Inspired by the concept of a “Super easy crochet baby blanket, vest, [and] cardigan model” from the online tutorial, this pattern features the Squared Mesh Stitch. This two-row repeating texture is light, airy, and fast to crochet, creating a wonderfully soft drape that is perfect for a cozy blanket, yet structured enough for a beautiful garment. It’s an ideal project for beginners looking for a stunning, yet simple, result.
Project Details
- Skill Level: Easy (Uses only single crochet, double crochet, and chain stitches).
- Finished Size: Approximately 34 inches x 40 inches (86 cm x 102 cm).
- Gauge: 4 pattern repeats (V-stitches) and 8 rows (4 texture rows, 4 stabilizer rows) = 4 inches (10 cm), blocked. Accurate gauge ensures a nice, light drape.
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 1,600 yards (1460 m) of DK or Worsted Weight (Category 3 or 4) yarn.
- Recommendation: Choose a soft, machine-washable blend like a microfiber acrylic or baby alpaca blend for the best feel.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H/8) Crochet Hook.
- Notions: Scissors, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a few stitch markers (optional, for marking the turning chain spaces).
Abbreviations & Special Stitches
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| ch | Chain |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| sp | Space |
| ch-sp | Chain Space |
| [X] | Repeat instructions within brackets |
| V-Stitch (V-st) | Work (DC, ch 1, DC) all into the same stitch or chain space. |
The Squared Mesh Pattern (2-Row Repeat)
This pattern is worked in a multiple of 3 stitches, plus 2.
Step 1: Foundation
- Chain 125 (for approximately 34 inches of width).
- Row 1 (SC Foundation): Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in every chain across. (124 sc).
Step 2: The Core Repeat
The pattern is made up of a Mesh Row and a Stabilizer Row, repeated for the entire body.
Row 2 (Mesh Row 1):
- Ch 4 (counts as 1 DC + ch 1), turn.
- Work DC in the very first sc st (this creates a half-V-st to start).
- *Skip the next 2 sc, work V-st (DC, ch 1, DC) into the next sc.*
- Repeat from * to * across the row until 3 sts remain.
- Skip the next 2 sc, work a half-V-st (DC, ch 1, DC) in the last sc.
- (Count: 41 full V-stitches and 2 half-V-stitches).
Row 3 (Stabilizer Row):
- Ch 1, turn.
- Work sc in the first st (the DC below).
- Work sc into the next ch-1 sp.
- Work sc in the next DC.
- *Work sc in the next DC, work sc in the next ch-1 sp, work sc in the next DC.*
- Repeat from * to * across the row.
- End by working sc into the last DC of the half-V-st, and sc into the turning chain-4 space. (124 sc).
Row 4 (Mesh Row 2 – Shifted):
- Ch 4 (counts as 1 DC + ch 1), turn.
- Work DC into the first sc st.
- *Skip the next 2 sc, work V-st (DC, ch 1, DC) into the next sc.*
- Repeat from * to * across the row until 3 sts remain.
- Skip the next 2 sc, work a half-V-st (DC, ch 1, DC) in the last sc.
- (This row is structurally identical to Row 2 and sets up the pattern for the next repeat).
Step 3: Main Blanket Body
Continue repeating Row 3 (Stabilizer) and Row 4 (Mesh) until the blanket measures approximately 39 inches (99 cm) from the beginning, or until the desired length is reached.
- IMPORTANT: End your final repeat after a Stabilizer Row (Row 3).
Step 4: Border Preparation
The final row of SC provides a clean, straight edge for the border. Fasten off your yarn and weave in the ends before starting the border.
Step 5: The Heirloom Edging
This simple border uses the Reverse Single Crochet (Crab Stitch) to create a beautiful, rope-like edge that prevents curling and adds a professional finish.
Round 1 (SC Base):
- Attach yarn to any corner stitch with a sl st. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- Work sc evenly around the entire perimeter of the blanket.
- Side Edges: Aim for a ratio of 1 sc for every DC row and 1 sc for every SC row, or roughly 3 sc for every 2 rows to keep the edge flat.
- Corners: Work (sc, ch 2, sc) into each of the four corner stitches.
- Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 2 (Crab Stitch):
- Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), DO NOT TURN.
- Work Reverse Single Crochet (or Crab Stitch): Insert hook into the stitch to the right (or the previous stitch), yo, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yo, pull through both loops.
- Continue working the Reverse Single Crochet in every stitch around the entire perimeter of the blanket, working 1 Reverse SC into the ch-2 space of each corner.
- (This creates a twisted, rope-like edge).
- Join with a sl st to the final stitch.
- Fasten off.
Finishing Touches
- Weave in all remaining ends securely using your tapestry needle.
- Blocking: Due to the open mesh nature of this pattern, blocking is crucial to define the diamond shapes and achieve a beautiful drape. Pin the blanket out to the finished dimensions, spray generously with water (or use a steamer if blocking acrylic yarn), and allow it to dry completely.
Your Cloudspun Comfort Blanket is now ready! This pattern is so versatile, you can easily adapt it for matching vests or cardigans by adjusting the starting chain length to the garment’s bust measurement. Enjoy!
Video tutorial:
