The Coziest Crochet: Baby Blue Eyes Blanket

The Baby Blue Eyes crochet blanket is a timeless piece, combining Stardust Melodies CAL Squares, the Flat Braid Square Joining Method, and a border to create a unique design. This crochet pattern is perfect for those looking for a blanket that brings together the past and present, winter and summer. The Baby Blue Eyes crochet blanket is just one of many crochet patterns available for crafting a cosy baby blanket, with other popular options including the Bundle in Blue Blanket and the Little Boy Blue Blanket.

Baby Blue Eyes crochet pattern

The Baby Blue Eyes crochet pattern is a timeless design that brings together the past and present, winter and summer. It is a combination of Stardust Melodies CAL Squares, the Flat Braid Square Joining Method, and a border by PKnightonHaener.

Materials

• Yarn: You can use fingering yarn by Patons Beehive Baby Yarn, which is designed to be gentle to the touch. Alternatively, you can substitute with Bernat Li'l Tots yarn and increase the hook size to 5mm for a quicker project.
• Hook: An H-sized hook is recommended for the pattern.

Pattern

The pattern for this crochet blanket involves creating squares and then joining them using the Flat Braid Square Joining Method.

Square Pattern:

• Ch 118 or multiples of 6 + 4.
• 1st row: (WS) 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. 116 dc.
• 2nd row: (RS) Ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn. 116 sc.
• 3rd row: Ch 3, sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st; rep from to end, 1 dc in last st. Turn. 57 x-st, 2 dc.
• 4th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn. 116 sc.
• 5th row: Ch 2, 1 hdc in first 2 sts, dc5tog in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts; rep from to end. Turn. 38 bobbles, 78 hdc.
• 6th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn. 116 sc.
• 7th row: Ch 3, sk next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in skipped st; rep from to end, 1 dc in last st. Turn. 57 x-st, 2 dc.
• 8th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn. 116 sc.
• 9th row: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st across. 116 dc.

Repeat rows 2 to 9 until 81 rows are complete.

Joining Squares:

The Flat Braid Square Joining Method can be found online and is used to join the squares together.

Border:

The border pattern is available on Ravelry and was designed by PKnightonHaener.

Customization

You can customize the size of this blanket by adjusting the number of chains in your foundation row, ensuring it is a multiple of 6 + 4. The example given uses 118 chains for a finished size of 32" x 39".

You can also customize the colors of your blanket by choosing different yarn colors. The example given uses Caron Big Cakes in Blue Macaron, but you can substitute with your favorite worsted weight yarn in any color combination or solid color.

Baby Blue Eyes colour palette

The "Baby Blue Eyes" colour palette is a light blue shade, with the hex code #A1CAF1. This can be translated into RGB values of (161, 202, 241), meaning it is composed of 27% red, 33% green, and 40% blue. In the HSV/HSB scale, Baby Blue Eyes has a hue of 209°, 33% saturation, and a brightness value of 95%.

The Baby Blue Eyes colour is a light and calming shade, perfect for a timeless crochet blanket. This colour is not included in the web colours list and cannot be applied in HTML and CSS code by name. However, it can be included in web pages through its hex, RGB, or HSL values.

The Baby Blue Eyes colour comes to life through a spectrum of shades, tints, and tones, each offering a variation of this regal colour. This colour palette is versatile and can be used in various design projects, including Complementary, Analogous, Split-Complementary, Triadic, Tetradic, and Square schemes.

The Plochere system, used extensively by interior designers, recognises Baby Blue Eyes as a light blue colour. This shade evokes a sense of calm and serenity, making it an ideal choice for a crochet blanket that will provide comfort and relaxation.

Baby Blue Eyes crochet stitch

The Baby Blue Eyes crochet stitch is a timeless pattern that combines Stardust Melodies CAL Squares, the Flat Braid Square Joining Method, and PKnightonHaener's border. This crochet stitch creates a blanket that evokes a sense of merging between the past and present, winter and summer.

To achieve this unique design, crocheters can follow these steps:

Stardust Melodies CAL Squares:

The "CAL" in Stardust Melodies CAL Squares stands for Crochet-A-Long, indicating that this pattern is designed to be worked on in parts over time. These squares are the foundation of the Baby Blue Eyes crochet stitch, and they are joined together using the Flat Braid Square Joining Method.

