Spoiler alert! The moss stitch is the best crochet stitch for a baby blanket. Keep reading to find out why.
A crochet baby blanket is a perfect gift for a baby boy or a little girl. A baby blanket is a quick and inexpensive crochet project that will impress.
I personally love to crochet and knit. I have crocheted small projects for my little one, like a stuffed animal, and bigger projects, like an afghan for my living room.
Picking the best crochet stitch for a baby blanket has a few things to consider before deciding on a crochet blanket pattern.
I’ll share all of my tips and tricks for finding the best crochet stitch for a baby blanket, how to pick the best yarn, and what size of hook to use for your project.
Considerations When Choosing Baby Blanket Stitch
Open Loops And Holes
Crochet generally produces a loose fabric–meaning there are many open loops and holes between stitches.
These loops and holes are problematic for tiny baby fingers. Babies can get their fingers and toes tangled in these loops and holes. It can be painful, especially if it isn’t caught right away.
You want to choose a stitch that is tighter than most. Typically, the simpler stitches are the tightest.
Texture
Babies love to feel different textures between their fingers.
Luckily, most crochet stitches offer texture… Even the most basic crochet stitches.
If you want to crochet a baby blanket with different textures, consider using one type of stitch for the border and another for the inside.
Or, alternate rows or stripes of different crochet stitches to give your baby blanket even more texture.
Weight
Crocheted blankets can get very heavy, especially when using tighter stitches that are denser.
Choose a lighter-weight yarn to avoid the blanket becoming too heavy or hot.
The Best Crochet Stitches For A Baby Blanket
I have found that simple crochet stitches make the best baby blankets because they are tight (fewer holes and loops), aren’t as dense (don’t weigh as much), and offer plenty of texture.
My favorites are listed in order of easiest to hardest.
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
This is an overlooked crochet stitch, usually just for joining rows together… But when repeated in a pattern, the slip stitch makes a fabric that almost looks like a knit. The fabric will be soft and stretchy.
- Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
These basic crochet stitches are the foundation of crochet. While they might seem boring to avid crocheters, the texture is perfect for newborn fingers.
- Moss Stitch
The moss stitch–also known as the granite stitch, linen stitch, or seed stitch–is (IMO) the best crochet stitch for a baby blanket. It is visually appealing and creates a fluffy texture without leaving any open holes. Here is a great Moss Stitch Tutorial that you can use to make a baby blanket.
- Waffle Stitch
The waffle stitch creates a grid-like pattern that has tons of visual interest. This is a great video tutorial on the Waffle Stitch. It also meets the requirements of being tight but not too dense. The only drawback of this stitch is that it seems structured and mature versus the moss stitch, which is more airy and whimsical for a little one.
The Worst Crochet Stitches For A Baby Blanket
These stitches are loose and create loops and holes galore (perfect for tangling up little fingers and toes).
For a crochet baby blanket, avoid:
- Double crochet stitches (and anything bigger like triple or quadruple crochet)
- Cluster stitch
- Shell stitch (and/or granny squares)
The Best Yarn For A Crochet Baby Blanket
The best yarn for a crochet baby blanket is a soft, light, worsted-weight, or light worsted-weight yarn (also called double knit, DK).
When choosing the best yarn for a crochet baby blanket, consider the type of stitch and its density.
Single crochet and slip stitch create a lighter fabric than the moss or waffle stitch.
Babies (and moms) love layers to avoid getting too hot or cold. Avoid making a baby blanket that is too heavy and hot by picking lighter-weight yarn.
Worsted weight yarn (between a thinner and a chunky one) is the best for baby blankets.
Most major yarn manufacturers like Bernat and Lion Brand have specialty light worsted baby yarn that is extra soft and comes in different colors for babies, like soft pastels.
Add visual interest to your blanket by doing multiple colors instead of solid ones.
Pro Tip: The worst yarn for a crochet baby blanket is bulky weight yarn. They sell so many of these in the baby yarn aisles, but as a mom, I think they are way too heavy for 90% of the year.
Choosing The Right Crochet Hook For A Baby Blanket
Hook size and yarn weight will determine the number of skeins of yarn (balls of yarn) you will need for your project, the number of stitches, and, of course, how much time it will take to finish.
Crochet baby blankets can be made quickly because they are smaller than regular blankets, but avoid choosing bulky yarn or a large hook to make the project quicker… This will only lead to overly heavy or holey blankets that aren’t practical for moms or babies.
Generally, the best hook size for a crochet baby blanket is 3-5mm.
Most yarn packages will recommend what size hook to use.
I always experiment with the size they suggest and the stitch/pattern I will use and adjust up or down as needed.
When in doubt, size down with your crochet hook.
You don’t want to get to the end of the project and realize that the bigger hook has created a stretchy fabric prone to holes.
Easy Free Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns
I have chosen each free crochet baby blanket pattern below because they use my favorite stitches, have easy patterns to follow, and are perfect for advanced or beginner crocheters.
Ok, ok… This isn’t a baby blanket pattern, but the idea is simple: repeat the slip stitch repeatedly to make the entire blanket! Experiment with color and size to create visual interest.
This is a quick blanket because the pattern is super simple. No counting rows or chains!
This pattern is number 6 on the list. There are 12 other free easy crochet baby blanket patterns to check out. This pattern calls for a chunky weight yarn or 2 strands of worsted weight yarn stitched together…
… I think this will be too heavy and would suggest following the dimensions and directions of the pattern but using worsted weight or light worsted weight yarn and a smaller hook.
This is my favorite pattern of the group. I like the thick stripes, but you could also do a solid color.
It’s probably because moss stitch is my favorite for baby blankets ?
The moss stitch (granite, seed, or linen stitch) is an easy stitch pattern. This is a great place for beginners who have mastered basic stitches like slip stitch or single crochet to branch out easily.
I love that there is a simple single crochet border around the final blanket, giving it a polished look. To add interest, you can also try different colors for the main blanket and border.
This double waffle stitch is slightly more advanced than the standard waffle stitch, but it does create the waffle effect on both sides of the fabric, which is fun and a great texture for small hands!
I suggest crochet a slightly tighter stitch than the one in the pattern, either with thicker yarn or a slightly smaller crochet hook.
Despite the light pink, this blanket can also be used in neutral green or baby blue for baby boys.
Happy crocheting, mama!
