Plaid Picnic Blanket Applique

Plaid Picnic Blanket Crochet Applique by Kerri's Crochet

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern from Kerri's Crochet provides instructions for creating a plaid picnic blanket applique. The finished piece measures 10" x 9.5" (25cm x 24cm) and features a classic plaid design created through strategic color changes and stitch placement. This intermediate-level project is ideal for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with color transitions and applique techniques.

What Is Being Made

The Plaid Picnic Blanket Applique is a decorative crochet piece designed as an applique—a fabric element that can be attached to other items or used as a standalone blanket. The plaid pattern is achieved by working with three colors of yarn and alternating between them throughout the rows, creating the characteristic intersecting lines and color blocks typical of plaid designs.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key crochet techniques to achieve the plaid effect:

• Color changing: The pattern requires alternating between multiple yarn colors within and between rows. Rather than crocheting over unused yarn for entire rows, the designer cuts off contrast yarn at the end of each row, then crochets over the top of unused cotton when switching colors. This technique keeps the work neat and manageable.
• Row-by-row construction: The blanket is built in horizontal rows, with color changes strategically placed to create the plaid pattern.
• Applique application: As an applique pattern, the finished piece is designed to be attached to other projects or garments.

Stitches Used

The Plaid Picnic Blanket Applique pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches:

• Chain stitch (ch): Used to create the foundation chain. The initial chain must be divisible by 6 to accommodate the plaid pattern repeat. The pattern begins with 90 chains for the finished size.
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the blanket, worked in groups to create the plaid blocks.
• Single crochet (sc): Used as indicated in the pattern instructions.
• Slip stitch (sl st): Employed for joining and finishing techniques.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for 4 ply crochet cotton in three coordinating colors to create the plaid effect. The designer used a 1.25mm crochet hook for the finished sample. Additional materials include scissors for cutting yarn and a darning needle for weaving in ends.

The pattern is adaptable to different yarn weights and finished sizes—any weight yarn can be substituted, and the blanket can be made larger or smaller by adjusting the initial chain length, provided it remains divisible by 6 to maintain the plaid pattern repeat.

Pattern Format and Difficulty

This is an intermediate-level pattern presented as a downloadable PDF. The intermediate difficulty reflects the need to manage multiple color changes, follow row-by-row instructions, and execute color transitions smoothly. A video tutorial is available on Kerri's Crochet YouTube channel to supplement the written instructions, making it accessible for visual learners.