Hi guys! We have officially entered the Fall season, which means that it is time to get cozy. And nothing screams “cozy”, like a handmade crochet blanket. So without further ado, please allow me to introduce the Zig and Zag Crochet Blanket.
This beautiful textured throw looks more complicated than it is. It uses the single crochet and Spike stitch to create a fun zig-zag triangle pattern, and follows a 4-row repeat. So once you get the hang of the first few rows, it’s smooth sailing!
Another fun feature of this blanket is that the border is crocheted at the same time as the body of the blanket! This helps the blanket work up faster.
If you prefer to print the pattern, the ad-free printable PDF includes a complete video tutorial and instructions for 7 blanket sizes (Baby to King)!
Otherwise, the free pattern below, shows you how to crochet a lapghan sized blanket (44″ x 52″), with instructions to make a custom size.
Pin this Zig Zag Crochet Blanket – HERE!
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Crochet Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
- There are step-by-step pictures and helpful tips included below.
- The ad-free printable PDF also includes a complete video tutorial for extra support.
Materials:
- 6.5mm crochet hook
- 7.0 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Steamer, Iron with a Steam Setting, or Spray Bottle (Optional)
- Blocking Mats (Optional)
- Blocking Pins or Straight Pins (Optional)
Yarn:
- Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 232 yd / 212 m, 5 oz / 142 g) – Kale
- Yarn Note: You can use ANY medium 4 (worsted/aran) weight yarn as a substitute.
Yardage:
- Number of Skeins: 12
- Total Yards: 2715 yds / 2483 m
The Ad-free Printable PDF for the Zig and Zag Blanket includes a complete video tutorial and sizing instructions for 7 blanket sizes (Baby, Lapghan, Small Throw, Medium Throw, Large Throw, Queen, and King).
The Blanket Making Process:
If you’re curious about how the Zig and Zag Crochet Blanket came to be, I shared my progress from start to finish, in this post here.
Can I Use Multiple Colours for this Project?
Absolutely! This stitch looks beautiful in multiple colours because it highlights the zig-zag triangle pattern. Here is an example of how this stitch looks when worked in 4 colours – the Zig and Zag Potholder uses the same stitch combination and changes colour every 4 rows.
I encourage you to take this pattern and make it your own. Whether you choose to use 1 colour, or multiple, I’m sure your blanket will turn out beautifully.
Blanket Construction and Features:
- The Zig and Zag blanket uses a combination of the single crochet and spike stitch to create a zig-zag triangle pattern on the right side, and a spike stitch pattern on the wrong side.
- The border is crocheted at the same time as the body of the blanket! This makes the blanket quick and easy to work up because you don’t have to worry about adding a border or trying to crochet along the raw edge, once you finish the body.
- The spike stitches overlap, which creates a thick, dense, and warm blanket. This is a perfect stitch for colder weather blankets.
Abbreviations:
Gauge: Approximately 12 sts x 16.5 rows in 4” x 4”
The gauge holds true for all rows – including the spike and sc2tog rows.
Recommendation:
I recommend making a practice swatch first to get the hang of the stitches. Loose and consistent tension is key for this blanket, so practice first. You’ll be able to work out the kinks before starting your blanket, as well as check your gauge. Win-win!
Practice Swatch:
Ch 18
Follow the instructions for Rows 1 – 20 of the baby blanket size. Here is the stitch count for each row:
- Rows 1 – 6: 17 sc
- Row 7: 11 sc, 6 Spike
- Row 8: 17 sc
Trouble with Gauge?
If your gauge is too small (more than 12 sts or 16.5 rows), try using a thicker weight 4 yarn or a larger crochet hook. If your gauge is too big (more than 12 sts or 16.5 rows), try using a thinner weight 4 yarn or a smaller crochet hook. You can also try adjusting your tension.
Pattern Measurements:
The Zig and Zag Crochet Blanket is a lapghan sized blanket that measures 44″ wide by 52″ long, and has a 2″ thick border. To create your own custom sized blanket, you can find instructions below.
- Size: Lapghan
- Width: 44″
- Length: 52″
- Border Thickness: 2″
How to Customize the Size of Your Blanket:
Here is how you can create your own custom blanket size:
Width: The width of the blanket is determined by the starting chain. Chain an even number, until satisfied with the width.
Border/Length of Blanket: Choose your desired border thickness. Ex. I want my blanket to have a 3” thick border.
- To determine the width of the border, multiply the desired border thickness by 3. In the example above, my desired border thickness is 3”, so 3 x 3 = 9. This means that the border will be 9 stitches wide on each side.
- To determine the length of the border, multiply the border width stitches by 1.333. In the example above, the border width stitches are 9, so 9 x 1.333 = 11.997. Round this number to the nearest whole number: 12. This means that the length of the border (top and bottom) is 12 rows.
Here is how you can adjust the pattern instructions based on the example above, for a border of 9 stitches wide and 12 rows long:
- Rows 1 – 12 (Border rows): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. The bottom of the border is complete!
