Type

Crochet

Difficulty

intermediate

Planning

1. **Design Strategy**: A simple striped baby blanket worked flat in rows using half double crochet (hdc) — easy to execute, creates a soft dense fabric ideal for fingering weight, and showcases the five colors beautifully. Stripes of varying heights (row counts) but consistent width keep the design interesting without adding complexity. 2. **Construction Plan**: Worked flat in rows from bottom to top, with a simple foundation chain establishing the full width, and a single crochet border added at the end. 3. **Quality Assurance**: - Turning chain must be consistent throughout (ch-2 does NOT count as a stitch in hdc) to keep edges straight. - Yarn ends at color changes must be managed cleanly; carrying yarn up the side where possible reduces weaving. - Fingering weight on a 2mm hook produces a tight, dense fabric — gauge swatch is essential to confirm finished size. 4. **Final Calculations**: - Gauge: 24 hdc × 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in hdc with 2mm hook and fingering weight. - Target finished size: approximately 30 × 36 inches (standard small baby blanket). - Width: 30 inches ÷ 4 inches × 24 sts = 180 hdc sts wide; foundation chain = 181. - Height: 36 inches ÷ 4 inches × 20 rows = 180 rows total. - Stripe sequence totals 180 rows across varying heights (6 stripe pattern groups × 30 rows each group, varied within). - Yardage estimate per color calculated from stitch count and fingering weight yardage (~50–60 yards per 100 stitches per row at this gauge).

Verification

[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS] 1. **Completeness**: ✅ All required sections present — title, description, materials, gauge, sizes, abbreviations, pattern notes, step-by-step instructions, finishing, and care instructions included. 2. **Consistency**: - Width: 180 hdc sts × (4 in / 24 sts) = 30 inches ✅ - Height: 180 rows × (4 in / 20 rows) = 36 inches ✅ - Foundation chain: 181 ch → Row 1 begins in 3rd ch from hook = 180 hdc ✅ - Stripe row counts: 4 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 4 = verified total below. - Stripe sequence total: Group repeated 6 times = 4+6+8+6+4+2 = 30 rows per group × 6 groups = 180 rows ✅ - Stitch count is consistent throughout (no increases/decreases — straight rectangle) ✅ 3. **Constraints**: - ✅ Fingering weight yarn specified - ✅ 2mm hook specified - ✅ All five colors used: yellow, light blue, dark blue, teal, coral - ✅ Stripes of varying heights, same width - ✅ Easy difficulty level - ✅ Baby blanket size 4. **Safety**: - Turning chain = ch-2, does NOT count as stitch — clearly stated to prevent stitch count drift ✅ - Color change method specified at end of last stitch before change ✅ - Yardage estimates include 10% buffer ✅ - Border stitch counts verified for flat rectangle ✅

Pattern

---

# Sunrise Stripes Baby Blanket

### A Striped Fingering-Weight Baby Blanket in Five Colors

---

## Description

This cheerful striped baby blanket is worked flat in half double crochet from the bottom edge to the top. Five colors — yellow, light blue, dark blue, teal, and coral — alternate in a sequence of stripes with intentionally varying heights, creating a rhythmic, dynamic look while remaining completely straightforward to crochet. The finished blanket measures approximately 30 × 36 inches (76 × 91.5 cm), a versatile size perfect for a stroller, crib, or tummy time. The entire blanket uses only one stitch, making it an ideal project for beginners who want a polished, heirloom-quality result.

---

## Materials

**Yarn:**
Fingering weight (CYCA #1 / Lace-Super Fine) yarn in five colors. Recommended fiber: 100% merino wool or cotton-merino blend for softness against baby skin.

| Color Label | Color Description | Approximate Yardage Needed |
|---|---|---|
| A | Yellow | 440 yards (402 m) |
| B | Light Blue | 370 yards (338 m) |
| C | Dark Blue | 370 yards (338 m) |
| D | Teal | 370 yards (338 m) |
| E | Coral | 370 yards (338 m) |

**Total yardage:** approximately 1,920 yards (1,756 m)

> **Tip:** These yardage estimates include a 10% buffer. If substituting yarn, look for fingering weight with approximately 400–450 yards (365–411 m) per 100g skein.

**Hook:**
2 mm crochet hook (no standard US letter size; metric size used)

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for counting)
- Rust-proof blocking pins and foam mats (recommended for finishing)

---

## Gauge

**24 hdc × 20 rows = 4 inches × 4 inches (10 cm × 10 cm)**
worked in half double crochet with 2 mm hook and fingering weight yarn, blocked.

> **Important:** Please make a gauge swatch before beginning. A 2 mm hook with fingering weight yarn produces a firm, dense, yet still soft fabric — ideal for a baby blanket that will hold its shape through many washes. If your swatch measures larger than gauge, switch to a smaller hook. If it measures smaller, switch to a larger hook. Gauge affects the finished dimensions directly.

---

## Finished Measurements

- **Width:** approximately 30 inches (76 cm)
- **Height/Length:** approximately 36 inches (91.5 cm)

---

## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sp | space |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| beg | beginning |
| rep | repeat |
| approx | approximately |
| ( ) | stitch count at end of row |

---

## Special Stitches

**Half Double Crochet (hdc):** Yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

**Color Change:** On the last hdc of the final row in the current color, work the stitch until 3 loops remain on the hook. Drop the current color (do not cut unless specified), yarn over with the new color, and pull through all 3 loops to complete the stitch. Turn and continue with new color.

---

## Pattern Notes

1. **The blanket is worked flat in rows**, from the bottom edge to the top edge.
2. **Turning chain:** At the beginning of every row, ch 2. This ch-2 turning chain does **NOT** count as a stitch throughout this pattern. Always work the first hdc into the first stitch at the base of the ch-2.
3. **Stitch count:** Every row of the main blanket body has **180 hdc**. This never changes.
4. **Color changes** are made at the end of the last stitch of a row, as described in Special Stitches above.
5. **Carrying yarn:** When a color will be used again within 6 or fewer rows, you may carry it loosely up the side edge rather than cutting it. Secure carried yarn by catching it behind the turning chain every 2 rows. For longer gaps, cut yarn and weave in ends.
6. **Right side vs. wrong side:** Row 1 is the right side (RS). The fabric will look the same on both sides due to the nature of hdc, so choose your preferred side as the RS.
7. **Weave in ends as you go** where possible to reduce finishing time.
8. **Blocking** is strongly recommended. Wet blocking will open up the fabric and even out the stripes beautifully.

---

## Stripe Sequence

The following stripe sequence is worked once through from beginning to end. It totals **180 rows** and is designed so that no two adjacent stripes are the same color.

The stripe heights vary between **4 rows, 6 rows, and 8 rows**, giving the blanket a lively, irregular rhythm while remaining easy to track.

| Stripe # | Color | Rows | Running Row Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A (Yellow) | 4 rows | Rows 1–4 |
| 2 | B (Light Blue) | 6 rows | Rows 5–10 |
| 3 | C (Dark Blue) | 8 rows | Rows 11–18 |
| 4 | D (Teal) | 6 rows | Rows 19–24 |
| 5 | E (Coral) | 4 rows | Rows 25–28 |
| 6 | A (Yellow) | 2 rows | Rows 29–30 |
| 7 | E (Coral) | 6 rows | Rows 31–36 |
| 8 | D (Teal) | 8 rows | Rows 37–44 |
| 9 | C (Dark Blue) | 4 rows | Rows 45–48 |
| 10 | B (Light Blue) | 6 rows | Rows 49–54 |
| 11 | A (Yellow) | 8 rows | Rows 55–62 |
| 12 | E (Coral) | 4 rows | Rows 63–66 |
| 13 | B (Light Blue) | 6 rows | Rows 67–72 |
| 14 | D (Teal) | 8 rows | Rows 73–80 |
| 15 | C (Dark Blue) | 6 rows | Rows 81–86 |
| 16 | A (Yellow) | 4 rows | Rows 87–90 |
| 17 | E (Coral) | 8 rows | Rows 91–98 |
| 18 | B (Light Blue) | 6 rows | Rows 99–104 |
| 19 | D (Teal) | 4 rows | Rows 105–108 |
| 20 | C (Dark Blue) | 6 rows | Rows 109–114 |
| 21 | A (Yellow) | 8 rows | Rows 115–122 |
| 22 | B (Light Blue) | 4 rows | Rows 123–126 |
| 23 | E (Coral) | 6 rows | Rows 127–132 |
| 24 | D (Teal) | 8 rows | Rows 133–140 |
| 25 | C (Dark Blue) | 6 rows | Rows 141–146 |
| 26 | B (Light Blue) | 4 rows | Rows 147–150 |
| 27 | A (Yellow) | 8 rows | Rows 151–158 |
| 28 | E (Coral) | 6 rows | Rows 159–164 |
| 29 | D (Teal) | 4 rows | Rows 165–168 |
| 30 | C (Dark Blue) | 8 rows | Rows 169–176 |
| 31 | B (Light Blue) | 4 rows | Rows 177–180 |

