Free Retro Waves Baby Blanket Pattern

Pattern Description:

The Retro Waves Baby Blanket features an interlocking single and double crochet pattern, which gives it a mid-century feel. 

This blanket is made with Bernat Bundle Up yarn, a 100% polyester material known for being super soft and easy to wash, making it a favorite for baby blankets.

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Yarn:Bernat Bundle Up (100% polyester, 140 g/4.9 oz, 244 m/267 yds).
  • Colors/Skeins: 2 skeins of Marshmallow, 1 skein each of Violet Gray, Duckling, and Brook.
• Hook: Size I/5.5 mm hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle and scissors.
• Measurements: The finished size is approximately 29 x 27 inches. The gauge is 4 inches = 15 stitches and 11 rows of pattern.

Stitches & Abbreviations Used:

• Single Crochet (SC): Insert your hook, yarn over (YO) and pull up a loop, YO and pull through two loops on hook.
• Double Crochet (DC): YO, insert your hook, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through two loops, YO and pull through remaining two loops.
• Half Double Crochet (HDC): YO, insert your hook, pull up a loop YO, and pull through all loops on hook.
• Slip Stitch (SL ST): Insert your hook, YO, pull up a loop and pull directly through loop on hook.

Instructions for Making the Retro Waves Baby Blanket Pattern:

Starting the Retro Waves Baby Blanket

To begin the Retro Waves Baby Blanket, you will need to create a foundation chain. The pattern instructs you to Chain 93. 

Alternatively, if you wish to adjust the size, you can chain any multiple of 8, plus 5. This initial chain should be made with the Violet Gray yarn.

Once the foundation chain is complete, you will proceed with Row 1:

• Work 1 Single Crochet (SC) into the 2nd chain (CH) from your hook.
• Then, work 1 SC into each of the next 3 chains.
• Following this, you will establish the repeat pattern for the row: *Work 1 Double Crochet (DC) into each of the next 4 chains, then 1 SC into each of the next 4 chains.
• You will repeat from * to the end of the row, and then turn your work.

Main Pattern Repeats

The core of the Retro Waves Baby Blanket pattern involves repeating a sequence of four rows (Rows 2 through 5) to create the characteristic wave design.

Row 2: This row continues the established pattern and is where the first color change occurs.

• CH 1.
• Work 1 SC into each of the next 4 SC.
• Then, *work 1 DC into each of the next 4 DC, followed by 1 SC into each of the next 4 SC.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row.
• Crucially, at the end of Row 2, you will pull through with your new color (as per the color sequence), and then turn your work.

Row 3: This row begins with a chain that counts as a stitch and introduces more DC stitches.

• CH 3, which will count as 1 DC.
• Skip the first SC.
• Work 1 DC into each of the next 3 SC.
• Then, *work 1 SC into each of the next 4 DC, followed by 1 DC into each of the next 4 SC.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row, and then turn your work.

Row 4: Similar to Row 3, this row also starts with a chain counting as a DC.

• CH 3, which counts as 1 DC.
• Work 1 DC into each of the next 3 DC.
• Then, *work 1 SC into each of the next 4 SC, followed by 1 DC into each of the next 4 DC.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row.
• Important for this row, you will work the last DC into the 3rd CH of the beginning CH-3.
• At the end of Row 4, you will pull through with your new color (as per the color sequence), and then turn your work.

Row 5: This row returns to starting with a single crochet chain and alternates the stitch types.

• CH 1.
• Work 1 SC into each of the next 4 DC.
• Then, *work 1 DC into each of the next 4 SC, followed by 1 SC into each of the next 4 DC.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row.
• For Row 5, you will work the last SC into the 3rd CH of the beginning CH 3 from the previous row, and then turn your work.

To continue the blanket, you will repeat rows 2 – 5 until you reach the desired length or use up your yarn according to the color sequence.

Color Sequencing

The Retro Waves Baby Blanket relies on a specific color change sequence to achieve its distinctive “nautical waves” appearance. You are instructed to change colors every two rows.

The specified order of colors is as follows:

• Violet Gray
• Marshmallow
• Brook
• Marshmallow
• Violet Gray
• Marshmallow
• Duckling

You will repeat from this sequence to continue the color pattern throughout the blanket.

Adding the Border

After completing the main body of the blanket, the final step is to add a border, which also involves a unique ribbing technique.

Preparation: Before starting the border, you should weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle.

Round 1: This round establishes a basic single crochet edge around the entire blanket.

• Work 1 round of SC around the blanket.
• At each corner, you will work 3 SC into the corner stitch to create a neat turn.

Round 2: This round creates the ribbed border.

• Continue working in the same direction as Round 1.
• CH 5.
• Work 1 Half Double Crochet (HDC) into each of the next 4 chains.
• Now, you will begin the ribbing pattern: *Slip Stitch (SL ST) into the next 2 stitches on the edge of the blanket.
• Turn the blanket edge away from you.
• Work 1 back loop HDC into each of the 4 HDC you just made.
• CH 1 and turn your work.
• Work 1 HDC into each back loop of the next 4 HDC.
• Repeat from * until you reach a corner.

Rounding the Corners in Round 2:

The corners require a specific adjustment to maintain the ribbing pattern.

• First, SL ST into the next stitch only once.
• Then, work the ribbing as described (HDC, CH 1, turn, HDC).
• Next, SL ST once into the middle corner stitch, then work the ribbing.
• SL ST into the same middle stitch again, then work the ribbing.
• If necessary, SL ST a final time into the middle stitch and work the ribbing.
• After the corner, SL ST 1 time into the next stitch, work the ribbing, then resume SL ST into each of the next 2 stitches for the straight edges.

Finishing the Border:

• Continue the ribbing around the entire edge of the blanket.
• When you return to the starting corner, finish working around that corner.
• Finally, tie off your yarn and sew the bottom edge of the starting chain to the last row of ribbing to create a seamless finish.

Tie off any remaining yarn ends and weave them in.

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