The Back to Basics Blanket is a simple and beginner friendly pattern that is perfect for a spring project! If you want an easy, lightweight blanket that is just right for those cool spring evenings, the Back to Basics Blanket is crochet project for you.

When it comes to crochet blankets, we often think of the large chunky throws that are designed for snuggling up next to the fire when it’s snowing outside in the dead of winter. We don’t often think of those spring nights where we just need an extra layer, or the summer evenings on the beach with a light throw wrapped around our shoulders. Even less about the thin little baby blankets that are perfect for little ones to to lay on when we are outside for a picnic. Well, that’s where the Back to Basics Blanket can help.

I love how this pattern really fills a gap in my own home for that lightweight blanket, and it’s a super easy crochet pattern to boot! You crochet this entire blanket with just two beginner level stitches. Plus, it works up quick and can be made with one solid color or in stripes. The choice is yours!

Need to learn the Box Stitch?

You can learn how to crochet the box stitch by checking out my blog post tutorial, or watching the video below!

Supplies:

Yarn

For this simple crochet blanket, you will need to use a DK or 3 weight yarn. I used the Bernet Baby Sport yarn because it’s durable and easy to wash. This makes it an ideal yarn for baby projects.

However, I did have one tester who met gauge and crocheted their entire blanket with a 4 weight yarn. Really, you just want to be sure that you are meeting gauge or are measuring and following the custom sizing instructions.

Why you’ll love this pattern:

You’ll love the Back to Basics Blanket pattern for so many reasons, but here are just a few:

Simple Stitch Combo:

I love creating beautiful patterns with simple stitches and that’s exactly what this pattern is all about. The base of the pattern is a two-row repeat, and the entire blanket is crocheted using just two stitches: the single crochet and double crochet.

Easy to Customize:

While there are 4 sizes with specific directions below, I also give you directions for how to create a custom size. This is especially helpful if you are using a different weight of yarn or are unable to meet gauge.

Works up quickly:

The base stitch of this blanket is the box stitch, which uses only two beginner level stitches. The box stitch uses mostly double crochets to create its lovely texture and drape, and these help the rows stack up quickly as you crochet!

Love this pattern?

If you love this pattern and are able, please consider purchasing the ad-free, pdf version from my Etsy shop. You can print it to use again and again!

Back to Basics Blanket

Skill Level: Beginner

Supplies:

• ~1077, 2250, 1780, 3214 yds. DK weight yarn (example made with Bernat Baby Sport (3) yarn)
• G/6 4.25mm hook
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Gauge:

You will use the Box Stitch to create the gauge swatch.

CH 23.

In second CH from the hook, SC, and SC across. CH 1 & turn.

*SC in 2 STS, CH 3, skip 3.* Repeat from * to * across ending with a SC in the last two STS. CH 3 & turn.

*DC 5 in the CH 3 space.* Repeat from * to * across ending with a DC in the top of the final ST of the row.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until Row 11.

Row 12 you will SC in each ST and SC 3 in the chain spaces.

4 “Boxes” or 20 DC stitches by 11 rows (sc row to sc row) should create a 4 inch square.

Notes:

• CH – chain
• DC – double crochet
• SC – single crochet
• ST(S) – stitch(es)
• Written in US terms.
• Chain at the beginning of single crochet rows does not count as a ST.
• Chains at the beginning of double crochet rows do count as a ST.
• Repeat the directions in the asterisks (*) across the row.
• Total ST count for each round will be in the parentheses.
• Resources: Box Stitch Tutorial

Sizes:

Size	Final Dimensions
Baby	30” x 35”
Toddler	42” x 52”
Lapghan	36” x 48”
Throw	52” x 60”

Custom size note:

To create a custom size, you will need to crochet until you have reached the width you desire. Be sure to follow the directions below about making sure the chain count is a multiple of 5 plus 3 to ensure your blanket will turn out.

To get the length you desire, you should continue to follow the directions below and the final rows section will add about 2 inches to the end.

Directions:

Blanket Body

Getting Started:

CH (148, 213, 183, 263) or any multiple of 5 plus 3.

1. SC in the second CH from the hook, and across (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 1 & turn.
2. *SC in next 2 STS, CH 3, skip 3*; end by SC in the last 2 STS of the row (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 3 & turn.
3. *DC 5 in the next CH 3 space*; end with a DC in the last ST of the row (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 1 & turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 alternating until Row 8. You should end on a Row 2 repeat. 

Body Rows:

9. *SC in the next 2 STS, SC 3 times in the CH 3 space*; end by SC in the last 2 STS of the row (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 1 & turn.

10 – 11. *SC* (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 1 & turn.

12. *SC in next 2 STS, CH 3, skip 3*; end by SC in the last 2 STS of the row (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 3 & turn.

13.*DC 5 in the next CH 3 space*; end with a DC in the last ST of the row (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 1 & turn.

Repeat Rows 12 & 13 alternating until Row 22. You should end on a Row 2 repeat. 

23. *SC in the next 2 STS, SC 3 times in the CH 3 space*; end by SC in the last 2 STS of the row (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 1 & turn.

24 – 25. *SC* (147, 212, 182, 262). CH 1 & turn.

Repeat Rows 12 through 25 (6, 10, 9, 12) more times, or until your blanket is the length you desire.

Final Rows:

Repeat Rows 12 & 13 for a total of 6 rows. Then finish the blanket with a repeat of Row 23.

Do NOT fasten off. You will now continue onto the border.

Blanket Border

To create the blanket border, you will start by crocheting down the long side of the blanket, around the bottom, up the second long side, and across the top.

I only used 1 row for my border, but you could continue to add rows until your border is the thickness you desire!

SC evenly around the outside of your blanket to create the border. My method for creating an even border was to use the following steps:

• 1 SC per SC row.
• 2 SC STS per DC crochet row.

This allowed my border to lay flat and even all around. You may have to play with your own stitch placement to get the border to lay flat.

That’s It!

I hope you enjoy this crochet pattern, and if so, please let me know in the comments below! Also, tag me on Instagram and show me your beautiful work, and while you’re there, be sure to follow along to stay up to date on what’s going on and find new patterns. Thanks!