
Hexagon crochet blankets are a fun and creative way to make a cosy blanket. They are made up of hexagons that can be crocheted separately and then sewn together, or joined as you go. This makes them a great portable project as you can work on the hexagons individually and then assemble them later. Hexagon crochet is also a great way to use up scrap yarn, as you can make each hexagon a different colour. Hexagon crochet is accessible to beginners, but still interesting for more advanced crocheters.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Difficulty | Simple to memorise, easy to crochet, and portable |
Size | Customisable |
Yarn | Can be made with a single colour or multiple colours |
Stitch | Double crochet is an excellent stitch for an afghan |
What You'll Learn
Hexagon crochet blanket patterns for beginners
Hexagon crochet blankets are simple to make and provide lots of opportunities for working with colour. Here is a step-by-step guide to making hexagon crochet blankets for beginners.
Step 1: Getting Started
Before you begin, decide how large you want your blanket to be and how many hexagons of each colour you will need. A baby blanket will typically require 38 hexagons. You can also make a stroller blanket, lap blanket, or even a bedspread.
Step 2: Choosing Yarn and Colours
For a lightweight blanket, use cotton yarn. For a warmer blanket, choose acrylic yarn. You can use a single colour or multiple colours for your hexagons.
Step 3: Basic Hexagon Pattern
- Chain 3 and double crochet into the first chain.
- Chain 2, then 2 double crochet, chain 2 (5 times) into the first chain.
- Slip stitch to the top of the chain 2 to join.
- Chain 2, double crochet in the next stitch, chain 2, double crochet in the chain 2 space from the previous round, double crochet in the next 2 stitches (5 times).
- Chain 2, double crochet in the last chain 2 space, and slip stitch to the top of the chain 2 to join.
- Repeat the above steps, increasing the number of double crochets in each round by 2 until you reach the desired size.
Step 4: Joining the Hexagons
Once you have crocheted all your hexagons, you can join them together using a crochet hook or a tapestry needle. Lay out your hexagons in a pattern you like, and then join them using a "join as you go" technique.
Step 5: Adding a Border
Finally, add a border to your blanket by crocheting two rows of single crochet stitches around the edge of the blanket.
Tips:
- You can make your hexagon crochet blanket more portable by carrying a skein of yarn, a hook, and scissors with you on the go.
- Blocking your crochet hexagons on a blocking board will help ensure they are all the same size when you sew them together.
- Take a photo of your hexagon layout in case it gets disturbed before you get a chance to sew it together.
- Weave in all the ends that remain, including the magic circle tail, for added security.
- Double crochet is an excellent stitch for blankets because it is fast and easy to execute.
Happy crocheting!
The Art of Crochet: Scallop Blanket Stitching
You may want to see also
Different types of yarn for hexagon crochet blankets
When it comes to choosing the yarn for your hexagon crochet blanket, there are a few factors to consider, such as weight, fibre content, price, and care instructions. Here is a list of different types of yarn that are suitable for hexagon crochet blankets, along with their characteristics and benefits:
- Acrylic yarn is a versatile option that can be used for almost any project. It is usually soft, durable, and affordable. Red Heart With Love Yarn is a good choice for medium-weight blankets as it is tough, machine-washable, and offers great value for money.
- Wool yarn is a great choice for keeping warm during winters. Lion Brand Wool Ease and Wool Ease Thick and Quick are durable and affordable wool/acrylic blends. Chic Sheep Yarn is a superwash merino wool yarn that is easy to care for and has beautiful stitch definition.
- Cotton yarn is perfect for spring and summer projects like baby blankets and picnic blankets. It is soft, durable, and breathable. Paintbox Yarns Simply Cotton is a good choice for its stitch definition and beautiful drape. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton has a polished look due to its sheen.
- Blended fibres offer the best of both worlds. Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Yarn is an acrylic and alpaca blend that adds a gentle halo to your project. Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn is a soft and comfortable polyester and cotton blend.
- Baby yarn is designed to be soft and gentle for a baby's sensitive skin. Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn is a reliable option with a range of pastel colours. Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn is a versatile option with a wide range of colours and prints.
