approaches.
How far in advance should I start a Christmas afghan?
July! No, really… a full-sized Christmas throw requires 20-40+ hours of work depending on yarn weight and complexity. Chunky yarn holiday blankets work faster, but complex colorwork or lace Christmas afghans are substantial time commitments. Starting in the summer gives you breathing room, zero holiday deadline stress, and the satisfaction of a completed gift ready to wrap rather than frantically finishing by Christmas Eve. Start your Christmas knitting in summer and your December will be dramatically more peaceful.
What yarn is best for a Christmas afghan?
Machine washable is practical for a blanket that will be used throughout the holiday season and stored each year. Red Heart in classic Christmas colors is affordable, durable, and widely available. Lion Brand’s worsted weight acrylics in holiday colors are excellent. For a more luxurious feel, a soft acrylic blend or washable wool in Christmas colors creates a gift-worthy blanket. Color accuracy matters for Christmas themes… a true red (not orange-red) and a clear green (not yellow-green) read as most Christmas-authentic alongside crisp white.
Are Christmas afghans good beginner projects?
Some are! Simple striped Christmas afghans in worsted weight acrylic are very beginner-friendly. A basic granny stripe in holiday colors is a great first afghan. The challenge increases with motifs and colorwork… a Christmas graphghan with a complex Santa face requires intermediate C2C skills. For beginners wanting a Christmas blanket, look for patterns that use simple stitch patterns and color changes at row beginnings rather than complex mid-row colorwork. The holiday colors do a lot of the visual work even in simple constructions.
Can I make a Christmas afghan that’s usable year-round?
Absolutely! A Nordic-inspired geometric design in cream and forest green looks like a classic Scandinavian textile that’s beautiful any time of year. A red and white striped blanket can feel festive in December and farmhouse-chic in July. Snowflake motifs in pale blue and white read as winter-general rather than specifically Christmas. Cable blankets in natural wool tones with subtle holiday coloring are year-round staples. If you want maximum use from your time investment, lean toward timeless aesthetics over explicitly Santa-and-reindeer designs.
“`htmlQuick Tips for Christmas Afghan Success
Here’s the thing… starting a blanket project now means you’ll actually finish before December 25th! I’m speaking from experience, friends. Here are my go-to tips for making these patterns work beautifully:
- Yarn weight matters: Most of these patterns use worsted weight yarn (like Red Heart Super Saver or Caron Simply Soft), which works up quickly. Stick to the recommended weight so your finished blanket drapes beautifully without puckering.
- Tension check: Seriously… do a gauge swatch! A few minutes now saves hours of frogging later. Even if you think you know your tension, holiday patterns with color work or texture need that consistency.
- Color changes: If you’re tackling a striped or mosaic pattern, weave in ends as you go rather than saving it for the end. Your future self will thank you.
- Storage prep: Keep your project in a clear plastic bag between sessions. No lint, no cat hair, no mystery snags.
Pattern Recommendation by Skill Level
Want a confidence boost? Check out my guide on easiest crochet stitches if you’re newer to blanket-making. And if you’re ready to level up your colorwork skills, the mosaic patterns are absolutely forgiving… that’s literally why they’re so popular!
“`Categories: Free Patterns
