My youngest son is really loving blankets and stuffed animals – something that my older two boys never did. I really think he is going to be my animal lover because of how excited he gets whenever he sees animals. He will find a blanket or lovie and just squeal with delight and cuddle with it.
That’s what he did when I gave him this blanket to model. This blanket was intended as a gift for a friend having a girl but I think my little guy has claimed it as his own, just like this other blanket I created.
Looks like I’ll be making more blankets and stuffed animals in my future!!
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This blanket uses an easy stitch called the Duchess Lace Stitch to give it a lacy feeling with no large holes. I love this stitch – it’s really one of my favorites and I’ve also used it on a scarf and washcloth.
If you can double crochet, chain and slip stitch, then you can make the body of this blanket. The border uses a combination of double crochet, single crochet and chains, or there is an option to use the duchess lace stitch as a simple border if you prefer.
Keep scrolling down for the simple border option.
I decided to create a video tutorial for this blanket when I was on maternity leave and had to break it into two parts. Both videos are linked below to help if you get stuck!
Buy the ad-free pdf or favorite this on RAVELRY with 8 sizes from Baby to Queen sized blankets
Click here for the left handed tutorial video
Duchess Baby Blanket
by Amanda Saladin
What You’ll Need
Yarn: 3 Skeins Red Heart Soft
Hook: J/10 (6.5mm)
Notions: Yarn Needle, Scissors
Gauge: Not crucial for this project
Finished Size: Approximately 24″ x 36″
Want to download the border chart? Sign up for my FREE resource library via the link at the bottom of the post!
PATTERN
Ch 121.
Row 1: (2 dc, ch 3, sl st) in 4th ch from hook, *sk next 2 ch, (2 dc, ch 3, sl st) in next ch; repeat from * across; turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, *(2 dc, ch 3, sl st) in next ch-3 sp; repeat from * across, ending with dc in top of turning ch; turn.
Rows 3-42: Repeat row 2.
Row 43: Ch 1, *2 sc in ch-3 sp, dc in 2nd dc; repeat from * to last ch-3 sp, 2 sc in ch-3 sp, dc in top of turning ch; turn.
Click here for left handed video tutorial for border
Border
Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, *sk 2 sc, sc in dc, sk 2 sc, 7 dc in next dc; repeat from * to corner, sc in last dc before corner, 7 dc in corner st, [*(sc in next ch-3 sp, 7 dc in next ch-3 sp); repeat from * to last ch-3 sp, sc in last ch-3 sp, 7 dc in corner st] across side and bottom, repeat from * across other side to last ch-3 sp, sc in last ch-3 sp, 4 dc in same st as beginning; join with sl st to top of ch-3.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in top of ch-3, ch 3, sk dc, sc in next dc, *ch 3, sk sc, sc in dc, (ch 3, sk dc, sc in next dc) three times; repeat from * to last dc, ch 3, join with sl st to beginning.
Round 3: Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-3 sp, (sc, ch 3, sc) in each three ch-3 space, join to first sc with slip st.
Fasten off.
Buy the ad-free pdf on Etsy here (one size)
Want a chart for the border? Find it in the FREE resource library! Enter your info in the form below for access to this and more!
Option for Border:
I tried just using the same pattern stitch for the border which worked well but I was going for a lacier look. If you would like a simple one round border, work pattern to row 42, then work row 2 of pattern along sides, and bottom, leaving the top as is. To turn the corners, simply work (2 dc, ch 3, sl st) into corner ch-3 space.
Related crochet baby blanket patterns:
Hydrangea Baby Blanket
Amethyst Sky Baby Blanket
Easy Ombre Baby Blanket
Elegant Ombre Baby Blanket
Thank you for this pattern! He’s beautiful! Looks like you!
Thank you! I think he looks like me, too. 🙂
I’m so glad you like the pattern!
If I wanted to make this bigger. What is the multiple for stitches?
Hi Donna,
It is a multiple of 3 + 1. 🙂
Thank you! Now I don’t have to ask! I like to have this info when I write out patterns. I use a steno sized note book. I find it easier to follow than a print out. I print larger.
Love this so pretty, thank for sharing.
You are so welcome! I’m glad you like it ☺️
This is beautiful!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing such a simple but elegant baby blanket! It is absolutely gorgeous! <3 🙂
You are so welcome! 🙂
oh, your little guy is SOOOO cute!! Thanks for the pattern. It’s very pretty. We’re expecting out first two great grands so this will be perfect
Thank you so much Ruth!! He is our third boy and our little guys really favor each other. Our oldest is over 6 now and I can’t believe how much he has grown. I’m so glad you like the pattern. Congrats on the great grandbabies!!
