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This pattern is available as an ad-free PDF in my Etsy and Ravelry shops!
Hi friends! I’ve mentioned more than a few times how neither of my kids, children of a crochet baby blanket lover, got a baby blanket when they were born. Whoops. I did make my son a graphgan of a bear cub (because we call him Cubby) that I finished a few months after he was born, and I’m working on a temperature blanket for my daughter to represent the first year of her life. (I’d like to do this for all my kids eventually, but let’s simmer down on the tons of ideas but no follow through thing, k?)
Well, third time’s a charm and I decided I was going to make this third babe of mine a blanket that would be ready for her when she arrives. Why I decided to get my shit together with two toddlers but not while I was pregnant with my first is beyond me. I’m just a fun enigma.
This year my focus is adding design elements through texture and stitchwork rather than the colorwork being the main design feature. I’ve recently seen and fallen in love with designs made through eyelets, and I wanted to make my new girl something elegant but modern using this technique! Specifically I was really feeling a unique spin on a diamond design. For some reason the diamond designs were channeling “Disney Castle” for me. I think there are some diamond pane windows there. And obviously we’re all Disney princesses so it just made sense.
I was also inspired by many makers who incorporated bobbles into their designs. Daisy Farm Crafts has a few blankets with bobble diamonds and bobble flowers that are just adorable. I’ve even seen some bobble diamonds inside eyelet diamonds. Wanting a more streamlined look I sketched out a design with bobbles at each corner of eyelet diamonds (*sketch will not be shown because it looks like a 3rd grader drew it). I swatched out quite a few to figure out what hook size I needed and how may rows my diamonds needed to be for my bobbles to turn up on the same side (spoiler: you need an odd number of rows from the end to middle per diamond).
Inserting those bobbles added an extra row between each diamond vertically, as well as a few extra stitches between them horizontally. The result was a by-product diamond between them that was larger than the ones edged by bobbles. I loved the variation it brought to the standard continuous diamond pattern.
Now you may be tired of me saying this, but I’m not a “pink” person. When I was pregnant with my first daughter I told everyone I would cut them out if they sent me anything bright pink or sparkly or God forbid if it had glitter. My daughter spent her first few months in her brother’s newborn sized hand-me-downs, but as I started to have to buy more stuff for her I warmed up to a lot of muted and blush pinks. They suit her pretty well anyway 🙂
When I went shopping for my SoCal Sunset blanket, I fell in love with the beautiful muted pink of Bernat Softee Baby “Soft Peach” color. I immediately decided that’s what I would make #3’s blanket out of and bought a couple skeins. For the record, it’s IMPOSSIBLE to photograph this amazing pink in the same light each time. Anyways I used the suggested 4 mm/G hook, which helped make my double crochets nice and close and my eyelets more pronounced. I didn’t want it too “lacy” all over, but rather have the eyelets and bobbles as stand-out features. Bonus is that Bernat Softee Baby is machine washable. Always a must for baby blankets of mine.
I did a very simple border that has some small eyelet-type details along the sides. Then I added some tassels to the short ends. I did a few experiments using my swatches to see which tassel/fringe I wanted, if any. I love the idea of combining the vintage look of the eyelets with tassels. I split the tassels and tied them together to make them blend with the diamonds of the pattern (unlike my SoCal Sunset blanket where the fringe is it’s own element).
This pattern looks intricate without having too much difficulty. You only need to know 2 stitches: double crochet and the bobble stitch. You will also be chaining 1 and skipping stitches to create the eyelets. This could definitely be done by a beginner!
It measures 25 x 34.5 inches (sans tassels), which is perfect for use as a car seat or stroller blanket, or just keeping baby warm on your lap, in a bouncer or [being supervised] on a play mat. Shameless plug for blanket safety here, even though this one is way breathable! Speaking of breathable, it’s perfect for my summer baby.
As usual, this pattern is available as an ad-free PDF in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
Diamonds & Dots Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern
Materials
- 3 skeins of category 3 yarn (I used approx 825 yards of Bernat Softee Baby in Soft Peach)
- 4 mm/G crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- 4 inch square of cardboard
- Scissors
Abbreviations
This pattern is written using US abbreviations.
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- dc5tog = double crochet 5 together (bobble stitch)
- sp = space
- st = stitch
Gauge
9 rows x 17 stitches per 4 x 4 inch square
Dimensions:
26 in x 34.5 in without tassels; 26 in x 45 in with tassels
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- When using double crochet, it is most common to ch 3 as a turning chain. I personally find it works better for me to chain 2 when using double crochet. This pattern will use ch 2 as the turning chain, however I suggest you create a small swatch to see if ch 2 or ch 3 works best for you.
