Mastering Pre-Loop Crochet: Blanket Project For Beginners

Pre-looped yarn is a great way to get into crocheting or knitting. The loops are already made, so you can get straight to work on your blanket without needing to use hooks or needles. You can create a simple, modern knitted throw or baby blanket with this technique.

If you're looking for a more challenging crochet project, you can try a braided loops crochet blanket. This pattern gives the appearance of a complicated braided cable blanket but is much easier to make. It uses a combination of stitches to create a knit-like fabric with braids that pop.

Braided loops crochet blanket

The braided loops crochet blanket is a beautiful and intricate design that is perfect for both beginners and experienced crocheters. The blanket features a twisting braid design, resembling a Jacob's ladder, that is achieved with minimal effort and without complicated post stitches. The braids are given a unique twist to make them stand out against the flat fabric, and this technique is much simpler than it looks.

To create this blanket, you will need the following materials:

• Bernat Baby Blanket yarn in colours Vanilla, Orange Flamingo, and Pale Gray (size 6 Super Bulky weight yarn)
• Tapestry needle to weave in the ends

The finished size of the braided crochet loops blanket is 36 inches wide and 45 inches long. Here is the yardage you will need for the crochet braided blanket pattern:

• 1-1/4 skein of cream and orange colour
• 1-3/4 skein of gray colour

Each skein has 220 yards, so you will need approximately 275 yards of cream and orange, and 390 yards of gray.

To start the blanket, chain 53 with Gray yarn. You can chain any multiple of 6+5 to begin. Here are the detailed instructions for each row:

Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (first skipped ch counts as first sc), 1 sc in the next 3 chs, *(ch 9 loosely, sk next ch, 1 sc in the next 5 chs), repeat from * to end, turn. ——-8 ch-9 loops

Note: When working esc st into the st right before the ch-10 loop, go under both loops of the st and not just one loop.

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first esc), 1 esc in the next 4 sts, *(keeping the ch-9 loop to the back, 1 dc in the skipped ch of the foundation ch, 1 esc in the st right after the ch loop, 1 esc in the next 4 sts), repeat from * across to end until you work your last esc on top of the beginning ch-1 of the previous row, turn. ———53 sts

Note: At the end of Rows 3 and 4, work your last esc on top of the beginning ch-1 and not ch-2. Insert your hook into the beginning ch-1, pull up a loop, and then complete your esc.

Row 3: Ch 2 (counts as an esc), 1 esc in the next 4 sts, *(ch 10 loosely, sk next st, 1 esc in the next 5 sts), repeat from * across to end until you work your last esc on top of the beginning ch-1, turn.——8 ch-10 loops

Row 4: Ch 2 (counts as an esc), 1 esc in the next 4 sts, *(keeping the ch-10 loop to the back, 1 tight tr in the skipped st 2 rows below, 1 esc in the st right after the ch loop, 1 esc in the next 4 sts), repeat from * across to end until you work your last esc on top of the beginning ch-1, turn.———53 sts

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 one more time with Gray colour yarn and join Cream colour yarn while completing the very last esc of Row 4. Fasten off the Gray colour yarn.

Rows 6-12: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 with Cream colour yarn and join the Orange colour yarn at the end of Row 12 while completing the last esc. Fasten off the Cream colour.

Rows 13 to 18: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 with Orange colour yarn and join Gray colour yarn at the end of Row 18 while completing the last esc. Fasten off the Orange colour.

Keep repeating Rows 3 and 4, changing colours every 6 rows in the order Gray, Cream, and Orange until you have a total of 10 stripes, ending with a Gray stripe.

To create the braided effect, you will need to link the chain loops. Here's how:

Note: The chain loops are twisted once to the left before braiding to give a nicer shape to the braids and make them pop out more.

With the chain loops side of your blanket facing you, starting at the foundation chain side, twist the first ch loop to the left, then twist the second ch loop to the left and pull it through the first. Continue in this manner until all the ch loops in one vertical section are linked. Repeat for each vertical section.

The last row is worked on the chain loop side of your fabric (RS).

