Design Story and Inspiration for the Easy Ombre Baby Blanket
A few weeks ago I received a package from Red Heart yarns and one of the skeins inside was this beautiful violet skein of Super Saver Ombre. It took me a while to decide what to make with it and I finally decided upon a baby blanket. It’s been a while since I designed a blanket and the color changes of this yarn made a blanket an easy choice.
This has been one of those great projects that I can work on while watching tv or riding in the car because you repeat the same row over and over for the body of the blanket. A few times I just kept it in the car so when my husband was driving I could work on it! I do that pretty often – anyone else have a car project?
You can tell I have babies on the brain with our new little guy coming in December. I’ve designed several baby things recently, some of which I haven’t had time to put up yet! I love designing baby booties, toys, blankets, sweaters, etc. They work up quickly and make great gifts. You can view these free crochet patterns here.
Believe it or not my kids don’t have many homemade crochet or knit things because I usually give away things (or else I design something for girls and I have a house full of boys!). But that’s okay. I’m planning on changing that soon and making each of my boys new hats and mittens for the upcoming winter… hopefully I’ll get on the ball about that. 😉
While I’m thinking of fall and winter projects I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern!
About the Yarn
I have found that I really love using the Super Saver Ombre yarn for baby blankets. The colors are absolutely gorgeous!
You can easily find this yarn in a variety of stores, including a lot of local WalMart stores. It’s affordable, has a great amount of yardage per skein and is pretty.
I would love for you to come follow me on Instagram (get sneak peeks of what’s coming up!) My Facebook Page (come join the fun!) Follow me on Pinterest (I pin tons of free patterns to my boards!) Join my Facebook group (lots of awesome crochet talk there) Also, join more than 12K subscribers on YouTube.
Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook, [ch 1, dc] in same ch, *sk 2 ch, [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] in next ch. Repeat from * to last 2 ch, sk 1 ch, dc in last ch; turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, sk first dc, *[1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] in next ch-1 sp. Repeat from * to last dc, dc in top of turning ch; turn.
Repeat row 2 until you run out of yarn. I wanted it as long as possible so I just used the whole skein without worrying about row counts. This should be about 50 rows.
Border
Round 1: Join CC. Sc evenly around, working 3 sc in each corner; join with a slip st in first sc.
Round 2: Ch 3, [skip next sc, slip st in next sc, *ch 3, skip next sc, slip st in next sc; repeat from * to corner, ch 3, slip st in same corner st, ch 3]; repeat for each side of blanket.
Round 3: Slip st in first ch-3 space, ch 4 (counts as dc, ch-1), *dc in next ch-3 space, ch 1; repeat from * to corner, work 3 dc in corner ch-3 space, repeat for each side of blanket, ending with a slip st in 3rd ch of turning ch.
Round 4: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch-1), *dc in next dc, ch 1; repeat from * to corner, work 3 dc in corner st, repeat for each side of blanket, ending with a slip st in 3rd ch of turning ch.
Round 5: Ch 3, *slip st in next dc, ch 3; repeat from * to corner, ch 3, slip st in first dc of corner, ch 5, slip st in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2, skip next dc, slip st in next dc, repeat for each side of blanket, ending with slip st in first st.
Fasten off.
Weave in ends.
That’s it! I hope you’ve enjoyed this free pattern – be sure to check out my other blanket and baby patterns, too.
Hi Amanda,
The afghan is lovely! What multiples did you use? I would like to make a full size throw.
amanda
Hi Mary! This stitch pattern is a multiple of 3 sts + 4. Happy crocheting!
Rita
I’m new so I want to make sure I understand. The pattern calls for 104 to start but the multiple is 3 +4. Should it be 103?
amanda
Hi Rita!
I had to go back and sketch this out to make sure I had the number right just to make sure. The stitch pattern does call for a multiple of 3 + 4 but that doesn’t seem to allow for the last chain to have a dc in it. When I sketched it out (what I do when I need to double check my math!) the 104 still made it work even though the stitch pattern multiple is off by 1. If all else fails, you can always pick out the extra chain when you are done. 🙂 Great question!
Rita
Thank you! Beautiful blanket. Hope mine turns out as lovely!
Diane
So then a multiple of 3 + 5? I want to use this pattern to make a prayer shawl.
amanda
Hi Diane! Yes, this stitch repeat is a multiple of 3 + 5. A prayer shawl in this stitch would be amazing!
Debra Yarger
This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Judith
This is such a pretty color blanket, I make baby blankets all the time to just relax. I am also trying to learn how to work on understanding how to read a pattern better am excited about trying this. Thanks for pattern. [email protected]
amanda
Judith you are so welcome! I’m glad you like it. 🙂
Mary Johnson
Hi Amanda,
I forgot to ask you how many skeins would I need to make a 45″ wide x 50″ long afghan?
