Easy Blanket Stitch Baby Blanket – Free Crochet Pattern

Baby blankets have always been one of my favourite things to crochet. There’s something so lovely about choosing the yarn and colours, picking a simple stitch and watching a blanket slowly take shape.

This Bubbles Baby Blanket is actually one of the very first crochet patterns I ever designed. I was looking through some of my old patterns recently and realised that, for some reason, this one had never made it onto the blog!

I have no idea how it got missed for so long, but I thought it was definitely time to fix that.

So today I’m sharing the Bubbles Baby Blanket as a free crochet pattern. It’s a really simple design, making it a lovely project if you’re looking for an easy crochet baby blanket and ideal for a first project.

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About the Bubbles Baby Blanket

The blanket is made using a simple textured stitch that creates the pretty “bubbles” across the fabric. It’s worked back and forth in rows, followed by a straightforward border to finish everything off.

The best part is the yarn!

The blanket is made using Caron Cakes, which means the colour changes happen for you. You simply keep crocheting and let the yarn create the stripes. There’s no stopping to change colours and, most importantly, no piles of ends to sew in afterwards.

That makes this a particularly relaxing blanket to crochet.

The finished blanket measures approximately 70 x 70 cm, but I’ve included instructions for adjusting the size if you’d like to make it bigger or smaller.

If you’re new to crochet, don’t be put off by the fact that this is a blanket. The stitch pattern is very repetitive once you get started, so it’s a great beginner crochet blanket project.

Get the Ad-Free PDF Pattern

If you prefer to crochet from a printed pattern, you can also get an ad-free printable PDF version of the Bubbles Baby Blanket from my online stores.

It’s handy to keep in your project bag or save to your digital library, especially if you prefer not to work from a screen while you crochet.

Choosing Yarn for a Baby Blanket

For the Bubbles Baby Blanket, I used Caron Cakes yarn. I love using self-striping yarn for baby blankets because it gives you lots of colour without having to constantly change yarn.

It also means there are far fewer ends to weave in, which is always a bonus!

You don't have to use Caron Cakes, though. This pattern works well with other yarns too, so you can choose your favourite colours and fibre.

If you’re looking for more advice on choosing yarn, have a look at my guide to the best yarn for baby blankets.

Can I Use a Different Yarn?

Yes! You don't have to use Caron Cakes to make this crochet baby blanket.
A different self-striping yarn will give you a similar effect, while a plain or solid-coloured yarn will create a completely different look.
This is also a good pattern to use if you have some yarn in your stash that you've been wondering what to do with.
Here are some of my Favourite Yarn Subs:
Stylecraft Serene
Lion Brand Mandala Gradient
Lion Brand Mandala Ombre
Jumbo Ombre Yarn

Want to Make Your Blanket a Different Size?

The finished blanket is approximately 70 x 70 cm, but it’s very easy to change the size.

If you’d like a handy guide showing blanket sizes from a small lovey right through to a king-size blanket, you can sign up to my newsletter and get my free crochet blanket size guide sent straight to your inbox.

Bubbles Baby Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Pattern Details

Skill level: Very easy

Finished size: Approximately 70 x 70 cm

Gauge: Gauge is not essential for this project

Hook: 5 mm (H)

Yarn: 2 balls Caron Cakes

Other materials: Darning needle

Crochet Abbreviations

US crochet terms are used throughout this pattern.

ch: chain
dc: double crochet
hdc: half double crochet
sc: single crochet
sk: skip
sl st: slip stitch
sp: space
st/sts: stitch/stitches

Pattern Notes

The Bubbles Baby Blanket is worked back and forth in rows using self-striping Caron Cakes yarn, so you don't need to change colours as you work.
The stitch pattern creates the lovely textured bubble effect using a combination of double crochet and single crochet stitches.
Once you've worked the first few rows, the pattern is very repetitive, which makes this a relaxing project to crochet while watching TV or listening to a podcast.
I've also included instructions for adjusting the size of the blanket and for using a different weight of yarn.
Please read through the pattern before you start.

How to Crochet the Bubbles Baby Blanket

Foundation Row

Loosely ch 103 (or a multiple of 3 + 1 to your desired width), dc in 4th ch from hook, *sk2, sc in next ch, 2dc in same ch* repeat from * to * until last 3 sts, sk2, sc in last ch. Turn.

Row 1

Ch3, dc in 1st st, *sk2, sc in next st, 2dc in same st* repeat from * to * until last 2 sts, sc in sp between ch3 and dc of last round. Turn.

Repeat Row 1 until the piece measures approximately 70 cm, or until you have reached your desired length.

Fasten off.

Crochet Blanket Border

Join yarn at the top left corner.

3 hdc, ch1, 3 hdc in this and every corner.

Along each side, working around the post, [sk1 (post), 2 hdc around next post, sk1, 3 hdc around next post] repeat to next corner.

Along the bottom of the blanket (foundation row), [sk2 ch, 2 hdc in next st, sk2 ch, 3 hdc in next st] repeat to next corner.

Across the top of the blanket, sk1, now working in the spaces between groups of 3 sts [2 hdc in next sp, 3 hdc in next sp] repeat to next corner, join with sl st to 1st st.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

How to Change the Size of the Blanket

One of the things I love about this pattern is how easy it is to adjust the size.

You can use a different weight of yarn too. Simply use the crochet hook size recommended on the yarn label.

To change the width of your blanket, make your starting chain a multiple of 3, then add 1 extra chain. Keep chaining until your foundation chain is the width you want.

Continue working the pattern until your blanket reaches your desired length.

Remember that changing the yarn will also change the amount of yarn you need, so the quantities given above are for the original yarn and blanket size.

Is This a Good Beginner Crochet Blanket?

Yes. If you're looking for an easy crochet blanket pattern for beginners, this is a good one to try.

The stitch pattern is simple and repetitive, and you don't need to worry about complicated colour changes. Once you've worked through the first few rows, you'll find that the pattern is easy to get into a rhythm with.

The finished blanket has plenty of texture without requiring complicated crochet stitches, which is one of the reasons I think it works so well as a first baby blanket.

More Free Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns

If you enjoy making baby blankets as much as I do, you might also like some of my other free crochet baby blanket patterns on the blog.

You might also find these posts useful:

My Best Yarns for Baby Blankets – my recommendations for choosing yarn for your next baby blanket.

My Top Ten Favourite Crochet Stitches – lots of ideas if you want to design your own blanket or try something different.

How to Crochet a Baby Blanket Without a Pattern – A guide for beginners who would like to experiment with creating their own design.

I hope you enjoy making the Bubbles Baby Blanket. It’s a simple pattern, but I think the combination of the textured stitch and self-striping yarn makes it really special.

Happy hooking!

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