This is a chart for the Tiffany Lace Baby Blanket.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. Every side has a loop finish.

This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Lion Brand Homespun.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky yarn but other weights can be used
Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
tc = treble/triple crochet

Special Stitches:
Double treble crochet (dtr): Wrap the yarn over the hook 3 times and insert the hook into the space indicated. *Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw it through 2 loops.* Repeat from * to * 3 times to complete the double treble.

Instructions:

Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and dtc spaces.

For these widths, start with this number of chain and dtc spaces:
34.75″ = 20
40″ = 23
45.25″ = 26
50.5″ = 29
55.75″ = 32

Row 1: Chain 5. Dtc in first chain. This forms the first chain and dtc space. Form each additional space by chaining 4 and doing a dtc on the dtc of the prior space. Photo is an example of a row of four chain and dtc spaces with the chain 4 of the beginning of the next row.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch4. Without turning the work, rotate so that the following is worked across the dtc created in the first row. Over each of the dtc work 4 dc and chain one. On the last dtc, work 4 dc and 1 tc.

Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in space between tc and first dc. Working across row, chain 4 and sc in each ch1 sp. The last sc will go in the space created by the ch4 turning chain.

Row 4: Ch4 and turn. In each ch4 sp work 4 dc and chain one. In the last ch4 sp, work 4 dc and 1 tc.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until afghan is desired length. End with a row 3. Finish off and weave in end.

Optional edging – instead of ending with a row 3, end with a row 4. Ch1, sc over tc just made, ch 2, 2 dc over tc.  Along side ch1, 3 dc over each tc. Over last tc also work a tc. Ch 1, sc over tc just made, ch 2, 2 dc over tc. Along bottom of afghan ch1, 4 dc in each ch sp. In last ch sp also work a tc. Ch 1, sc over tc just made, ch 2, 2 dc over tc. Along side ch1, 3 dc in each ch sp. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

This is the photo tutorial for the No Beginning Chain Crazy Block Afghan. The photos were made with a smooth yarn to show the stitch detail. This is a four block wide swatch.

This is the first foundation block with the six chain loop and three chain of the next block.

This is a row of beginning blocks showing how they should lay.

This shows how the first row of blocks should be rotated, but not turned, to start the second row of blocks. The first chain three and single crochet of the second row has been completed.

Now the three double crochet of the first block of the second row has been completed and the single crochet of the second block.

Completed row two.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. Every side has a fun and pretty zig-zag shape.

This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Bouclé.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky yarn but other weights can be used
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Instructions:

Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of blocks.

For these widths, start with this number of blocks:
27.5″ = 20
34.5″ = 25
41.5″ = 30
48.25″ = 35
55.25″ = 40

There is a photo tutorial, chart and a video demonstrating the technique of this pattern.

CathyNoyb provided this chart she created in AutoSketch. She created this chart to more clearly demonstrate the transition from the first row to the second row.

Row 1 Block: Chain 6. Join with a sl st in first chain. Chain 3. 2 dc in ch 6 sp.
Make these blocks until desired width.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch3. Without turning the work, rotate so that the following is worked across the chain loops created in the first row. In each of the chain spaces, (sc, ch3, 3dc) in ch sp.

Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. In each of the chain spaces, (sc, ch3, 3dc) in ch sp.

Repeat row 3 until afghan is desired length. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
6/9/2018 – Added CathyNoyb chart.

This blanket is designed to coordinate with the Little Check Baby Hat. It is so easy to make with just knit and purl stitches, but looks so rich. It is available in several sizes.

Sizes:

Gauge:
22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
6 to 30 oz (300 to 1600 yards) of DK weight baby yarn
Size 6 (4 mm) knitting needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl 

Instructions:

The number of cast on stitches should be a multiple of 6.

