Crocheting A Heart Blanket: Beginner's Guide To Get Started

Crocheting a heart blanket is a fun and creative project for beginners. You can choose from a variety of patterns, such as the Modern Hearts Baby Blanket, Linked Hearts Blanket, or the Bobblina Heart Blanket. These patterns involve different techniques like tapestry crochet, filet crochet, and working with different types of yarn. The size of your blanket can also vary, from baby blankets to larger throws. With some basic stitches, patience, and creativity, you can make a heart blanket that's perfect for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.

Choosing the right yarn

Fiber Content

The fiber content of the yarn will determine how the blanket feels and how easy it is to care for. The two main categories of fiber content are natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers include wool and cotton, while synthetic fibers include acrylic. Wool yarn has better insulating properties, but cotton yarn is generally easier to care for as it can be machine washed and dried. Acrylic yarn is versatile and can be used for almost anything. It is also easy to care for. Consider who will be using the blanket and how it will be used. If it is going to a house with pets or small children, or if the recipient prefers low-maintenance items, synthetic or cotton yarn may be a better choice. If the recipient doesn't mind a little extra care, wool might be a good option.

Yarn Thickness

The thickness of the yarn will impact the overall look and feel of the blanket. Thicker yarns, such as bulky or super-bulky yarn, will make the blanket cozier and will work up faster. However, they may not be suitable for babies or individuals who overheat easily. For these cases, a lighter-weight yarn, such as DK weight or worsted weight, might be a better option. It is also important to consider the time you are willing to devote to the project. Thicker yarns will result in a quicker finish, while thinner yarns will take longer.

Yarn Construction

In addition to thickness, consider the construction of the yarn. Ultra-fluffy and loosely spun yarns may not be as durable and may not fare well in the washing machine. Look for yarns where the strands are spun together firmly, such as worsted spun yarns. These yarns are more durable because each strand lends strength to the others.

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn also plays a crucial role in your crochet project. The weight refers to the thickness of the yarn and is typically listed on the yarn label to help match it to your pattern. Using a larger yarn than specified in the pattern will result in a much larger project. It is generally recommended to follow the suggested yarn weight and check your crochet gauge. The Craft Yarn Council has standardized the yarn weight system, with the numbers ranging from 0 (lace weight) to 7 (jumbo). When choosing a yarn weight, consider the type of project you are making. For example, lace weight yarn is suitable for delicate openwork textures, while bulky or super-bulky yarn is great for cozy blankets and works up quickly.

Practical Considerations

When purchasing yarn, keep the following in mind:

• Dye Lot: Ensure that the yarn is from the same dye lot to avoid variations in color.
• Care Instructions: Consider how the yarn should be washed, especially if using multiple fiber types. Follow the instructions for the most delicate yarn in the project.
• Yardage: Pay attention to the yardage on the label to determine how much yarn you need for your project.
• Buy Extra: It is a good idea to buy an extra ball or two of yarn to ensure you don't run out in the middle of your project.

Color Selection

Choosing the right color for your crochet heart blanket is a personal decision. Consider your unique style and the wide range of colors available to find the perfect shade for your project.

Basic crochet stitches

To crochet a heart blanket for beginners, you'll need to know some basic crochet stitches. Here's a detailed guide to get you started:

Chain Stitch (ch)

The chain stitch is the simplest stitch and the starting point for most crochet patterns. First, make a slip knot and insert your hook. Then, yarn over and pull up a new loop to complete the first chain stitch. Repeat this process to create the desired number of chain stitches for your foundation chain. Chain stitches are also used between other types of stitches to create different patterns, such as the moss stitch.

Single Crochet Stitch (sc)

The single crochet stitch is the next basic stitch to learn. It creates a smooth texture, making it ideal for scarves, baby blankets, and hats. To make a single crochet stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then, yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook, leaving you with a single loop.

Double Crochet Stitch (dc)

The double crochet stitch is taller than the single crochet stitch and is used in various patterns, such as granny squares and afghans. To make a double crochet stitch, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Then, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Repeat the yarn over and pull through process for the remaining loops until you have a single loop.

Half-Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)

The half-double crochet stitch is a combination of the single and double crochet stitches. It creates a slightly more open fabric while still providing warmth. To make a half-double crochet stitch, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops on the hook to create a single loop.

Treble Crochet Stitch (tr)

The treble crochet stitch is the tallest of the basic stitches and is also known as the triple crochet stitch. It creates a looser fabric that drapes well, making it perfect for open, lacy shawls and light blankets. To make a treble crochet stitch, yarn over twice, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then, yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Repeat the yarn over and pull-through process until you have a single loop.