Hi!
It’s a lovely blanket.
Is the pattern in US or UK terms please?
I’m fairly new to crochet xxx
Hi Karen!
All patterns on my site are in US terms. Thanks for asking – I should clarify. 🙂
I love you baby. He looks like such fun. how could you not give him this blanket? Thank you for the pattern.
Aww thanks Carolyn. 🙂 He is definitely a fun little guy! The blanket is all his – as is the next one I designed (you can see him with it here!). I’m so glad you like the pattern.
I tried to print your pattern a few times but the left side of the print is cut off. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Mary!
Sometimes it can be hard to print straight from the website. If you want an ad-free version you can find it on Etsy. 🙂
Thank you. I got the pattern and can’t wait to work it.
Great! 🙂
What does so mean
Sp sorry
Hi Cecelia!
Sp stands for space. When you chain 3 there will be a noticeable space there that is referred to as the ch-3 sp. This abbreviation is often used in crochet any time you chain and leave an open space in your work. Hope that clears it up. 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions!
I am currently making this blanket for a friend who is expecting a wee little one in August. I love this stitch and pattern!! The blanket has lovely drape yet has a spongy, squishy feel, pillow like. Thank you so much for offering it for free!! I appreciate your had work and creativity!!
Yay! I’m so glad you like it. 🙂 I had a really great time making this blanket and love the Duchess Lace stitch, too!
Beautiful. I must try it. I have a great niece on the way. This will be the perfect baby shower gift. Thanks for posting.
You are so welcome!
Beautiful blanket!! But I would like the option of making bigger/smaller.
Multiples of what please?
Sure would appreciate it!
Hi Linda! This stitch is a multiple of 3 plus 1. 🙂
Thank you sooooo much!!!
This looks like a great blanket! I can’t wait to start making it!
Thanks! So glad you like the pattern 🙂
The link for the yarn no longer works so…. How many yards of yarn is needed for this blanket, please? I have a coworker who is in the hospital as her symbiotic fluid started leaking at five months pregnant. I thought I’d make her one or two of this blanket while we all wait.
Hi Nancy! I’m sorry the link is broken – I will fix it ASAP. I used 3 skeins and they are 256 yards each – so around 750 yards should be enough. 🙂
Thank you very much for the beautiful pattern, fell in love with it and completed one just yesterday. Only regret is us Japanese are so used to diagrams here in Japan that I was unable to decipher the “lacier border” instructions so went with the simpler border. Just wondering if it’s a diagram you would be posting later on when you say “chart of the border”? Thank you.
Yes, it is! I have been meaning to put one up so that everyone who uses diagrams would be able to make it easier. I have been out of town but I will work on that and have it up soon. 🙂
Awwww, that is just perfect, thank you SO much!
Have a nice summer, and best to your lovely family.
Thank you! You too 🙂
That would be great. I like a diagram just to make sure I’m on the right track.
I will get it up on the site soon!
I love this pattern!!! So beautiful & reminds me of a rustic/antique blanket!
I do have a question, on rows 2-42 are the edges suppose to go in at an angle?
Where is says “ending with dc in top of turning ch; turn.” You end with just the 2 dc & not the ch 3, slst, right?
Thanks Becky!
At the end you only do one dc so it stays even. Here is a great video that shows how. 🙂
Hi Amanda ! The blanket is beautiful and so is your son ! I just printed your pattern and was wondering how many yards this blanket takes so vintage and want to make one for a gift. I must say you have great talent. I appreciate your help and the thank you!
Thank you Susan!
I used 3 skeins of Red Heart Soft for my blanket and they are about 250 yards each, so if you have 750 yards you will have plenty. I had a little left over but didn’t get the exact yardage before I got rid of the extra. Hope that helps 🙂
I loved this pattern!! I used I love this yarn sport weight from hobby lobby.
I’m pretty sure I goofed somewhere because my edges are like a zig zag!
I’m working on the first row of the border. When you get to the bottom, do you work into the starting chain?
Thanks for any help!
Glad to hear you like the pattern! Sorry I haven’t gotten up the diagram I planned on but I can do my best to help you with the border. At the bottom you should still be able to see ch-3 spaces on the other side of the starting chain where you made the first row of the duchess lace stitch. The stitches on this round should look like large shells of 7 dc, then the other rows work into those shells. I’m going to try and move the diagram up on my to-do list. Any other questions, feel free to ask! I usually respond sooner but it’s been crazy busy here lately. 🙂
Love the pattern! Thank you for sharing!!! I’m working on the border, question on row 1 is one side gonna be different then the other three? I’m working the first side of row one so when I get to corner I start the second part of first row? And continue for the remaining 3 sides right? Hope my question makes sense! Thank you!!!
