Crochet Plaid Blanket Pattern

Plaid may look complicated, but with this crochet plaid blanket pattern, you'll be amazed at how simple it can be! The technique combines the versatility of the mesh stitch with a clever weaving method, making it look intricate but actually easy to pull off.

You’ll crochet a basic mesh stitch foundation, then weave in colorful strands across the rows, either with chains or yarn strands threaded through the holes. The result? A gorgeous, tartan-inspired plaid design that’s perfect for adding a bold statement to any room.

For my version, I’ve used a classic black base paired with vibrant rainbow colors, but feel free to get creative with your own color combinations! Whether you go bold with brights or keep it cozy with neutrals, the plaid design will always make an impact. 

Plus, if you love this crochet plaid blanket pattern, be sure to check out my crochet green scarf pattern (which uses the same technique) or my buffalo plaid crochet scarf, which features a different take on plaid. 

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the pattern!

🪡 Materials Needed

• Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo - Black
• Red Heart Super Saver - Red
• Red Heart Super Saver - Pumpkin
• Red Heart Super Saver - Yellow
• Red Heart Super Saver - Spring Green
• Red Heart Super Saver - Delft Blue
• Red Heart Super Saver - Medium Purple
• 5.5mm hook
• Tapestry needle

💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)

• Chain - ch
• Double crochet - dc

🧋Variations

• Variation in Stripes: To make your plaid blanket more unique, consider using uneven or irregular stripe widths, or experiment with different shades of the same color to create a subtle ombré effect.
• Size Adjustments: You can easily customize the blanket's size by adding or reducing the number of color blocks or rows.

🍵Instructions for Crochet Plaid Blanket Pattern

The crochet plaid blanket pattern is made in rows.

Row 1: Ch x163 in black.

Row 2: In the 5th ch from the hook, make a dc. Then skip the next ch and ch x1 instead. In the following stitch make a dc.

You want to repeat making a dc, skip a ch + ch x1 for the rest of the row. You should end on a dc.

When you get to the end of the row, ch x3 and turn your work.

Row 3: Now you are going to make a dc over the last dc post you made, ch x1 and skip the chain you made in the last row. You want to continue stacking dc posts and chain spaces over each other so you make perfect columns.

When you get to the end of the row, ch x3 and turn your work.

Row 4-8: Repeat row 3. At the end of row 8, fasten off the black yarn and switch the color to yellow. Then ch x3 and turn your work.

Row 9-12: Using the yellow yarn repeat row 2. At the end of the last row switch back to black. Then ch x3 and turn.

For the rest of the crochet plaid blanket pattern you will be alternating color blocks and black blocks. Each color block will have 4 rows, and the black blocks will have 8.

The entire blanket color scheme is like this:

• Black - 8 rows
• Yellow - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Orange - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Red - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Purple - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Blue - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Green - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows

When the crochet color block blanket is completed, fasten off the yarn and weave in any ends.

2 Ways to Make the Crochet Plaid Effect:

1. You can make chains the length of the blanket (163-180 chains depending on your tension) and then weave them in individually with either your fingers or the help of the needle. 
2. You can measure out 3 strips of yarn that is about a foot longer than the blanket base and weave all 3 of them at the same time with either your fingers or a needle. (This is probably the easiest and less frustrating).

With both options you want to tie the ends to the beginning and end of the blanket so they cannot be pulled out easily. 

Option 1: You can choose to weave in any ends and be fringeless, or you can cut 12 inch yarn strips and make additional fringe to add to the ends of the blanket. 

Option 2: The fringe is already built in so no additional cutting is necessary, however it is nearly impossible to hide all the ends if you were wanting to make the blanket fringeless. Just make sure to leave 6 inches of yarn on each side of the blanket when weaving in the yarn. 

To attach the fringe to the top and bottom of the blanket, pinch the strand of yarn at the middle and make a loop, insert a hook into the short side of the scarf and pull the yarn through the bottom stitch. Then using your fingers take the ends of the fringe and loop them through the hole you made and pull tight. 

After the fringe has been added, you will need to trim the crochet blanket fringe in order to have even fringe. Lay the blanket down somewhere and gently comb the fringe with fingers or a wide tooth comb and try to cut the trim in a straight line using scissors.

And now you have your very own crochet rainbow blanket made with me crochet plaid blanket pattern! Perfect for snuggling under on the couch.

Creating this crochet plaid blanket has been such a rewarding experience, and I hope this pattern inspires you to dive into your own cozy project! Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner, the timeless appeal of plaid is always a perfect choice for any space—whether it's adding a pop of color to your living room or wrapping yourself up in warmth during chilly nights.

Remember, the beauty of crochet lies in the personal touch you bring to your project. Feel free to experiment with color combinations, stripe widths, or stitch choices to make this blanket truly your own. And most importantly, take your time and enjoy the process—crocheting a blanket like this is as much about the journey as it is about the finished piece.

