You may have your hook and yarns ready, but then you ask: How many chains for a baby blanket should I use?

The answer will depend on many factors, such as yarn thickness, pattern, and hook size. Before you embark on crocheting a lovely blanket for your cute baby, equip yourself with a clear idea of what to do first. 

Many things can go wrong, which may force you to start from scratch later on. You can read this tutorial to avoid ending up with either an undersized or oversized blanket.

How Many Chains For A Baby Blanket Should There Be?

There’s no definitive answer for this one, but the way a blanket works is that you wrap it over someone else’s body. Instinctively, it must be larger than the intended body. 

A baby blanket can be mistaken for a lap blanket and vice versa. Instead of fixating on the number of chains, measuring your chain is a better alternative. The length of the chain will affect the result, and blankets may vary because of this. 

The smallest size is a 10″— 10″, known as a “lovey blanket.” Next to it, a 30″ — 35″ blanket is considered appropriate for strollers, also known as a “pram blanket.” The chief among them is a 45″ — 45″ blanket, big enough to swaddle your baby. 

Another concern you might have is the kind of stitch you will use. More than the chain number, the design can make all the difference. If you want to give a blanket to an expectant mother, it will be a heartwarming gift. 

Crochet Stitches

If you are new to this experience, here are a few stitching ideas for your crochet sessions.

Cross-over block stitch 

If you can do single and double crochet with your eyes closed, the cross-over block stitch is perfect for you, as it requires only minimal effort and skill. The stitch is known for its simplicity and elegance. The crochet pattern may look basic, but at least you spent a decent amount of time crafting it with love. 

Granite stitch

If you want a solid colour blanket with an emphasis on texture, consider the granite stitch. Known by other names like the moss stitch or the seed stitch, this stitch stands out from basic ones. Although it looks intriguing, it’s simple enough to make.

Star stitch 

The starburst design earned the star stitch its name. The resulting blanket has a different texture in the front and back so that you could turn it over. 

Tulip stitch

Have you mastered double crochet already? Then if you’re looking for a fun texture, the tulip stitch is ideal. This versatile stitch has zigzag patterns that can suit different yarns. 

Materials Needed

Here are some of the items you`ll need for your crochet adventures.

Yarn

The backbone of your project is the spool of yarn! It will help pinpoint the kind you want to use for the blanket, defined by weight and fibre. Materials like polyester, wool, cotton, and acrylic are among the most common. 

Crochet hooks

Crochet hooks come in variety as well. You can choose between plastic, aluminium, ergonomic and handcrafted. Heed the advice of testing out a beginner’s set first to see which hooks work for you best. 

Tapestry needle

Another must-have is a tapestry needle. You can tell the difference with a sewing needle through the soft tips. Upon finishing your project, a tapestry needle will help you weave the ends of yarn. 

Hook case

Lastly, a hook case can be optional. Having an intended cabinet to gather your materials suffice already. However, if you want something you can carry around, a container is a good idea.

Now keeping those in mind, you are ready to crochet a baby blanket. Here are the following steps you can take:

How to crochet a baby blanket

Step #1. Plan your blanket by deciding on the size, type of yarn to use and by choosing a hook 

Step #2. Understand the basic stitches. Learn and master how to do the single crochet (sc) and the double crochet (dc)

Step #3. Begin with a foundation chain

Step #4. Crochet the first row and make a turning chain

Step #5. Crochet the next row

Step #6. Keep crocheting until you reach the desired number of rows

Step #7. Finish the blanket by adding a border or weaving the ends

Are they safe for babies?

Wrapping babies in a blanket is generally safe. However, swaddling is only appropriate for newborns, as the covering resembles the mother’s womb to soothe the infant. If done correctly, swaddling can calm the baby and even promote sleep. 

What is the best type of yarn to use?

If you’re making a blanket just for practice, opt for wool. With this material, you can overlook mistakes, as you can reuse it even if it unravels. Most beginners go for wool, but check if you have an allergic reaction to it first. 

On the other hand, if you’re a veteran, cotton can offer a slight challenge. The difficulty comes from cotton being an inelastic fibre. Aside from being lighter than wool, the summer heat can make wool unpleasant, making cotton the better choice. 

