
A crochet stadium blanket is a handmade blanket with a unique design that features a slit in the middle, allowing the user to wrap themselves up and stay warm during outdoor sports games or other activities. These blankets are often made with bulky weight yarn and can be customized in various colours to represent favourite sports teams or personal preferences. They are designed to be large enough for two people and can also be used at home, providing a cosy option for movie nights or any outdoor activity.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Size | 60″ (152 cm) wide x 72″ (183 cm) tall |
Stitch | Alternating Single Crochet Spike Stitch |
Yarn | Brava Bulky Yarn (approx. 3900 yards total) |
Colours | Red, Canary, and White |
Hook | 8mm |
Gauge | 9 sts x 12 rows = 4” square |
Pattern | Free |
What You'll Learn
Free crochet patterns for stadium blankets
If you're looking for a fun crochet project, why not try a stadium blanket? These blankets are designed to keep you warm and cosy while cheering on your favourite sports team. They often feature a slit in the middle so you can wrap the top half around yourself while still being covered by the bottom half. This makes them perfect for outdoor sports games, but they are also ideal for snuggling up on the couch.
You can find free crochet patterns for stadium blankets online, such as the one offered by Heart Hook Home. This pattern includes instructions for creating a slit in the centre of the blanket, which is about 30" wide. The finished blanket dimensions are 60" (152 cm) wide by 72" (183 cm) tall. The pattern uses a bulky weight yarn and a crochet hook size of 8mm, although a worsted weight yarn and a 6mm hook can also be used. The pattern is written using US terms and includes a tutorial for the Foundation Single Crochet stitch.
Another option for a free crochet pattern is the Herrschners Stadium Blanket Pattern. This pattern is rated as an easy skill level and the finished blanket size is 30 x 40" (76 x 48 cm). It uses a worsted weight yarn and a US size I-9 (5.5mm) hook. The pattern can easily be adapted to any team's colours, making it a great choice for sports fans.
So, whether you're cheering on your favourite football team or just snuggling up at home, a stadium blanket is a great project to keep you warm and cosy. With free crochet patterns available, you can get started on creating your own cosy blanket.
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Yarn and colour choices for crochet stadium blankets
When it comes to yarn and colour choices for crochet stadium blankets, there are endless possibilities. You can opt for solid colours or multiple colours. You can also choose to represent your favourite team's colours.
For a crochet stadium blanket, you can use bulky weight yarn or worsted weight yarn. The former is ideal if you are in a time crunch as it works up quickly and tends to be soft and cuddly. The latter is a more popular option as it is readily available, has more colour options, and provides great stitch definition.
When choosing colours, it is recommended to use odd numbers, with five being the magic number. This can be five different colours or five shades of the same colour. However, you can also use three or seven colours. It is important to consider balance and choose colours that are pleasing to the eye.
If you are looking for yarn brand recommendations, here are some popular options:
- Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran: This soft yarn comes in a wide range of colours and has a great price point.
- Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn: This worsted weight yarn is easily accessible and glides on your hook. It comes in about 60 shades.
- Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino Wool: This yarn is a little more expensive but offers a great texture and stitch definition. It comes in 59 beautiful shades.
- Premier Anti Pilling Every Day Worsted: This worsted weight yarn is surprisingly soft and has a wide range of colours.
- Stylecraft Special Yarn: This yarn is soft, has a variety of colours, and can be purchased in Aran and DK weight.
- Lion Brand Mandala: This self-striping yarn comes in various lines and colours, and it is nice to work with.
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Crochet tips and tutorials
Choosing the Right Yarn and Hook
When making a crochet stadium blanket, it's important to choose the right yarn and hook to ensure your project turns out as desired. Yarn comes in different weights, colours, and fibres, so selecting the appropriate type is crucial. For beginners, it's generally recommended to start with medium-weight yarn in a light colour, as it makes it easier to spot and correct mistakes. Smooth and non-splitting yarns, such as acrylic, are also good options for newbies.
As for hooks, they come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. The key is to match the hook size to the yarn weight. Use larger hooks for thicker yarns and smaller hooks for thinner yarns. For ergonomic reasons, a semi-sharp hook with a deep bowl or mouth is ideal for beginners.
Basic Crochet Stitches
There are several basic crochet stitches that form the foundation of your stadium blanket. These include:
- Chain (ch)
- Single crochet (SC)
- Half-double crochet (HDC)
- Double crochet (DC)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
Holding the Hook and Yarn
There are two common methods for holding your crochet hook: the pencil grip and the knife grip. With the pencil grip, you hold the hook like a pencil between your thumb and index finger, with your third finger providing additional balance and control. The knife grip, on the other hand, involves placing your hand over the hook, palm facing down, and holding it between your thumb and index finger.
