Color Pop Baby Blanket - Free Crochet Pattern

I've had this idea in my head for a while now, to make a black and white blanket with a pop of color in the border. I love its simplicity. The pattern is super easy with no frills. Perfect for a baby boy or girl. Any color you choose for the border is sure to look amazing!



Notes:

For the black and white portion, you are changing colors every two rounds.
After each round, I did not turn my work. I kept working with the right side facing me the entire time. You may turn your work if you wish! I just prefer the clean look of all the stitches being on the "right" or "front facing" side.
You can make this blanket as big or as small as you'd like. This blanket has 28 rounds in black and white and 4 rounds in the border color.
This blanket measures 32" x 32" when finished.

Materials:

• 3 colors of worsted weight yarn (Red Heart, Vanna's Choice, I Love This Yarn would all be great options!) 
• 4.5 mm hook 
• scissors 
• needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations:

• ch - chain 
• sl st - slip stitch 
• sp - space 
• rnd - round 
• st/s - stitch/es 
• sc - single crochet 
• hdc - half double crochet 
• dc - double crochet 
• fo - finish off 

Granny square portion

Color A = white
Color B = black
Color C = seafoam green

With color A:

Ch 3, join with sl st to form a ring OR you can start with a magic loop for a tight center if you prefer.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, (counts as 1 dc) 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) 3x, join with a sl st to top of ch 3.

Rnd 2: Work 2 sl sts across the top of the next 2 dcs from the previous rnd to the nearest corner space. Sl st into the corner sp and ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). In same sp work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1 (in next ch-2 corner work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) 3x, join with a sl st to top of ch 3. FO, cut yarn.

With color B:

Rnd 3: Join new color in any ch-2 corner, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), in same sp work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, in corner work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc; repeat from * to end 2 more times. End ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with a sl st to top of ch 3.

Rnd 4: Work 2 sl sts across the top of the next 2 dcs from the previous rnd to the nearest corner space. Sl st into the corner sp and ch 3 for 1st dc. In same sp work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, *(ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 2x, ch 1, in corner work 3 dc, ch 2, 3dc; repeat from * to end 2x more end (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 2x, ch 1, join to top of starting ch with sl st. Change colors.

Repeat round 4 until your blanket is the desired size, alternating colors every two rounds and having one more 3-dc group between each corner. My blanket in these photos has 28 rounds of black and white. FO.

Border portion:

With color C:

Rnd 1: Join new color in any ch-2 corner, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), in same sp work 1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc, sc in each st across, in next corner work *1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc, sc in each stitch across* repeat from * to end 2 more times. Sl st into the first sc to join.

Rnd 2: sl st across to corner, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), in same sp work 1 hdc, ch 2, 1 hdc, hdc in each st across, in next coner work *1 hdc, ch 2, 1 hdc, hdc in each stitch across* repeat from * to end 2 more times. Sl st into the first hdc to join.

Repeat rnd 2 until border is of desired size, or until you have 4 rnds. FO. Weave in ends.

Blocking:



It's not typical to block a blanket, but I found that the border started to curl since I wasn't flipping my work after each round and instead working with the right side facing me the entire time. A quick spray blocking worked to keep the edges flat. To do that, pin your blanket to some blocking mats (or a large piece of thick cardboard will work too) making sure to keep the outer edges straight and in line, fill a spray bottle with cold water, and liberally spray your blanket. Let air dry completely. Putting it outside in the sun makes it dry much quicker!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions!