I’ve been seeing so many gorgeous Cottagecore baby girl nurseries lately, with all those dreamy ruffles and scallops everywhere, and I just had to make a blanket that fit right in. This crochet ruffle rows baby blanket is the result, and I am so happy with how frilly and sweet it turned out. It uses a simple mesh stitch base with ruffle rows worked right in, so it looks so much more complicated than it actually is. If you’re looking for a soft, pretty baby blanket with a lot of personality, this is the one.
Materials and Tools
- Bernat Softee Baby Cotton (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 120 g/4.2 oz, 232 m/254 yds), 4 skeins in Soft Plum
- Size G / 4.00mm crochet hook
- Size H / 5.00mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
The Bernat Softee Baby Cotton is the same yarn base as regular Bernat Softee Cotton, so if you want to use a different colorway from the standard Softee Cotton line, that works perfectly here too. There are so many beautiful pastel shades to choose from.
Gauge and Finished Size
Gauge: 4 inches = 11 stitches and 16 rows of pattern
Finished Size: 25 inches x 29 inches
Getting your gauge right will help make sure your crochet ruffle rows baby blanket comes out close to the finished size. The two-hook system used in this pattern is part of what creates that lovely open mesh texture, so it is worth paying attention to.
Pattern Notes
This pattern uses two different hook sizes in the same project. You start with the smaller G hook for the foundation chain and first row, then switch to the larger H hook for all the mesh stitch rows and ruffle rows. The larger hook is what gives the mesh that nice open, airy look.
The ruffle rows are created by working a shell-style stitch into the mesh, then folding the ruffle down toward the front of your work before continuing with the mesh on the next row. It sounds a little tricky the first time, but once you do it once it clicks right away.
The pattern repeat is any even number that is also an odd number when divided by 2. The starting chain of 118 fits this requirement.
Abbreviations
- SC = Single Crochet
- DC = Double Crochet
- SL ST = Slip Stitch
- CH = Chain
- ST = Stitch
- YO = Yarn Over
Special Stitches
Single Crochet (SC): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook.
Slip Stitch (SL ST): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop and pull it directly through the loop already on your hook.
Double Crochet (DC): Yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
Pattern Instructions
Foundation
With your size G / 4.00mm hook, chain 118.
The pattern repeat is any even number that is an odd number when divided by 2.
Row 1
Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1 SC in each chain across. Chain 1 and turn.
Rows 2 Through 11 (Mesh Stitch)
Row 2: Switch to your size H / 5.00mm hook. Work 1 SC in the first stitch, then chain 1. Skip 1 stitch, then work SC, chain 1 into the next stitch. Repeat from across the row. After working the last SC, chain 1 and turn.
Rows 3 through 11: SC into the SC of the previous row, chain 1, skip over the chain space, SC into the next SC. Repeat from across the row, ending with 1 SC into the last SC. Chain 1 and turn.
Row 12 (Ruffle Row)
Work 1 SL ST into the first SC of the previous row. Skip over the chain space, then work 4 DC into the next SC. Skip over the chain space, then work 1 SL ST into the next SC. Repeat from across the row. Chain 1 and turn.
Row 13 (Continuing Mesh After Ruffle)
Fold the ruffle row down toward the front of your work. Resume working the mesh stitch, inserting your hook into the same spaces you just worked into when working row 12. This is what creates the ruffle effect. The ruffle folds forward and the mesh continues behind it.
Rows 14 Through 23
Repeat row 3, working the mesh stitch across all rows.
Continuing the Pattern
Repeat rows 12 through 23 until your blanket measures approximately 28 inches or your desired length. You want 11 rows of mesh stitch between each ruffle row. End the blanket by finishing with 11 rows of mesh stitch after your last ruffle row.
Border
The border on this crochet ruffle rows baby blanket uses the same mesh and ruffle technique, so it ties everything together beautifully.
Round 1: After working your last row, chain 1 and begin working down the side of your blanket. Work 1 round of mesh stitch all the way around the blanket, working 3 SC in each corner to keep the corners neat and flat.
Round 2: Slip stitch into the starting corner stitch. Skip 1 stitch and work 4 DC into the next stitch. Skip 1 stitch, work 1 SL ST into the next stitch, skip 1 stitch, work 4 DC into the next stitch. Repeat from around the entire blanket. Do your best to insert your hook into the SC spaces from the previous round rather than the chain 1 spaces. Slip stitch into the starting corner, then tie off and weave in your ends.
Tips
The two-hook method might feel a little unusual if you have not done it before. Using the smaller hook for the foundation keeps the base chain from getting too loose, while the larger hook creates that open, floaty mesh texture for the rest of the blanket. Stick with both and you will see how the tension works out just right.
When you get to row 13, take a moment to make sure the ruffle is folded all the way to the front before you start crocheting. If it is not folded down properly, the ruffle will not stand out the way it should.
Weaving in ends as you go can make the finishing process a lot less overwhelming. With 4 skeins of yarn, there will be a few joins to deal with, so tucking them in along the way saves time at the end.
If you want to make this blanket in a different size, just keep in mind the chain count needs to be an even number that becomes an odd number when divided by 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn is used for the crochet ruffle rows baby blanket? This blanket is made with Bernat Softee Baby Cotton in Soft Plum. It is a cotton-acrylic blend that is soft, breathable, and perfect for baby items. You can also use any color from the regular Bernat Softee Cotton line since it is the same yarn base.
What skill level is this pattern? This pattern is suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches like single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. The mesh stitch and ruffle technique are easy to pick up after the first repeat.
Why does this pattern use two different hook sizes? The smaller G hook is used for the foundation chain and first row to keep the edge neat and firm. The larger H hook is used throughout the rest of the pattern to create the open mesh texture that makes the ruffles look so pretty.
How do I make the ruffle rows work correctly? After completing a ruffle row, fold the ruffle down toward the front of your work before starting the next row. Then insert your hook into the same stitch spaces you just worked into on the ruffle row to continue the mesh behind it. It feels a little different the first time but becomes very natural after the first repeat.
Can I adjust the size of this blanket? Yes, you can make it wider or longer. To adjust the width, change your starting chain count as long as you follow the pattern repeat rule: the chain count must be an even number that becomes an odd number when divided by 2. To adjust the length, simply add or subtract repeat sets of rows 12 through 23.
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