Holding the yarn correctly is crucial for maintaining proper tension in your stitches. Loop the yarn through the fingers of your non-dominant hand, going over your pinkie, under the third and middle fingers, and back over your index finger. You can adjust the tension by squeezing your fingers together as you work.
Getting Started: The Slip Knot and Chain Stitch
To begin your stadium blanket, you'll first need to create a slip knot to attach the yarn to the hook. Then, you'll make a starting chain, which forms the foundation for the rest of the project. This step can be tricky for beginners, so take your time and consider using a larger hook to create more spacious chain stitches.
Working Into the Chain
The first row of crochet is worked into the foundation chain. Depending on the stitch type, you'll insert your hook into the second, third, or fourth chain from the hook. This step can be challenging, so don't be discouraged if you need to practise a few times to get it right.
Single Crochet and Double Crochet
The single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC) are two fundamental stitches used in various crochet projects. The single crochet is a simple stitch perfect for beginners, while the double crochet is taller and creates a more open fabric. Detailed step-by-step guides on how to execute these stitches can be found in many online tutorials.
Finishing Touches
Once your stadium blanket is complete, there are a few finishing steps to ensure it looks neat and professional. These include fastening off the yarn, weaving in loose ends, blocking your project to shape and size it, and adding any desired embellishments.
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How to care for your crochet stadium blanket
Washing
Crochet blankets should not be washed frequently—this will help preserve the item for as long as possible. When it is time to wash your crochet stadium blanket, the best way to do so is by handwashing it. This is the best way to wash delicate items like crochet gifts.
First, fill a large bucket, basin, or bathtub halfway with cool water. Leave enough space for the blanket to fit without water sloshing out. Then, add a couple of teaspoons of baby shampoo or gentle soap and mix it together with your hands. You likely won't see suds, but make sure it's mixed properly before proceeding to the next step.
Next, add your blanket to the water, gently pressing it to fully submerge. This ensures the soapy water gets into all the crevices. Let the blanket soak for about an hour. After soaking, gently rinse the blanket under cool running water or in a tub of clean water to remove the soap.
Finally, gently press out the excess water over a sink or tub. Don't twist the blanket, as you don't want to warp it. Squeeze out just enough water so that it's no longer dripping, then lay the blanket flat to air dry.
If you don't have the time to hand wash your crochet stadium blanket, you can wash it in a washing machine. Place it in a laundry bag and wash it on a delicate setting with cold water and a gentle detergent.
Drying
After washing your crochet stadium blanket, it's crucial to dry it correctly. Lay the blanket on a dry bath towel on a flat surface that is big enough to accommodate its size. A table would be perfect, but be sure to cover any wooden surfaces with a plastic or vinyl tablecloth underneath the towel. Flatten out the blanket and try to form it into its original shape. After a couple of hours, you may need to replace the towels, as they will be damp.
If you are unable to air dry your blanket, you may be able to tumble dry it in a mesh laundry bag in the dryer on low heat. Check on the blanket towards the end of the cycle. If it is still damp, return it to the dryer for 5 to 10-minute increments or let it air dry.
How Often to Wash
A good rule of thumb is to wash crochet blankets every three to four months. However, if you use your crochet stadium blanket daily, you may need to wash it more frequently.
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Where to buy crochet stadium blankets
If you're looking to buy a crochet stadium blanket, there are a few options available to you.
Firstly, you can find a range of crochet stadium blankets on Etsy. Many of these can be customised with your chosen colours, making them perfect for supporting your favourite sports team. Some of the crochet stadium blankets on offer are handmade, and you can also find crochet patterns on Etsy if you'd like to make your own.
You can also find crochet stadium blanket patterns available for free online from websites such as Herrschners and Heart Hook Home. These patterns can be adapted to your chosen colours, and you can also buy the ad-free, printable versions from sites like Ravelry, Etsy, and Heart Hook Home.
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Frequently asked questions
A crochet stadium blanket is a handmade blanket with a slit in the middle, designed to keep you warm and cosy while attending outdoor sports games.
Crochet stadium blankets are made from yarn. The Heart Hook Home website recommends using a bulky weight yarn, such as Brava Bulky, in your choice of colours.
The size of a crochet stadium blanket can vary depending on the pattern you follow. The Heart Hook Home website provides instructions for a blanket that measures 60″ (152 cm) wide by 72″ (183 cm) tall. Another source lists the finished measurements of their stadium blanket as 45" x 59" (114 x 150 cm).
You can find crochet stadium blankets on websites such as Etsy and Ravelry, or you can make one yourself by following a crochet pattern.