Free Tunisian crochet baby blanket pattern

Make a family heirloom or help a baby survive and thrive by using this free Tunisian crochet baby blanket pattern that features one of the most beautiful and non curling Tunisian crochet stitches, the honeycomb stitch.

About this Tunisian crochet baby blanket pattern

What’s your go-to pattern to make pretty baby blankets when a new member of the family is about to arrive? Maybe this one will be it, as it is as easy to make as it seems.

Perfect for beginners, this Tunisian crochet pattern will lay the foundations for working the loveliest and least curling stitch patterns in Tunisian crochet, the honeycomb stitch.

Use the middle of the blanket as a canvas for embroidery or leave it plain for smooth and pleasant gift that’s perfect for a newborn to lay on or play with.

You could also make blankets for your local NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), where they will be used with love by families in need. Read more here.

Skill level to make this Tunisian crochet baby blanket

Beginner in Tunisian crochet. You will use Tunisian simple stitches and Tunisian purl stitches. No shaping is involved, no seaming either.

Crochet terminology

This pattern uses Tunisian crochet terminology. All abbreviations are explained below. There is no difference between US and UK terminology in this case.

Observations

• This pattern uses Tunisian crochet stitches and terminology.
• There are options for 4 baby blankets in the PDF version of this pattern. Choose the size you need and follow along with the specific numbers for each size.
• The blankets are made using Tunisian crochet stitches. Check out the video tutorial if you are not familiar with the stitches used.
• Use very soft yarn made for babies, especially if you want to gift the blanket to a NICU unit near you. Knots of Love have a specific list of yarns that they accept for NICU blankets.
• Repeated instructions can be found in [square brackets], while different sizes are in (round brackets) (in the PDF).
• You should have the same number of loops on your hook after each row, one more than the initial number of chains for each size. Count or use stitch markers to make sure your blanket comes out a rectangle if you are just starting out.
• You don’t need to block the blanket or add another decoration, the honeycomb is a decorative edge, but it is also functional, as it prevents the blanket from curling.
• You may use the body of the blanket as a background for cross-stitch embroidery. Use the same kind of yarn and add a backing (fleece or flannel) if you add embroidery.

Here’s a handy list with all the tutorials linked in the list above.

Stitch abbreviations

Reverse direction if you are left-handed.

• Ch – chain;
• Ls – Tunisian last stitch – put hook behind the 2 vertical loops at the end of the row, YO and pull up a loop;
• R – regular Tunisian crochet return: Ch1, repeat [YO and pull through 2 stitches on hook] until you are left with only one stitch;
• Sl St – slip stitch;
• St – stitch;
• Tps – Tunisian purl stitch – bring yarn to the front of the hook, insert hook from right to left behind the next vertical bar and pull up a loop; the easiest way to do this is by first wrapping the yarn around the hook clockwise, then pulling this loop through;
• Tss – Tunisian simple stitch – insert hook from right to left behind the next vertical bar, YO and pull up a loop;
• YO – yarn over.

Stitch videos

There are videos available that will show you how to make all the Tunisian stitches involved.

Tunisian simple stitch right handed.

Tunisian simple stitch left handed.

Tunisian purl stitch right handed.

Tunisian purl stitch left handed.

Gauge for this Tunisian crochet baby blanket pattern

To make sure you will get the recommended size for this Tunisian crochet baby blanket, based on the measurements provided in the pattern, make a gauge swatch by following these instructions.

Row 1. Ch 19, pick up 19 loops in the back bumps of the chains, R.

Row 2. 18 Tss, Ls, R

Repeat R2 14 more times for a total of 16 rows. You should have a 10 by 10 cm (4″ by 4″) square.

Size chart

In the PDF version of this pattern, you have the option to make 4 different sizes of blankets with full instructions, as shown below.

Pick the blanket size you like from the table below and follow along with the instructions in the pattern for your chosen size.

There are 4 baby blanket sizes available (with rounded conversions):

Blanket size	Height (cm)	Width (cm)	Height (inches)	Width (inches)
1. NICU baby	61	46	24	18
2. Crib	117	61	46	24
3. Playpen/Receiving	102	102	40	40
4. Swaddle	122	122	48	48

Notions

• Yarn: 180 (460, 670, 960) grams of size 2 baby yarn at 300 meters/100 grams. In sample, Himalaya Enjoy 50% bamboo, 50% acrylic yarn, colorway 234-06, orange.
• Hook: 5 mm Tunisian crochet hook with cable;
• Tapestry needle;
• Scissors.

Instructions for the free NICU Tunisian crochet baby blanket pattern

The following instructions are for the NICU baby blanket size. For all other sizes, get the PDF below.

Bottom edge

Start with a Sl St on your hook, leaving a tail.

Foundation row:

Row 1. Ch 87, pick up 87 loops in back bumps of chains, R (88 loops)

Row 2. Repeat [1 Tss, 1 Tps] 43 times, Ls, R (88 loops)

Row 3. Repeat [1 Tps, 1 Tss] 43 times, Ls, R (88 loops)

Rows 4-7. Repeat rows 2 and 3 two more times.

Blanket body

Row 8. Repeat [1 Tss, 1 Tps] 3 times, 74 Tss, repeat [1 Tss, 1 Tps] 3 times, Ls, R (88 loops)

Row 9. Repeat [1 Tps, 1 Tss] 3 times, 74 Tss, repeat [1 Tps, 1 Tss] 3 times, Ls, R (88 loops)

Repeat rows 8-9 until you reach 58 cm or 23 inches.

Top edge

After you are finished with the blanket body, you want to mirror the bottom honeycomb edging.

Row 1. Repeat [1 Tss, 1 Tps] 43 times, Ls, R (88 loops)

Row 2. Repeat [1 Tps, 1 Tss] 43 times, Ls, R (88 loops)

Rows 3-6. Repeat rows 2 and 3 two more times.

Bind off in pattern, by making one Sl St in each St.

Bring the yarn towards the front when binding off purl stitches.

Cut off yarn and weave in ends, making sure they don’t show on the front of the work.

You can steam block or wash the blanket to make it softer if you used 100% acrylic yarn. Lay it flat to dry.

Final remarks

I hope you enjoyed this Tunisian crochet baby blanket pattern and that you will get the PDF if you have the chance.

Here are some more free patterns on the blog from the Tunisian crochet category. Or you could explore all the free crochet patterns on the blog if you’re into discovering something new.

Sign up to my email updates by clicking here or on the linked image below if you want to know when I publish more patterns, have other giveaways, launch testing calls and more.

Take care and I’ll see you soon in your inbox.

Hugs,

Andrea