Hearts & Diamonds Snuggle

Hearts & Diamonds Snuggle Blanket by Donielle Oliver Showvay

Project Overview

The Hearts & Diamonds Snuggle Blanket is an intermediate-level crochet project designed by independent designer Donielle Oliver Showvay. This cozy throw blanket features a distinctive textured pattern created through strategic use of cluster stitches that form hearts and diamonds across the fabric. The finished blanket measures 17 inches by 17 inches (excluding fringe), making it an ideal size for a personal snuggle blanket or decorative throw.

Materials & Tools

Yarn: This project requires 1000 yards of sport weight (4-ply) baby yarn, offering a soft and delicate finish suitable for sensitive skin or gifting purposes.

Crochet Hook: A Size G/6 (4.25mm) crochet hook is used throughout the project.

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 17 stitches by 19 rows equaling 4 inches, which is important for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Techniques & Construction Method

This blanket employs an unconventional construction technique that sets it apart from traditional crochet blankets. Rather than turning your work at the end of each row, you will crochet from right to left with the right side showing throughout the entire project. Each row begins at the right side with a 4-5 inch tail left unsecured, continues across the front of the blanket, and concludes with fastening off and leaving another 4-5 inch tail at the end. This method creates a unique fabric structure and produces fringe naturally as part of the construction process.

Stitches Used

Cluster Stitch (clst): This is the signature stitch of the Hearts & Diamonds Snuggle Blanket. The cluster stitch is created by inserting the hook into both loops of the next stitch and pulling up a loop, wrapping the hook once with yarn, then inserting the hook into both loops again of the same stitch and pulling up another loop. Finally, you wrap the yarn and pull through all loops on the hook. This technique creates small bumps in the fabric that collectively form the heart and diamond pattern across the blanket.

Single Crochet (sc): Single crochet stitches are used as supporting stitches throughout the pattern. These are worked by inserting the hook into the back loop only of the next stitch, pulling up a loop, wrapping the hook once with yarn, and pulling the loop through both loops on the hook.

Difficulty Level & Skill Requirements

Rated as an intermediate project, the Hearts & Diamonds Snuggle Blanket is suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond basic stitches. The intermediate classification reflects the need to understand cluster stitch construction and manage the unique row-by-row fastening-off technique that differs from standard blanket construction methods.