- Bulky yarn is perfect for quick projects as it works up fast. Lion Brand Heartland Yarn is a soft worsted-weight yarn with beautiful heathering. Bernat Blanket Yarn is a super bulky option that is soft, plush, and works up quickly.
- Self-striping yarn is a great option if you want to avoid weaving in ends. Lion Brand Mandala is a self-striping yarn with stunning colour transitions. Caron Cotton Cakes is a cotton and acrylic blend with beautiful self-striping colours.
- Novelty yarn is fluffy and adds texture to your project. Red Heart Hygge Yarn is a beginner-friendly novelty yarn that is soft and cozy.
Mastering the Art of Crochet Bias Panels for Blankets
You may want to see also
How to join hexagons for a crochet blanket
Joining crochet hexagons can be done in many ways, and it's important to prepare your hexagons before joining them together. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to join hexagons for a crochet blanket:
Preparation:
Before joining your hexagons, there are a few steps you can take to ensure a neat and professional finish:
- Blocking: Use T-pins to pin each hexagon to a blocking board. Lightly steam each hexagon with an iron or steamer to ensure they are all the same size.
- Stitch Count: Check that each of your hexagons has the same number of stitches.
- Layout: Lay out all your hexagons and decide on your colour pattern and arrangement. Take a photo of the layout for reference.
Joining Methods:
There are several methods for joining hexagons, each creating a different look and feel:
- Flat Slip Stitch Seam: A lightweight and quick seam that is great for hexagons. Insert your hook into the back loop of the corner stitch of the first hexagon, then the back loop of the corresponding stitch on the next hexagon. Pull the working yarn through both loops on the hook to complete the slip stitch. Repeat for each stitch along the edge of the hexagons.
- Whip Stitch Seam: Neat and tidy, this method offers a flexible join for blankets.
- Single Crochet: Similar to the flat slip stitch seam but with a different hook angle, creating a little more texture.
- Join As You Go (JAYG): A continuous method with no ends to weave in. You can use various stitches, such as single crochet, slip stitch, or granny stitch.
- Flat Braid Join: Another continuous method that requires a bit more knowledge but is achievable with practice.
Joining Process:
Once you have chosen your joining method and prepared your hexagons, follow these steps:
- Select the first two hexagons you want to join, starting at a corner.
- Work in the same direction for all joins to achieve a neat and professional finish.
- Join the hexagons using your chosen method.
- Repeat the joining process for each pair of hexagons, working vertically or horizontally as desired.
- After completing all vertical or horizontal joins, move on to the other direction.
- Weave in any remaining ends.
Race Car Crochet Blanket: A Cozy, Speedy Craft Project
You may want to see also
Half-hexagon crochet blanket patterns
Step 1:
Chain 3, then work 11 double crochet stitches into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd stitch of the initial chain 3 and fasten off. You should now have a little whirly wheel circle with 12 stitches/spokes altogether.
Step 2:
Join in a new colour for this round by knotting the two yarns together. Pull the new colour yarn through to the front, through one of the stitches – you are working out of the stitches in this round, not the spaces in between.
For this round, you will be making what is known as a Bobble Stitch. In this stitch, you work two incomplete double crochet stitches into the same stitch, joining them at the end by pulling the yarn through all loops.
The pattern for this round is as follows: Chain 2, then 1 double crochet in the same stitch. Chain 1. Work a bobble stitch into the next stitch, then chain 1 to space. Repeat 10 more times until you get back to the beginning and have 12 "bobbles" in total. Join the round with a slip stitch into the 2nd stitch of the initial chain 2.
Step 3:
Join a new colour and pull the loop through a space between the bobble clusters to start. Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), work 2 double crochet stitches into the same space, then chain 1. Work 3 double crochet stitches into the next space, chain 1. Repeat 10 more times until you get back to the beginning and have 12 "clusters" in total. Join the round with a slip stitch into the 3rd stitch of the initial chain 3 and fasten off.
