Today we will make a Crochet Linen Stitch Baby Blanket with crab stitch border. The crochet linen stitch is a popular and easy crochet stitch to master!
Did you know the linen stitch is also called the granite stitch or more popularly the moss stitch? All three of those stitches are just different names for the same thing!
Whatever the stitch is called I absolutely love it! It’s the perfect stitch for beginners to learn before learning more complex stitches because all you need to know is how to single crochet and chain, that's it!
What makes the linen stitch unique compared to other basic stitches?
- Yarn Efficiency: It uses less yarn than a single crochet due to the chains.
- Stretchiness: The linen stitch is stretchier than a normal single crochet, yet it maintains thick coverage with minimal holes. This makes it ideal for pillows, blankets, gloves, etc. You can check out some of my other “moss” stitch projects here: Crochet Granite Stitch Fingerless Gloves and Crochet Granite Stitch Cushion Pattern.
- Safety: It has fewer holes than double crochet, granny squares, and similar stitches, making it safer for projects like baby blankets.
Jump to:
✏️ Things to Note:
- Yarn Selection: I made this blanket with 2 skeins of Caron Jumbo soft gray yarn and some scraps of their baby rainbow yarn left over from my last project, the Lemon Peel Baby Blanket with Shell Border. I double stranded the entire project, resulting in a thicker blanket that is perfect for winter babies or for those cold nights and morning strolls. Alternatively, you can also use this as a baby mat for tummy time.
- Double Stranding: Double stranding the yarn is an easy and cost-effective alternative to using chunky yarn if you want a chunky look without the price tag.
- Adjusting Size: The blanket measures roughly 30x36 inches. If your blanket is smaller, just add more chains. You can adjust the sizing completely; the pattern is extremely versatile. Just remember to make your chains in multiples of 3 plus 1 for turning to the next row.
🪡 Materials Needed
- 2 skeins of Caron 1 lb gray yarn
- 1 skein of Caron Jumbo baby rainbow yarn divided
- 1 skein of Caron 1 lb white yarn for the border divided.
- L hook (8mm)
- Tapestry needle
💭 Abbreviations to Remember (US Terms)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Chains (ch)
- Crab Stitch- No abbreviations
🧋 Variations
Experiment with different colors and varying row amounts for each color section for more visual interest.
🍵 Instructions for Crochet Linen Stitch Blanket
This pattern is worked in the rows.
Row 1: Using 2 strands of gray, ch x99 +1 turning chain. (99 +1)
Row 2: In the second ch from hook, make a sc, ch + skip the chain below, and make a sc into the next chain. Repeat for the rest of the row. (99) Ch 1 and turn. You know you have the correct number of chains if you end on a sc, you do not want to end the row with a foundation ch untouched.
Rows 3-11: Sc into the chain space from the row below, ch over the last rows sc, and sc again. While you are completing more rows, make sure you are crocheting into the chain spaces from the previous row, do not make a single crochet into the chain directly. Then crochet around it. (99)
Row 12-13: At the end of row 11 make a color change by making a sc like normal but yarning over with the baby rainbow yarn instead of the gray. Then complete the stitch like normal. Then ch 1 and turn, then go back to doing the normal sc, ch, sc for the rest of the row. Repeat for row 13. (99)
Row 14-65: Repeat rows 3 to 13 four more times.
Row 66-76: Color change back to gray like you did with the baby rainbow yarn. Sc, ch, sc for the rest of the rows. (99) Then ch 1 and turn except in the last row in sequence.
Crab Stitch Edging:
With 2 strands of white yarn, join yarn to the corner of the blanket. Preferably right where you left off with the gray yarn. You can join the 2 yarns by making a color change in the same stitch as the last sc. 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 crab edging. So let's finish up this baby blanket!
Round 1: Sc around the entire edge of the blanket. This is the foundation row for your crab stitch. For the sides of the blanket, make 1 sc on the edge of each row.
Make 3 sc in each corner to help turn corners.
It is at this point you want to make sure your edge does not ripple. Double check!
Round 2: once the foundation round is completed, ch x1 and DO NOT TURN. You will be working instead of right to left, you will be working left to right so you will be going in reverse.
Without turning your work, insert hook into the last sc you made in the foundation round. Insert the hook from front to back. (This will feel awkward so you might have to audibly tell yourself what to do until it becomes natural.)