- Rows 13 – 14: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
- Row 15: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts (border sts), [Spike in next st, sc in next st] until 9 sts (border sts) remain, sc in last 9 sts (border sts). Turn.
- Row 16: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts (border sts), [sc in next Spike, sc2tog – joining 2 Spikes] until 9 sts (border sts) remain, sc in last 9 sts (border sts). Turn.
- Rows 17 – on: Repeat Rows 13 – 16, until satisfied with the length of the blanket.
- Once satisfied with the length of the blanket, end the blanket with the top of the border. In the example above, the border is 12 rows long, so for the last 12 rows of the blanket follow the top of the border instructions: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Special Stitches and Techniques
Spike Stitch:
Each spike stitch is a long / extended single crochet worked into the st two rows below.
- Insert the hook into the indicated st two rows below.
- YO, and pull up the loop until it reaches the height of the current row.
- YO and pull through both loops to complete the st!
Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together (Sc2tog):
A sc2tog is a decrease stitch that combines 2 stitches into one. In this blanket, the sc2tog is worked differently: it joins the left and right legs from 2 spike stitches, to create a triangle pattern. Each sc2tog happens above a sc from the previous row – this sc will be left unworked.
- Insert hook under the second leg of Spike #1, and the first leg of Spike #2. (Picture 1)
- YO, pull through both legs and draw up a loop – you should have 2 loops on the hook. (Picture 2)
- YO and pull through both loops to make a single crochet. (Picture 3)
Right Side (Rs) vs. Wrong Side (Ws):
Since we are turning our work at the end of each row, we are going to have a Rs and a Ws. The Rs shows the zig-zag or triangle pattern, while the Ws shows the Spike stitches.
Tip: How to Keep Your Edges Straight
To create straight edges along the left and right side of your blanket, place the last sc of each row into the side of the beginning ch 1 of the previous row. Here is a tutorial that walks you through this method!
Tip: How to Maintain your Stitch Count
It’s easy to lose or gain extra stitches when we aren’t periodically counting our stitches each row. To maintain the correct stitch count throughout your blanket, use a stitch marker (or safety pin) to mark the first and last stitch of each row. Here is a tutorial that walks you through this method!
Tip: Keep the Starting Chain from Curling Inwards
If you are a tight crocheter, you may find that your chain starts to curl in on itself after working the first few rows. To fix this, loosely crochet the beginning chain OR use a larger crochet hook (7.0mm or more), so it creates a looser and more flexible chain. Then switch to the 6.5mm hook for the remainder of the blanket.
Pattern:
Notes:
- The border of the blanket is crocheted at the same time as the body of the blanket.
- Stitch counts are shown at the end of the row in <> brackets.
- Read through the tips above before starting your blanket!
- Odd numbered rows are considered the Ws, and even numbered rows are considered the Rs.
- The beginning ch of each row does NOT count as a st.
- The 7.0mm crochet hook is used to crochet the starting chain, to create a loose and flexible chain that does not curl inwards. The 6.5mm crochet hook is used for the rest of the blanket (see tip above).
With a 7.0mm hook:
Ch 132
With a 6.5mm hook:
Row 1 (Ws): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. <131 sc>
Rows 2 – 8: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. <131 sc> The bottom of the border is complete!
Rows 9 – 10: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. <131 sc>
Row 11 (Ws): Ch 1, sc in first 6 sts, [Spike in next st, sc in next st] until 6 sts remain, sc in last 6 sts. Turn. <71 sc, 60 Spike>
Row 12 (Rs): Ch 1, sc in first 6 sts, [sc in next Spike, sc2tog – joining 2 Spikes] until 6 sts remain, sc in last 6 sts. Turn. <131 sc>
Rows 13 – 204: Repeat Rows 9 – 12, 48 times. The left and right side of the border is complete!
Rows 205 – 212: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. The top of the border is complete!
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Blocking the Zig and Zag Crochet Blanket:
Blocking is the process of wetting a piece of crochet to make the ends and rows straight. To block this blanket, you will need a steamer or spray bottle, straight pins, and a blocking mat or foam.
Block your work by stretching out the blanket (vertically and horizontally), and placing straight pins along each side of the blanket to hold it in place. Spray the blanket with water, or use a steamer, making sure to stay at least 2” away from the blanket. Gently press the steam/water into the fabric with your hands. Let the blanket dry completely before unpinning it.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Zig and Zag Crochet Blanket, please reach out to me. I am happy to help! Send me an email through my contact page.
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End Notes:
Yay! You just made your first Zig and Zag Crochet Blanket. I hope you enjoy snuggling under this cozy blanket for years to come.
Explore the blog to find your next crochet blanket pattern!
Disclaimer: You are welcome to sell items that you’ve made from this pattern; however, you are not allowed to use my pictures or sell my pattern as your own (Copyright @ ThisPixieCreates).
Thank you so much for following along with me. I hope you have a wonderful day, and happy crocheting!
Love, Dayna