- Your turning chain will count as the first stitch. For the entirety of the pattern, your first dc of the row will be in the 2nd stitch from the end.
- This pattern involves many ch 1s over skipped stitches. You will be crocheting into these chains on subsequent rows. To achieve the best spacing, dc into the actual chain, not the chain space. The chain will count as a stitch; for example if the pattern says “dc 5” and there is a ch on stitch #3, dc into that chain. Do not skip it.
Pattern
Chain 113.
Row 1: Dc into the 3rd ch from hook. Dc across the row (110 stitches + turning ch). Ch 2 and turn.
Row 2: Skip 1st st; dc 9. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc 17.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next st, dc 10. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 3: Skip 1st st, dc 8. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc, ch 1, skip next st, dc 15.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next st, dc, ch 1, skip next st, dc 9. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 4: Skip 1st st, dc 7. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc 3, ch 1, skip next st, dc 13.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next st, dc 3, ch 1, skip next st, dc 8. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 5: Skip 1st st, dc 6. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc 5, ch 1, skip next st, dc 11.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next st, dc 5, ch 1, skip next st, dc 7. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 6: Skip 1st st, dc 5. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc 7, ch 1, skip next st, dc 9.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next st, dc 7, ch 1, skip next st, dc 6. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 7: Skip 1st st, dc 4. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc 9, ch 1, skip next st, dc 7.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next st, dc 9, ch 1, skip next st, dc 5. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 8: Skip 1st st, dc 3. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc 11, ch 1, skip next st, dc 5.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next st, dc 11, ch 1, skip next st, dc 4. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 9: Skip 1st st, dc 2. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc 13, ch 1, skip next st, dc 1, dc5tog (bobble st), dc 1.* Repeat * 4 more times. Ch 1, skip next, dc 13, ch 1, skip next st, dc 3. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 10: Repeat Row 8.
Row 11: Repeat Row 7.
Row 12: Repeat Row 6.
Row 13: Repeat Row 5.
Row 14: Repeat Row 4.
Row 15: Repeat Row 3.
Row 16: Repeat Row 2.
Row 17: Skip 1st st. Dc 9, dc5tog (bobble), *dc 17, dc5tog.* Repeat * 4 more times. Dc 10. Ch 2 and turn.
Repeat Rows 2-17 four (4) more times, however on your last iteration, stop after repeating Row 16. You will have 5 complete vertical diamonds separated by bobble stitches. (The bobble stitches will only be BETWEEN the diamonds. There will not be a bobble stitch before the first diamond or after the last.)
Row 98 (final row): Dc across the row.
Border
Across the top: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 10. *Ch 1, sc 17.* Repeat * 4 more times. Sc 10.
Along the first side: At the corner, ch 1 and sc into the same st. Sc 2 into each ch 2 along that side created by either the last dc of the row or the turning chain (see picture). Continue to the end of the row. Sc into the corner st. Ch 1 and sc into the same stitch.
Along the second side: At the corner, ch 1 and sc into the same st. Repeat what you did along the first side. When you reach the corner, sl st into the corner st.
Tie off your yarn and cut. Weave in ends.
Tassels
Use a template 9-10 inches long (I used a medium sized notebook). Line up your yarn end with the base of the template and wind around 56 times. Cut the yarn along the bottom of the template. You will have 56 strands of yarn.
On each end of the blanket, insert and attach 4 strands. At the base of each diamond (you will have a ch 1 sp from the border to insert into) insert and attach 8 strands. Using 4 strands from each tassel, tie a knot to secure half of one tassel to the tassel next to it (see pictures). I recommend twisting the yarn before tying to help secure it and make it look neat. (This isn’t shown in the pictures below, but you can see it in the pictures of the finished blanket!)
Using a handheld steamer or steam feature on your iron, steam the tassels to straighten them out. Once straight, trim with scissors so that they are even.
Be sure to tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see your version!
Don’t forget I have this pattern available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
Pin the image below to save the pattern for reference later. And check out my other baby girl blankets: the Sweet Georgia heirloom blanket, the Meadow crib blanket, and the SoCal Sunset blanket.
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This is just lovely! I have a new niece due to arrive next month and I’m thinking this will be perfect.
Maybe one day I’ll pull out the blanket I started for my son before he was born. He’s almost three. 😂 So hopefully this blanket goes a little quicker. 😁
Thank you! And lol! I know how it goes. Hopefully you can knock this one out even with littles running around. I’d love to see!
I love this blanket and want to make it for my hairdresser who is expecting in about 3 months. Where can I get the written pattern to print?
