The Crochet Grit Stitch Blanket Pattern with shell edging is an excellent project for both experienced crocheters and beginners alike. All you need to know is how to make single crochet and double crochet stitches to achieve this rich textured crochet stitch.
This stunning design combines the classic grit stitch with a delicate shell edging, resulting in a cozy and charming blanket. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also feels incredibly soft to the touch. With little to no holes in the fabric, this blanket is perfect for babies, providing a safe and comfortable space for them to snuggle and play.
Its thoughtful construction makes it an ideal gift for new parents who want a practical yet lovely addition to their nursery.
I love the grit stitch because it creates a rich texture that encourages babies to explore with their hands. The tactile nature of the stitch invites little ones to touch and play without worrying about their tiny fingers or toes getting caught. This sets it apart from traditional granny square blankets, which can have gaps.
Additionally, the intricate shell edging adds an elegant finishing touch, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the blanket. It ensures that no raw edges are exposed, which not only elevates the blanket's appearance but also adds to its durability.
With this attention to detail, the blanket becomes a cherished keepsake that can be passed down through generations.
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✏️ Things to Note:
- Yarn Type: I made the crochet grit stitch blanket pattern with 2 skeins of Caron Jumbo Baby Rainbow Yarn, double-stranded throughout the project. This results in a thicker blanket, perfect for winter babies or those cold nights. You can also use the blanket as a car seat blanket for car trips. Just make sure to keep the blanket OFF until the child is securely strapped into the car seat; then lay the blanket over them. DO NOT put the blanket on the child before they are strapped in, as it can be dangerous and prevent proper securing in their car seat. Alternatively, this can also serve as a baby mat for tummy time.
- Double Stranding: Double stranding the yarn is an easy and cost-effective alternative to chunky yarn if you want a chunky look without the higher price.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of the crochet blanket are roughly 36x36 inches. If your blanket is a bit smaller, just add more chains. If you want to change the blanket size entirely, feel free! The pattern is extremely versatile and can be adjusted for any blanket size by following the rule mentioned above.
🪡 Materials Needed
- 1 skein white divided into 2 (or 2 skeins of white, just know you won't go through the entire skeins)
- 2 skeins of Caron Jumbo Baby Rainbow Yarn
- L hook (8mm)
- Tapestry needle
💭 Abbreviations to Remember (US Terms)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Chains (ch)
- Double crochet (dc)
🧋 Variations
Try different colors or even try to make it larger!
🍵 Instructions for Grit Stitch Blanket
For the main part of the crochet grit stitch blanket, we will be working in rows.
Row 1: Using 2 strands of the variegated yarn, ch x60 +1 for the turning ch. (60 +1)
Row 2: Starting in the second chain from the hook make a sc. Then a dc in the next stitch. The lemon peel/grit stitch is made alternating single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitches. So repeat the process of sc, dc for the rest of the row. Ch x1 and turn. The ch is a turning ch so do not work in it. Skip over it in the next row and go directly to the last stitch worked. (60)
Row 3-52: If your last stitch in the last row was a dc (which it should have been) start off with a sc, then dc and repeat like the last row. If your last stitch was a sc, then it means your chain was not an even number, but if you don’t want to undo the work, you can just switch the row to being dc and then sc. This will be a bit hard to remember to switch it up for every row so it might just be easier to undo it and restart it with an even ch +1 for turning. (60) Cut yarn and leave a tail to weave in later, do not fasten off.
[If you feel the blanket needs additional rows feel free to add them!]
Shell Edging:
With 2 strands of white yarn, join yarn to the corner of the blanket. Preferably right where you left off with the baby rainbow yarn. You can join the 2 yarns by making a color change in the same stitch as the last dc. Make a sc like normal, but when you go into the stitch and yarn over, yarn over with the 2 strands of the white yarn. And not the baby rainbow yarn. Once the sc is then completed like you have been for this blanket, the color on your hook should be white!
Once the color change has been made, you can now crochet the shell edging.
As a note, each row represents 1 sc space on the blanket, depending on your hook size and tension, you may not have shells in the corners of the blanket, which is fine, but if you want to have the shells on each corner or not on the corners, change your hook size, tension, or fudge it a little until it is what you want. The main point is to not have the edge ripple so keep an eye on that.
