Sleepy Bear Baby Blanket
Well hello there!
This is my very first C2C (corner to corner) project I have ever done and I am so proud of how it turned out. I’ve done three other graphgans before — you know the kind that are done with only single crochets — so I was already used to changing colors and whatnot. I have to say, though, that I’m very impressed with the C2C technique! It’s much faster than the graphgan and easier to follow. I can’t wait to make a few more!
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There’s a free single page chart at the end of this blog post that you can print or download for later!
Some friends of ours just had their first baby — a little boy. And they named him Bear, which I think is just the cutest! His nursery is all decked out in the bear theme too, so I thought I would create a blanket for him. Like I said above, I had never done a C2C but I was excited to try it out.
I plan to make several videos dedicated to C2C techniques like changing colors, borders, working over ends and maybe even how to make your own charts. So watch out for those coming very soon!
I made this Sleepy Bear Baby Blanket chart using Stitch Fiddle, which allows you to make 15 charts for free. But if you elect to use the paid version, it’s only about $32 per year and you get access to a lot more features. (This is not an affiliate link. I just love them.)
You could totally get creative and make your bear a different color! I chose brown and tan because Bear’s nursery used those colors and it is more gender neutral in my opinion.
There are different ways that you can work the C2C. This blanket was done using a starting chain of 6 and working double crochets. Single and double crochets are the only stitches you need to know. How easy is that! Another method is by making a smaller version with a starting chain of only 4 and using half double crochets. This method would decrease the size of your finished blanket, so just keep that in mind.
I used size 3 light weight yarn and a G/6 (4.25 mm) hook and this blanket came out stroller sized and oh so light, which I thought would be perfect for the new baby as we head into the warmer weather months. If you want a larger blanket, you could increase the size of the border or you could use medium, worsted or bulky weight yarns. (I recommend using the size hook as instructed on the skein wrapper) This would create a slightly larger Sleepy Bear Baby Blanket blanket.
I have written out the instructions line-by-line and that written version is available for purchase through Etsy for only $3.50. It also includes the graph. I just wanted to make that clear up front that I’m only offering the graph for free on the blog. Writing out the instructions was time consuming, but incredibly helpful when I made the blanket so I think it’s a great buy! (Thank you for supporting my blog so I can continue to give you free patterns.) If you choose not to purchase, you can definitely write out the instructions yourself or simply use the picture graph.
Here’s a tip that I learned on Facebook recently: If you print out the graph, you can either laminate it or put it in one of those clear plastic protective sleeves and write on it with either a dry erase marker or sharpie. You then wipe the laminate clean when your done or throw away the sleeve and your graph stays perfect so you can reuse it. I thought that was a great little tip! I wrote all over my graph in pen, so I’m going to have to try that next time.
If you’d like to see more crocheted baby blankets that I’ve designed, be sure to check out the Let’s Cuddle Baby Blanket, the Rag Quilt Baby Blanket and Cullen’s Baby Blanket!
UPDATE!!!
There is now a Corner To Corner Beginner Course available for FREE on YouTube that I created for you! I cover everything you could possibly want to know about creating these beautiful picture items. Click here to be taken to the blog post that list and links all the videos in the course. You can pick and choose your video classes based on what specific information you want to learn or complete the entire course. The choice is yours!
Sleepy Bear Baby Blanket
Materials Used:
- 1.25 skeins of Baby Bee Sweet Delight in Naked – 4 oz/115 g – 377 yds/345 m
- 1.25 skeins of Baby Bee Sweet Delight in Chocolate – 4 oz/115 g – 377 yds/345 m
- Less than 1 skein of Baby Bee Sweet Delight in Teddy – 4 oz/115 g – 377 yds/345 m
- Less than 1 skein of Baby Bee Sweet Delight in Soft Licorice – 4 oz/115 g – 377 yds/345 m
- Or any size 3 light weight yarn.
- G/6 (4.25 mm) hook — My favorite hooks! I use them daily!
- Tapestry needle
Finished Size Approximately:
35¼” Length x 27½” Width
Note: The border adds 2” to all sides, which is included in the above measurments.
Gauge:
7 blocks by 7 blocks in a 4” (10cm) square.
Abbreviations:
FC – foundation chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
ch(s) – chain(s)
sl st – slip stitch
Notes:
- This pattern uses the C2C (corner to corner) crochet technique. With C2C, you can either begin using a chain 4 and work half double crochets or chain 6 and work double crochets for your blocks. This example is worked using the chain 6 and double crochets so if you choose the half double crochets your finished blanket will be smaller than the example.
- The size of this blanket puts it in the category of “stroller blanket”. If you wish to have a larger blanket, you can use medium or worsted weight yarn along with the hook size the package recommends or even a bulky weight yarn with appropriate hook size. These larger yarns and hooks will create larger blankets.
- I encourage you to crochet over top of any loose ends as you work to help reduce the amount of ends to weave in after you’ve finished.
