Pied de poule inspired baby blanket

Pied de Poule Inspired Baby Blanket by Iris Nikolopoulou

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern creates a sophisticated baby blanket inspired by the classic pied de poule (houndstooth) design. The finished blanket measures 54.5 x 72.5 cm (21 3/8 x 28 ½ inches), making it an ideal size for a newborn or small child. Designed by independent designer Iris Nikolopoulou, this intermediate-level project combines traditional houndstooth patterning with modern Tunisian crochet techniques to create a contemporary yet timeless piece.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern utilizes Tunisian crochet, a hybrid technique that combines elements of both crochet and knitting. Tunisian crochet creates a denser, more structured fabric than traditional crochet, making it particularly suitable for baby blankets that require durability and a refined appearance. The pattern incorporates multiple Tunisian techniques to achieve the distinctive houndstooth effect.

The primary techniques employed in this project include:

• Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss) – used for the foundation rows and creates a smooth, even base
• Tunisian Houndstooth (Tht) – the signature stitch that produces the pied de poule pattern through alternating color work
• Tunisian Double Crochet (Tdc) – provides additional texture and structure

Complete instructions for each stitch technique are included within the pattern, making it accessible for crocheters who may be new to Tunisian methods. The pattern begins with 127 foundation chains worked in white using Tunisian simple stitch for 2 rows, followed by alternating 2-row sections of pink and white houndstooth stitch to build the characteristic geometric pattern.

Stitches and Construction

The blanket construction relies on a methodical color-blocking approach using the houndstooth stitch as the primary design element. The pattern alternates between pink and white yarn in 2-row increments, creating the visual illusion of interlocking geometric shapes that characterize the pied de poule design. This color work is achieved through strategic yarn placement within the Tunisian houndstooth stitch structure rather than traditional color changes, resulting in a seamless, integrated pattern.

The abbreviations used throughout the pattern are clearly defined:

• T = Tunisian
• ss = simple stitch
• ht = houndstooth
• bo = bind off
• sa = seam allowance
• Tdc = Tunisian double crochet

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Drops You 7 yarn, a 100% cotton, 5-ply sport weight yarn. This natural fiber choice is ideal for baby blankets, offering breathability, softness, and easy care. The yarn specifications are:

• Weight: Sport weight (5-ply)
• Fiber content: 100% cotton
• Yardage per skein: 170 meters / 185 yards
• Weight per skein: 50 grams / 1.764 ounces

The color palette consists of two colors:

• Pink (color 15) – 3 skeins (124 grams / 4.374 ounces)
• White (color 01) – 3 skeins (122 grams / 4.303 ounces)

Total yarn requirement is approximately 6 skeins, or roughly 1,020 meters of sport weight cotton yarn.

Tools and Gauge

Two hook sizes are required for this project:

• 3 mm crochet hook (UK size 11) – used for the initial Tunisian simple stitch foundation rows
• 3.5 mm Tunisian crochet hook (UK size 11) – used for the houndstooth stitch sections

The working gauge is 23 stitches x 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm (3.94 x 3.94 inches) when measured over the Tunisian houndstooth stitch. A gauge swatch of