Friendship Blanket

Friendship Blanket by Michelle Ferguson

Project Overview

The Friendship Blanket is a beginner-friendly crochet design created by independent designer Michelle Ferguson. This downloadable crochet pattern produces a cozy throw blanket suitable for gifting or personal use, with a finished preemie size of 24" x 24". The design showcases a thoughtful use of two contrasting yarn colors to create visual interest and depth in the finished piece.

What You'll Create

This pattern results in a finished blanket measuring 24" x 24" in preemie dimensions. The blanket is designed as an accessible project for crocheters new to the craft, making it an ideal choice for beginners looking to complete a meaningful handmade gift. The two-color construction allows crafters to experiment with color blocking and contrast techniques while maintaining straightforward stitch work throughout.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Friendship Blanket employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginner skill levels. The pattern utilizes several essential stitches to build the blanket structure:

• Chain stitches (ch) – The foundation of the blanket, creating the base loops upon which subsequent rows are built
• Single crochet (sc) – A basic, tight stitch that provides structure and density to the fabric
• Extended single crochet (esc) – A variation of single crochet that creates slightly taller stitches, adding dimension to the design. This stitch is worked by inserting the hook into a stitch, yarning over and pulling up a loop, yarning over and pulling through one loop, then yarning over and pulling through both remaining loops
• Extended half double crochet (ehdc) – Another extended variation that provides additional height and drape. This stitch begins with a yarn over before inserting the hook, creating three loops on the hook before completing the stitch through multiple yarn-over passes
• Back loop only (blo) technique – A method of working into only the back loop of stitches, which creates a textured ridge effect and adds visual interest to the blanket surface

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Friendship Blanket requires a total of 808 yards of worsted weight yarn (#4) divided between two colors: 458 yards for the main color (MC) and 348 yards for the contrasting color (CC). The pattern is shown worked in Brava 500 yarn in Mint 28330 for the main color and Chroma Worsted in Fathoms 28045 for the contrasting color, though any worsted weight yarn in your chosen colors will work for this design.

Tools and Notions

To complete this project, you will need an I/9 (5.5mm) crochet hook, which pairs appropriately with worsted weight yarn for the intended gauge. Additional supplies include scissors for cutting yarn, a measuring tape for checking dimensions and gauge, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches by 11 rows over 4 inches when worked within the stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is important for ensuring your finished blanket reaches the intended 24" x 24" preemie dimensions. The gauge measurement helps crocheters understand the density and drape of the finished fabric and allows for adjustments if needed.

Difficulty Level

Rated as easy and beginner-appropriate, the Friendship Blanket pattern is designed for crocheters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward project. The combination of basic and extended stitches provides gentle skill-building opportunities without overwhelming complexity, making this an excellent choice for gift-giving projects or practice pieces.