I’m so glad you love it! I have a PDF version of this pattern in both my Etsy and Ravelry shops (linked up there in the blog post). I’d love to see what you make!
Did I do something wrong? My bobbles are on the back side. It IS row 9. Row 9 is the back side.
Also. Stumped on row 13. A repeat of row 5.
Pattern says ch2,6dc,ch1,sk1,11dc,ch1,sk1,dc5 etc however the spaces do not line up like the other rows. The ch1 space is off.
Please explain
Hello! When you’re completing the bobble rows, the bobbles will appear on the opposite side of the work from you. However they will all end up on the same side, so the true backside of the work is the side without the bobbles, if that makes sense. As long as they all end up on the same side it should turn out right. For rows 5 & 13, the pattern is close to what you typed out here, except the 11 dc and 5 dc are flip flopped. If you do ch 2, dc 6, ch 1, sk 1, dc 5, ch 1, sk 1, dc 11, and repeat, you should be good. Hope that helps! -Nicolle
Can you please give the instructions how to make the bobble stitch/dc5tog? Mine came out like a fan.
Hi! Are you keeping all the loops on the hook until the end, and then YO and pulling through all 6 loops at the same time? Also make sure you are completing half of the dc while making the bobble, no just pulling up a loop. Daisy Farm Crafts is one of my favorite for stitch tutorials and that may help as well: https://daisyfarmcrafts.com/bobble-stitch/
My “dots” tend to flatten easily instead of stand up. What do you think is the problem?
Hi! Are you inserting your hook into the same stitch all 5 times to make the bobble?
This blanket is so pretty. I was wanting to make bigger than 26 inches wide. What is the repeat stitch count to make wider? Thank you!
Hi! A few people have asked me this, I’ll try to update the post with the repeat. You’ll want to add 18 to the foundation chain for each additional diamond you want to add. It’s 17 for the diamond and 1 for the bobble. Hope that helps!
Hi, love the pattern! Please advise how to make the blanket bigger. By what multiple do you need to increase on the foundation chain. I want to make the blanket for my little girl who is 4 so I want it wider and longer.
TIA
I’m glad you like it! You’ll want to add 18 to the foundation chain for each additional diamond you want to add. It’s 17 for the diamond and 1 for the bobble. Then vertically just repeat the sequence as many additional times as needed to reach your desired length. Hope that helps!
Hello! Quick question everything was lining up until I got to row 9 and my bobbles end up in the wrong spot. The only thing i can think of is that I miscounted on the edge a few rows back. Should you ever be making a DC in the top of a turning chain? Thanks!
I’m loving making this blanket! I read your comments on how to make the bobble and I may be doing it correctly, but wanted to be sure.
I watched the link you provided, https://daisyfarmcrafts.com/bobble-stitch/ but she adds a sc in the next st after the bobble. Do you do that as well? I didn’t see that step in your instructions and didn’t want to miss a dc by doing something wrong.
Thanks so much for the pattern and for responding!
Hi! That’s a good point. In my pattern you do not make a single crochet to anchor the bobble. You will go right into the next dc after doing the dc5tog.
Awesome, because I didn’t and would have had to undo a couple of rows…lol. thanks!
Hi! I started this blanket today and I have reached row 14 but my blanket seems wider at the bottom. I have the right amount of stitches and everything lines up. Is it just that I may be crocheting tighter as I go or will it even out as I get further? Thanks!
Hi Maureen! This happens to me too; I think it’s just a tension thing. I sometimes avoid it by being very very attentive to the tension those first few rows, or even using a little tighter tension. I often find though that after adding a border and washing/blocking it’s hardly noticeable.
Thanks so much! Just finished and it came out so nice. I love it!
Hi there! I’m getting confused on row 17, every other row, you skip one stitch and work into the 2nd chain from the hook. But not row 17. Is this correct or a mistake in the pattern? Thank you!
Hi! You are right that is an oversight. Thanks for catching that! I will update it to add the skip first stitch. You’re turning chain will count as the first stitch for every row 🙂
What does it mean when you say the turning chain is the first stitch? So am I technically starting on the 3rd st from the hook?
Hi! You will be starting in the second stitch from hook. When you chain and turn, your chain is extending above the last stitch in the previous row. This stands as the first stitch in the row. Skip the first stitch and dc into the second one. I find this method gives me the straightest edges. Hope this helps!
I’m considering this for a baby blanket; however, I don’t want to include the tassles. To you have suggestions for a finishing border? Thank you!
Hi! Personally I love very very simple edges, so you could easily just complete the simple border in the pattern and call it complete before the instructions get to the tassel part.
Loved this pattern, thank you!