Crochet Baby Blanket in Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle Colorspun

Crochet Baby Blanket in Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle Colorspun

What Is Being Made

This is a crochet baby blanket designed for Plymouth Yarn's Encore Boucle yarn. The finished blanket measures approximately 28.5 inches by 34.5 inches, making it an ideal size for a newborn or infant. The blanket features a textured post stitch pattern that creates visual interest and dimension, perfect for a decorative yet functional piece for a nursery or as a baby gift.

Techniques Used

The blanket employs several fundamental crochet techniques to achieve its textured appearance. The primary construction method uses front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) stitches worked in alternating sections to create a ribbed, dimensional surface. The pattern begins with a foundation double crochet (fdc) base, which allows for a sturdy starting edge without relying on a traditional chain foundation. The blanket is worked in rows with strategic stitch placement to create a repeating pattern of post stitches that alternate direction, giving the piece visual texture and depth. A single crochet border is added around all edges to finish and frame the blanket, with corner increases to ensure the edges lie flat.

Stitches Used

• Foundation Double Crochet (fdc): A specialized starting technique that combines a chain and double crochet in one motion, creating the initial 50 stitches for the blanket's foundation row
• Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): A post stitch worked around the post of the previous row's stitch from the front, creating raised texture on the blanket's surface
• Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): A post stitch worked around the post of the previous row's stitch from the back, alternating with fpdc to create the dimensional ribbed pattern
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): Used at the end of each row to maintain consistent edge shaping
• Single Crochet (sc): Applied throughout the border to frame and finish all four edges of the blanket
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join the border rounds seamlessly

Pattern Structure and Progression

The blanket is constructed in 48 rows total, organized into distinct sections. The foundation row establishes 50 foundation double crochet stitches. Rows 1 through 12 establish the primary pattern, alternating groups of 12 fpdc stitches with groups of 12 bpdc stitches to create the textured surface. Row 13 reverses this pattern, switching bpdc and fpdc positions. This alternation continues through Row 24, then returns to the original pattern sequence for Rows 25 through 36, and finally repeats the reversed pattern for Rows 37 through 48. This structured repetition creates a balanced, symmetrical blanket with consistent visual texture throughout.

Materials and Tools

The blanket is made using Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle in colorway 7173, requiring six 100-gram balls of yarn for the complete project. The boucle texture of this yarn adds an additional layer of visual interest and softness to the finished blanket. A size N crochet hook is used throughout the project. The gauge for this blanket is 7 post stitches measured over 4 inches horizontally and 6 rows measured over 4 inches vertically, which is important to maintain for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Finishing Details

After completing all 48 rows, the blanket receives a finished border worked in single crochet. The border is worked around all four sides, with three single crochet stitches placed in each corner to ensure the edges remain flat and the blanket maintains its rectangular shape. The border is joined with a slip stitch and then finished off. All yarn ends are woven in securely to complete the project.