Gentle Embrace Preemie Crochet Blanket – Free Pattern

Welcome to the Gentle Embrace Preemie Blanket crochet pattern – a project that brings both joy to the maker and comfort to the receiver. Designed with simple texture and love in mind, this blanket pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. The textured stitches are easy to follow, resulting in a beautifully soft and cozy blanket that is just the right size for premature babies.

Whether you’re looking to donate a handmade blanket to your local NICU or give a precious gift to a family with a preemie, the Gentle Embrace Preemie Blanket is a wonderful choice. By crocheting this blanket, you’re bringing to life a hug made of yarn that will bring warmth and comfort to tiny, delicate babies who need it the most.

In this blog post, you will find all of details needed, including materials and written instructions for you to make your very own preemie blanket.

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Introducing the Gentle Embrace Preemie Crochet Blanket Pattern

As my second year participating in the Preemie Crochet Challenge, I wanted to design a sweet and textured blanket pattern that is easy to follow and perfect for beginners. It uses basic stitches to create a soft, textured blanket.

The main part of the blanket is made with Lion Brand Basic Stitch yarn which is cozy and soft, giving it a smooth and even texture. You will alternate textured rows and single crochet rows making it really quicky to work up. To add a bit of dimension, the textured rows use Front Post treble crochet stitches two rows below. It creates a raised, cozy texture that feels warm and comforting.

The border is completely optional, is made with half double crochet stitches in the 3rd loop, which adds a neat, ribbed edge to the blanket. This simple border frames the blanket nicely and gives it a finished look. Add more border rounds if you want some additional ribbing.

With these straightforward stitches, you can create a beautiful and heartfelt blanket that’s perfect for donating to a NICU or gifting to a family in need.

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

About the Stitches

Before you can get started with this preemie blanket pattern, here are some details you need to know.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Materials:

• Medium Worsted Weight Yarn, such as Lion Brand Basic Stitch
  • Colorway: Beryl – 340 yards
• H-8 (5mm) Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Gauge: 13 stitches x 12 rows = 4″ square, using a swatch of the pattern

Finished Dimensions: Approximately 17.5“ x 19″ (44.5 cm x 48.3 cm)

Stitch Abbreviations:

• sl st – slip stitch
• ch – chain
• ch sp – chain space
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• FPtc – front post treble crochet
• fdc – foundation double crochet
• hdc3l – half double crochet in the 3rd loop
• st – stitch
• rep – repeat
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

Special Stitches (with photo tutorials if needed)

• Half Double Crochet 3rd Loop (hdc3l) – make a regular hdc, but instead of inserting your hook under the top two loops, your hook goes under the loop on the back of the stitch, just below the top loops

Pattern Notes:

• US Terms (US to UK terminology conversion)
• Size can be altered by using multiples of 6 + 2 (or 6 + 4 if doing foundation chain)
• Ch 1 at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch
• Ch 2 at the beginning of a row counts as a stitch
• FPtc is worked around the dc two rows below
• Border is made in the round. Do not turn.
• For the border, when crocheting along the sides, place two hdc in each of the dc rows, and one hdc in the sc rows.

How to Crochet a Preemie Crochet Blanket Pattern

Make the Blanket

Row 1: fdc 50
Alternate Row 1: ch 52, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch to end of row. Turn. (50 dc)

Row 2: ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st to end of row. Turn. (50 sc)

Row 3: ch 2, * dc 3, FPtc 3 *, rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc. Turn. (29 dc, 27 FPtc)

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5: ch 2, * FPtc 3, dc 3, * rep from * to * until 1 st remains, dc. Turn. (29 dc, 27 FPtc)

Row 6: Repeat Row 2

Row 7-50: Repeat Rows 3-6, ensuring you turn your work at the end of row 50.

Continue to border. Do not fasten off.

Make the Border

Note: When crocheting along the sides of the blanket, place two hdc in each of the dc rows, and one hdc in the sc rows.

Round 1: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, placing (hdc, ch, hdc) in each corner, sl st to join. Do not turn.

Round 2: Ch 2, hdc3l in each st around, placing (hdc, ch, hdc) in each ch sp at the corner, sl st to join.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

June 20-30, 2024: Get the Gentle Embrace Preemie Blanket pattern for free! Click on the button below and go to Ravelry. If you don’t have the coupon code, visit the Preemie Challenge at Sunflower Cottage Crochet.

Want to check out the other great patterns? Head over to Sunflower Cottage Crochet.

Purchase the Gentle Embrace Preemie Blanket Pattern

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern in my Etsy shop, Ravelry store, and LoveCrafts.

More Crochet Patterns for Donating

• Preemie Bonding Square
• Loops Hat
• Cancer Strong Hat

I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making the Gentle Embrace preemie crochet blanket pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram. To be sure I don’t miss it, please tag me @remingtonlanecrochet when you share your photos!