How to Crochet a Blanket Stitch

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 28, 2022 Tested

The blanket stitch is a simple stitch that can be used to make an afghan, scarf, sweater, washcloth, or any other project that you would like to use it for. The stitch has a bit of a puckered design, which will add some texture to your work. This stitch uses basic crochet techniques, so it is something that you can learn easily, even if you are a novice crocheter.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Crocheting the Foundation Row

1
Chain a multiple of 3 plus 4. To begin the blanket stitch, you will need to make a chain of the amount of stitches needed plus an additional 4 stitches. The additional 4 stitches will provide some slack for working the first double crochet stitch.^{[1]
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- Make your chain as long as you think it will need to be for your project. For example, if you are making a blanket, then you will probably need to chain at least 90 stitches, plus 4, for a total of 94. Or, if you are making a washcloth, then you can probably just chain 18 stitches, plus 4 for a total of 22.
2
Double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook. After you have made your chain as long as desired, you will need to double crochet. Double crochet into the fourth chain stitch from the hook, not counting the chain on the hook.^{[2]
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- To double crochet, yarn over your hook and insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook. Then, yarn over again and pull through the first loop. Next, yarn over again and pull through two loops. To finish your first double crochet stitch, yarn over again and pull through both stitches on the hook.^{[3]
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3
Skip two and single crochet. After you complete the double crochet stitch, skip two stitches. Single crochet into the third stitch over from the double crochet stitch.^{[4]
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- To single crochet, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, and then pull through both loops.^{[5]
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4
Double crochet twice into the same chain. After you crochet the single crochet stitch, you will need to double crochet twice into the same chain that you just worked into for the single crochet stitch. This means that the stitch will have a single crochet stitch and two double crochet stitches worked into it.^{[6]
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5
Repeat the sequence. Next, skip two and single crochet again, and then double crochet into the same stitch again. This will be your stitch pattern all the way to the end of the row, except for your last stitch.^{[7]
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6
Single crochet into last stitch in the row. When you are three stitches away from the last stitch in the row, skip to the last stitch and do one single crochet into this stitch. This will complete your first row.^{[8]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Continuing the Stitch

1
Chain 3 and turn. To begin your second row and every row thereafter, you will need to make a chain of 3. The chain will provide slack to make your first double crochet stitch. Chain 3 and then turn your work around.^{[9]
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2
Double crochet into the first stitch. After making the chain of three and turning your work, double crochet into the first stitch in your row. Only make one double crochet stitch here.^{[10]
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3
Skip two and single crochet. Next, skip two stitches and then single crochet into the third stitch over from the double crochet stitch. You will also be working into this space for your next two stitches.^{[11]
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4
Double crochet twice into the same stitch. Do two double crochet stitches into the same stitch that you just worked a single crochet stitch into. This space will have a total of three stitches in it after the two double crochet stitches.^{[12]
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5
Repeat to the end. When you finish the second double crochet stitch, skip two stitches again, and then single crochet once and double crochet twice into the same pace again. Continue to repeat this sequence until you are three stitches from the end of the row.^{[13]
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6
Single crochet into the last stitch. To complete each of your rows, single crochet one time into the last stitch in the row. This will finish the row and then you can start a new row and keep going until your project is finished.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Should you block a crocheted blanket?

Sarah Stearns
DIY Specialist
Sarah Stearns is a DIY Specialist, Artist, Maker, Blogger, and the Founder of SarahMaker.com. With over ten years of experience, she specializes in fun, approachable crafts like crocheting, making polymer clay jewelry, quilting, and creating Cricut projects. Her work has been featured in several publications, such as Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, and Apartment Therapy. Sarah holds a BA in Psychology from Vanderbilt University.

Sarah Stearns

DIY Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes! To do it, pin the corner and edges of the blanket on a towel-covered table. Then, mist it with water until slightly damp and let it dry thoroughly.
Question

Preferably, how tight should the stitches be?

DiamondWarrior649

Top Answerer

Wind the stitches loosely as you work along; they should not be wound and held tighly around the hook, but they should not be limp and dropping either. Hold the yarn just tight enough that it will not slip out of your fingers, but will not strain them either.
Question

I need a binding stitch around to end project. Any suggestions?

DiamondWarrior649

Top Answerer

You can go with a slip stitch, or a single crochet, or double crochet. You can even do half double crochet; any stitch will help your project lay flat.