Super Soft Granny Baby Blanket in Lion Brand Velvetspun and Babysoft - Downloadable PDF

Super Soft Granny Baby Blanket in Lion Brand Velvetspun and Babysoft – Free Crochet Pattern Overview

This free downloadable crochet pattern from Lion Brand Yarn (Pattern Number 40720) guides crafters through creating a beautifully soft, square baby blanket measuring 37½ inches wide by 37½ inches long (95 x 95 cm). Designed with beginners in mind at a Skill Level: Easy (Level 2), this project is an ideal introduction to classic crochet construction while producing a genuinely heirloom-quality keepsake for a new arrival.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a square baby blanket worked in the beloved granny square tradition. Granny-style construction is one of crochet's most iconic and enduring techniques, typically built from the center outward using clusters of double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces. The result is an open, lacy-looking fabric with a structured, geometric feel that is both lightweight and cozy — perfect for a nursery or as a baby shower gift. At nearly 38 inches square, this blanket is generously sized for a crib, stroller, or tummy-time mat.

Techniques Used

• Granny square construction: The defining technique of this pattern, worked from the center outward in rounds. Granny squares are joined or expanded to create the full blanket dimensions.
• Working in rounds: Crochet is worked in continuous or joined rounds rather than rows, which is a foundational skill for any crocheter to develop.
• Color changes: The pattern incorporates multiple yarn colors, meaning crafters will practice switching between colors at round joins — an essential technique for colorwork projects.
• Joining motifs or expanding a single large granny: Whether the design uses multiple joined squares or one large expanding granny, the construction method teaches spatial awareness and neat finishing.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): The foundational stitch used to start rounds and create the corner chain spaces characteristic of granny construction.
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and move yarn into position without adding height.
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch of granny-style crochet, worked in clusters of three to form the solid sections of each motif.
• Chain spaces: Open spaces formed by chain stitches between double crochet clusters, giving the granny pattern its signature airy, lattice-like appearance.

Materials – Yarn

This pattern is specifically designed to showcase two Lion Brand yarn lines used together, creating a uniquely tactile and visually appealing fabric:

• Lion Brand Velvetspun (Article #580): A super chunky, 100% polyester yarn with a plush, velvety texture that gives the blanket its signature softness. It comes in 3.00 oz / 85 g pull skeins yielding approximately 54 yards / 49 meters per skein. The pattern calls for:
  • 580-156 Pastel Green – 3 balls (Color A)
  • 580-106 Bluebell – 3 balls (Color B)
• Lion Brand Babysoft (Article #920): A DK weight yarn with a soft, baby-friendly fiber blend (60% acrylic / 40% nylon in solids and prints). Babysoft is a longtime Lion Brand staple known for its gentle hand and washability, making it ideal for infant items. The pattern specifies Pastel colorway for this yarn as well.

The combination of super chunky Velvetspun and DK weight Babysoft worked together is what gives this blanket its name — the two yarns held or used in alternating rounds create an exceptionally soft, dimensional fabric that is gentle against a baby's delicate skin.

Needles and Hooks

Because this pattern combines a super chunky yarn with a DK weight yarn, the recommended crochet hook size would be suited to accommodate both yarn weights as used in