Beginner Star Stitch Blanket with Border

Beginner Star Stitch Blanket with Border

A cozy and textured blanket featuring the beautiful star stitch, perfect for beginners and adaptable to any yarn weight.

Materials

• Worsted weight (4) yarn, 100% acrylic or wool, approximately 1000-1200 yards (915-1100 meters) for a baby blanket size. (Note: For different yarn weights, adjust yardage accordingly. For example, a bulky yarn will require less yardage for the same finished size, while a sport weight yarn will require more.)
• 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook (adjust hook size to match your chosen yarn weight – generally, refer to the yarn label for suggested hook size)
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for star stitch)

Gauge

16 sts × 18 rounds / 10 cm in half double crochet (hdc) for worsted weight yarn. Gauge is not critical for this blanket, but it will affect the final size and yarn usage.

Finished Size

Size varies with gauge and rounds worked. A sample baby blanket using worsted weight yarn might measure approximately 30" x 36" (76 cm x 91 cm).

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• hdc: half double crochet
• sk: skip
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• yo: yarn over

Special Stitches

Star Stitch (sts)

The star stitch is worked over two rows. The first row creates the base of the star, and the second row "closes" the stars.

How to make a Star Stitch:

1. First half of star (Rnd 1 of star pattern): Insert hook into the 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into the next ch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Repeat this 3 more times across the next 3 chains (6 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook. Ch 1 (this forms the "eye" of the star).
2. Subsequent stars (Rnd 1 of star pattern): Insert hook into the eye of the previous star, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into the same stitch as the last loop of the previous star, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Insert hook into the next unworked ch, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Insert hook into the next ch, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook). Insert hook into the next ch, yo, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook. Ch 1. Repeat across.
3. Closing the stars (Rnd 2 of star pattern): Ch 1, turn. Work 2 hdc in the eye of each star across. End with 1 hdc in the top of the last star stitch.

Pattern Instructions

Foundation

Chain 32. For a larger or smaller blanket, chain an odd number to your desired width. (This will give an even number of half double crochet stitches after the first row, which is required for the star stitch repeat.)

Body

Rnd 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (30 sts) Rnd 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 3: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 4: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 5: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 6: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 7: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 8: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 9: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts) Rnd 10: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 sts)

Continue working hdc rows until your desired length, or until you want to incorporate the star stitch.

To add the Star Stitch:

Star Stitch Row 1 (Foundation): Ch 3, turn. Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into next ch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Insert hook into first hdc, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Insert hook into next hdc, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook). Insert hook into next hdc, yo, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook. Ch 1 (eye of the star created). For subsequent stars in this row: Insert hook into the eye of the previous star, yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into the same stitch as the last loop of the previous star, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Insert hook into the next unworked hdc, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Insert hook into the next hdc, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook). Insert hook into the next hdc, yo, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook. Ch 1. Repeat across the row until 1 st remains. Hdc in the last st.

Star Stitch Row 2 (Closing the Stars): Ch 1, turn. Work 2 hdc in the eye of each star across. End with 1 hdc in the top of the last star stitch.

Repeat Star Stitch Row 1 and Star Stitch Row 2 to create the textured pattern. You can alternate between sections of hdc and star stitch, or work the entire blanket in star stitch after an initial hdc border.

Assembly / Finishing

Weave in all loose ends securely with a tapestry needle. Block your blanket if desired, which will help to even out the stitches and give a professional finish.

Tips

• Yarn Substitution: This pattern is designed to be very versatile. You can use any yarn weight from fingering to super bulky. Simply adjust your hook size to match the yarn (refer to the yarn label for recommendations). The total yardage will vary depending on the yarn weight and desired finished size.
• Stitch Markers: When working the star stitch, placing a stitch marker in the "eye" of the star after you chain 1 can be helpful, especially for beginners, to easily locate where to insert your hook for the next star.
• Counting: It's helpful to count your stitches regularly, especially when learning a new stitch, to ensure your blanket remains even.
• Gauge Swatch: Although not critical for a blanket, crocheting a gauge swatch helps you predict the final size of your project and ensures you are comfortable with the chosen yarn and hook combination.

Pattern by YarnCro · yarncro.com