Easy Crochet Blanket (Beginner HDC One-Row Repeat)

Calm, cozy, and totally beginner-friendly: this blanket uses half double crochet (US) throughout for a smooth, rhythmic make you can do while binging your favorite show. The instructions include multiple sizes, yardage in yards/meters, and precise chain and row counts so you can get started fast.

Skill Level

Beginner

Stitch Used

US: Half Double Crochet (hdc). UK: Half Treble (htr).

Finished Sizes

• Baby/Stroller: 30 in x 34 in (76 cm x 86 cm)
• Throw: 40 in x 52 in (102 cm x 132 cm)
• Large Throw: 50 in x 60 in (127 cm x 152 cm)
• Twin: 66 in x 90 in (168 cm x 229 cm)

Yarn

Medium/Worsted Weight Category 4 yarn. Choose any fiber you like (acrylic, superwash wool, cotton blend). Typical skein: 3.5 oz / 100 g ≈ 197–220 yd (180–200 m). Yardage is approximate and varies by tension/yarn.

• Baby (30x34): approx 800 yd (732 m) ≈ 4 x 100 g skeins (assuming ~200 m per 100 g)
• Throw (40x52): approx 1,630 yd (1,490 m) ≈ 8 x 100 g skeins
• Large Throw (50x60): approx 2,350 yd (2,150 m) ≈ 11 x 100 g skeins
• Twin (66x90): approx 4,650 yd (4,250 m) ≈ 22 x 100 g skeins

Tip: Buy an extra skein if striping or if your gauge runs loose.

Hook & Needle Sizes (US / UK Old / Metric)

• Main Crochet Hook: US I-9 / UK Old 5 / 5.5 mm (recommended)
• Looser Option: US J-10 / UK Old 4 / 6.0 mm
• Chunkier Drape: US K-10.5 / UK Old 3 / 6.5 mm

Optional Knitting Needle Reference (for a knitted border or applied i-cord if desired): US 9 / UK Old 5 / 5.5 mm; US 10 / UK Old 4 / 6.0 mm; US 10.5 / UK Old 3 / 6.5 mm.

Notions

• Tapestry needle, scissors
• Locking stitch markers (optional)
• Tape measure, row counter (optional)

Gauge

In hdc (US) worked flat after light blocking: 14 sts x 10 rows = 4 in (10 cm). That’s 3.5 sts per inch and 2.5 rows per inch.

To Swatch: Ch 22, hdc across for 14 rows. Lightly block, measure 4 in (10 cm) in the center. Adjust hook if needed: too small = go up a hook size; too large = go down.

Abbreviations (US and UK)

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc (US) = dc (UK)
• hdc (US) = htr (UK)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat

Construction Notes

• Work flat in rows from the short side upward (or long side if preferred).
• Turning ch-1 does not count as a stitch. Always place your first hdc in the first st.
• Count your stitches every few rows to keep edges straight.
• Color changes: join the new color on the final yarn-over of the last hdc of a row; carry yarn neatly up the side or cut and weave ends.

Foundation Chains and Row Counts (Using Given Gauge)

Formula if customizing: Chains = desired width (in) x 3.5 + 1, then round to nearest whole number. Rows = desired height (in) x 2.5 (round as needed).

• Baby 30 x 34 in: ch 106 (≈105 hdc), work 85 rows
• Throw 40 x 52 in: ch 141 (≈140 hdc), work 130 rows
• Large Throw 50 x 60 in: ch 176 (≈175 hdc), work 150 rows
• Twin 66 x 90 in: ch 232 (≈231 hdc), work 225 rows

Pattern (US Terms)

1. Foundation: Ch to size (see above).
2. Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Count sts (e.g., Throw size = 140 hdc). Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 2: Hdc in first st and in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
4. Repeat Row 2 until you reach the listed row count or desired length. Fasten off if not adding a border.

Pattern (UK Terms)

1. Foundation: Ch to size (see above).
2. Row 1: Htr in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 2: Htr in first st and in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
4. Repeat Row 2 to length.

Simple Border (US Terms)

1. Round 1: Join yarn at any corner. Ch 1, work sc evenly around: 1 sc in each st across top/bottom edges; 1 sc per row-end along sides. Work 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Example Throw: 140 sc across top/bottom; ~130 sc along each side; 3 sc at each corner.
2. Round 2 (optional): Ch 1, sc around again with 3 sc in each corner for a clean frame. Or try reverse sc (crab stitch) for a corded edge.

Border (UK Terms)

Replace sc with dc; otherwise as above.

Stripe Ideas

• Classic: 10-row stripes in 2 colors.
• Faded: 8-row stripes across 5 colors, carrying yarn up the side when possible.
• Accent Edge: Solid blanket, contrasting border.

Customization

• Bulkier Yarn (#5): Try US K-10.5 / UK Old 3 / 6.5 mm. Typical gauge ~11 hdc x 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Recalculate chains with sts-per-inch.
• Looser Drape: Go up one hook size; re-check gauge and width.
• Neater Edges: Keep tension even on the last stitch; consider placing a stitch marker in the first/last st for a few rows.

Troubleshooting

• Wavy edges: You’re adding/removing sts. Count regularly and ensure ch-1 doesn’t count.
• Too stiff: Increase hook size or block more assertively.
• Too holey: Decrease hook size.

Blocking & Care

• Acrylic: Light steam hover only (don’t touch) to relax fabric.
• Wool: Wet block to dimensions, pin, and dry flat.
• Cotton/Blends: Gentle wash, lay flat to dry unless yarn label allows tumble.

Quick-Start (Throw Size, US Terms)

With US I-9 (5.5 mm) hook and worsted yarn, ch 141. Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across (140). Ch 1, turn. Rows 2–130: hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. Add border as desired.

Hook & Needle Conversion Mini-Guide

• Crochet Hooks: US I-9 = 5.5 mm = UK Old 5; US J-10 = 6.0 mm = UK Old 4; US K-10.5 = 6.5 mm = UK Old 3.
• Knitting Needles (reference): US 9 = 5.5 mm = UK Old 5; US 10 = 6.0 mm = UK Old 4; US 10.5 = 6.5 mm = UK Old 3.

Support

Website: https://purljam.verde.uk • Email: team@verde.uk • Share with #purljam

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