Ch 2 with your working yarn. 1 esc in the next 3 sts, *(1 esc through the ch loop and the next free st behind, repeat 1 more esc through the ch loop and the next free st behind, 1 esc in the next 4 sts), repeat from * until all the ch loops are anchored at the top, 1 esc in the remaining 5 sts. Your last st should be worked into the beg ch-1 as usual. Fasten off.

Weave in any tails, weaving them into the same colour as the tails. It may be challenging to weave in the tails through the tightly woven esc sts, so take care to go through just a couple of sts at a time and not pull the tail too hard.

Loops and bobbles crochet blanket

The Loops and Bobbles Crochet Blanket is a pattern designed by Dayna Perry, which is available for free or as an ad-free, printable PDF for a small cost. The pattern is considered to be of intermediate level, but advanced beginners are welcome to try it. It uses a variety of stitches, including single crochet, half double crochet, half double crochet in the 3rd loop only, long double crochet, half double crochet loop stitch, modified bobble stitch, and the reverse single crochet (a.k.a crab stitch). The blanket can be customised to different sizes, with instructions provided for adjusting the width and length. The yarn used for this pattern is Bernat Premium Medium 4 Worsted Weight Yarn in the colour Parchment, though other similar options are also suggested.

The Bobble Stripe Crochet Blanket is another pattern that incorporates loops and bobbles. This pattern is suitable for all skill levels and a video tutorial is available. The creator, Sarah-Jayne of Bella Coco Crochet, used Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in 5 different colours for this pattern, but other colour options are possible. The pattern includes instructions for a variety of stitches, including chain, double crochet, half treble crochet, treble crochet, and crab stitch.

The Braided Loops Crochet Blanket is a pattern that creates a twisting braids effect without the complexity of a braided cable blanket. It uses Bernat Baby Blanket yarn in colours Vanilla and Orange Flamingo, and Bernat Blanket yarn in Pale Gray. The pattern includes instructions for stitches such as extended single crochet and triple crochet.

Finger knitting blanket

Finger knitting is a fun and quick way to make a blanket without using knitting needles. It is a great project for beginners as it is very simple and you will end up with a soft, cozy, and chunky knit blanket. You can make a baby blanket or a couch throw, depending on your preference.

To get started, you will need a large flat surface to work on, such as a dining table or a kitchen table. You will also need yarn that is super bulky and soft, preferably chenille yarn. For a baby blanket or a couch throw, you will need around 6-8 skeins of yarn.

The first step is to make a slip knot, leaving a loop about 2 inches long. Then, you will create the foundation row by pulling loops through the slip knot, similar to crochet. Make sure each loop is the same size, about 2-3.5 inches long. Continue until you have a total of 24-30 chains, depending on your desired width.

Now, you can start knitting! Lay your working yarn across the row and pull loops through each chain. Make sure you are not shrinking the previous loop when creating the next one. Hold the previous loop with your other hand to prevent this. Continue until you reach the end of the row.

For the second row and onwards, simply repeat the process in the opposite direction. Lay your yarn across the row and pull loops through each chain. Remember to keep your loops consistent in size.

When you reach the end of a skein, attach a new skein by tying the end of the new yarn to the previous one with a simple square knot. You can also use a lighter to melt the two ends together.

Continue knitting back and forth until you reach your desired length. If you want to add stripes, simply tie a knot and cut the excess yarn when changing colours.

Once you are happy with the length, it's time to cast off. Create two loops into the previous row and pull the first loop over the second. Make sure these loops are large enough so that your blanket edge is relaxed. Continue this process across the row, then cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Pull the end through the last loop to secure it.

Finally, weave in any loose ends to give your blanket a neat finish. And that's it! You now have a beautiful, chunky finger-knit blanket.

Crochet front loop chevron blanket

The Crochet Front Loop Chevron Blanket is a beautiful crochet pattern that creates a stunning chevron design. This pattern is a variation of the traditional single crochet chevron blanket, where the crocheter experiments with working in the front loop only, creating interesting lines across the rows. While the technique is simple, the counting can be tricky, so it is recommended to watch a video tutorial or practise the stitch before starting.