If you are looking for rainbow themed projects check out my crochet rainbow keychain pattern or crochet emoji bag pattern.

If the amount of yarn you have leftover is "scrap yarn" worthy - you can make my crochet hexagon blanket pattern for another beautiful rainbow blanket, or you can enjoy another scrap yarn pattern like my crochet moss stitch scarf pattern.

Happy crocheting, and I’d love to see how your plaid blankets turn out! Don’t forget to tag me on social media. Happy stitching!

🧵Pattern FAQs

🧶More Crochet Blanket Patterns

If you tried this Crochet Plaid 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!

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Crochet Plaid Blanket Pattern

Plaid may look complicated, but with this crochet plaid blanket pattern, you'll be amazed at how simple it can be! The technique combines the versatility of the mesh stitch with a clever weaving method, making it look intricate but actually easy to pull off.

Author: Kimberly Arenas

Materials

• ▢ Red Heart Super Saver - Black
• ▢ Red Heart Super Saver - Red
• ▢ Red Heart Super Saver - Pumpkin
• ▢ Red Heart Super Saver - Yellow
• ▢ Red Heart Super Saver - Spring Green
• ▢ Red Heart Super Saver - Delft Blue
• ▢ Red Heart Super Saver - Medium Purple
• ▢ 5.5 mm hook
• ▢ Tapestry needle

Abbreviations (US terms)

• Chain - ch
• Double crochet - dc

Notes

1. Base Stitches: The most common base stitch for a plaid blanket is the double crochet (DC) or half double crochet (HDC). These stitches create a solid fabric while allowing enough space for the color changes to stand out. I use double crochet for this blanket.
2. Weaving in Ends: As with any multi-color crochet project, be sure to weave in all the ends securely. Use a yarn needle to thread the ends through the back loops of the stitches to hide them well and prevent fraying. Or make it into fringe like I do!
3. Weight: A medium-weight yarn (like worsted weight) is typically a good choice for blankets, offering warmth and structure without being too bulky.

Instructions

Crochet Plaid Blanket Base

• The crochet plaid blanket pattern is made in rows.
• Row 1: Ch x163.
• Row 2: In the 5th ch from the hook, make a dc. Then skip the next ch and ch x1 instead. In the following stitch make a dc.
• You want to repeat making a dc, skip a ch + ch x1 for the rest of the row. You should end on a dc.
• When you get to the end of the row, ch x3 and turn your work.
• Row 3: Now you are going to make a dc over the last dc post you made, ch x1 and skip the chain you made in the last row. You want to continue stacking dc posts and chain spaces over each other so you make perfect columns.
• When you get to the end of the row, ch x3 and turn your work.
• Row 4-8: Repeat row 3. At the end of row 8, fasten off the black yarn and switch the color to yellow. Then ch x3 and turn your work.
• Row 9-12: Using the yellow yarn repeat row 2. At the end of the last row switch back to black. Then ch x3 and turn.
• For the rest of the blanket you will be alternating color blocks and black blocks. Each color block will have 4 rows, and the black blocks will have 8.
• The entire blanket color scheme is like this:
• Black - 8 rows
• Yellow - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Orange - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Red - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Purple - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Blue - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• Green - 4 rows
• Black - 8 Rows
• When the crochet color block blanket is completed, fasten off the yarn and weave in any ends.

2 ways to make the crochet plaid effect:

• You can make chains the length of the blanket (163-180 chains depending on your tension) and then weave them in individually with either your fingers or the help of the needle.
• You can measure out 3 strips of yarn that is about a foot longer than the blanket base and weave all 3 of them at the same time with either your fingers or a needle. (This is probably the easiest and less frustrating).
• With both options you want to tie the ends to the beginning and end of the blanket so they cannot be pulled out easily.
• With option 1: You can choose to weave in any ends and be fringeless, or you can cut 12 inch yarn strips and make additional fringe to add to the ends of the blanket.
• With option 2: The fringe is already built in so no additional cutting is necessary, however it is nearly impossible to hide all the ends if you were wanting to make the blanket fringeless. Just make sure to leave 6 inches of yarn on each side of the blanket when weaving in the yarn.
• To attach the fringe to the top and bottom of the blanket, pinch the strand of yarn at the middle and make a loop, insert a hook into the short side of the scarf and pull the yarn through the bottom stitch. Then using your fingers take the ends of the fringe and loop them through the hole you made and pull tight.
• After the fringe has been added, you will need to trim the crochet blanket fringe in order to have even fringe. Lay the blanket down somewhere and gently comb the fringe with fingers or a wide tooth comb and try to cut the trim in a straight line using scissors.
• And now you have your very own crochet rainbow blanket! Perfect for snuggling under on the couch.

Tried this pattern?Mention @thecaffeinatedsnail or tag #thecaffeinatedsnail!