Step 4:
Join in a new colour and pull the loop through a space between the double crochet clusters of the previous round. Chain 3, then make a slip stitch into the next space between the double crochet clusters – this anchors the chain loop. Continue making little chain-3's, slip stitching them in place in the gap between the double crochet clusters of the previous round. Join the last chain-3 with a slip stitch into the first chain stitch you made. Do not fasten off as you will use the same colour for the next round.
Step 5:
You are using the same colour as the last round, and you will be working the stitches under the chain-3 loops you created. To begin, make a slip stitch under the nearest chain-3 loop. Chain 3 (counts as one double crochet), then double crochet twice. Chain 2 (this is the corner spacing), then in the SAME chain-3 loop, double crochet three times. This is your first corner, and it should look like a double cluster of 6 double crochets with a pointy corner in the middle.
Into the next chain-3 loop, work 3 double crochets. This is a single cluster and makes a straight side. Into the next chain-3 loop, work 3 double crochets, chain 2, then 3 double crochets. This is your second corner.
Continue working your way around, forming the hex shape. You should be ending the round on a straight-side group of three double crochets. Join the round with a slip stitch and fasten off.
Now, if you prefer, you can make lots of single half-hexagons and join them all by stitching. However, joining them as you go is a fairly easy method, although a little fiddly.
You will be working anti-clockwise, starting with a corner. To begin, make a single cluster as before (chain 3, then double crochet twice). Then, instead of chaining 2 to make your corner spacing, chain ONE, then replace your second chain space with a slip stitch into the corner space of the adjoining hexagon. Then, working into the SAME chain-3 loop, double crochet three times to finish your corner cluster.
Now, slip stitch into the next space of the adjoining hexagon to secure. Basically, you have to insert the hook into the space, hook the yarn from the back and pull it through to the front – first through the space, then through the loop on the hook. It takes a bit of practice, and it can be fiddly. But persevere.
You continue to work your way around, forming the hex shape in the same way as described above, but make sure that after each cluster, you slip stitch into the relevant space on the adjoining hexagon to make the attachment. When you get to a corner where you would normally chain 2, you make 2 slip stitches instead.
And there you have it – your very own half-hexagon!
The Perfect Cozy Crochet: Granny Star Blanket Pattern
You may want to see also
Tips for weaving in the ends of a hexagon crochet blanket
Weaving in the ends of your crochet blanket is an important step to ensure that your project doesn't unravel over time. Here are some tips for weaving in the ends of a hexagon crochet blanket:
- Use a tapestry needle or a crochet hook to weave in the ends. A tapestry needle will give you a neater and more professional-looking finish, but if you don't have one, you can use a crochet hook to weave the ends through the crochet fabric.
- Weave the ends on the wrong side of the blanket so that the front of the stitches remains undisturbed.
- Weave the ends horizontally through the base of the stitches or vertically through the post of taller stitches. Work up and down and side to side, changing directions a few times to ensure that the ends are secure and don't come out.
- Be careful not to weave the yarn in too tightly, as this can cause the fabric of your blanket to pucker.
- If you are using multiple colours, weave in the ends of each colour separately through the stitches worked in the same colour. This will make the weaving less visible.
- Leave a long tail when cutting the yarn, about 6 inches, to make it easier to weave in the ends.
- If you are using bulky or super-bulky yarn, you can split the yarn into plies and weave in each ply separately to make it easier to hide the ends.
- Weave in the ends as soon as you finish your project, or at least before you wash or wear it for the first time, to prevent the yarn from unraveling.
Crafting Cozy Crochet Blankets for Your Furry Friends
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hexagons are simple to crochet, even for beginners. You can start by chaining 4 and joining to form a ring. Then, chain 3 and work 11 double crochet stitches into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd stitch of the initial chain 3 and fasten off.
You can either sew the hexagons together with a tapestry needle or join them as you go with a crochet hook.
It depends on how big you want your blanket to be. A baby blanket might use 38 hexagons, while a larger blanket could use over 200.
You can use any weight of yarn, but worsted weight yarn is a good option for a hexagon blanket. You can also use scrap yarn to make a scrapghan.