A handmade baby blanket is a cherished gift, a symbol of warmth and love that will be treasured for years. The “Morning Dew” Baby Blanket is a perfect project for any crocheter, featuring a simple, repetitive stitch that creates a beautiful texture that is as lovely to look at as it is soft to the touch. The stitch pattern, reminiscent of tiny clusters of dewdrops on a leaf, is surprisingly easy to master and makes for a wonderfully meditative project.
This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating a blanket that is lightweight yet cozy, with a beautiful drape. It’s an excellent project for a beginner looking to create a beautiful, practical gift or for an experienced crocheter wanting a fast and fun project that results in a beautiful heirloom.
Why Crochet the Morning Dew Baby Blanket?
- Beginner-Friendly: The pattern is made with basic stitches and a simple, two-row repeat that is easy to memorize.
- Beautiful Texture: The stitch pattern creates a unique, tactile surface that is both visually stunning and soft against a baby’s skin.
- Quick to Work Up: The pattern works up relatively quickly, thanks to the double crochet clusters and the simple repetition.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain and the number of rows.
- Heartfelt Gift: A handmade blanket is a personal and incredibly thoughtful gift for a new baby.
1. Planning Your Blanket: Size & Materials
- Finished Size: The pattern is designed for a versatile baby blanket size (approx. 36 x 36 inches / 91 x 91 cm). You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain and the number of pattern repeats.
- Yarn Choice: Choose a yarn that is soft, gentle on a baby’s skin, and machine-washable.
- Fiber: Look for a baby-specific yarn in acrylic, bamboo, or a soft cotton blend.
- Weight: DK (#3) or Worsted Weight (#4) yarn is ideal for this project, as it creates a beautiful, lightweight fabric.
- Color: A single, solid color will best highlight the texture of the stitch.
- Quantity: You will need approximately 800-1000 yards (730-915 meters) of yarn for the recommended size.
2. Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Your chosen quantity of a soft, baby-friendly yarn.
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6 US) or a hook size that gives you a lovely, flexible fabric with your yarn. A looser gauge is better for a blanket.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): To mark the beginning and end of rows.
3. Essential Crochet Stitches & Techniques
- Slip Knot
- Chain (ch)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Cluster Stitch: A group of 2 or 3 stitches worked together into the same space to create a “puffy” cluster.
4. Let’s Crochet the Morning Dew Baby Blanket!
The blanket is worked in rows, and the pattern is a simple two-row repeat.
Pattern Notes:
- The pattern is a multiple of 3 stitches + 1.
- Ch 3 at the start of a row counts as a dc.
- The stitch is made by alternating rows of simple double crochets with rows of clusters.
Row 1: Foundation
- Ch 121 (or a chain length that is a multiple of 3 + 1).
- Dc in the 4th ch from the hook (this counts as your first cluster).
- Dc in each ch across.
- [119 dc]
Row 2: The Cluster Row
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), turn.
- Dc in the first stitch.
- Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, work 3 dc into the next stitch. Repeat from * to * across the row.
- Dc in the last stitch.
Row 3: The Double Crochet Row
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), turn.
- Dc in the first stitch.
- Dc in the ch-1 space from the previous row. Dc in each of the next 3 dc. Repeat from * to * across the row.
- Dc in the last stitch.
Step 5: Continuing the Pattern
- Repeat Rows 2 and 3 alternately.
- Continue this pattern until your blanket reaches your desired size. The number of rows will depend on your yarn and desired finished dimensions.
Step 6: Finishing Touches & Border
- Once your blanket reaches the desired size, finish with a final double crochet row (Row 3).
- Border:
- Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work a round of single crochet stitches evenly around the entire blanket, working 3 sc in each corner to keep the edges flat.
- Round 2 (Optional): Work a round of slip stitches around the border for a clean, finished edge.
- Fasten off, and weave in all ends securely.
Enjoy creating your beautiful, handmade “Morning Dew” Baby Blanket. It’s a labor of love that will be a perfect addition to any nursery!
Video tutorial:
