Round and Round Baby Blanket - Free Crochet Pattern For Babies in Paintbox Yarns Baby DK Prints by Paintbox Yarns

Round and Round Baby Blanket – Free Crochet Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Baby DK Prints

This Round and Round Baby Blanket is a free, downloadable crochet pattern designed by Paintbox Yarns and worked in their exclusive Paintbox Yarns Baby DK Prints yarn. The finished blanket is a charming square measuring 23½ in / 60 cm × 23½ in / 60 cm, making it an ideal size for a newborn or young baby — perfect as a pram blanket, crib cover, or a heartfelt handmade gift.

What Is Being Made

The project is a baby blanket worked entirely in the round, growing outward from a small foundation chain at the center. This construction method creates a seamless, flat square shape that radiates from a central point — giving the blanket its distinctive "round and round" character. The square format and compact finished dimensions make it practical for everyday baby use while remaining manageable and enjoyable to crochet.

Techniques Used

• Worked in the round: The blanket begins with a foundation chain of 4 stitches joined with a slip stitch to form a ring, then grows outward round by round. Working in the round eliminates the need to turn the work at the end of each row and creates a continuous, smooth fabric.
• Joining rounds: Each round is closed with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain, keeping the structure neat and even.
• Chain spaces: Corner chain-2 spaces are used to build the square shape, a classic technique in granny-square and corner-building crochet construction.
• Beginner-friendly construction: Rated as a beginner pattern, the design relies on simple, repetitive stitch sequences that are easy to memorize, making it an excellent project for those new to crochet or to working in the round.

Stitches Used

• Half double crochet (hdc) — referred to in UK terminology as half treble (htr): This is the primary stitch used throughout the blanket. The half double crochet sits between a single and a double crochet in height, producing a fabric that is slightly taller and more flexible than single crochet, yet still dense and cozy — ideal for a baby blanket.
• Chain stitch (ch): Used to begin each round (the starting chain-2 counts as the first hdc/htr throughout) and to form the corner chain-2 spaces that shape the square.
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used both to form the initial foundation ring and to join each completed round.

Note: The pattern is written in US crochet terminology, with UK equivalents provided in italics within round brackets throughout the instructions.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Baby DK Prints — 5 balls × 1¾ oz / 50g in the colorway Misty Forest. This is a DK weight yarn, which strikes a lovely balance between drape and stitch definition, and the print colorway adds gentle, variegated color interest without requiring any color-changing techniques.
• Crochet hook: US G/6 (4mm) hook, which is the standard size recommended for DK weight yarn and the hook used to achieve the stated gauge.
• Notions: Scissors and a large-eyed tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 13 stitches and 13 rows to a 4 in / 10 cm square worked in pattern using a US G/6 (4mm) hook. Achieving the correct gauge is important for reaching the intended finished dimensions of 23½ × 23½ in / 60 × 60 cm. Paintbox Yarns notes that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, and the pattern is designed specifically for use with Paintbox Yarns Baby DK Prints.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

The Round and Round Baby Blanket is an ideal project for beginner crocheters looking to