Yarn over and draw up a loop like you would a normal single crochet. You should have 2 loops on the hook.
Yarn over and draw through both loops. You should have one loop on the hook now. Yay! You completed your first crab stitch.
For the next stitch and every following stitch: Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop. Yarn over and go through both loops on the hook so that there is only one loop left. When the round is done, fasten off and weave in the ends.
And now your Crochet Linen Stitch Baby Blanket with Crab Stitch Border is done!
🐌Expert Tips
- Choosing Yarn: When selecting yarn for this blanket, consider the baby’s sensitivity. Opt for soft, hypoallergenic fibers for added comfort.
- Adjusting Size: To customize the blanket size, remember the rule of chaining in multiples of 3 plus 1 for your foundation row. This flexibility allows you to create a blanket that fits any crib or stroller.
- Crochet Tension: Maintain consistent tension throughout the project. If you notice your stitches tightening or loosening, take a moment to adjust your grip or hook size.
- Color Choices: Experiment with variegated yarns for an eye-catching effect, or stick to solid colors for a classic look.
- Testing Gauge: Always test your gauge before starting a large project. This will ensure your blanket turns out the right size.
🧵 Pattern FAQs
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust your chain and row count because the blanket will otherwise be smaller.
I think the dot border in my candy cane crochet blanket, or a shell border from my grit stitch blanket would look lovely.
Absolutely! The linen stitch lends itself well to be used with thicker or thinner yarns.
🧶More Crochet Blanket Patterns
If you tried this Crochet Linen Stitch Baby Blanket with Crab Stitch Border (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 Linen Stitch Baby Blanket with Crab Stitch Border
Materials
- 2 skeins of Caron 1 lb yarn soft gray
- 1 skein of Caron jumbo baby rainbow divided into 2
- 1 skein of Caron 1 lb yarn white divided into 2
- 8mm hook
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
- sc = Single crochet
- ch = Chain
- Crab Stitch (No abbreviations)
Notes
Instructions
- This pattern is worked in the rows.
- Row 1: Using 2 strands of gray, ch x99 +1 turning chain. (99 +1)
- Row 2: In the second ch from hook, make a sc, ch + skip the chain below, and make a sc into the next chain. Repeat for the rest of the row. (99) Ch 1 and turn. You know you have the correct number of chains if you end on a sc, you do not want to end the row with a foundation ch untouched.
- Rows 3-11: Sc into the chain space from the row below, ch over the last rows sc, and sc again. While you are completing more rows, make sure you are crocheting into the chain spaces from the previous row, do not make a single crochet into the chain directly. Crochet around it. (99)
- Row 12-13: At the end of row 11 make a color change by making a sc like normal but yarning over with the baby rainbow yarn instead of the gray. Then complete the stitch like normal. Ch 1 and turn, then go back to doing the normal sc, ch, sc for the rest of the row. Repeat for row 13. (99)
- Row 14-65: Repeat rows 3 to 13 four more times.
- Row 66-76: Color change back to gray like you did with the baby rainbow yarn. Sc, ch, sc for the rest of the rows. (99) Ch 1 and turn except in the last row in sequence.
Crab stitch edging:
- With 2 strands of white yarn, join yarn to the corner of the blanket. Preferably right where you left off with the gray yarn. You can join the 2 yarns by making a color change in the same stitch as the last sc. 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 crab edging. So let's finish up this baby blanket!
- Round 1: Sc around the entire edge of the blanket. This is the foundation row for your crab stitch. For the sides of the blanket, make 1 sc on the edge of each row.
- Make 3 sc in each corner to help turn corners.
- It is at this point you want to make sure your edge does not ripple. Double check!
- Round 2: once the foundation round is completed, ch 1 and DO NOT TURN. You will be working instead of right to left, you will be working left to right so you will be going in reverse.
- Without turning your work, insert hook into the last sc you made in the foundation round. Insert the hook from front to back. (This will feel awkward so you might have to audibly tell yourself what to do until it becomes natural.)
- Yarn over and draw up a loop like you would a normal single crochet. You should have 2 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and draw through both loops. You should have one loop on the hook now. Yay! You completed your first crab stitch.
- For the next stitch and every following stitch: Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop. Yarn over and go through both loops on the hook so that there is only one loop left. When the round is done, fasten off and weave in the ends.
- And now your Crochet Linen Stitch Baby Blanket with Crab Stitch Border is done!
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