Free Crochet Pattern | The Madeline Baby Blanket
Written by Kristen M.
Published on: April 30th, 2024
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission when you make a purchase through of these links at no additional cost to you.
Well hello again, maker friends!
If you’ve been looking for a sweet and elegant looking baby blanket pattern then you’ve come to the right place!
This beginner friendly baby blanket pattern has a classic look that will be easily matched with any type of baby nursery decor.
For me, blankets are the PERFECT opportunity to experiment with pretty yarn and stitch combinations. When I get some new yarn it’s really only a matter of time before I want to design and create something with it.
When I finally had the chance to see Heatherly Worsted yarn in person I was so excited and knew it was pretty much inevitable that I’d use it to design a cute baby blanket. Check out the photo below for some inspirational color combos using Heatherly Worsted yarn! You can find all of these colorways on the WeCrochet website here!
I had a blast putting some color combos together and ultimately ended up going with a color palette chosen by the majority in an Instagram story poll. If you want to see more behind the scenes and be involved with other projects I’m working on be sure to check me out on Instagram and Facebook! I love connecting with other makers and seeing all the pretty things you’re working on!
Okay, let’s talk pattern details!
The colorways of Heatherly Worsted used for designing the Madeline Baby Blanket were Lilac, Agave, Sweetheart, Snowflake, and Peach Fuzz (for the border).
I really wanted to make sure this baby blanket was not only a fun stitch to use, but also allowed the blanket to be a quick make if you’re a handmade business owner. I was able to personally finish my first Madeline Baby Blanket in just one week, and that was with taking plenty of breaks.
Of course, everyone crochets at a different speed and it will depend on how many other projects you have going on, but I really feel like this baby blanket is so quick and easy to make!
You can use any worsted weight yarn, but keep in mind that all yarn is different and you may need a little less or more when it comes to your blanket. I made another Madeline Baby Blanket using WeCrochet Brava Worsted and only needed one skein for each color block. Each of those skeins is 100g and has 218yds. It comes in a huge variety of colorways, and I like the fact that it’s 100% acrylic so it’s easily washable for a baby blanket.
Let’s talk stitching now! Have you ever heard of the Linen Crochet Stitch? It’s also goes by the Moss Stitch and is definitely a favorite within the crochet community.
I wanted to take this stitch and put my own little spin on it for this pattern. After experimenting with a couple of different stitches, I tried replacing the single crochet stitch it’s typically worked with for the herringbone half double crochet stitch (hhdc).
If you’ve never worked with the hhdc stitch before, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised at how much texture you get for how simple it is. One simple difference from a regular half double crochet stitch and you get a totally different look!
I recorded a video tutorial on YouTube you can find right here to help guide you through (make sure you subscribe if you want to see future videos as well)! I have another whole blog post with a photo tutorial on the Herringbone Half Double Crochet Stitch if that’s more of your vibe.
Ultimately, it creates such a beautiful tightly worked, almost knit-like texture that is so smooth and fun to work up. The finished blanket size is perfect for snuggling up with your baby or tucking over them in a stroller for some chilly outdoor walks.
About the Border
The border of this blanket is worked in three rounds. If you find that you’re having trouble with the edges of your border rippling more than you’d like, try going down a hook size or taking out stitches in multiples of five. To make sure round three of the border still lines up accurately, you will want to be sure the ending st count of round three is any multiple of 5.
You may also choose to block your blanket either before or after you create the border! This will also help with straightening out the edges and keeping your blanket looking crisp and clean all around. Either way, it’s YOUR blanket so have fun with it!
For the baby blanket AND lovey sized instructions, you can purchase the downloadable, printable, PDF in my shop for only $3! The PDF includes the added lovey instructions to take the guesswork out for you, as well as some extra photos not included in this post.
Or, if you’d like to save this post for later make sure you pin the image below so you can come back to it! Trust me. You want to keep track of this one. ;)
Happy crocheting, friends!
The Madeline Baby Blanket Pattern
Materials
Yarn:
Colors A, B, C, & D (blanket) - WeCrochet Heatherly Worsted [80% acrylic/ 20% merino wool, 218 yds, 100g needed per color block; colors Lilac (A), Agave (B), Sweetheart (C), & Snowflake (D).
Color E (border) - WeCrochet Heatherly Worsted [80% acrylic/ 20% merino wool, 129 yds, 59g; color Peach Fuzz]
Total yardage needed: 872yds (blanket) + 129yds (border) = 1,001yds
Tape Measure
Pattern Gauge
13 rows x 17 sts = 4" (10 cm) unblocked square in main pattern, excluding border.