Thank you for sharing! This is a really cute pattern. I will try this soon as I’m waiting for several baby’s in the family soon 🙂
Roxane
It is Beautiful. Thank you for the pattern. Right now I’m on my fourth blanket for my grandkids there is 6 of them LOL, I’m in the middle of a dinosaur blanket right now. My car projects are usually dishcloths.
Paige Yates
Love the afghan. What row did you add the violet and the lavender? or does it matter were you add it?
amanda
Hi Paige,
I didn’t add any lavender or violet – I just used one skein of Super Saver Ombré yarn that changes colors for you. 🙂 The only other yarn I used was for the border.
Thank you for the pattern. I have 9 Grandchildern and I want to make a baby blanket for each one of them to put away for there first baby!
amanda
Sounds like a great idea! And baby blankets are always great projects. 🙂
Angie
Amanda thank you so much for this pattern. I’ve been looking for a pattern for a pillow and came across this one. I did add an extra step to make it as closed up as possible but if it wasn’t for your basic stitch I wouldn’t of thought of how to crochet this pillow. Thank you !
amanda
I’m so glad that worked out for you! This is one of my favorite stitches 🙂
Connie
How many skeins would I need for an Afghan and will the color change look like yours?
Thank you.
Connie
amanda
Hi Connie,
How many skeins you need would depend on what size afghan you are making. This project was just one skein. The color changes are totally the work of the yarn! This yarn is great for that because it has all the variations of the color without having to change yarns and weave in more ends. You can check it out here at the Red Heart website – and they have a great sale (20% off!) through October 2!
Donna
Love that baby blanket !!!
Purple/Lavender are my favorite colors !
Plan to make a larger version of the blanket.
That yarn that changes colors is great 💐
amanda
Hi Donna! I agree, the colors in the Red Heart Ombre yarn are amazing! I really want to make something with the teal colorway, too. 🙂
Mary Jane Ferretti
I have completed the main body of this baby blanket and am doing the edging. I am having trouble with the second and third row. I completed row two which I think is incorrect as it gathers the blanket and then I can’t do row three. Could you please calcify these two rows for me as I’m stuck and can’ complete this blanket. Thank you.
amanda
Hi Mary Jane,
Row 2 should not gather the blanket. You are working into every other sc with a ch-3 space in between and then row 3 is a dc, ch-1 pattern.
Mary Jane Ferretti
Thank you for responding. I finally figured it out and the blanket is now finished. Nice pattern.
Louise
Mary Jane
As I am having a difficult time getting an answer could you possibly help me? I want to try the Ombre baby blanket and enlarge it to a small lapgan. I do not know where to start. If the ratio is 3 plus 4 would that mean take the original 104 stitches and multiply 3 plush 4?
amanda
Louise – it depends on the size you would like to make. This pattern has a gauge of 4 sts per inch. So if you are wanting to enlarge it to 50″ wide you would have to multiply 50 inches x 4 sts per inch = 200 sts. You just have to make sure that whatever number you decide on can be multiplied by 3 and add 4 more to it for the turning chain. Then you can work the length to whatever you like.
Louise
Thank you so much for your courtesy to answer me back. I truly appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful weekend…
Louise
I thought I figured it out but didn’t. I would like the blanket to be 36 inches wide, How many stitches would I need to chain for that. Because 29 inches times 4 equals 116 plus 4 equals 120 chains not 104 so I am confused…..
amanda
Louise you are forgetting that the border adds some inches to the finished measurement. The last 4 sts are a turning chain and don’t count for the blanket dimensions, so that leaves me with 100 sts. 100/4 is 25 then the extra inches come from the border.
Louise
Would you work up the number of stitches /rows to make a small lapgan?
Carol Walker
When I do the 2nd row for the boarder my blanket it starts to pucker.
Did I do the 1st row wrong?
amanda
Hi Carol,
That usually means the first row doesn’t have enough single crochets. Try adding more and see if that helps.
Carol Walker
I am so confused according to the instructions for row 2.
Sc in every other sc with ch 3 sl ch 3 in corner where does the other ch 3 come in.
Sorry for asking so many questions.
Carol Walker
I’m sorry if was supposed to say Slip Stitch in every other sc. to corner.
Just cant figure out where the ch.3 comes in
Carol Walker
Can someone please explain row 2 for me so i can finish my blanket.
Thank you
Carol Walker
I need help with row 2 for the trim
amanda
Hi Carol,
Sorry it has taken me a few days to get back to you – I’ve had a few late nights at work and a sick kiddo at home. You are working a ch-3 and skipping every other single crochet. For the corner you will slip st into the corner st, ch 3, and slip st in the same st to turn to the next side, then continue with a slip st, ch-3 in every other single crochet.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful ombré blanket patter! It’s beautiful!
amanda
You are so welcome! I’m glad you like it 🙂
Michelle
Hi Amanda,
thanks so much for the beautiful pattern.