Hi Stacey! The sides should all be the same pattern but you will work fewer repeats on the shorter sides. You should have 7 dc in each corner space, then work the repeat pattern. Let me know how it works out!
This is such a beautiful blanket. So looking forward to making it. Thanks so much for sharing. Would you be able to send the pattern to my email address ? If not, I understand
I emailed you last night. Let me know if you didn’t get it!
Looking forward to making the blanket, as I just found out 2 ladies that do foot care for me are pregnant, one in March, the other in April. so I decided to make a blanket for each of them.
Love, love, LOVE this! I have two questions for you… 1. Do you know the name of he specific stitch you used and 2. If I wanted to alter the size of the blanket what multiples do I need to use to keep the pattern accurate?
Thank you SO much for this beautiful idea!!
Hi! You can check out an awesome tutorial of the Duchess Lace Stitch here. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Beautiful pattern, beautiful, sweet baby!
Sadly, this Red Heart Yarn is splitting like crazy. I will have to try a different yarn. Is anyone else having a problem with the yarn splitting?
No problem with understanding the border, however, I just can’t seem to get the sl st part of the pattern (2dc, chain3, sl st)
Hi Zora! There is an excellent video for this stitch here: Duchess Lace Stitch.
Hope this helps 🙂
Hi. Your son is so adorable. I made your blanket in Bright Neons from I Love This Yarn. It came out beautiful. It’s for my cousin Jaxton. Next time I will try the option border. Is there a way to exit or move the P, F, Tweeter, G+, Mail from the side? I have to enlarge the text to read and those things cover the pattern. Thank you for sharing. Debra
Hi Debra! I’m not sure how to move them but I will look into it to see what I can do! 🙂
This blanket is gorgeous, thank you so much, I’m making it for my best friend who is due her 7th in December.
You are so welcome! Wow, 7!! People think we are crazy for expecting #4! I love big families. 🙂
I’m new to crocheting but I’m Just about to start this blanket, yours looks truly beautiful! I’m going to choose yarn from a bag of yarn that I’ve accumulated, what weight yarn should I be looking for.? I’m guessing a DK? Thank you for sharing this, I’ll update you as I go along 😊
Hi Becky! Welcome to the crochet world 🙂 It’s really addictive! The weight of this yarn in the US is a 4 or worsted weight, which I believe is DK in the UK. I’d love to see pictures and you can always add your project to ravelry, too, where I can see it. I love checking out what other knitters and crocheters make with my patterns! Let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Amanda!
Thank you for your helpful reply, I’ve started my blanket and I’m just in love with the stitch pattern. Also, it’s so easy to follow, even for a newbie like me 😉
I have to agree with you when you say it’s addictive, I’m totally addicted to the point where I’m blitzing all my household chores just to be able to sit and Crochet 😂😂 and being a first time grandma to identical twin girls born 6 weeks ago, I’ve plenty of ideas to keep me busy!
Thank you for a fab website and for sharing . I’ll be sure to add some pictures of my finished results.
💖💖✂️✂️💖💖
Hi
Could you advise me what the * means in the pattern. I am eager to begin but am un sure as it’s only my second crotchet project.
Many thanks
Michelle
Hi Michelle! The * is often used in patterns to indicate that you will repeat from the * until the instructions say to do differently. It’s just an easy way to write out a pattern repeat without having to write it over and over again. 🙂
Dear Amanda! Thank you for such a lovely blanket idea and a very good video explanation. I used to do a little crochet when I was a child and now picking it up again 30 years on while waiting for our baby to arrive 🙂 Since it is my first time I am not so good at reading the instructions, hence rely heavily on videos. Do your videos cover all the steps or would I miss anything unless I understand the written instruction? I am a little worried about the border. The main body seems to be going fine and I am already on row 21. Thank you ! Anna
Hi Anna! I think you will be fine doing the border! I don’t think you will miss any steps and there is the simpler border option if the other one seems too difficult. 🙂
Hi! I love your blanket! Will the border work out the same if I do more than 43 rows? I’m not sure why, but my blanket is looking more like a scarf, deminsion wise, and I’m already on row 35.
Yes it should work out fine! As long as you end up with a shell in each corner it doesn’t matter how wide or long it is. 🙂
I am new to crochet and I just made this blanket! Thanks for sharing and especially for tutorials- even for lefties!
