This pattern creates a soft, textured baby blanket featuring a series of elegant arches (or shell motifs) that give a lovely lacy appearance. It’s ideal for baby showers, nursery gifts, or just a cozy handmade heirloom.
✅ Skill Level:
Easy to Intermediate
Basic stitch knowledge required: chain, single crochet, double crochet, and how to work into chain spaces.
🧵 Materials Needed:
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Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) yarn – approx. 800 to 1000 yards
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Suggested yarns: Bernat Baby, Red Heart Soft, Caron Simply Soft, or Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran
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Hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain desired drape)
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Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
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Scissors
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Measuring tape (optional, for checking finished dimensions)
📏 Finished Dimensions:
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Approx. 30″ x 36″
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The pattern is easily adjustable in both width and length.
To Adjust Width:
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Chain any multiple of 6 + 1
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(e.g., 121, 127, 133… depending on how wide you want the blanket)
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To Adjust Length:
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Simply repeat the main pattern rows until you reach your desired length.
🧶 Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms):
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sk | skip |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sp | space |
🌸 Special Stitch:
Shell Stitch (Arched Motif):
In the same stitch or chain space:
2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc – this creates a fan-like “arch” shape.
🧵 Pattern Instructions
🔹 Foundation Row:
Ch 121 (or any multiple of 6 + 1).
🔹 Row 1 (Set-Up Row):
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Turn. (You should now have 120 sc)
Ch 3 (counts as first dc for next row).
🔹 Row 2 (First Row of Arches):
DC in next step.
Sk 2 sts, in next st: work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc), sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts.
Repeat from * to * across the row.
Turn.
Ch 3.
🔹 Row 3 (Continuing Arches):
DC in next step.
In ch-1 sp of previous row’s shell, work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc), dc in next 2 dc.
Repeat from * to * across.
Turn.
Ch 3.
🔁 Repeat Row 3 for the rest of the blanket.
Continue working shells into the ch-1 spaces of the previous row, separated by pairs of dc, until the piece measures your desired length. For a 36″ blanket, this will be about 34–36 rows, depending on your tension and yarn.
🔹 Final Row (Top Edge Finishing):
After your last row of arches:
Ch 1, sc evenly across the row, placing 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 space.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.
🪡 Optional Edging Ideas:
To give your blanket a professional, finished look, add a simple or decorative border.
Option 1: Single Crochet Border
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Work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire blanket.
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Place 3 sc in each corner to prevent curling.
Option 2: Picot Border
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Ch 1, sc in next st, ch 3, sl st into first ch (picot made), sk 1 st; repeat around.
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Great for a lacy, delicate trim.
Option 3: Shell Border
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Work 5 dc in one st, sk 1–2 sts, sl st in next; repeat around.
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Matches the shell/arch theme beautifully.
📝 Tips for Success:
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Blocking: To enhance stitch definition and smooth edges, lightly block the finished blanket with steam or wet-blocking.
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Color Changes: You can create stripes by changing yarn color every few rows.
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Yarn Choice: For warmer climates, use cotton or bamboo blends. For cozy warmth, stick to acrylic or wool blends.
🧶 Example Color Ideas:
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Soft pink and white stripes
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Mint green with gray trim
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Variegated pastel yarn for a no-fuss, color-changing effect
Download Crochet Baby Blanket with Arches – Tutorial (PDF)
✅ Summary:
This blanket is simple yet elegant, with an open arch stitch that provides a light, breathable texture. It’s ideal for year-round use and is beginner-friendly with just enough variation to keep things interesting.