Conclusion

How many chains for a baby blanket you deem necessary hardly matters. As you have learned, the length of the chain, design and yarn type matters more. Consult this tutorial as you go on with your projects and create beautiful needleworks for your little angel.

On how to tie dye a blanket, there are two crucial stages you must do! The preparation stage, where you ready the materials and tie the blanket, and the magic begins in the mixing and applying step!

When talking about tie dyeing, the process isn`t the only thing that needs consideration. Other things to worry about are the pattern you will use and how you`ll keep it from fading. Read through this article to know more! 

The Stages of How To Tie Dye A Blanket

Tie dyeing rose to popularity during the late 1960s, rock and roll and the peace era. While the trend has dwindled since then, it is still alive today. Time allowed the birth of several folding and tying methods to create unique patterns. 

T-shirts are not the only thing you can tie dye! You can also tie dye your curtains, tablecloths, skirts, shorts, sneakers, and bags. If you want to go big, you can also tie dye your blankets! 

While tie dyeing a blanket will require more effort and time, the added colour and style it`ll bring to a room will be worth it! To start you off, here are the two vital stages in tie dyeing your blanket!

Preparing and tying

• Step #1. Prepare all the necessary materials you will need, such as latex gloves, tie dye, rubber bands, and the blanket.

• Step #2. Prepare the blanket. Wash and dry it if it`s brand new. 

• Step #3. Start tying the blanket. You can decide the tying method by choosing first the pattern you want. 

The most simple tie dye pattern involves gathering the blanket into small clumps and tying each one using the rubber band. The place beneath the bands will retain the blanket`s original colour. 

Mixing and applying

• Step #1. Start mixing your dyeing solution. Be sure to check the dye product for any instructions. Also, use gloves!

• Step #2. Pour the solution into a tub. Follow the UK instructions. Some require additional salt or a particular range of temperature.

If you want to dissolve a higher quantity of dye without fear of diluting its colour, you can add a tablespoon of Urea.

• Step #3. Apply the dye solution to the sheet. You can either soak the blanket into the solution thoroughly or squirt the dye on the area you wish to dye.

• Step #4. After quite an amount of time, remove the fabric. 

• Step #5. Place the newly dyed blanket inside a plastic bag. 

• Step #6. Remove the blanket from the bag after about 24 hours. Undo the bundle by cutting the ties. 

What Kind Of Blankets Can You Tie Dye?

You can dye pretty much any blanket from the thin throw, picnic, and beach blankets to the thick comforters, bedsheets, and beddings. The fabric is entirely a different story. 

The types of fabric that would accept dye magnificently are rayon, linen, silk, and cotton. They will absorb about 80-100% of fabric tie dye. A blanket with a blend of cotton and polyester is mostly 50-50.

What Are The Best Tie Dye Patterns You Can Make?

Tie dyeing has been around for quite a long time. Tie dyeing is a crafting trend and process that involves colourful patterns and unique designs.

Over time, several tie dye folding techniques have emerged, all of which providing stunning results!

Here are some techniques for you to try out yourself!

The crumple technique

• Lay the fabric 

• Scrunch it till all parts are a crumpled mound

• Secure with bands

• Apply the dye

• Flip and repeat

Stripes technique

• Layout flat

• From the bottom up, accordion fold it

• Secure with bands

• Apply the dye

• Flip and repeat

Spiral technique

• Lay the fabric

• Pinch it in the centre

• Twist it in a circular motion and continue till all parts are in a spiral

• Secure using three bands and create a wedge

• Apply the dye

• Flip and repeat

How Would You Keep Tie Dye From Fading?

Now that the tie dyeing process is covered, it is vital to keep it from washing out. The materials you would need for this are white vinegar and mild laundry detergent only.

Allow the tie dye to sit for 24-48 hours. Rinse as much of the dye as possible, then leave it to air dry.

Add a cup of vinegar to a sink or basin with cold water and soak the tie dye blanket for 30 minutes before you wash it for the first time. Drain and refill the basin or sink with cold water.

