A Guide to Crochet Blanket Sizes + Free PDF
Have you ever come up with a pretty stitch and wished you could crochet your own blankets but didn’t know how to size them? I get it. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasonal crocheter, sizing your projects is not always easy. Let’s explore some tips and tricks to help you create perfect crochet blanket sizes.
These include determining the blanket’s purpose and considering the stitch pattern and materials you plan to use. By following these steps, you’ll be able to size your crochet blankets with confidence. As well as figure out the amount of yarn you need.
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In this article
Before we delve into the specific information for sizing crochet blankets, I have a freebie for you. Subscribe to my newsletter using the form below, and I’ll send you a printable size chart PDF.
The Purpose of Blanket Sizing
Have you considered the purpose of creating different crochet blanket sizes? Properly sizing a blanket ensures you select the right size for the intended use, such as snuggling on the couch or a baby crib.
To be clear, the size of a crochet blanket is not a rigid rule but a canvas for creativity. However, it should differ depending on its purpose.
For example, babies need baby-size blankets, but not all baby blankets should be the same size. A baby lovey has a different purpose than a crib blanket, so it needs to be sized differently. This versatility allows you to explore different sizes and create unique pieces that suit their intended use perfectly.
Common Types of Crochet Blankets
When it comes to crochet blanket sizes, baby blankets are popular as they are smaller, and new moms love them as gifts. However, decorative blankets are also well-loved. While bed blanket patterns are not as common, they can be sized just as easily as other types of blankets once the stitch pattern is determined.
Baby Blankets
Baby Blankets are by far the most popular blankets in the crochet community. Patterns for this type of blanket are broadly available. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, young children should not be left unattended with loose blankets.
Most common types of baby blankets:
- Lovey. Also known as security blankets, they are the smallest of blankets for babies that often have a stuffed animal attached to one of the corners.
- Purpose: They help to bring comfort to young children and can be used as a source of coping with separation anxiety.
- Stroller/Baby. A stroller or baby blanket is larger than a lovey and smaller than a receiving blanket. You even make them with a strap to secure them to the stroller.
- Purpose: Baby blankets are meant to cover babies in their strollers when parents are out and about running errands. They also make adorable newborn gifts.
- Receiving. These are lightweight baby blankets usually made of natural fiber yarns, like cotton and bamboo.
- Purpose: Receiving blankets are commonly used for swaddling newborns and as covers for nursing moms.
- Toddler. These kinds of crochet blankets are usually larger and made of thicker yarns than receiving blankets. They are designed specifically for toddlers.
- Purpose: They can provide comfort and security to young children. So, they are an essential item for parents of toddlers.
- Swaddle. A crochet swaddle is a sack blanket designed to snuggle around young infants, providing a sense of security and comfort.
- Purpose: Swaddling can help soothe fussy babies because it feels like being in the womb.
- Crib. Crochet crib blankets, larger than other types, are designed for baby cribs. They are crafted from the softest and most comfortable yarns, such as cotton, to ensure a gentle and cozy sleep for your little one.
- Purpose: They provide babies comfort and warmth while sleeping without being too bulky and heavy.
Crochet Blanket Sizes for babies:
Blanket Type | Size (inches) | Size (centimeter) |
---|---|---|
Lovey | 10″ x 10″ | 25 x 25 |
Stroller / Baby | 30” x 35” | 76 x 89 |
Receiving | 40” x 40″ | 102 x 102 |
Toddler | 42” x 52” | 107 x 132 |
Swaddle | 47” x 47” | 119 x 119 |
Crib | 45” x 60” | 114 x 152 |
Decorative Blankets
Decorative crochet blankets are next in line as the most handmade blankets. They are beautiful additions to home decoration and can make meaningful gifts for housewarming parties. If you’re wondering what rules to crochet blanket sizes should apply to this category, keep reading to learn more.
Common types of decorative blankets:
- Lapghan. A lapghan, as the name implies, is a smaller version of a rectangular crochet blanket intended to cover the lap or legs while sitting.
- Purpose: They are typically used for snuggling on the couch, reading a book, or as decorative blankets. They make fantastic gifts for seniors.
- Throw. A crochet throw blanket is another small, decorative blanket. It is usually larger than a lapghan.
- Purpose: They are typically made to match a room’s decoration and add texture and warmth. Like lapghans, they can also be used for snuggling on the couch.
- Afghan. Crochet Afghans are next in the decorative blanket category, and they are also popular. They are usually slightly larger than throw blankets.
- Purpose: They are cozy and beautiful blankets that can be used as accent items in a room, adding a touch of color and texture.
Decorative blankets size chart:
This Granny Square Throw blanket is a free pattern here on the blog.
Standard Bed Blankets
This is not surprising. However, crochet blanket sizes for beds are less popular than smaller blankets. But if you’re in for a larger project, just like the other types of blankets, they can also be made in any size. Here are the standard types of bed blankets:
- Twin. Twin blankets are typically rectangular in shape and measure approximately 65 inches wide by 90 inches long. They are popular for children’s beds, college dorm rooms, and guest bedrooms.
- Double. A double-size blanket is typically larger than a twin-size blanket and smaller than a queen-size blanket. It measures approximately 85 inches wide by 90 inches long and is commonly used for full or double beds.
- Queen. A queen-size blanket typically measures around 90 inches wide by 100 inches long. It is larger than a twin or double-size blanket and is commonly used for queen beds.
- King. King-size blankets are a popular choice for master bedrooms. They are typically larger than a queen-size blanket and measure around 108 inches wide by 100 inches long.
Bed blankets size chart:
Steps for Adjusting Crochet Blanket Sizes
Generally, to adjust the size of a blanket to a particular stitch pattern, you need a small amount of yarn for a swatch, a crochet hook, a measuring tape, and a calculator. I created a swatch to illustrate this with a real example.
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Choose a stitch
Let’s assume you will use a granny square pattern to make a 30” x 35” (76 cm x 89 cm) stroller blanket. This principle typically applies to any stitch technique: rows, rounds, or squares. The most important thing is the measurement, so you can do a simple math to determine the size.
Step 2: Crochet a Stitch Sample and Measure it
Generally, a good size for a crochet swatch is 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm). But it’s okay if it’s slightly smaller or larger. In my swatch example, I used this simple granny square pattern:
- Row 1: In a magic circle, chain 4, (double crochet 3, chain 1) 3 times, double crochet 3, slips stitch to join.
- Row 2: chain 4, double crochet 3 in the same space as chain 4, (double crochet 3, chain 1, double crochet 3) 3 times, double crochet 3 in the same space as initial chain 4, slip stitch to join.
- Row 2: chain 4, double crochet 3 in the same space as chain 4, *[double crochet 3 between the next two 3-double crochet clusters, (double crochet 3, chain 1, double crochet 3) in next chain 1 corner space, repeat from the asterisk 2 more times, double crochet 3 in next space between the next two 3-double crochet clusters, double crochet 3 in the same space as initial chain 4, slip stitch to join.
Step 3: Size your blanket
Here is where the sizing magic happens. Now that you have a swatch and its dimensions, you will do these simple math calculations:
- Firstly, divide the blanket’s total width (30″) by the size of the swatch, which is 4″. The result is 7.5 squares for the width of your blanket. Not an exact number, I know!
- Next, divide the blanket’s length (35″) by 4″, which is the size of the swatch. This gives you 8.75 squares for the length of the blanket. Yes, it’s a fraction, but don’t worry, we’ll handle it!
- Now, you determine what to do with the fraction numbers you got. But that’s an easy decision. Why? Again, blanket sizes don’t need to be exact.
- Then, consider adding a border, which will also increase your crochet blanket sizes.
Step 4: Round the numbers up or down
In this example, I’m rounding the numbers down. 7.5 will become 7 and 8.75 will be 8. The stroller blanket would then have 56 squares (7 for width and 8 for length), making it 28” (71 cm) x 32” (81 c8). Next, add a 2” to 3” border, which will make it close to the stroller size aimed for.
Finding out How Much Yarn You Need
Okay, one more thing! By now, you know the most common crochet blanket sizes and how to adjust them when you have decided on a stitch pattern. You may be stuck on figuring out how much yarn you will need. Let’s get into those details too.
Here is what you do in the calculations:
- Once you know your blanket size, crochet a swatch, you can use the same swatch you used to determine the size.
- Next, look at the yardage on the yarn label.
- Then, divide the total yardage in the skein label by the total weight (oz or g) and record that result.
- Using a kitchen scale, weigh your swatch and multiply the number by the result you got from the previous step.
- Lastly, multiply the result of the previous step by the total of squares you need to make your blanket. That number will be the total yardage needed for your blanket.
For example:
For instance, you’re making a blanket with 56 squares. Your swatch weighs 0.80 oz, and the skein’s total yardage/weight is 153 yds/3.5 oz.
So, 153 divided by 3.5 is 44. Each oz measures 44 yards.
Next, multiply 44 by the swatch weight, which is 0.80. Your swatch takes 35 yards of yarn.
Lastly, multiply 35 by the total of squares (which is 56). You will need 1,971 yards of yarn for your blanket.
FAQs
Do Crochet Blanket Sizes Need to be Exact?
Not necessarily! Sizing guides and charts are intended for reference only. However, keeping the size proportional to the blanket’s intended purpose is important.
What is the Standard for Baby Crochet Blanket Sizes?
For those adorable little ones, standard baby blanket sizes are anything close to 40″ x 40″ for squares or 40″ x 70″ for rectangles. These sizes are perfect for gifting situations, especially when the recipient is not someone you’re personally close to.
What’s the Difference Between an Afghan and a Lapghan?
A crochet afghan is a more oversized blanket that is rectangular in shape and used for warmth and decoration on beds or couches. A lapghan is smaller and designed to cover your lap while sitting. They are both perfect for snuggling up while reading your favorite book and as a decorative accent in a room.
What are the Best Stitches for Crochet Blankets?
Popular stitches for crochet blankets include the granny, moss, lemon peel, and shell stitches. These stitches combine basic techniques, making them excellent choices for blankets. However, if you are an advanced crocheter, you can go wild with your creativity and choose more elaborate patterns.
Explore Crochet Blanket Patterns
- C2C Granny Stitch Free Pattern
- C2C Granny Spike Stitch Lap Blanket
- Shell Stitch Blanket Pattern
- Classic Granny Square Blanket
- Chevron Crochet Blankets Roundup
- Easy Crochet Baby Blankets Roundup
Crochet Blanket Sizes Key Takeaways
- Crochet blankets can be made in any size, but baby blankets are the most popular.
- Exact sizes don’t always matter, but keeping the size close to its intended purpose is essential.
- Crocheting a sample swatch is crucial to determine your finished blanket size.
- Sizing and weighing your swatch can help you determine how much yarn you need to crochet a blanket.
What to do next
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