Crochet Diagonal Pattern Baby Blanket in Lion Brand Homespun

Crochet Diagonal Pattern Baby Blanket in Lion Brand Homespun

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Lion Brand Yarn guides crochet enthusiasts through creating a charming diagonal baby blanket that measures a generous 33 inches square — a perfect size for swaddling, stroller use, or nursery décor. Rated as an Easy skill level, this project is well-suited to confident beginners and intermediate crocheters looking for a satisfying, rhythmic make with a distinctive angled texture.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a square baby blanket worked on the diagonal, meaning construction begins at one corner and expands outward row by row until the widest point is reached, then decreases symmetrically back down to the opposite corner. This technique produces a beautiful diagonal fabric structure that differs visually from a traditionally worked blanket and gives the finished piece a dynamic, angled appearance. The 33-inch square dimensions make it generously sized for infant use.

Construction Technique

The blanket is worked using a corner-to-corner diagonal construction method, which is a popular crochet technique prized for its satisfying progression and visual interest. The work begins with a foundation chain of 5 stitches joined into a ring, establishing the very first corner of the blanket. From this small starting point, each row increases by two single crochet stitches, building the fabric outward at a 45-degree angle.

This increase phase continues from Row 1 through Row 51, at which point the blanket reaches its widest point with 103 single crochet stitches across. The pattern then transitions into a decrease phase beginning at Row 52, where stitches are reduced symmetrically on each row until the opposite corner is completed. A subtle but important construction detail is the use of a chain-3 turning chain throughout the increase rows, which shifts to a chain-2 turning chain at the end of Row 51 to facilitate the decrease section.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) — used for the foundation ring and turning chains throughout
• Slip stitch (sl st) — used to join the initial chain into a ring at the very start
• Single crochet (sc) — the primary stitch forming the body of the blanket, worked across each row
• Half double crochet (hdc) — used at the end of each row in combination with a chain-1 space to create the neat corner edge and turning structure

The combination of single crochet as the main fabric stitch and half double crochet at the row edges is a clever structural choice: it keeps the blanket fabric dense and soft while creating a tidy, defined border along the diagonal edges. The chain-1 space paired with the hdc at each row end also serves as the anchor point for the following row's first single crochet, maintaining clean stitch alignment throughout the piece.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 single crochet stitches and 11 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Checking gauge is emphasized in the pattern, as achieving the correct tension is essential to reaching the intended 33-inch square finished dimensions. Gauge swatching is always recommended before beginning, particularly when working with a textured or bulky yarn.

Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Lion Brand Homespun yarn, a well-known bulky-weight yarn celebrated for its soft, chenille-like texture and cozy drape — qualities that make it particularly appealing for baby blankets and home accessories. The sample shown uses 3 balls of Lion Brand Homespun in colorway #348 Gazebo, though the pattern notes that any color of choice may be substituted, allowing for easy personalization.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun, 3 balls — shown in #348 Gazebo
• Hook: Size K-10½ (6.50 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge

Lion Brand Homespun is a thick, textured yarn that works up quickly on a