24 Baby Blanket Crochet Tips
I don’t know about you, but I love a do’s and don’ts list when it comes to crochet. I think it just makes it so much easier to keep track of tips if they are formatted in a definitively good or bad way! And baby blankets are something you do not want to get wrong.
Whether it’s safety issues, practicality or avoiding the inevitable issues with textures and spills, these tips will help you to make sure your crochet baby blanket is fully appreciated and useful to the little one’s parents!
Baby Blanket Do’s
These tips should help you to make the best baby blanket possible!
Choose a classic pattern
Something simple is much more likely to be to the new parents’ taste, and therefore appreciated!
Keep it light weight
Babies are really good at telling us when they are too cold, but don’t always let us know when they are too hot. So it’s best to use multiple lighter layers rather than one thick heavy one.
Be picky about texture
Baby blankets should be soft and gentle. Babies’ skin is new to the world, after all, so it’s super sensitive. When you pick up the ball of yarn you want to use, give it a rub on your face and between your fingers and make sure it feels nice.
Full cottons tend to be a little rough, as do some acrylics. Merino wool or blends of it are often brilliant texture wise, but it’s worth considering that some kids are allergic to wool.
Avoid chenille/plush yarn
Although the texture of plush yarns is lovely, it is not a good choice for baby blankets. It’s very prone to shedding, and you don’t want bits of fluff stuck in the baby’s mouth or fingers.
Pick a washable yarn
Babies come with a lot of mess, and much of it requires a fairly hot wash to remove… Make sure your yarn is washing machine friendly, not just hand washable.
Pre-wash the yarn or the finished blanket
This ensures any colorfastness issues are sorted out and that the blanket is ready for use right away. It also helps with the final feel and drape of the blanket too!
Give a small note with washing instructions
It’s a good idea to make it clear that the blanket can be washed, and how!
Make sure it’s big enough
Babies are small, but their blankets don’t need to be. Very small baby blankets will only get used for a few weeks at most, so it’s better to give a bit more size to your project.
Hide your yarn tails really well
When I’m crocheting baby blankets, I make sure to hide my yarn tail even more securely than normal. I leave twice the tail length, and weave it in with a yarn needle, changing direction periodically to make sure it’s nice and secure.
Block it
It goes for all blankets, but blocking makes such a difference to how your finished blanket looks. And those finishing touches make a big impact when you present your blanket to the new parents.
Think about what the parents will like, not what you like
We all have our preferences when it comes to styles of crochet. The things I love are hilariously different to my Mum’s preferences when we are browsing crochet patterns together.
It’s important to remember that your baby blanket is really a gift for the parents, at least for now. And if you want them to get a lot of use out of it, it’s probably a good idea to make it match their style.
Present it in a way that shows its value
You’ve spent hours making this blanket, don’t be like me and give it to someone in a grocery bag. The only time a baby blanket I’ve gifted was poorly received, it was when I shoved it in a bag at the last minute.
Present it in a way that shows its value, after all, it has a considerable value in terms of your time (and yarn!).
Choose a simple edging
Complex or lacy borders can get caught on fingers and toes. Personally, I always favour a single or double crochet edge, regardless of blanket style, when it’s being made for a baby.
Crochet Black Don’ts
And here are some things to avoid when crocheting your baby blanket!
Don’t use a tangly pattern
Although details can be gorgeous, they aren’t ideal for babies. Things like loop stitches are better left to other afghan designs, as they can create finger and toe traps.
Don’t make it too complex or holey
Likewise, large, lacy holes or intricate stitches can be cute, but they also risk a baby’s fingers or toes getting caught.
Don’t use buttons, appliques or beads
These small pieces can be a choking hazard for a baby. It’s best to avoid any embellishments, however securely you think you’ve sewn them in.
Have too many color changes
Colorful blankets look gorgeous, but they create a lot more loose ends and will be more fragile. Sturdy and safe is best for babies!
Stick to gender stereotype colors
I’m sure you don’t need to hear this, but just in case you do, girls don’t need pink and boys don’t need blue.
Choose a color palette that you and the baby’s parents like, something that matches well or just looks good. Colors are just colors, they don’t need a meaning attached.
Put baby’s name on it
I’ve seen named baby products go wrong so many times over the years. Whether it’s because the spelling was off, or the parents changed their minds about the baby’s name upon their arrival.
It’s just not worth the risk. No names!
Don’t forget to check for allergies
While rare, some babies can be sensitive to certain fibers, especially wool. If you aren’t sure, a cotton or acrylic blend is a safe bet.
Make it if it’s going to take more out of you than will be appreciated
Crocheting is great fun, obviously, but big projects like blankets involve time, dedication and a lot of work. Don’t make one for someone that is not going appreciate the effort you’ve put in, especially if you know that would make you feel down.
Be offended if they don’t use it
Having a new baby is overwhelming. It’s busy, stressful and honestly, a bit shocking the first time around. The loveliness (hopefully) outweighs the issues, but please don’t feel offended if despite loving the blanket the new parent doesn’t use it.
It might be that they are worried about getting washing right, or that they want to keep it safe and precious, but it also might be that they literally forgot it existed thirty seconds after you handed it over.
Sleep deprivation does funny things to the brain, and I’m sure they loved it very much and will treasure it when the kid is a little older, and the fog has lifted!
Your tips!
Don’t forget to add your own tips in the comments below so that others can benefits when they start their next crochet baby blanket project!