Extra Small – Cast on 78
Small – Cast on 102
Medium – Cast 0n 126
Large – Cast 0n 150
Extra Large – Cast 0n 174

Repeat directions across the row.
Row 1: k
Row 2: k3, p3
Row 3: k
Row 4: k3, p3
Row 5: k
Row 6: k
Row 7: k
Row 8: k
Row 9: k
Row 10: p3, k3
Row 11: k
Row 12: p3, k3
Row 13: k
Row 14: k
Row 15: k
Row 16: k

Repeat these 16 rows until blanket is desired length ending with a row 5 or 13. Cast off, finish off, secure and weave in end.

Columns of post stitch emphasize the shells in this ripple afghan. This is a quick and relatively simple pattern with a classy finished look.

The example is made in light worsted weight mercanized cotton.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet

Special stitches:
dc3tog – double crochet 3 stitches together (uses three stitches, decreases by two stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 3 times (4 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.
FPtr – Front post treble crochet – Yarn over 2 times, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the corresponding stitch below, yarn over and pull up loop [yarn over, draw through two loops on hook] 3 times.
BPtr – Back post treble crochet – Yarn over 2 times, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the corresponding stitch below, yarn over and pull up loop [yarn over, draw through two loops on hook] 3 times.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 34 plus 29.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
22.25″ = 97
30″ = 131
37.75″ = 165
45.5″ = 199
53.25″ = 233

There is also a chart available.

Row 1: 2dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 5 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch2, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch) ** dc in next 5 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch2, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next 5 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch2, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch). Repeat from ** across to last 6 chains. Dc in next 5 ch, 3dc last ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in first dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next dc, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, BPtr around next dc, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next dc, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next dc, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next dc, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 5 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 3: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in first dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, FPtr around next BPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, FPtr around next BPtr, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, FPtr around next BPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, FPtr around next BPtr,  3dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, FPtr around next BPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, FPtr around next BPtr,  dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 5 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 4: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in first dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next FPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next FPtr, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in next dc, BPtr around next FPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next FPtr,  3dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, BPtr around next FPtr, skip 2 dc, (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) in next ch2 sp, skip 2 dc, BPtr around next FPtr,  dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 5 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 5 dc, 3dc in top of turning chain. Turn.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until afghan is desired length. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last double crochet of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Modifications:
3/7/19 – added “first” after “2dc in” at beginning of each row.

After the first row, all but the last stitch of each row is made in chain spaces, making this a great pattern for homespun or boucle style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Bernat Soft Boucle.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Four widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky yarn but other weights can be used
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
yo = yarn over

Special stitches:
1stRowDecV – Dc in chain indicated, ch 2, yo, insert hook in same chain as double crochet, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, skip next 3 chains, insert hook in next ch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook, ch 2, dc in same chain.
DecV – Dc in ch sp indicated, ch 2, yo, insert hook in same ch sp as double crochet, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, skip 4 dc, insert hook in next ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook, ch 2, dc in same ch sp.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 32 plus 3.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
28.75″ = 99
38″ = 131
47.25″ = 163
56.5″ = 195

Row 1: Skip first 6 ch (counts as first dc and 3 ch), dc in 7th ch from hook, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next chain] two times, * skip 3 ch, 1stRowDecV, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch3, dc) in next chain] three times, ch 3, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch3, dc) in next chain] three times. Repeat from * to last 20 ch. Skip 3 ch, 1stRowDecV, [skip 3 ch, (dc, ch3, dc) in next chain] three times.

Row 2: Ch4 (counts as dc and ch), (4dc in next ch3 sp, ch1) three times, (2 dc in next ch2 space) two times, (ch1, 4 dc in next ch3 sp) two times, * (ch1, 4 dc in next ch3 sp) five times, ch1, (2 dc in next ch2 space) two times, (ch1, 4 dc in next ch3 space) two times. Repeat from * to end of row. Ch1, in next ch 6 space (4 dc, ch1, dc in 3rd turning chain). Turn.

Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as first dc and 3 ch), dc in ch1 sp, [(dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch sp] two times, * DecV in next ch sp, [(dc, ch3, dc) in next ch sp] three times, ch 3, [(dc, ch3, dc) in next ch sp] three times. Repeat from * to the last 4 ch sp and ch-4 turning ch. DecV in next ch sp, [(dc, ch3, dc) in next ch sp] two times, (dc, ch3, dc) in the ch-4 turning ch sp. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until afghan is desired length. End with a row 2. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
9/30/2014: Modified Rows 1 and 3 for clarity.

This afghan is soft and cuddly and so easy to make. The borders and edges are included as you go. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Caron Simply Soft, a soft worsted weight yarn.

Size:
This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
yo = yarn over

Special stitches:
Dec5 – Decrease 5 stitches – (yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) five times, yo and draw through all 6 loops on hook.
Cluster – in ch sp indicated (yo, insert hook in ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) three times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.
DecCluster – in ch sp indicated (yo, insert hook in ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) three times, skip next ch sp, in next ch sp (yo, insert hook in ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) three times, yo and draw through all 7 loops on hook.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 16.

There is also a chart available for this pattern.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
32.75″ = 144
36.25″ = 160
40″ = 176
43.75″ = 192
47.25″ = 208

Row 1: Skip first 4 ch (counts as first dc), dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in each of next four ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next five ch, dec5 using the next five ch, dc in each of the next five ch,  ** 5dc in next ch, dc in each of next five ch, dec5 using the next five ch, dc in each of the next five ch. Repeat from ** across to last 7 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next 6 ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch1, sc in first dc, sc in each dc and dec5 across row. Sc in top turning chain. Turn.

Row 3: Ch3 (counts as first dc), dc in 2nd sc, dc in each of next four sc, 3dc in next sc, dc in each of next five sc, dec5 using the next five sc, dc in each of the next five sc,  ** 5dc in next sc, dc in each of next five sc, dec5 using the next five sc, dc in each of the next five sc. Repeat from ** across to last 7 sc, 3dc in next sc, dc in each of next 6 sc. Turn.

Row 4: Ch1, sc in first dc, sc in each of the next 5 dc, (chain one, skip one dc, sc in next dc) across row to last 4 dc and turning chain. Sc in each remaining dc and top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 5: Ch3 (counts as first dc), dc in 2nd sc, dc in each of next three sc, ch1, (cluster, ch1, cluster) in ch sp, (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1, DecCluster (uses next three ch sp),  (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1. **  (Cluster, ch1, cluster, ch1, cluster) in next ch sp, (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1, DecCluster (uses next three ch sp),  (ch1, cluster in next ch sp) twice, ch1. Repeat from ** across to last ch sp and six sc. (Cluster, ch1, cluster) in ch sp, ch 1. Skip one sc. Dc in each of the next five sc. Turn.

Row 6: Ch1, sc in first dc, sc in each of the next 4 dc, sc in ch sp, (chain one, sc in next ch sp) across row to last 4 dc and turning chain. Sc in each remaining dc and top of turning chain. Turn.

Repeat rows 5 and 6 until afghan is desired length. Finish with these three rows:

Third to last row: Ch3 (counts as first dc), dc in 2nd sc, dc in each of next four sc, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next five sc and ch, dec5 using the next five sc and ch, dc in each of the next five sc and ch,  ** 5dc in next ch, dc in each of next five sc and ch, dec5 using the next five sc and ch, dc in each of the next five sc and ch. Repeat from ** across to last ch and 6 sc, 3dc in next ch, dc in each of next 6 sc. Turn.

Second to last row: Repeat row 2.

Last row: Repeat row 3. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
7/21/18 – added link to chart

This blanket is designed to coordinate with the King Charles Brocade Hat. It is so easy to make with just knit and purl stitches, but looks so rich. It is available in several sizes.

