Over the summer I started so many crochet projects. Most of them still aren’t finished. But, one particular project I’m planning on giving as a gift… so I needed to get it out of my brain and done! It’s a baby blanket for a special little guy and I want him to get it before he’s not so little anymore. With enough yarn for at least 100 blankets in my stash, I shopped my craft room. The Autumn Dot Blanket is a great stash buster and craft room destash project.
Free Pattern – Autumn Dots Blanket
Publishing full-color step by step crochet patterns has been on my to-do list for a long time. The free version is below.
This pattern is for a baby size blanket. Once I complete the full pattern, additional sizes will be included. Pin and check back for the link, I’ll include it in this post.
Materials
I used worsted weight (#4) yarn for this project and a 4.5mm hook. As long as all your yarn is the same weight it will work. Pick the size hook you like best for the yarn you’re using. A larger hook will make a slightly larger blanket.
Select the main color. Mine is cream. Ideally a nice neutral so the dots pop.
Then choose 5 colors that coordinate well together and works with the main color. My colors are gray, blue, orange, navy, and yellow.
Crochet Dots
Make 6 dots of each color: start with a magic circle or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch.
Row 1: Chain 2 and 11 DC in the ring (12)
Row 2: Chain 2 and DC in first stitch. Two DC in each additional stitches, slip stitch to join (24)
Row 3: Chain 2 and DC in first stitch. One DC in next stitch. Alternate between 2 DC and 1 DC to increase the circle (36)
Dots to Squares
Join the main color, in my case, cream.
Row 4: Chain 2 and DC in the first stitch, chain 2 and 2 DC in the same stitch (this is the first corner).
In the next 8 stitches crochet this pattern: DC, HDC, SC, SC, SC, SC, HDC, DC
Now we make the next corner with this pattern all in the same stitch: DC, DC, Chain 2, DC, DC
Repeat the 8 stitches and corners 2 more times. Join with a slip stitch. Tie off.
Repeat the process for all 30 dots.
Connecting the Dots
Layout the dots in the pattern
If you’re a beginner crocheter, feel free to use a yarn needle and stitch the squares together. Then crochet a border around the completed blanket.
Already have a preferred stitch for joining squares? Then go for that!
I opted for the flat braid join as you go method. Weaving in ends gives me heartburn, so I’d much rather try a more complicated method than deal with weaving ends in after finally assembling everything!
The method is actually simple, once you get the hang of it. The trick is to work in the right direction to join the blocks into a row. Once a row is complete, stitch back all the way along the bottom. Then begin joining the next block of the new row.
Starting with the first square, join the main color yarn (or start with the last block completed). Chain 3, skip a stitch, sc in the next stitch. Continue to chain 3, skip a stitch and sc along the side, creating loops.
At the corner make the sc into the corner loop, chain 3 and sc into the loop again. Chain 3 and sc out of the loop. Repeat the ch 3, skip stitch, sc along the 2nd side of the block. Make a second corner and follow the pattern down the third side.
Now, chain 3 and sc into the corner of the next block. Chain one. Remove the hook from the last stitch (drop the stitch). Insert the hook into the last loop on the first block. Pick up the dropped stitch and ch 2. On the new block, skip a stitch and SC into the next stitch.
When joining a new side the pattern is always to sc, chain 1, drop stitch, insert hook on opposite side loop, pick up stitch, chain 2, skip a stitch and sc into the next stitch starting the pattern over.
The dropping of the stitch and crossing over is what creates the braid look between the squares.
Whenever you are at a corner there will always be 2 stitches into it. While joining at a corner, be sure to pick up the loop at the exact diagonal of the dropped stitch.
It’s, for this reason, I’m putting the work into a full detailed pattern! If you are familiar with crocheting my description might make sense. If you are someone who needs a pattern, especially one with details, then this pattern will be perfect for you!
The flat braid join adds such a nice texture and the entire blanket ends up with a nice border.
It’s a perfect pattern for stash-busting and can be done in any color pattern, even all scraps! Have more than 30 squares, make the blanket bigger! I’m currently working on scaling the pattern for a variety of sizes.
Craft De-Stash
Meet this month’s co-hosts and see what everyone has made using craft supplies they already had on hand. Check out some awesome creations you might be able to make from your own stash!
Let’s meet this month’s bloggers!!
C’mon Get Crafty | Purple Hues and Me
Domestic Deadline | Across the Blvd
This Autoimmune Life | Modern on Monticello
If you’d like to join in the Craft Room De-Stash Challenge, you can request to join our Facebook group here!
Want to remember the Autumn Dot Blanket pattern for later? Pin to your favorite Pinterest board.