Michelle
Debbie
This a beautiful blanket! I enlarged it for my sister, they just moved into a new house. I have two questions, one do I need to block this when I’m done? And #2, I’m almost done with the body and noticed two places I missed a DC, how do I close these ‘holes’ up? I can’t find anything on Pinterest or YouTube to help me out. Any advice would be appreciated. If not, I guess I’ll think of something.
amanda
Thank you! I did not find it necessary to block mine when I finished. This yarn did a great job of lying flat and I had no problems with it. As for missing a dc…. hmm… I would think you could use a yarn needle with the matching yarn on it and try to recreate a dc. I’ll try to play around with it and see what I get.
Debbie
Thank you, I appreciate your help and advice.
Kathy Lemair
Hello Amanda, I love your patterns and appreciate your responses to questions. I always read them bf starting a pattern. I am beginning your ombré blanket.
Question about blocking… after blocking does the piece remain well shaped after washing, hand or gentle machine? I give items away but don’t know how they come out after receiver care for item, usu blankets. Blocking creates a very fine
Professional look if it is needed. You are my ‘go to’ crochet site. Thank you for sharing your gift.
amanda
Hi Kathy! How an item looks after blocking is very dependent on the type of yarn used. If you use an acrylic yarn that can be machine washed it usually retains its shape well after washing, some wools and cottons tend to change shape a bit. What I always do if I want to know what will happen after washing is to make a swatch and throw it in the machine and see how it turns out. Make sure you measure it both before and after. That will be the best way to tell how it will hold up to wear. 🙂
Janine
I am working on a larger size of this blanket. I am ready to do the last round of the border and I noticed that 3 sides are different than the first. Is there a reason the last row of the border is not the same all the way around?
amanda
All the sides should be the same. I’m not sure why it would be different.
Bloggers: Seeking designs for your upcoming roundup? I’d love for you to feature my work! You have my permission to use one photo in your roundup post as long as a link is provided back to the associated pattern page. Please let me know when your post is published so I can share it on my social media, too. Thank you!
Hi Amanda,
The afghan is lovely! What multiples did you use? I would like to make a full size throw.
Hi Mary! This stitch pattern is a multiple of 3 sts + 4. Happy crocheting!
I’m new so I want to make sure I understand. The pattern calls for 104 to start but the multiple is 3 +4. Should it be 103?
Hi Rita!
I had to go back and sketch this out to make sure I had the number right just to make sure. The stitch pattern does call for a multiple of 3 + 4 but that doesn’t seem to allow for the last chain to have a dc in it. When I sketched it out (what I do when I need to double check my math!) the 104 still made it work even though the stitch pattern multiple is off by 1. If all else fails, you can always pick out the extra chain when you are done. 🙂 Great question!
Thank you! Beautiful blanket. Hope mine turns out as lovely!
So then a multiple of 3 + 5? I want to use this pattern to make a prayer shawl.
Hi Diane! Yes, this stitch repeat is a multiple of 3 + 5. A prayer shawl in this stitch would be amazing!
This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
This is such a pretty color blanket, I make baby blankets all the time to just relax. I am also trying to learn how to work on understanding how to read a pattern better am excited about trying this. Thanks for pattern.
[email protected]
Judith you are so welcome! I’m glad you like it. 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I forgot to ask you how many skeins would I need to make a 45″ wide x 50″ long afghan?
Thank you for sharing! This is a really cute pattern. I will try this soon as I’m waiting for several baby’s in the family soon 🙂
It is Beautiful. Thank you for the pattern. Right now I’m on my fourth blanket for my grandkids there is 6 of them LOL, I’m in the middle of a dinosaur blanket right now. My car projects are usually dishcloths.
Love the afghan. What row did you add the violet and the lavender? or does it matter were you add it?
Hi Paige,
I didn’t add any lavender or violet – I just used one skein of Super Saver Ombré yarn that changes colors for you. 🙂 The only other yarn I used was for the border.
Thank you for the pattern. I have 9 Grandchildern and I want to make a baby blanket for each one of them to put away for there first baby!
Sounds like a great idea! And baby blankets are always great projects. 🙂
Amanda thank you so much for this pattern. I’ve been looking for a pattern for a pillow and came across this one. I did add an extra step to make it as closed up as possible but if it wasn’t for your basic stitch I wouldn’t of thought of how to crochet this pillow. Thank you !
I’m so glad that worked out for you! This is one of my favorite stitches 🙂
How many skeins would I need for an Afghan and will the color change look like yours?
Thank you.
Connie
Hi Connie,
How many skeins you need would depend on what size afghan you are making. This project was just one skein. The color changes are totally the work of the yarn! This yarn is great for that because it has all the variations of the color without having to change yarns and weave in more ends. You can check it out here at the Red Heart website – and they have a great sale (20% off!) through October 2!