Helpful Pattern Details
This pattern is written in English, using U.S. crochet terms.
Finished measurements: approx. 33" (84 cm) long x 33" (84 cm) wide unblocked, including border.
This pattern uses a one row repeat throughout. You will change colors every 25 rows.
The border is worked in rounds and measures at approx. 1.5" (4 cm) wide.
Keep in mind, depending on your tension, the finished size of your blanket may be a tad larger or smaller than the included measurements. Be sure to check your gauge and adjust your hook size for the most accurate sizing.
If you’re having trouble with your border rippling, you may need to work less sts around than instructed or go down a hook size. However, if this is needed, be sure to still end round 2 of the border with a st count that is a multiple of 5. This will ensure the mp sts in rnd 3 line up evenly around.
This pattern was tested by a fabulous and talented group of other amazing crocheters before publishing.
Abbreviations
beg = beginning
ch(s) = chain stitches
hhdc = herringbone half double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
mp = modified picot
rep = repeat
rnd = round
sc = single crochet
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
Special Stitches
Herringbone Half Double Crochet (hhdc) (click here for a video tutorial) = yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, pull the loop through second (middle) loop on hook, yarn over, pull through last 2 loops.
Modified Picot Stitch (mp) = sc in next st, ch 6, sl st to first ch made creating a loop with your ch(s).
Pattern
With Color A and hook size 5.00mm.
Ch 130
Row 1: hhdc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, hhdc*, rep from *to* across, ch 1, turn. (129 sts)
Rows 2-25: sk 1st hhdc, hhdc in 1st ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk next st, hhdc in next ch 1 sp*, rep from *to* across until there is 1 hhdc st left, ch 1, hhdc in last st, ch 1, turn. (129 sts)
Change to Color B in last st of row 25.
Rows 26 - 50: sk 1st hhdc, hhdc in 1st ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk next st, hhdc in next ch 1 sp*, rep from *to* across until there is 1 hhdc st left, ch 1, hhdc in last st, ch 1, turn. (129 sts)
Change to Color C in last st of row 50.
Rows 51 - 75: sk 1st hhdc, hhdc in 1st ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk next st, hhdc in next ch 1 sp*, rep from *to* across until there is 1 hhdc st left, ch 1, hhdc in last st, ch 1, turn. (129 sts)
Change to Color D in last st of row 75.
Rows 76 - 100: sk 1st hhdc, hhdc in 1st ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk next st, hhdc in next ch 1 sp*, rep from *to* across until there is 1 hhdc st left, ch 1, hhdc in last st, ch 1, turn. (129 sts)
Change to Color E for the border in last st of row 100.
Do NOT turn after row 100.
Continue to Border.
Border
With Color E and hook size H-8 (5.00mm)
Rnd 1: ch 1, *hdc 3 in last ch 1 sp of the row (place a st marker in middle st to mark corner), hdc down the side placing one st at the end of each row, hdc 3 in corner (place a st marker in middle st to mark corner), hdc across bottom edge placing one st in each ch 1 sp and each hhdc*, rep from *to* one more time, sl st to beg hdc, sl st in next marked hdc, ch 1, do not turn. (462 hdc).
Rnd 2: *hdc 3 in st marked with st marker, (replace the st marker in middle st to mark corner), hdc across to next st marker*, rep from *to* around, sl st to beg st, sl st in next st, ch 1, do not turn. (470 hdc)
Note: if making a larger sized blanket, in order to be sure the mp sts of rnd 3 line up evenly around, you will want to make sure the ending st count of rnd 2 is a multiple of 5.
Rnd 3: mp in st marked with st marker, sc in next 4 sts, *mp in next st, sc in next 4 sts* repeat from * to * all the way around, sl st to beg mp. There will be no extra sts worked into the corners for this rnd. (94 mp loops total)
Fasten off and weave in all ends!
If you love your Madeline Baby Blanket I would LOVE to hear about it! Please feel free to share on social media and tag me @junebugandjames so I can see and share your work!
This pattern is a copyright © 2024 Junebug and James. Pattern and photos can not be used for resale purposes. Distribution in part or in whole of this pattern is strictly forbidden. Any Madeline Baby Blanket created using this pattern may be sold, but please remember to give credit to Junebug and James. | www.junebugandjames.com
Want to see more of my free patterns? Check all of them out at the button below! From dishcloths to cute strawberry amigurumi hearts, my collection of free patterns has been growing slowly but surely and I would love to see what you make from them.