Much appreciated!
P.S. Enjoy those precious little boys!
Hi Nancy!
I’m so glad you were able to make this blanket! Welcome to the addiction we like to call crochet… 😀
My boys are a handful but I’m trying to savor this time as it flies by.
Just what I was looking for!! Can’t wait to get started! Since you said the beginning chain “I know it’s a lot!” 🙂
is the longest edge, I’m assuming this blanket is worked “sideways”…I want to make mine more of a crib size …so, I wanted to double-check before I start!!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful pattern!
Hi Tammy! Sorry, the end of the school year is always crazy here and I haven’t had time to check up on the blog! You are right – this is worked sideways 🙂
Hi, I have a question about the lacy border. Normally, you skip the 2 sc then either do 1 sc or 7 dc in the next one, but on the starting ch side, I’m not really sure how to do that side because it’s a little different and it doesn’t seem to work out to the same number of shells as the opposite side.
Hi Rida,
There should be the same number of sts on the starting chain side as the top. If you have to only skip one or even skip three to make it work out on that edge it should be fine. Sometimes blanket borders can be weird like that. 🙂
Hi Amanda
I’m new at knitting (2 years about) and crochet (3 months). My problem with crochet is the foundation chain and
ending rows. I saw this blanket on youtube and wanted to make it — and I’m so glad I came across it because
I like the way you make your foundation chain!!! This totally works for me! I have a project not completed
because the foundation chain was all over the place and knew I needed to begin again. I can’t wait to start that over. Thank YOU!!
Now about the ending rows — I have to use place markers to end my rows. I used a different yarn and
used my place makers: however, when you said the first chain in the 3 chain — I mistook it for the 3rd i f you
know what I mean!! So after 32 rows I had to tear it all out and start again, but I’m glad I did as I used
the Red Heart Soft yarn this second time and the feel and look of it is so much better than what I had used earlier. I would love
if you could put a photo up of the blanket spread out with no border so that I know I am on the right track.
So to be clear — when you make your ending 3 chain the the first stitch is actually the 3rd?
I am hooked on crochet — and despite some frustrations — bound and determined to conquer this!!
Thanks!
Mary
Hi Mary! I’m so glad you like the blanket! This foundation chain has always worked the best for me and it’s what I always use. I know some people can’t stand crocheting into the back of the chain but I say whatever works for you is the best way! I can just more easily see the stitches that way, especially when I was new to crocheting.
Unfortunately I don’t have a photo of the blanket without its border but it should be an even rectangle – there should be no gaining or losing stitches and it should be the same consistent size. I’m not completely clear what part you are referring to with the ending 3 chain but I will try to answer how to finish a row and start a new one – if I don’t answer your question please feel free to ask again. 🙂 You work all of the shells into the previous row’s chain 3 spaces (sp)- not into any of the chains themselves. The only chain you will work into is the starting chain from the previous row – after you get across a row of shells you will work a double crochet into the starting chain to keep your rows even. You work into the third chain of the starting chain, so if you want to mark it on that row as you go it actually is the third chain you create when you work across. So, you can chain one, two, three (mark this third chain), then continue the pattern and end with a double crochet in the chain you marked. (Sometimes it can be confusing to work into chains when you are new – I totally remember this!!)
It takes a little while to really “see” the stitches and everything, but you will get there!! So glad you started this wonderful hobby and I can’t wait to hear how this turns out. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks so much for your response! I am on the right track — using placemarkers is working really well. It is nice to know I am on the right track. If I am using the same yarn could you tell me how many chains I would need to make a 41 x 42 blanket that includes the pretty lacey border?
I absolutely love the pattern, thickness, antique color of this yarn! I would like to make “Heirloom” baby blankets for my nieces and nephews. 🙂
Mary
I love this adorable blanket!…
Also fairly new to crochet…I am currently on the border middle row on the second turn…the stitching that it’s attaching to is different and I’m having trouble..the shells do not look even..some look bunched and some are spread farther apart..this is my third try..
In the video you start this row then it’s paused to allow to go all the way around to start…
Sorry..not sure what to do
Thank you in advance for any suggestions
Hi Wendy, I’m not sure why you’re having trouble with the shells. If it isn’t working with the stitch pattern of the blanket try using the size of the shells themselves to guide you. When you are on the last dc of the shell lay it down by the last row and see where it looks like it won’t bunch up or spread out – even if it’s not exactly where it “should” go – and attach it there. I hope that makes sense – let me know how it goes!