Sizes:

Gauge:
22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
8.75 to 33.75 oz (450 to 1740 yards) of DK weight baby yarn
Size 6 (4 mm) knitting needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
* = indicates the section of the row that should be repeated 

Instructions:

The number of cast on stitches should be a multiple of 12 plus 3.

Extra Small – Cast on 99
Small – Cast on 123
Medium – Cast on 147
Large – Cast on 171
Extra Large – Cast on 195

Row 1: (k3, p3) across to last 3 stitches, k3
Row 2: (p3, k3) across to last 3 stitches, p3
Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1 and 2
Row 5: Repeat row 2
Row 6: Repeat row 1
Rows 7-8: Repeat rows 5 and 6
Row 9: k3, p3, k3 * k3, p1, k1, p1, k6 * p3, k3
Row 10: p3, k3, p3 * p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p5 * k3, p3
Row 11: k3, p3, k3 * k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4 * p3, k3
Row 12: p3, k3 * p3, k1, p1, k1 * p3, k3, p3
Row 13: p3, k3, p1, k1 * p1, k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1, k1 * p1, k3, p3
Row 14: k3, p4, k1, p1 * k1, p7, k1, p1, k1, p1 * p3, k3
Row 15: p3, k3, p1, k1 * p1, k9, p1, k1* p1, k3, p3
Row 16: as row 14
Row 17: k3, p4, k1 * p1, k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1, k1 * p4, k3
Row 18: as row 12
Row 19: as row 11
Row 20: as row 10
Row 21: p3, k9 * p1, k1, p1, k9 * p3
Row 22: k3, p8 * k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p7 * p1, k3
Row 23: p3, k7 * p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k5 * k2, p3
Row 24: k3, p6, k1, p1, k1 * p3, k1, p1, k1 * p6, k3
Row 25: k3, p4, k1 * p1, k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1, k1 * p4, k3
Row 26: p3, k3, p1, k1, p1 * k1, p7, k1, p1, k1, p1 * k3, p3
Row 27: k3, p4, k1 * p1, k9, p1, k1* p4, k3
Row 28: as row 26
Row 29: p3, k3, p1, k1 * p1, k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1, k1 * p1, k3, p3
Row 30: as row 24
Row 31: as row 23
Row 32: as row 22

Repeat rows 9 through 32 until blanket is desired length ending with a row 32. Then work rows 1 through 8, cast off, finish off, secure and weave in end.

I was very busy adding items to the March 2012 batch for my friend’s delivery to our local hospice. I contributed six lap blankets and nine preemie blankets. Other volunteers make baby hats, so I used coordinating yarn to make blankets to pair with them.

This first lap blanket is from some donated Jeanne salmon colored cotton yarn and some ecru cotton I had on hand. The pattern is Diamond Ripple by Anne Halliday in Leisure Arts #108214, Afghans for All Seasons, Book 2.

The second lap blanket is from Baby Bee Pitter Pattern yarn. I had started a baby blanket for my son, who is now nearly four, so he doesn’t need it. I finished it as a lap blanket. It is the standard feather and fan stitch.

The third lap blanket is yet another one of Lyn’s Round Ripple Blankets. It is just such a fun and easy pattern.

These three lap blankets are from my own patterns: Lacy V-stitch Ripple Afghan, Jacob’s Ladder Ripple Afghan and Shell and V-stitch Ripple Afghan.

These are three little square preemie blankets made from donated King Tut cotton. The first two are patterns I have posted: Tiffany Lace Baby Blanket and Fan Lace Baby Blanket. The third is an original design in Tunisian crochet. I haven’t gotten brave enough to write up the pattern and post it. I have never written down a Tunisian crochet pattern.

These three preemie blankets (also in the cotton King Tut) are crochet, original designs I have posted: Ribbed Ripple Reversible Afghan, Ribbons and Lace Afghan and Eyelet Ripple Afghan.

These three preemie blankets (also in the cotton King Tut) are knit, original designs I have posted: Simple Lines Baby Blankets and Wrapped Stitches Baby Blanket.