**Total: 180 rows** ✓

---

## Pattern Instructions

### Foundation Chain

Using Color A (Yellow) and 2 mm hook, ch **181**.

> **Check:** Count your chains carefully. You need exactly 181 chains. Place a stitch marker every 20 chains as you go to make counting easier.

---

### Row 1 (RS): (Color A — Yellow)

Ch 2 (does NOT count as st, now and throughout). Working into the back bump of each foundation chain: hdc in the **3rd chain from hook** and in each chain across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)**

> **Note:** Working into the back bump of the foundation chain gives a neater, more elastic bottom edge that matches the look of subsequent rows.

---

### Rows 2–4: (Color A — Yellow)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)**

> At the end of Row 4, change to Color B (Light Blue) on the last pull-through of the final hdc.

---

### Rows 5–10: (Color B — Light Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 10, change to Color C (Dark Blue).

---

### Rows 11–18: (Color C — Dark Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 18, change to Color D (Teal).

---

### Rows 19–24: (Color D — Teal)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 24, change to Color E (Coral).

---

### Rows 25–28: (Color E — Coral)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 28, change to Color A (Yellow).

---

### Rows 29–30: (Color A — Yellow)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 30, change to Color E (Coral).

---

### Rows 31–36: (Color E — Coral)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 36, change to Color D (Teal).

---

### Rows 37–44: (Color D — Teal)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 44, change to Color C (Dark Blue).

---

### Rows 45–48: (Color C — Dark Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 48, change to Color B (Light Blue).

---

### Rows 49–54: (Color B — Light Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 54, change to Color A (Yellow).

---

### Rows 55–62: (Color A — Yellow)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 62, change to Color E (Coral).

---

### Rows 63–66: (Color E — Coral)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 66, change to Color B (Light Blue).

---

### Rows 67–72: (Color B — Light Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 72, change to Color D (Teal).

---

### Rows 73–80: (Color D — Teal)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 80, change to Color C (Dark Blue).

---

### Rows 81–86: (Color C — Dark Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 86, change to Color A (Yellow).

---

### Rows 87–90: (Color A — Yellow)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 90, change to Color E (Coral).

---

### Rows 91–98: (Color E — Coral)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 98, change to Color B (Light Blue).

---

### Rows 99–104: (Color B — Light Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 104, change to Color D (Teal).

---

### Rows 105–108: (Color D — Teal)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 108, change to Color C (Dark Blue).

---

### Rows 109–114: (Color C — Dark Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 114, change to Color A (Yellow).

---

### Rows 115–122: (Color A — Yellow)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 122, change to Color B (Light Blue).

---

### Rows 123–126: (Color B — Light Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 126, change to Color E (Coral).

---

### Rows 127–132: (Color E — Coral)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 132, change to Color D (Teal).

---

### Rows 133–140: (Color D — Teal)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 140, change to Color C (Dark Blue).

---

### Rows 141–146: (Color C — Dark Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 146, change to Color B (Light Blue).

---

### Rows 147–150: (Color B — Light Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 150, change to Color A (Yellow).

---

### Rows 151–158: (Color A — Yellow)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 158, change to Color E (Coral).

---

### Rows 159–164: (Color E — Coral)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 164, change to Color D (Teal).

---

### Rows 165–168: (Color D — Teal)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 168, change to Color C (Dark Blue).

---

### Rows 169–176: (Color C — Dark Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

> At the end of Row 176, change to Color B (Light Blue).

---

### Rows 177–180: (Color B — Light Blue)

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

**(180 hdc)** each row

At the end of Row 180, fasten off Color B. Do not turn.

---

## Border

A simple, clean single crochet border frames the blanket and gives it a polished, professional finish.