Hi Amanda
I recently made the dutchess blanket in off white for my granddaughters Christening . It turned out great but I needed to go with the simple border because when I started row 43 there was no chain 3 space to do 2 sc in from row before. I was at the end where a dc had been made in top of turning chain after turning.
I really loved the Lacey border and that was why I selected the “dutchess blanket with Lacey border”. I am doing another blanket for a friend and need to do it correctly from the start.
The blanket looked beautiful and just like yours but I got to 24 x 36 way before 42 rows. Calling it row 43 as it represents last row.
Where did I go wrong?
Hi Lorraine,
When you turn from the last row you should have completed a row of (2 dc, ch 3, sl st) across. Turn for the last row (43 on the pattern), skip that first dc and work the 2 sc into the ch-3 space of the (2 dc, ch 3, sl st) from the row below. I made a video tutorial for both the blanket and the border that hopefully will help this time. 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I came across the Duchess blanket and your web site by accident last April. I just want to say many thanks
for all your free patterns and ideas being new to crochet i have learned so much from you and have just
made your shawl as well as the Heirloom and Ombre and Duchess blankets. Without you this would not
have been possible. Many thanks and Happy new Year to you and your family.
Roma – thank you so much for the kind words!! Inspiring others to create is one of the main reasons I do what I do. 🙂 Your comment made my day! Looking forward to sharing new patterns with you this year.
Hi, this will be my first ever crochet. Love the look of the blanket. Please could you send me what the abbreviations mean? Thank you so much. Happy new year.
Hi Badia!
Ch = chain, sl st = slip st, sk=skip, dc= double crochet, sc= single crochet 🙂
Thank you so much. I have done 15 lines, but I don’t understand why it’s getting smaller! I looked several times and think I’m doing the right thing. I do the double chain in the last space, then turn and do 3 chain, then start the row with double chain. I know I’m doing something wrong.. please tell me how can I fix this, and what am I doing wrong?
Best wishes,
Badia
I’m just about finished with this blanket. I have really enjoyed making it and the instruction was perfect! ~ I’m just curious if you wash your blanket when finished?
I have washed mine! It depends on the yarn how you wash it – just follow the instructions on the ball band. 🙂
I generally wash all new baby items in Dreft.
This pattern is amazing. I made a blanket for my daughter and put a regular shell border around it. Looks really nice. Thank you.
Thank you so much Rebecca! I’m so glad this turned out well. It’s one of my favorite patterns 🙂
Hello! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try this! I’m new to crocheting and was wondering if it mattered that the link to the yarn says a different size for the crochet hook you recommend. The yarn says for a 5.5-mm crochet hook. Thanks!!
Hi Victoria!! Welcome to the world of crochet! 😀 The yarn has a recommended hook but designers often go either up or down depending upon the feel of the fabric that creates. For blankets I like to work with a larger hook because it makes for a softer fabric with a better drape. I love it when I hear that someone is learning crochet. I hope the video tutorial helps – let me know if you run into any questions!
Thank you so much! I just wanted to make sure I got the right yarn haha! I will definitely let you know how this turns out! The fact that you included a video was the only reason why I’m attempting to learn! Thank you fir the inspiration!! <3
Hi again Amanda! I’m so sorry to be a bug and it’s because I’m a complete newbie. I got the yarn and the crochet needle, but since I would like to make this bigger, I have been trying to research for the last 2 days how to since you mentioned “multiples of 3 + 1.” Any advice on what this means? The videos I have been watching seem really advanced and seem to focus on how to determine the multiples rather than what I need to do to make the blanket bigger when you have so kindly given the multiples already. I am just going cross-eyed! Any advice would be so appreciated!!
It’s no problem! When a pattern mentions multiples, that means you can make the pattern larger or smaller by adjusting the numbers. The pattern itself is a multiple of 3, so any number that is divisible by 3 will work, then you add 1 st for the starting ch. (So, let’s say you decide you like 150 sts wide, which is 3×50. You would chain 151 so that you have that one stitch extra as a turning chain and the stitch pattern would turn out correctly using all of the chains). I hope this helps 🙂
Oh my goodness you have made my day! That was so incredibly helpful! Thank you so so much!!!!!
Thank you for the pattern! I just finished my first blanket with it and it’s beautiful! The pattern was so easy and worked up so very quickly! I used the new Ferris Wheel yarn by LionBrand and it came out soft and lovely. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to start another one!
That’s so wonderful!! I love hearing of projects made from these patterns – it’s the reason I keep designing. 😀 I’ll have to check out the Ferris Wheel yarn!