Slip Stitch (sl st)

The slip stitch is a versatile stitch with multiple uses. It is often used to join crocheted elements together, add flourishes or colour, and create invisible stitches to move yarn across a row without adding height. To make a slip stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.

With these basic stitches, you'll be well on your way to crocheting your heart blanket!

How to change colours

Changing colours is an important part of crocheting a heart blanket and can be done in several ways.

One method is tapestry crochet, where you carry the yarn you are not currently using along the back of your work and crochet over it until you need to use it again. This technique is useful for creating clear heart shapes with distinct colours. When carrying the yarn, always keep one colour at the front and one at the back to avoid twisting.

Another way to change colours is to cut the yarn and tie off when you have finished crocheting with one colour, then start a new row with the next colour. This method creates a cleaner break between colours but may leave loose ends that need to be woven in later.

You can also change colours in the middle of a row by pulling through with the new colour just before finishing a stitch, leaving three loops on your hook. This technique allows for more intricate patterns and colour combinations within your heart blanket.

Practising these colour-changing techniques on a small swatch before starting your heart blanket will help you get used to the process and achieve the desired effect.

How to create a heart shape

To create a heart shape, you can follow these steps:

Chain 2, then crochet 3 single crochet stitches into the first chain. Chain 1 and turn. In the next row, crochet 2 single crochet stitches into the first stitch, 1 single crochet stitch into the next stitch, and then 2 single crochet stitches into the last stitch. (This will give you a total of 5 single crochet stitches). Chain 1 and turn again. For the next row, crochet 2 single crochet stitches into the first stitch, 1 single crochet stitch into each of the next 3 stitches, and then 2 single crochet stitches into the last stitch. (This will give you a total of 7 single crochet stitches). Continue this pattern of increasing the number of single crochet stitches by 2 on each side of the heart until you reach the desired width of the heart.

Once you have achieved the desired width, you will stop increasing the number of single crochet stitches and simply crochet 1 single crochet stitch into each stitch across for a few rows. This will create the straight upper part of the heart.

To begin shaping the other side of the heart, chain 1 and turn, then crochet 1 single crochet stitch into each of the next 6 stitches. Chain 1 and turn again, skip the first stitch, and then crochet 1 single crochet stitch into each of the next 5 stitches. Continue decreasing the number of stitches on each side of the heart in this manner until you have created a pointy bottom for the heart.

Now, work on the other side of the heart. Go back to the row where you crocheted 6 single crochet stitches, skip a space, and pull up a loop in the 8th stitch. Crochet 1 single crochet stitch into each of the remaining 5 stitches. Chain 1 and turn, skip the first stitch, and then crochet 1 single crochet stitch into each stitch across. Continue shaping this side of the heart in the same way as the other side, decreasing the number of stitches until you reach the pointy bottom again.

Finally, chain 1 and work 1 single crochet stitch into each space around the entire heart, placing 3 single crochet stitches into the very bottom point to emphasize the heart shape. Slip stitch into the beginning stitch, tie off, and weave in all the ends to secure your heart shape.

How to finish the blanket

Once you've finished crocheting your heart blanket, you'll want to make sure it's secure and ready for use. Here are some steps to finish your blanket:

Weaving in the Ends

After you've cut the yarn, you'll want to weave in any remaining ends to ensure your blanket is neat and tidy. This will prevent any loose ends from unraveling and ruining your hard work. Use a tapestry needle to weave the ends into the blanket, making sure to go in the same direction as your crochet stitches.

Blocking Your Blanket

Blocking is an important step to ensure your blanket lies flat and has a consistent shape. This step is especially important if you're using natural fibers such as wool or cotton, as these tend to stretch and distort more easily. There are several methods for blocking, but a common one involves using a blocking mat, pins, and a spray bottle filled with water. Place your blanket on the blocking mat and pin it down to the desired size and shape. Then, lightly spray the blanket with water until it is damp. Leave it to dry completely before removing the pins.

Adding a Border

Adding a border to your blanket can give it a more polished look and help to accentuate the heart design. A simple border can be created by crocheting a round of single crochet stitches around the edge of the blanket. You can also experiment with different border patterns, such as a picot stitch or a shell stitch border, to add a more decorative touch.

Finishing Touches

Finally, you can add any finishing touches to your blanket. This could include sewing on a label with your name or a special message, or even adding some embellishments like crocheted flowers or buttons. Remember to always wash your blanket according to the yarn care instructions before gifting it to someone or using it yourself.

Frequently asked questions