Add a teaspoon of the mild detergent and soak the blanket once again. Swish it around the water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or more. 

Squeeze the blanket and shake to prevent wrinkles. Hang it out to air dry. Don`t expose it to direct sunlight since that will lead to fading. 

One important thing to note is that washing will surely keep the colours vibrant longer than machine washing.

Conclusion

Tie dyes are something that never went out of fashion. Aside from t-shirts, you can tie dye other various fabrics of blankets included!

Just revisit this article if you want to learn more on how to tie dye a blanket and see it demand attention in a room.

How long does it take to crochet a baby blanket depends on several factors such as the pattern, size, yarn, number of rows, and your schedule? If done right, you might be able to finish one in under 3 hours. 

There are various things to consider for baby blankets, like how long it’ll take to make, how big it should be, and what yarn and pattern to use. Since babies are vulnerable during the winter, you can keep them warm and cosy with baby blankets. 

How To Figure Out How Long Does It Take To Crochet A Baby Blanket?

Winter is the season for Christmas and snow. It is also the perfect time to bring your sweaters, thick blankets, gloves, and beanies out of your closet.

With that said, it is an ideal time to prepare and possibly start crocheting that baby blanket you were planning on making for your baby. 

It might be a good idea to start wondering how long it’ll take you to make one so you can finish it before the winter season and the cold breeze kicks in!

Here are a few ways to determine just how much time you’ll need to finish crocheting a baby blanket.

• Rows

For the first one, you’ll need to do a little basic math! Using a timer or stopwatch, time how long it will take you to crochet a row.

You need to figure out the number of crochet rows you plan to do in a single sitting. 

Multiply the number of rows to the time you got earlier. That is how long one session will take.

If you want to finish the whole blanket in one sitting, you must decide how many rows the blanket will have. 

• Patterns

The pattern can indicate how long it’ll take you. The more complicated the pattern is, the longer it will take you to finish. A simple pattern would only take you a few hours.

A baby blanket with a more intricate pattern would require more attention, effort, and of course, time. This project can take more than a day and weeks even. 

• Size

The size of the baby blanket, of course, matters. This parameter is a significant indicator of how long it will take you to finish. The bigger the size, the longer time you will need.

• Yarn

The type of yarn is also vital. The yarn’s weight and thickness are crucial to note how long it will take you to finish.

Crocheting with a heavy yarn will surely cost you more time. 

• Your schedule

Your time is also necessary to consider! The number of hours you are willing to devote to crocheting every day can make a difference when you can finish it.     

How Big Is A Baby Blanket?

To crochet a baby blanket, you must decide on how long and extensive it will be. Looking up blanket size charts will, no doubt, be confusing since they would give different measurements. 

Don’t rely on the numbers you see online. It will always depend on how old and big your baby is. You can start at 30″ x 30″ and go from there. 

Don’t be afraid to add in a few inches. Crochet is a form of art. You are free to make your interpretation and version. 

What Type Of Yarn Is Best To Use On Baby Blankets?

Soft yarn is good to consider for crocheting a baby blanket. Cashmere or Cashmere-silk blend seems to be a great choice! You can also consider wool!

If your baby thinks that wool is too itchy, acrylic or cotton are good alternatives. If it’s temperature regulation you are anxious about, try merino yarns! 

What Are The Common Baby Blanket Patterns?

Crochet designs and patterns are what make the blankets unique. When making one, you probably already scoured the internet for ideas. If you still haven’t decided, here are a few common patterns that you can use on your baby blanket!

Beginner baby blanket pattern

This type is the most basic pattern that beginners can use! This method is a combination of single crochet and chain stitches. 

Single crochet pattern

This pattern is even easier than the last! It is made entirely of single crochet stitches. 

Chevron crochet pattern

This design is more intricate than the last two, combining chevron design with corner-to-corner stitch. 

Aside from the mentioned three, there are other patterns that you can use as inspiration. 

How To Know The Right Measurement For Your Baby Blanket?

You can accomplish an accurate size by measuring your baby’s height. You can also use another blanket and wrap it around your baby, using it as the basis for making one.