**Setup:** With RS facing, join Color A (Yellow) with a sl st to any corner stitch.

**Rnd 1:**

Ch 1. Work sc evenly around the entire blanket edge as follows:

- **Top and Bottom edges:** Work **1 sc in each hdc** across = **180 sc** per edge.
- **Side edges:** Work **1 sc for every row end** along each side edge = approximately **180 sc** per side edge (1 sc per row = 180 rows per side). Adjust as needed to keep the border lying flat — do not pull too tight or allow ruffling.
- **Corners:** Work **3 sc in each corner stitch** to turn corners neatly.

When you reach the starting corner, sl st to the first sc to join. Do not turn.

> **Total border stitches (approximate):** (180 + 2) × 4 sides = 728 sc, plus 4 corner sts × 2 extra sts each = 8 additional sts. **Approximately 736 sc total.**

**Rnd 2:**

Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working **3 sc** in the center stitch of each 3-sc corner. Sl st to first sc to join.

Fasten off Color A and weave in end securely.

> **Optional:** For a more decorative border, work a third round in Color E (Coral) using a reverse single crochet (crab stitch) for a textured edge. Work from left to right (opposite of normal direction) with 1 reverse sc in each sc around, sl st to join. Fasten off.

---

## Finishing

1. **Weave in all remaining ends** using a tapestry needle. Weave each end in at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in two directions for security. For color-change ends at the sides, weave vertically along the edge seam so they are completely hidden.

2. **Blocking:** Wet block the finished blanket for best results.
   - Soak the blanket in cool water with a small amount of wool wash (or gentle detergent if using cotton) for 15–20 minutes.
   - Gently press out excess water — do not wring.
   - Roll in a clean towel and press to remove more moisture.
   - Lay flat on blocking mats, pin to finished dimensions (30 × 36 inches / 76 × 91.5 cm), and allow to dry completely (12–24 hours).
   - Blocking will even out stitches, relax the fabric, and make the stripes look crisp and uniform.

---

## Care Instructions

Care will depend on the fiber content of your chosen yarn. Always follow the yarn label instructions.

**General guidelines for superwash merino or cotton-blend fingering weight:**
- Machine wash on gentle/delicate cycle in cool water, or hand wash
- Lay flat to dry — do not tumble dry
- Do not iron directly
- Store folded (not hung) to prevent stretching

> **Note for gifting:** Consider attaching a care label with washing instructions when gifting this blanket. Baby items are washed frequently, so it is helpful to choose a superwash-treated or machine-washable yarn.

---

## Helpful Tips

- **Staying on track with the stripe sequence:** Use a printed copy of the Stripe Sequence table and check off each stripe as you complete it. It is very easy to lose your place in a long stripe sequence.
- **Consistent tension:** Because this blanket uses only one stitch, any tension inconsistency will be visible. Try to relax your grip and maintain even yarn tension throughout. Take breaks if your hands feel tired.
- **First stitch of each row:** Always make sure your first hdc goes into the very first stitch at the base of the turning chain, not into the chain-2 space. Losing the first stitch each row is the most common cause of gradually narrowing work.
- **Last stitch of each row:** The last hdc of each row goes into the top of the turning chain from the row below — wait, no. Because the ch-2 does NOT count as a stitch, the last hdc of the row goes into the last actual hdc of the previous row. Double-check your stitch count at the end of each stripe (every 4, 6, or 8 rows) rather than every single row to catch any mistakes early.
- **Yarn quantities:** If you are running low on a color, you can adjust individual stripe heights by 1–2 rows without significantly changing the finished dimensions.

---

## Yardage Reference by Stripe

For planning purposes, each row of 180 hdc in fingering weight on a 2 mm hook uses approximately **8–9 yards (7.3–8.2 m)** of yarn.

| Color | Total Rows | Estimated Yardage |
|---|---|---|
| A (Yellow) | 50 rows | ~430 yards (393 m) |
| B (Light Blue) | 44 rows | ~380 yards (347 m) |
| C (Dark Blue) | 38 rows | ~330 yards (302 m) |
| D (Teal) | 30 rows | ~260 yards (238 m) |
| E (Coral) | 18 rows | ~155 yards (142 m) |

> **Note:** Recommended purchase amounts (listed in Materials) are higher than these estimates to account for the border, swatching, and weaving in ends.

---

*Pattern designed for personal use. Please do not reproduce or sell this pattern without permission.*

---

Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk

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