Baby Color Blocked Blanket: Easy Crochet Pattern For Beginners

The color blocked pattern has been making many appearances lately, and I really love the simplistic and unfledged look of it. When I was asked to create a baby blanket for a recent custom order, this was one of the first designs that popped into my mind. Other baby color blocked blankets I've seen have been in bright hues and give off a fun and loud vibe. I wanted to go with a softer more neutral color palette for this blanket that is cozy and calming for a newborn. This is a gender neutral blanket, and I really love how the tight small stitches of the single crochet stitch and the simple neutral colors came together. I find it so comforting and perfect for a little winter babe.

This pattern is perfect for beginners, because it only uses one basic stitch, and you don't have to worry about counting rows. Even if you are an advanced crocheter, this pattern is great for working on while being preoccupied with oh I don't know you're favorite t.v. show, little ones running around and demanding attention, in the midst of doing laundry or cooking, etc.

Materials: worsted weight yarn in 4 neutral colors, size 5mm crochet hook, scissors, measuring tape

Abbreviations: chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc)

Instructions:
Step 1 - Using your first color ch 89. sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (Your piece should measure about 26" across).
Step 2 - *Turn and ch 1. sc in each stitch across.* repeat until piece measures 7 1/2 inches long. Change colors.
Step 3 - Repeat Step 2 with remaining 3 colors. Fasten Off and weave in ends. The blanket should measure approximately 26" wide x 30" long.

Crochet for a Cause & Newborn Hat Pattern

The Period of Purple Crying is a term that refers to the time period that a newborn cries more than any other time period and can be quite frustrating to new parents. During this time, many parents believe there is something wrong with their baby, but it is actually a very normal and healthy period. There have also been statistics that sadly show an increase of infant deaths during this period due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Spreading awareness about this period can help educate new parents and help them understand what their baby is going through. It helps show them they are not alone, reassures them that their baby is healthy, and lets them know it is just a period that has an end.

I created this pattern for newborn hats that will be passed out to infants and their families to help spread awareness about The Period of Purple Crying. I wanted to share it here to help recruit volunteers for this wonderful cause. If you have another idea for a cute newborn hat, feel free to use a different pattern. We are just asking that it contain some shade of purple in the design. Also, any knitters are welcome to make hats, too! All the information about where to send your completed hats are at the bottom of this post, and they should be mailed by the end of September to arrive in Oklahoma for the first of October. The pattern for this top knot hat follows, and works up pretty quick so you can make several in one day. Thanks so much to any volunteers, and please feel free to spread the word to any crochet/knitting friends. 

Materials: yarn in any shade of purple, 4mm crochet hook, scissors, ruler

Abbreviations: chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (ss), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)

Pattern: ch 5. ss into first ch. ch 1. sc in each ch around. ss into first sc. *ch 1. sc in each sc around. ss into  first sc of round* repeat until piece measures 5 inches.

Rounds 1 and 2 - ch 2. 2 dc in each sc around. ss into first dc. 

Round 3 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next dc* repeat around. ss into first dc of round.

Round 4 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next 2 dc.* repeat around. ss into first dc of round. (40 stitches)

Round 5-11 - ch 2. dc around. ss into first dc of round. 

Fasten off and weave in ends. Tie top tail into a knot, and roll a cuff at the bottom of the hat with the last 2 rows to finish. 

To find out more about The Period of Purple Crying visit http://www.purplecrying.info

Striped Newborn Hat Pattern

A friend of mine asked me to make some baby props for her photography business, and this is by far my favorite piece I made for her. It's just so simple and non-distracting, and I really love the neutral colors of this hat with nice and simple wooden buttons. This pattern was quick to work up, but you do have to change colors often. I think it's definitely worth it because stripes are the best. Actually, wee BABY stripes are the best!

Materials: soft baby yarn in 2 colors ( I used a white and tan color), 5mm hook, scissors, 2 wooden buttons (i bought mine here), brown thread, sewing needle

Abbreviations: Chain Stitch (ch), Slip Stitch (ss), Double Crochet (DC)

Pattern:

Row 1: Using your first color, ch 3. 10 dc into the second ch from hook. ss into last ch. ch 2.
Row 2: 2 dc into each dc around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 3: Change to second color. ch 2. *2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc* repeat around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 4: Change to first color. ch 2. *2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next two dc* repeat around. ss into top of ch 2.
Row 5-9: Change colors. ch 2. dc in each dc around. ss into top of ch 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Use your needle and thread to sew the wooden buttons on the front side of the hat, one on top of the other.

Photo credit to Erin Cefalu Photography. Check out her site here!