Materials

To make this blanket, you will need the following materials:

• Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic, 170 g/6 oz, 288 m/315 yds)
• 3 skeins of the primary colour and 1 skein of a secondary colour (for a two-colour design)
• Size I/5.5mm hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Steps

Step 1: Chain your foundation

The number of chains you start with will depend on how big you want your blanket to be. The pattern repeat is any multiple of 29 plus 3, so you can adjust the size accordingly. For example, if you want 5 peaks, you would chain 177 (29 x 5) plus 3, which equals 180 chains.

Step 2: Row 1

In the second chain from the hook, insert your hook, yarn over (YO) and pull up a loop. Do the same in the next chain. You should now have 3 loops on your hook. YO and pull through all loops on your hook. This is called Single Crochet 2 Together (SC2TOG).

SC in the next 13 chains, work 3 SC into the next chain, SC in the next 13 chains, skip 2 chains. Repeat from . After the last 13 chains, you should have 2 extra. SC2TOG these last 2 stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Step 3: Row 2

Start this row by SC2TOG, inserting your hook into the front loops only. From now on, you will always work into the front loop only.

Then work 13 SC, work 3 SC into the next stitch (the middle stitch of the 3 SC from the previous row), work 13 SC, skip 2 stitches at the bottom for the valley, and repeat . After the last 13 chains, SC2TOG the last 2 stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Step 4: Repeat Row 2

Repeat Row 2 for the rest of the blanket. Remember to always SC2TOG at the end and beginning of each row, skip 2 stitches for the valley, work 13 up each side, work 3 SC into one stitch for the peak, and always chain 1 and turn.

Step 5: Colour changes

If you are using more than one colour, you will need to change colours at certain points. The colour change instructions for a two-colour design are as follows:

• Start with 6 rows of Colour A
• Work 1 row of Colour B, 1 row of Colour A, repeating this sequence 4 more times
• Work 7 rows of Colour A
• Repeat the sequence from the beginning until you reach your desired length
• End with 6 rows of Colour A

When changing colours, pull through with the new colour just before finishing the SC2TOG at the end of the row. You should have 3 loops on your hook when you pull through. Then, cut the yarn of the previous colour, leaving a tail long enough to weave in later.

Step 6: Border

To create a border, pull up a loop in any corner and chain 1. SC in each stitch on the sides. On the ends, work 3 SCs into the peaks and skip the 2 stitches of the valleys, just as you did in the regular pattern. Work 3 SCs into each corner of the blanket. When you reach the starting corner, slip stitch into the corner and chain 1, then turn. Work one more row of SC around the blanket in the same manner. When you reach the starting corner again, slip stitch into the corner and tie off.

Step 7: Blocking

After completing your blanket, lay it out flat and use a spray bottle to dampen it with water. Smooth out all the sides and let it dry overnight. This will help to straighten and even out the sides of the blanket.

Crochet ladder stitch

The Ladder Stitch is a crochet stitch that creates an openwork, lace-like pattern, perfect for summer garments or beachwear. It is also a great base for creating new and interesting designs through modifications. For instance, you can modify the stitch to create a more solid edge, or play with the chain length to create variations in the pattern.

To begin the Ladder Stitch, you will need to chain any multiple of 6 + 1 ch (add six chains for the foundation). For example, you can start with 18 + 1, + 6 = 25 chains.

• Begin in the 13th chain from the hook.
• Single crochet (sc) 1, chain (ch) 3, sc 1, then ch 5, and skip (sk) 5 chains.
• Repeat step 2 as many times as needed to achieve your desired width, ending with an extended single crochet (exsc) in the last chain.
• Ch 7, then turn your work.
• Sk the exsc, ch 5, and first sc from the previous row.
• In the chain 1 space, sc 1, ch 3, sc 1, then ch 5, sk 5 chains.
• Repeat step 6 to the end of the row, ending with sk 5 chs, exsc 1 in 6th ch.
• Repeat row 2 until your work reaches the desired height.

The Ladder Stitch is worked in a simple pattern of single crochet stitches and chain spaces, which creates a ladder-like effect. It is an excellent stitch for beginners as it is easy to memorise and creates a beautiful, delicate fabric.

The Ladder Stitch can be used to create a variety of projects, such as lace scarves, mesh T-shirts, market bags, and beach cover-ups. You can also experiment with colour changes and modifications to create unique designs.

Frequently asked questions