Citrus Stripe Blanket

Citrus Stripe Blanket by Susan Carlson

Project Overview

The Citrus Stripe Blanket is a beginner-friendly crochet throw designed by Susan Carlson. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a vibrant, striped blanket measuring 32 inches wide by 42 inches long with border included. The design features a cheerful color palette inspired by citrus fruits, making it an ideal project for crafters new to crochet who want to practice fundamental techniques while creating a functional home accessory.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a rectangular crochet blanket with horizontal stripes in multiple colors. The finished blanket with border measures 32 inches (81 centimeters) by 42 inches (107 centimeters), making it suitable as a throw for a couch, chair, or bed. The striped construction creates visual interest while remaining accessible for beginners.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Citrus Stripe Blanket employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The pattern utilizes basic stitches worked in rows, with color changes incorporated throughout the design. Crafters will practice joining techniques using slip stitches to designated stitches, which is essential for creating clean transitions between sections. The pattern includes instructions for fastening off old colors and drawing new colors through on the final yarn over of the last stitch of each row, teaching proper color-change methodology. The blanket features a border that frames the striped body, adding a finished appearance to the piece.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) — Used to create the foundation and starting chain
• Double crochet (dc) — The primary stitch used throughout the blanket body
• Single crochet (sc) — Used in the border construction
• Slip stitch — Used for all joining, connecting sections with clean, invisible seams

Yarn Materials

The Citrus Stripe Blanket pattern calls for two yarn brands in complementary weights:

Baby Bee Sweet Delight (primary yarn, 60% acrylic and 40% polyamide blend):

• Carrots (Color A) — 1 skein of 4 ounces / 115 grams
• Mint Charm (Color B) — 3 skeins of 377 yards / 345 meters total
• Naked (Color C) — 1 skein of 4 ounces / 115 grams
• Babygold (Color D) — 1 skein
• Limeade (Color E) — 1 skein

Bernat Baby Sport (supplementary yarn, 100% acrylic):

• Baby Taupe (Color F) — 1 skein of 10.5 ounces / 300 grams (1077 yards / 984 meters)

Both yarns are classified as DK and sport weight, lightweight options ideal for creating soft, drape-friendly blankets. The combination of acrylic and acrylic-polyamide blends makes this project easy-care and durable for frequent washing.

Tools Required

• Crochet Hook — Size G (4.0 millimeters)
• Tapestry or yarn needle — For weaving in ends and finishing

Pattern Flexibility and Customization

The Citrus Stripe Blanket pattern offers flexibility for crafters who wish to customize their project. The starting chain can be adjusted to create different blanket widths by working in multiples of 3 plus 2 stitches, allowing makers to create a smaller or larger throw as desired. Additionally, the height of individual stripes can be altered by increasing or decreasing the number of repeats of the pattern row, giving crafters control over stripe prominence and overall blanket proportions.

Gauge Considerations

Notably, gauge is not critical to this project, making it an excellent choice for beginners who may struggle with consistent tension. This relaxed approach to gauge means that slight variations in individual crochet tension will not significantly impact the finished blanket's appearance or functionality, reducing frustration for new crafters.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Cit