Also, pattern guides and tutorials usually include dimensions.

Conclusion

Crocheting takes a lot of time to do, especially for something as big as a baby blanket. It isn’t a bad idea to figure out the answer to the question of how long does it take to crochet a baby blanket.

If anything, it helps you prepare and even manage your time in the UK!

If you are wondering what size is a lap blanket, the typical measurement is between 36×48 inches. Although, that isn’t the only answer.

If you are making a lap blanket for a wheelchair or a nursing home in the UK, the measurements are bound to be slightly different.

Lap blankets are good companions during the winter season, which is why getting the right size matters for you and your loved one’s comfort.

There are other things to consider other than the size of the lap blanket, like the shape, the method you will use, and how long it will take to finish.

Read through this article to know more!

What Size Should A Lap Blanket Be?

Lap blankets, as the name suggests, are designed to cover someone’s lap or legs. They are cosy quilts that you can cuddle under during chilly nights.

Since it only covers the lap area, this blanket is typically smaller than throw blankets, although the style and size may vary.

Some lap blankets made for a specific purpose. That entails that they have different measurements and sizes to tailor-fit to the person’s needs.

• Typical lap blanket

The typical lap blankets usually made for the comfort of almost anyone. This blanket usually measures between 36×48 inches in size.

They are typically thick to give more warmth to the wearer.

This blanket doesn’t have any specific requirements or specifications. As the name suggests, it is the typical type of lap blanket.

• Lap blanket for wheelchair

Lap blankets for a wheelchair have more specific measurements and considerations you need to bear in mind.

The blanket needs to be thick enough to provide warmth yet not so much that it hinders the wearer’s movement. Also, it needs to be big enough to cover their legs, and yet not long enough that it gets caught in the wheels.

Typically, the perfect size for a wheelchair lap blanket is 34×44 inches. You may adjust the size and length as you see fit.

• Lap blanket for a nursing home in the UK

In making a lap blanket for a person in a nursing home in the UK, it is vital to consider who will use it and how. For wheelchair users, 34×44 inches is a good size.

If it’s intended for bed use, a larger size blanket with 50×60 or 60×70 is an excellent measurement to start with.

Also, keep in mind that nursing homes in the UK wash everything in high heat. You need to use fabric that could withstand that. 

What Is The Perfect Shape Of A Lap Blanket?

There are several sizes for lap blankets. Did you know that it varies in shape as well?

Most lap blankets are square or rectangular, but they can also be round or irregular. There are even triangle-shaped lap blankets!

The point is that there are no rules when it comes to making lap blankets. Not in style, size, fabric, and of course, shape.

It all comes down to the personal preference of the maker and the needs of the user.

Should You Knit Or Crochet A Lap Blanket?

In making a lap blanket, it is vital to consider whether you will knit or crochet. These methods differ from one another.

It is not a matter of which is more superior but leans more on which method you are more experienced or comfortable with.

Knitting is easy to learn and grasp since it requires two stitches only, the knit and purl stitch. It is done by moving stitches from a needle to another, then back again.

Crocheting, however, requires a crochet hook and yarn. To crochet, one must create rows with one live stitch, making it easier to deal with mistakes.

It might be ideal to crochet when making a lap blanket since you deal with a stiffer and more delicate fabric.

Crocheting is also a better option for those in the UK who are afraid to make mistakes, want to test their creativity, and prefer faster projects.

How Much Time Will It Take To Finish A Lap Blanket?

How long it will take depends on the size, pattern, method you used to make the blanket and how many hours a day you are willing to devote to the project.

Knitting a lap blanket can take up to days, weeks even, to finish. If you chose an intricate pattern, it would take you longer to complete it.

Crocheting takes less time than knitting. A simple design can take up a whole day, but it depends on your skill level and how many hours you intend to crochet.

It’s hard to tell exactly how long it will take to finish a lap blanket, but with the proper patience and a good amount of dedication, you will no doubt finish it at your preferred deadline!

Conclusion

Regarding the question of what size is a lap blanket, there are various answers to it. It depends on what and who the blanket is for.