Round 1: Skip the next sc space and make a dc x5 in the following space. Skip the next sc space and make a sc in the following space. You just created a shell! Now repeat the process until the edge is completely done.
And now you have a complete crochet grit stitch baby blanket.
If you are looking for other fun crochet baby blankets to make, check out my crochet sunflower blanket pattern or my crochet strawberry blanket pattern.
If you have a lot of white yarn leftover you can even, make my crochet rainbow baby blanket pattern!
🐌Expert Tips
- Yarn Selection: Opt for soft, baby-friendly yarns like cotton or bamboo to ensure comfort for sensitive skin. Avoid yarns that may irritate or cause allergies.
- Lighter Option: If you want a lighter blanket, you can use just one strand of yarn. Be sure to choose a smaller hook and add more chains to the blanket to get the right dimensions. Remember to start with an even number of chains plus 1 for turning to the next row.
- Color Choices: Consider using soothing pastel colors or bright, engaging shades to stimulate a baby's visual development. You can also customize the colors to match the nursery decor.
- Washability: Always choose yarn that is machine washable. New parents will appreciate a blanket that can withstand frequent washing without losing its shape or softness.
🧵 Pattern FAQs
Yes! That is a perfect option for a nice lighter crochet grit stitch blanket for warmer months.
Simply increase the number of chains you start with while ensuring you maintain an even number of chains plus one for the turning chain.
Absolutely! While I recommend using yarns like cotton, acrylic, or chunky yarn, you can experiment with other fibers as well.
🧶More Crochet Blanket Patterns
If you tried this Crochet Grit Stitch Blanket Pattern (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Crochet Grit Stitch Blanket Pattern
Materials
- 1 skein White yarn, divided into 2 or 2 skeins of white, just know you won't go through the entire skeins
- 2 skein Caron Jumbo Baby Rainbow Yarn
- 8mm hook
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
- sc = Single crochet
- ch = Chain
- dc = Double Crochet
Instructions
- For the main part of the crochet grit stitch blanket we will be working in rows.
Blanket:
- Row 1: Using 2 strands of the variegated yarn, ch x60 +1 for the turning ch. (60 +1)
- Row 2: Starting in the second chain from the hook make a sc. Then a dc in the next stitch. The lemon peel stitch is made alternating single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitches. So repeat the process of sc, dc for the rest of the row. Ch x1 and turn. The ch is a turning ch so do not work in it. Skip over it in the next row and go directly to the last stitch worked. (60)
- Row 3-52: If your last stitch in the last row was a dc (which it should have been) start off with a sc, then dc and repeat like the last row. If your last stitch was a sc, then it means your chain was not an even number, but if you don’t want to undo the work, you can just switch the row to being dc and then sc. This will be a bit hard to remember to switch it up for every row so it might just be easier to undo it and restart it with an even ch +1 for turning. (60) Cut yarn and leave a tail to weave in later, do not fasten off.
- [If you feel the blanket needs additional rows feel free to add them!]
Shell edging:
- With 2 strands of white yarn, join yarn to the corner of the blanket. Preferably right where you left off with the baby rainbow yarn. You can join the 2 yarns by making a color change in the same stitch as the last dc. Make a sc like normal, but when you go into the stitch and yarn over, yarn over with the 2 strands of the white yarn. And not the baby rainbow yarn. Once the sc is then completed like you have been for this blanket, the color on your hook should be white!
- Once the color change has been made, you can now crochet the shell edging.
- As a note, each row represents 1 sc space on the blanket, depending on your hook size and tension, you may not have shells in the corners of the blanket, which is fine, but if you want to have the shells on each corner or not on the corners, change your hook size, tension, or fudge it a little until it is what you want. The main point is to not have the edge ripple so keep an eye on that.
- Round 1: Skip the next sc space and make a dc x5 in the following space. Skip the next sc space and make a sc in the following space. You just created a shell! Now repeat the process until the edge is completely done.
- And now you have a complete crochet grit stitch baby blanket.
Mary says
If using one strand what size hook should I use
KimberlyArenas says
For 1 strand of worsted weight yarn I generally use a 5 - 6mm hook for blankets.