Welcome to the updated Willow Ridge Blanket! You may recognize this design by its previous name, Crochet Easy Baby Blanket, but it has now been refreshed with brand-new photos and expanded size options.
In this free blog post, you'll find instructions for three versatile sizes: Security Blanket, Moses Basket Blanket, and Throw Blanket. If you'd like to make any of the other sizes, including everything from a Lovey to a California King bedspread, be sure to check out the premium ad-free PDF pattern, which includes 20 sizes in total.
Reasons to Crochet the Willow Ridge Blanket
- Easy 1-row repeat that's relaxing and enjoyable to crochet
- Beautiful piqué stitch creates elegant raised ridges and rich texture
- Fully reversible stitch pattern looks gorgeous on both sides
- Free pattern includes three practical sizes: Security, Moses Basket, and Throw
- Premium PDF expands the pattern to an incredible 20 sizes, from Lovey to California King
- Makes a thoughtful handmade gift for babies, children, or adults
- Step-by-step video tutorial available to guide you through the pattern
- Suitable for confident beginners looking to try a new textured stitch
- Timeless, modern style that complements any nursery or home décor
What Makes the Willow Ridge Blanket So Special?
The Willow Ridge Blanket is worked using the gorgeous piqué stitch, creating beautiful raised ridges and plenty of eye-catching texture.
Best of all, the stitch pattern is made from an easy 1-row repeat, making it relaxing to crochet once you've established the pattern.
Another feature I love is that the stitch is fully reversible, so both sides of the blanket look equally polished and textured.
Whether you're making a cozy baby gift or a stylish throw for your home, this timeless design is sure to become a favourite.
The Beautiful Piqué Stitch
The standout feature of this blanket is its richly textured piqué stitch. This stitch is created using a special cluster stitch, which you'll see abbreviated throughout this pattern as SPcl (Special Cluster).
Although the finished texture looks intricate, the stitch pattern quickly becomes rhythmic thanks to its simple 1-row repeat, making it suitable for adventurous beginners as well as experienced crocheters.
The subtle raised ridges add depth and visual interest, while creating a soft, cozy fabric that drapes beautifully.
The piqué stitch is reversible, making it a great choice for blankets.
Free Pattern Sizes
This free version includes instructions for the following sizes:
- Security Blanket
- Moses Basket Blanket
- Throw Blanket
These three popular sizes are ideal for gifts, nurseries, cozy evenings on the sofa, and everyday use.
If you need a different size, the premium PDF expands the pattern to include an additional 17 sizes, giving you a total of 20 options to choose from.
Yarn Used
For my sample, I used Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted, a soft and durable worsted weight (#4 / aran / 10 ply) acrylic yarn that's perfect for blankets. As the name suggests, it's specially designed to resist pilling, helping your finished project stay looking fresh and beautiful even after regular use and washing.
This yarn has excellent stitch definition, making it a fantastic choice for showcasing the raised ridges and gorgeous texture of the piqué stitch. It's also machine washable and available in a wide range of colours, so you can easily customize your Willow Ridge Blanket to suit your style or room décor.
Yarn Substitutes
If you can't get hold of Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted, don't worry! There are several excellent alternatives that will work beautifully with this pattern while still showing off the textured piqué stitch.
Some great substitutes include:
- Stylecraft Special Aran - A soft, durable acrylic yarn with fantastic value and an extensive colour range.
- Mary Maxim Starlette - An easy-care worsted weight yarn that's warm, hard-wearing, and ideal for blankets.
- Caron Simply Soft - A silky-soft acrylic yarn with beautiful drape and a subtle sheen, perfect for creating a cosy blanket with excellent stitch definition.
Whichever yarn you choose, aim for a worsted weight (aran / 10 ply) yarn and be sure to check your gauge before starting to ensure your finished blanket matches the intended measurements.
Complete the Collection
If you love the texture of the piqué stitch, be sure to take a look at the coordinating Willow Ridge Beanie.
The blanket also pairs beautifully with my Ella Cardigan and Cozy Steps Booties, allowing you to create a gorgeous handmade gift set for a little one.
Let's Get Crocheting!
Grab your yarn and hook, choose your favourite of the three free sizes, and enjoy creating this cozy, reversible blanket. And if you fall in love with the pattern and want even more options, the premium PDF is ready whenever you are, with all 20 sizes conveniently included in one ad-free download.
Crochet an Easy Baby Blanket: Free Pattern
Before You Begin: Please take a few moments to carefully read through all of the information below before starting the pattern. It contains important notes, sizing details, and updates that will help ensure your Willow Ridge Blanket turns out beautifully.
Level
Easy (see details of project levels at the Craft Yarn Council).
Pattern Notes
- Instructions are written in standard US crochet terminology.
- Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.
- A gauge swatch is recommended before starting, especially if you would like your finished blanket to match the stated dimensions.
- The blanket is worked in rows from the bottom up.
- This blanket is worked using a simple one-row repeat and features a fully reversible texture, ensuring both sides are equally beautiful.
- The free pattern offers three sizes, which are written as follows: security (moses basket: throw)
- Circle the size you wish to make beforehand (both stitch and row counts).
- The starting chain should be made very loosely to help prevent the foundation edge from curling up and becoming shorter than the rest of the blanket.