You can follow the standard and recommended sizes, but there’s no harm in adjusting it to your liking. Trust your gut as an artist and creator!

Creating your beddings includes learning how to sew corners on a blanket, and we’ll share with you a method with four easy steps.

There are many styles for corners, and each depends on the tailor’s experience and skill. Later on, you will see how properly doing this part will keep your blanket together.

If you’re looking for a peaceful way to spend your time or just trying to learn how to fix some damage on your favourite blanket, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll focus on a straightforward method of remedying your problem while ensuring that you can understand and retain our instructions easily.

Simple Steps On How To Sew Corners On A Blanket

With many ways to secure the corner of your blanket, we’ll try to focus on the ones on the beginner level. These methods are also for people in the United Kingdom who want to finish the job immediately.

Here we’ll enlist the most straightforward approach: stitching.

This method is done on your blanket directly and requires minimal to absolutely no experience in sewing. You will need just your blanket, a needle, a thread, and a pair of scissors.

Step #1. Gather a suitable needle and thread

The type of fabric of your blanket will dictate which needle and thread you will use.

If the material made with fine lines, you can use a needle with a small diameter, and if the fabric is thick, you can opt for a larger needle.

The rule of thumb would be to avoid making large left-over holes on your garment or losing your needle whenever you stick it into the fabric.

Pick the size and colour of your thread according to the blanket. There are no specific rules on which colours you should use.

If the blanket is for personal use, pick any colour you feel will go along with your taste. Pick a thread size almost the same or slightly larger than the size of those on the blanket’s fabric.

Insert one end of the thread to the needle, then tie a knot on the other end. Ensure that the knot is large enough to pass through the other side of the blanket.

The thread attached should be almost three times the length of the blanket corner that you’re sewing.

Step #2. Sew around the corner

Even if you only intend to sew the corner, you must extend your aim at least one centimetre to one inch from the corner of the blanket.

This extension will act as an anchor to the corner to get damaged and broken off easily.

Pick a blanket side that will face you, and we’ll call this the top layer, while the opposite side is the back layer.

Push the needle to your estimated point at the top layer, at least a centimetre from the blanket’s edge, and pull it until the entire thread is through to the back layer.

Pass the needle from the back layer above the rim and insert it again on the first point you pushed it through on the top layer. This step should create a loop around the edge.

Insert the needle on the created loop towards the opposite side of the corner you’re sewing, then pull the needle towards the top of the edge until the thread tightens.

You can choose the direction you’re comfortable with to work. Keep creating loops until you reach the corner.

Note that each loop’s distance should be the same as the length of the loop from the insertion point to the edge.

Also, ensure that the thread from a previous loop should be below the needle when you’re piercing for a new coil. This positioning will allow the needle to pin the thread in place.

Step #3. Create a square stitch for the corner

When you reach the blanket’s corner, pull the needle through the exact location from the previous loop, from the front to the back.

Place the thread from a prior loop below the needle, then pull it diagonally towards the corner’s tip to tighten.

Avoid drawing too much as it will squash the corner but adjust your thread so the loop falls directly on top of the corner.

Again, push the needle at the same hole from the top, rotating the blanket into the other side of the corner.

Careful that your needle pins down the thread when you pull at the bottom. Keep creating loops until you cover the distance equal to the previous side.

Step #4. Tie the ending of your thread

After creating the last loop, you need to create a lock so your stitches won’t come off. Insert your needle through the same hole as the previous loop, then insert it through the created loop.

There should be a double loop on the point; insert the needle around those two, then push it through the newly created circle.

You can check if the stitch is secure if the knot no longer moves when you pull on the needle. If it still moves, insert the needle gain around the two ending loops, then push it through the newly created loop.

After locking the stitch, you can now cut the excess thread.

Conclusion

Some people in the UK think that learning how to sew corners on a blanket is unnecessary, but it is crucial because sewn blanket corners are pretty and durable.

They also spice up your blanket style as well as protect it from getting torn on the edges.

Corner stitch reinforces your blankets so that they can keep their integrity. It also prevents curling or rolling later on. It is a specific part that can help you maintain your item longer.