Big Love – Crochet Blanket Pattern
Big Love’ is a versatile, square crochet blanket pattern, seen here crochet in double knit yarn from the centre out. Customise this crochet project with your choice of colours and yarns.
The Big Love blanket can be worked into a large afghan, used as a throw, bedspread. Or, worked with a weightier yarn, could be made into a rug ,or even a bathmat. It’s super versatile!
Purchase the PDF Big Love Blanket Pattern from Ravelry, Etsy or Love Crafts
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If you prefer you can also make a similar pattern using lots of small squares rather than this one big one. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check out the Little Love linked crochet square tutorial.
The pattern starts with a magic ring (though a modification is given). It is worked in a square from the centre out, similar in construction to a granny square. Increases are made at the corners and the rounds are joined without turning.
Although the fabric resembles Tunisian Crochet, it actually uses linked treble crochet stitches (that’s UK linked double trebles).
The texture on the front and back is distinct and although there is a clear ‘right side’ I love the look of the back too. You can see both textures in the image below
If you like the look of this pattern but want to go smaller, why not check out the free crochet pattern for the ‘little love’ squares motif which uses a similar pattern to create smaller granny style squares which can be joined in any way you like.
This blanket is not designed or tested for use as a baby blanket and should therefore not be used as such.
Skills needed
Whilst the pattern is not overly complex, it uses techniques that you may not have seen before. There is a link to a stand alone tutorial for the linked treble stitch and a longer video tutorial which takes you through working the first few rounds.
I haven’t seen any other designs use this stitch pattern, and once I came to join the rounds I realised why…
If you join a linked treble using just a slip stitch then you end up with a big gap between the stitches…which kind of defeats the object of them being linked!
I did quite a bit of research to see if there was a common way to join linked stitches, but I came up empty handed. So, I developed my own joining stitch which effectively works a linked treble over the top of the starting chain.
All of this is clearly explained in the pattern and shown in the video tutorial which accompanies it.
Once you have worked a few rounds you will be on your way, but there are a few fiddly bits which may take a little getting used to.
This pattern is ideal for any crocheter who wants to try something new or is looking for a blanket pattern that’s a bit different to the norm.
Materials
The pattern can be worked with most yarns and yarn weights. I recommend going up a couple of hook sizes to get a nice drape to your fabric.
The sample you see here was worked with a 5mm hook and used approximately 1120m / 1230yds, 400g of Scheepjes Softfun dk.
This is a cotton blend double knit weight yarn (60% Cotton,40% Acrylic, 50g ball = 140m / 154yds).
I used the following shades and quantities;
- Main Colour (MC) 5 balls Canary (2518),
- Contrast Colour 1 (CC1): 2 balls Prussian (2401)
- Contrast Colour 2: (CC2): 1 balls Snow (2412)
Yarn amounts will vary for different blanket sizes.
I also recommend using place markers (or yarn scraps) to mark the chain spaces in the corners, until you get used to the pattern repeat.
Sizing
The blanket I made measured 80cm / 32in square. However, you can make it in any size you choose by changing up the yarn or working more / fewer repeats.
You can really get creative using different combinations of yarn and row repeats for this pattern. I’m planning on using the pattern to create a new doormat with some t-shirt yarn I have in my stash.
Whatever form it takes, make it with Big Love!
Happy Hooking
Dx
Purchase the Big Love Blanket from Ravelry, Etsy or Love Crafts
More centre-out crochet blanket patterns
For a similar minature, and free. version of this pattern, why not check out the Little Love Granny Squares pattern?
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Happy Hooking
D x
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I’m wondering why you don’t recommend this as a baby blanket. It seems the tightness of the linked stitches would make it perfect for baby blankets. There are no ‘holes’ to catch baby fingers. My first thought was ‘baby blanket’ when I saw the pattern. Please share your reasoning on this. Thanks
Because I don’t have children myself and don’t do any kind of safety testing on the finished product, I do not feel comfortable or qualified to recommend use of these designs for babies and small children.