- Throughout the pattern, the beginning ch3 is counted as the first stitch of the row. To maintain the correct stitch count and straight edges, work the final stitch of each row into the top of the turning ch3 from the previous row.
- If you are new to crochet, consider placing a stitch marker in the top of the beginning ch3 of each row. This will help you easily locate the final stitch placement on the following row.
- For blankets finished with a pom pom on each corner, an additional ball of yarn will be required beyond the quantity specified for your chosen size.
- Yardage requirements are estimates and may vary depending on individual tension and yarn choice.
Materials
- Numbers given below in this section are for smallest size, with numbers for larger sizes in ( ) brackets . E.g. security (moses basket: throw)
- Yarn: weight 4 / worsted / aran / 10 ply yarn. Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted 3.5oz / 180 yds (100g / 165m). 100% acrylic. Sample colour is Parchment.
- Security (moses basket: throw):
2 (4, 15) balls / 231 (607, 2598) yards - Crochet Hook: Size J (6mm) or hook size to obtain gauge.
- Extras: 2x stitch markers; yarn needle for weaving in ends; scissors; measuring tape. Pom pom maker (optional): 2.5 inches (6cm) in diameter.
Yarn Substitutes
Finished Sizes
Security (moses basket: throw):
16 x 16 (24 x 28: 48 x 60) inches
41 x 41 (61 x 71: 122 x 152) cm
Gauge / Tension
With a J (6mm) crochet hook:
8 stitches and 8 rows = 4″ (10cm) in special cluster (SPcl) stitches
If your tension is tight and you have less stitches per 4 inches (10cm) try using a larger hook.
If your tension is loose and you have more stitches per 4 inches (10cm) try using a smaller hook.
Stitches & abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
beg - beginning
ch(s) - chain(s)
fasten off - To fasten off securely, work one chain, then cut the yarn leaving a 5 - 6" tail. Pull the tail through the loop that is on your hook. Tighten gently.
hdc - half double crochet: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 3 loops. 1 half double crochet completed.
sl st - slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over (yo), pull up a loop, you will have 2 loops on your hook. Pull the first loop through the second loop. 1 slip stitch completed.
st(s) - stitch(es)
Turn: I prefer to turn my work clockwise
* to * - Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed.
( ) - Sets of stitches to be worked as many times as directed.
[ ] - The total number of stitches at the end of a row.
SPECIAL STITCHES
SpCL - special cluster. 1 double crochet and 1 half double crochet worked together as follows: yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into same stitch, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 4 loops. 1 special cluster completed. (see photo tutorial)
Pattern Instructions
Chain 31 (47: 95) very loosely
Row 1. SPcl in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 chs count as your 1st st), SPcl in each ch across to last ch, 1hdc in last ch, TURN [ch3, 27 (43: 91) SPcl sts, 1hdc].
Row 2. Ch3 (counts as your 1st st here and throughout), SPcl in each st across to the turning ch3, 1hdc in top of ch3, TURN [ch3, 27 (43: 91) SPcl sts, 1hdc].
Repeat row 2 until you have a total of 29 (53: 117) rows or until your work measures 14½ (26½: 58½) INCHES OR 37 (67: 149) CM from beg of work. Do NOT cut yarn.
Important Note: If you're following the video tutorial for the Moses Basket size (24 x 28 inches), you'll hear me instruct you to work for 47 rows. This has since been updated. Please work 53 rows instead, or continue until your blanket measures 26.5 inches (67 cm) in length, before moving on to the border.
Border
When you have finished the last row, do NOT turn. Work the border as follows:
Round 1:
Side 1. Ch1 (does not count as your 1st st here and throughout), 3hdc in corner st, *2hdc in next row end, 1hdc in next row end*, repeat from * to * across to last row end on this side of blanket, work 2hdc in last row end.
Side 2. 3hdc in corner st, *2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next st*, repeat from * to * across to last st on this side of blanket, work 1hdc in last st.
Side 3. 3hdc in corner st, *1hdc in next row end, 2hdc in next row end*, repeat from * to * across to last row end on this side of blanket, work 1hdc in last row end.
Side 4. 3hdc in corner st, *2hdc in next st, 1hdc in next st*, repeat from * to * across to end of this side of blanket, sl st to 1st hdc to join round.
Round 2. Ch1, 3 hdc in same st (at base of ch1), 1 hdc in each st around all four sides of blanket. When you reach a corner, work 3 hdc in the centre hdc of the 3-hdc corner from the previous round. Repeat at each corner. Sl st to first hdc to join.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Using your 2.5 inch (6cm) pom pom maker, make 4 pom poms (video tutorial here). Attach one pom pom in each corner (video tutorial here).
You've Finished!
And that's the end of the Willow Ridge Blanket pattern! I hope you enjoyed crocheting this cozy, textured blanket as much as I enjoyed designing it. Whether you've made the Security, Moses Basket, or Throw size, I'd love to see your finished creation.
If you'd like to make even more sizes, from a tiny Lovey all the way up to a California King bedspread, you can purchase the ad-free PDF pattern. The premium version includes all 20 sizes in a convenient, printer-friendly format, making it easy to crochet your next Willow Ridge Blanket project. Happy crocheting!
