Striped Thicket Stitch Blanket

Striped Thicket Stitch Blanket by Ashley Parker

What Is Being Made

The Striped Thicket Stitch Blanket is a children's crochet throw designed by Ashley Parker. This finished blanket measures approximately 44 inches tall by 34 inches wide, making it an ideal size for a child's bed or as a cozy wrap. The blanket features a classic striped color pattern alternating between Burgundy and Whipped Cream, creating visual interest and dimension in the final piece.

Skill Level and Suitability

This project is rated at Beginner skill level, making it an excellent choice for crocheters who are new to the craft or looking for a straightforward, rewarding project. The pattern uses fundamental crochet techniques and stitches that are easy to master, allowing beginners to build confidence while creating a substantial, functional blanket.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Striped Thicket Stitch Blanket employs several essential crochet techniques that are foundational to the craft:

• Foundation Chain: The pattern begins with a foundation chain of 72 stitches, which establishes the width of the blanket.
• Color Changes: The blanket incorporates strategic color changes throughout the pattern, transitioning between Burgundy and Whipped Cream yarn at designated rows to create the striped effect.
• Stitch Repetition: The core technique involves repeating a specific stitch pattern across each row, with instructions marked by asterisks (*) to indicate which sections should be repeated throughout.
• Yarn Management: Proper weaving in of yarn ends using a tapestry needle is included to finish the blanket professionally.

Stitches Used

The Striped Thicket Stitch Blanket uses three primary crochet stitches:

• Chain (CH): Used to create the foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern.
• Single Crochet (SC): A fundamental short stitch that creates a tight, dense fabric and is worked in combination with double crochet stitches.
• Double Crochet (DC): A taller stitch that adds height and texture to the fabric. The pattern combines single crochet and double crochet stitches in pairs to create the distinctive thicket stitch texture.

The thicket stitch itself is created by alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches in the same stitch space, with skipped stitches between each pair. This creates an open, textured pattern that is both visually appealing and relatively simple to execute.

Materials and Tools

This project requires super chunky yarn weight, specifically Bernat Blanket brand yarn. The pattern calls for 4 skeins total: 2 skeins in Burgundy and 2 skeins in Whipped Cream. The super chunky weight yarn creates quick, satisfying progress and results in a soft, cozy finished blanket.

Additional supplies include a 10 mm crochet hook, which is appropriately sized for the super chunky yarn weight and allows for comfortable, quick stitching. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends, and basic scissors complete the tool requirements.

Pattern Structure and Gauge

The blanket pattern is organized into clearly defined rows with specific instructions for the foundation row and subsequent rows. The gauge is established at 9 stitches across by 7 rows equaling a 4-inch square, which helps ensure the finished blanket reaches the intended dimensions. The pattern uses standard crochet abbreviations (CH, SC, DC, FO) and clearly marks repeating sections with asterisks for easy following.

Design Features

The striped design alternates color blocks in a balanced, rhythmic pattern. The blanket begins with Burgundy, transitions to Whipped Cream, returns to Burgundy, and finishes with Whipped Cream, creating a harmonious color progression. The thicket stitch texture adds visual depth and tactile interest to the simple striped color scheme, elevating the blanket beyond a basic striped design.