Love that baby blanket !!!
Purple/Lavender are my favorite colors !
Plan to make a larger version of the blanket.
That yarn that changes colors is great 💐
Hi Donna! I agree, the colors in the Red Heart Ombre yarn are amazing! I really want to make something with the teal colorway, too. 🙂
I have completed the main body of this baby blanket and am doing the edging. I am having trouble with the second and third row. I completed row two which I think is incorrect as it gathers the blanket and then I can’t do row three. Could you please calcify these two rows for me as I’m stuck and can’ complete this blanket. Thank you.
Hi Mary Jane,
Row 2 should not gather the blanket. You are working into every other sc with a ch-3 space in between and then row 3 is a dc, ch-1 pattern.
Thank you for responding. I finally figured it out and the blanket is now finished. Nice pattern.
Mary Jane
As I am having a difficult time getting an answer could you possibly help me? I want to try the Ombre baby blanket and enlarge it to a small lapgan. I do not know where to start. If the ratio is 3 plus 4 would that mean take the original 104 stitches and multiply 3 plush 4?
Louise – it depends on the size you would like to make. This pattern has a gauge of 4 sts per inch. So if you are wanting to enlarge it to 50″ wide you would have to multiply 50 inches x 4 sts per inch = 200 sts. You just have to make sure that whatever number you decide on can be multiplied by 3 and add 4 more to it for the turning chain. Then you can work the length to whatever you like.
Thank you so much for your courtesy to answer me back. I truly appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful weekend…
I thought I figured it out but didn’t. I would like the blanket to be 36 inches wide, How many stitches would I need to chain for that. Because 29 inches times 4 equals 116 plus 4 equals 120 chains not 104 so I am confused…..
Louise you are forgetting that the border adds some inches to the finished measurement. The last 4 sts are a turning chain and don’t count for the blanket dimensions, so that leaves me with 100 sts. 100/4 is 25 then the extra inches come from the border.
Would you work up the number of stitches /rows to make a small lapgan?
When I do the 2nd row for the boarder my blanket it starts to pucker.
Did I do the 1st row wrong?
Hi Carol,
That usually means the first row doesn’t have enough single crochets. Try adding more and see if that helps.
I am so confused according to the instructions for row 2.
Sc in every other sc with ch 3 sl ch 3 in corner where does the other ch 3 come in.
Sorry for asking so many questions.
I’m sorry if was supposed to say Slip Stitch in every other sc. to corner.
Just cant figure out where the ch.3 comes in
Can someone please explain row 2 for me so i can finish my blanket.
Thank you
I need help with row 2 for the trim
Hi Carol,
Sorry it has taken me a few days to get back to you – I’ve had a few late nights at work and a sick kiddo at home. You are working a ch-3 and skipping every other single crochet. For the corner you will slip st into the corner st, ch 3, and slip st in the same st to turn to the next side, then continue with a slip st, ch-3 in every other single crochet.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful ombré blanket patter! It’s beautiful!
You are so welcome! I’m glad you like it 🙂
Hi Amanda,
thanks so much for the beautiful pattern.
Michelle
This a beautiful blanket! I enlarged it for my sister, they just moved into a new house. I have two questions, one do I need to block this when I’m done? And #2, I’m almost done with the body and noticed two places I missed a DC, how do I close these ‘holes’ up? I can’t find anything on Pinterest or YouTube to help me out. Any advice would be appreciated. If not, I guess I’ll think of something.
Thank you! I did not find it necessary to block mine when I finished. This yarn did a great job of lying flat and I had no problems with it. As for missing a dc…. hmm… I would think you could use a yarn needle with the matching yarn on it and try to recreate a dc. I’ll try to play around with it and see what I get.
Thank you, I appreciate your help and advice.
Hello Amanda, I love your patterns and appreciate your responses to questions. I always read them bf starting a pattern. I am beginning your ombré blanket.
Question about blocking… after blocking does the piece remain well shaped after washing, hand or gentle machine? I give items away but don’t know how they come out after receiver care for item, usu blankets. Blocking creates a very fine
Professional look if it is needed. You are my ‘go to’ crochet site. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Hi Kathy! How an item looks after blocking is very dependent on the type of yarn used. If you use an acrylic yarn that can be machine washed it usually retains its shape well after washing, some wools and cottons tend to change shape a bit. What I always do if I want to know what will happen after washing is to make a swatch and throw it in the machine and see how it turns out. Make sure you measure it both before and after. That will be the best way to tell how it will hold up to wear. 🙂
I am working on a larger size of this blanket. I am ready to do the last round of the border and I noticed that 3 sides are different than the first. Is there a reason the last row of the border is not the same all the way around?
All the sides should be the same. I’m not sure why it would be different.