Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket

Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket by Kristine Mullen

What is Being Made

The Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket is a small, cozy crocheted blanket designed specifically for preemies, measuring 18 inches wide by 20 inches long. This compact blanket is perfect for newborns in neonatal care settings or as a delicate gift for a new baby. The finished project showcases beautiful color blocking using two coordinating yarn colors worked in a Tunisian crochet technique, creating a fabric with distinctive texture and visual interest.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using Tunisian crochet, a hybrid technique that combines elements of both traditional crochet and knitting. Tunisian crochet produces a dense, fabric-like material that is thicker and more structured than standard crochet work. A key feature of this pattern is that there is no turning during the project—all rows are worked with the right side facing, which simplifies the construction process and makes it ideal for beginners. The blanket uses a straight Tunisian hook, though the pattern notes that you can alternatively use either a pull-up loop Tunisian hook or a cable hook, depending on your preference and available tools.

Stitches Used

The Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket employs specialized Tunisian stitches that create its signature appearance:

• Tss (Tunisian Simple Stitch) - The foundation stitch for this project. This stitch is executed by inserting the hook behind the vertical bar, yarning over, and pulling through a loop. The Tunisian Simple Stitch creates a compact, textured fabric that is characteristic of Tunisian crochet work.
• RetP (Return Pass) - This pass completes each row in Tunisian crochet. The Return Pass involves yarning over and pulling through one loop, then repeating the sequence of yarning over and pulling through two loops across the row until only one stitch remains on the hook. This pass is essential to the Tunisian crochet structure.
• Tss bo (Tunisian Simple Stitch Bind Off) - The finishing stitch used to secure the final row and complete the blanket. This bind-off method ensures a neat, finished edge.

Materials and Tools

The Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket is worked in chunky/bulky weight yarn (#5), which allows the project to work up quickly and creates a substantial, cozy fabric appropriate for a preemie blanket. The sample shown was created using Yarn Bee Sweet Delight Chunky Baby yarn in two coordinating colors: Pink-a-Boo Marled (Color A) and Toy Elephant Marled (Color B), each requiring 100 yards. This yarn choice is specifically formulated for baby projects, ensuring softness and safety for delicate newborn skin.

For tools, the pattern requires a Tunisian hook in size N/15 (10 mm). The pattern notes that you can use a regular crochet hook for the bind-off row if preferred. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing the blanket. If the bind-off row becomes too loose or wide, the pattern suggests going down one hook size to achieve a tighter, more refined edge.

Gauge and Customization

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 10 stitches by 8.5 rows equaling 4 inches. An important feature of this design is its flexibility—the pattern can be adjusted by adding any number of stitches to customize the blanket size while maintaining the same proportions and stitch structure. This adaptability makes it suitable for crafters who may want to create a slightly larger or smaller version depending on their needs.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly project, the Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket is an excellent introduction to Tunisian crochet techniques. The straightforward construction, absence of turning, and use of basic Tunisian stitches make it accessible to newer crafters while still producing a professional-looking, textured finished piece.