Flat Braid Square Joining Method:

This technique is used to seamlessly join the individual squares of the blanket, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.

PKnightonHaener's Border:

The final touch is adding PKnightonHaener's border, which provides a polished and elegant finish to the blanket. This border pattern can be found on Ravelry, a popular knitting and crochet website.

The Baby Blue Eyes crochet stitch is an intermediate-level project that requires some experience with crochet techniques and following patterns. It is a great choice for those looking to create a timeless and versatile crochet blanket with a unique blend of different crochet square patterns and joining methods.

For those interested in crocheting the Baby Blue Eyes blanket, the pattern and additional directions can be found on the "Your Crochet" website, along with a Facebook group where crocheters can share their ideas and work.

Baby Blue Eyes blanket size

When crafting a baby blanket, it's important to consider the baby's age, the purpose of the blanket, and safety guidelines. Here are some recommendations for the Baby Blue Eyes blanket size:

Receiving Blanket

Receiving blankets are thin and typically sold in packs of two or four, meant for various tasks with newborns. They are usually smaller than standard swaddling blankets, ranging from 18 inches square to 36 inches square. A baby can quickly outgrow a smaller receiving blanket, but it can later serve as a security blanket.

Swaddle Blanket

Swaddling is the practice of wrapping a light blanket snugly around a newborn, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to soothe a crying baby. A swaddle blanket should be thin, lightweight, and large enough to swaddle comfortably. Popular Ziggy Baby Muslin Swaddle Blankets are 47-by-47 inches, while other brands offer a 40-by-40 size.

Crib Blanket

Crib blankets are meant to keep a baby warm at night and should be introduced only after the baby reaches the age of one. They are generally rectangular, measuring around 40 inches by 60 inches, to fully cover a toddler in their crib or toddler bed. Ensure that the crib blanket is free of loose threads, buttons, yarns, or large holes to prevent safety risks.

Multi-Use Blanket

Multi-use blankets are essential when travelling with a baby and can serve as a stroller or car seat cover. They can also double as a lovey or security blanket for toddlers. Multi-use blankets typically measure around 30-40 inches. When used as a toddler's security blanket, ensure that the blanket is small enough to prevent the risk of suffocation.

Car Seat Blanket

A car seat blanket is another option to consider, measuring around 20-by-25 inches. This size is convenient for use in car seats and can be paired with a smaller lovey blanket.

When crafting the Baby Blue Eyes crochet blanket, consider the intended use and the age of the baby to determine the appropriate size. Remember to follow safety guidelines, especially for newborns, to ensure the blanket is snug and secure without any loose ends.

Baby Blue Eyes blanket care

Washing

It is recommended to wash crochet blankets by hand. To do this, fill a basin or bathtub with cool water, leaving enough space for the blanket to fit without overflowing. Add 2 teaspoons of a mild detergent or baby shampoo and mix it into the water. Submerge your blanket in the solution and let it soak for about an hour. After soaking, gently massage the blanket to dislodge any dirt or grime. Remove the blanket from the water and lay it flat on a towel, rolling it up to absorb excess water.

If you wish to wash your Baby Blue Eyes blanket in a washing machine, place it in a laundry bag and wash it on a delicate setting with cold water and a low spin speed. Only use a quarter cup of mild detergent and avoid long washing cycles.

Drying

After washing your blanket, it is crucial to dry it correctly. Lay the blanket flat on a dry towel, reshaping it to its original form. Leave it to air dry, preferably outside on a drying rack in direct sunlight. If you are tumble drying, set the dryer to low heat and only leave the blanket in for as long as it needs to dry.

Frequency

Crochet blankets should not be washed frequently. A good rule is to wash them every three to four months. However, if you use your blanket daily, you may need to wash it more often.

Yarn Type

Before washing your Baby Blue Eyes blanket, it is important to know what type of yarn it is made from. Most yarn will provide optimal care instructions on its label. Wool blankets should not be machine washed or soaked, and are best spot cleaned. Cotton and acrylic yarns are safe to wash in the machine on a delicate cycle, while blends may be washed in the machine if they are at least 75% cotton or acrylic.

Frequently asked questions