Crochet by Faye Reims Baby Quilt Pattern

Crochet by Faye Reims Baby Quilt

Project Overview

The Crochet by Faye Reims Baby Quilt is a crocheted baby blanket designed by Robyn Chachula, drawing inspiration from traditional diamond quilts and the gothic stained glass windows of Reims Cathedral. This finished piece measures 33 inches in diameter, making it an ideal size for a newborn gift. The quilt combines geometric diamond motifs in a sophisticated color palette to create a striking heirloom-quality blanket.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a circular baby quilt composed of multiple diamond-shaped motifs arranged and seamed together. The design allows for two different layout options, giving crocheters flexibility in how they arrange their color blocks. The finished quilt is substantial enough to serve as a decorative blanket or throw for a nursery while remaining lightweight and appropriate for a baby.

Construction Techniques

The Reims Baby Quilt is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach. Individual diamond motifs are crocheted separately in various colors, then seamed together to form the complete circular blanket. This modular construction method allows crafters to work on portable pieces and assemble them at the end, making the project manageable in sections.

Stitches Used

• Chain (CH): Foundation stitch used to begin rows and create the base structure
• Slip Stitch (SL ST): Used for joining and finishing
• Single Crochet (SC): Creates dense, structured rows that form the fabric of each diamond motif
• Double Crochet (DC): Provides height and texture variation within the diamond patterns
• Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog): A special stitch used to shape the diamond motifs by decreasing stitches strategically

Materials and Yarn

The quilt is worked in SWTC Tranquility yarn, a luxurious blend of 70% wool and 30% bamboo (CYCA weight category #4). This yarn provides softness and breathability ideal for a baby blanket. The pattern calls for four coordinating colors:

• Main Color (MC): Blue 895 – 4 balls
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Aqua 893 – 2 balls
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Olive 901 – 1 to 2 balls depending on layout
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Gold 899 – 60 yards

The yarn provides 142 yards per 80-gram ball, offering good yardage for the project's scope.

Tools and Notions

Crafters will need an I/9 (5.5mm) crochet hook or the appropriate size to achieve the specified gauge. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers to track progress, wool wash for gentle cleaning, and blocking pins for finishing and shaping the completed quilt.

Gauge and Sizing

The diamond motif gauge is 6 inches by 2½ inches, which determines the overall dimensions of the finished 33-inch diameter quilt. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the motifs to fit together correctly when seamed.

Color Layout Options

The pattern provides two distinct layout arrangements. Layout A features 8 gold motifs, 16 olive motifs, 24 aqua motifs, and 32 blue motifs. Layout B reverses some quantities, offering 8 gold, 24 olive, 32 aqua, and 16 blue motifs. This flexibility allows crafters to customize the visual impact and color balance of their finished quilt.

Skill Level and Complexity

The Reims Baby Quilt involves foundational crochet techniques including chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches, along with the slightly more advanced double crochet decrease. The modular diamond construction makes the project approachable for intermediate crocheters while offering visual sophistication through color work and geometric design.