*** American crochet terms used throughout.
Abbreviated Instructions:
Using Background Color
FC: Ch 6
Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc, in the 5th ch and dc in the 6th ch. Turn. (1 block)
Row 2: Ch 6. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc, in the 5th ch and dc in the 6th ch. Sl st in the ch 3 space on the first block. Ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 space. Turn. (2 blocks)
Row 3: Ch 6. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc, in the 5th ch and dc in the 6th ch. *Sl st in the ch 3 space on the next block. Ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 space.* Repeat * to * one more time. Turn. (3 blocks)
Row 4: Ch 6. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc, in the 5th ch and dc in the 6th ch. *Sl st in the ch 3 space on the next block. Ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 space.* Repeat * to * 2 more times. Turn. (4 blocks)
Continue along with pattern in same manner, increasing the repeat by one with every row. Change colors according to the chart or written instructions.
For Decrease Rows, sl st in the next 3 sts along the side of the last block from the previous row until you come to the ch-3 space of that same block. Sl st into that ch-3 space and then ch 3 and work 3 dc in that ch-3 space. Continue on with your row.
Don’t finish off after Row 93 unless you are changing the color for your border.
Border
With Background Color
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in between the two blocks that your ch 1 comes out of. @ *Ch 2, sc inbetween next blocks* Repeat from * to * across to the corner. At the corner block, ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc) all in same corner st.@ Repeat from @ to @ 3 more times. Ch 2, sl st in 1st sc made of round. Don’t turn.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the same st your ch 1 comes out of, @*2 sc in ch-2 space, sc in next sc from previous row* Repeat from * to * across to corner. In corner ch-2 space, (sc, ch 2, sc) all in same space. Sc in next sc from previous row@ Repeat from @ to @ 3 more times. 2 sc in ch-2 space. Sl st in 1st sc made of round. Don’t turn.
Round 3: Ch 1, @ *sc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st* Repeat from * to * to corner. In corner ch-2 space, (sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) all in same space, skip 1 st.@ Repeat from @ to @ 3 more times. Repeat from * to * until you come to the 1st sc made of round. Sl st in that 1st sc. Don’t turn.
Round 4: Sl st into next ch-1 space, ch 1, @ *sc in ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next st* Repeat from * to * to corner. In corner ch-2 space, (sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) all in same space. Skip next st.@ Repeat from @ to @ 3 more times. Repeat from * to * until you come to the 1st sc made of round. Sl st in that 1st sc. Don’t turn.
If changing colors, finish off.
With Tan
Round 5: Attach yarn in ch 1 space, around where you finished off the previous color. @ *Sc in ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next st* Repeat from * to * to corner. In corner ch-2 space, (sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) all in same space. Skip next st.@ Repeat from @ to @ 3 more times. Repeat from * to * until you come to the 1st sc made of round. Sl st in that 1st sc. Don’t turn.
Round 6 – Round 7: Repeat Round 4
If changing colors, finish off.
With background color
Round 8: Repeat Round 5
Round 9 – Round 10: Repeat Round 4
If changing colors, finish off.
With Brown
Round 11: Repeat Round 5
Round 12 – Round 13: Repeat Round 4
Finish off. Weave in ends.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the Sleepy Bear Baby Blanket! If you make one, please tag me on Instagram @highlandhickorydesigns. I’d love to see your work!
Don’t forget that the graph AND the written line by line instructions are included with your purchase!
***Click here for the ad-free, large print PDF from Etsy***
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Here is the free graph that you can download or print out…
Please note: You can still download and print the graph even if there is an ad over it. I tested it to make sure no ad appears on the image.
Hello Joyce!
Are you still having trouble? This is one of those patterns that has been created many times by others so I’m confident in saying that the written is the same as the graph. I would love to give you one on one help if you’d like! Just send me an email at highlandhickorydesigns@gmail.com with any questions or a photo of your work (whatever you need help with). I’m so sorry for the delay in response to your inquiry. Things have been crazy here. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you again!
Erica
I bought the pattern on Etsy but lm having difficulty. The written seems to be different from the graph which one do I follow .
You’re very welcome, Carol! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the pattern and had such great success as a beginner. Thanks for commenting!
I just finished this blanket, and it is wonderful! This was my first C2C project ever, and I love the look it gives the blanket! I worked off the chart, rather than the line instructions. My only difficulty was managing the color changes. At one time, I had 14 ribbons of color hanging from the working edge! It was worth it, though! The sleepy bear is so adorable! Thank you!
For me, it depends. If the same color is close by, I will carry over, but if the colors are quite a few blocks apart, I will just stop using that ball and pick up the next color. I’ve had over 20 balls going at once before. It’s a preference thing. I don’t care for being able to see the other color beneath another, but if that doesn’t bother someone else, then I say go for it! I hope this helps.
Do you fasten off at every color change, or carry the yarn across?
Hello! I’m so sorry for the delay in response. I wanted to share this YouTube link with you where she illustrates how to crochet a rectangle. One side will continue to increase (ch 6) while the other side does not. The video explains it much better than I can through typing. If this still isn’t helpful, please email me at highlandhickorydesigns@gmail.com for one on one help. Thanks! Here is that video link for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6MV_-qjDtc&t=150s
Hi Kerry! Since you are a beginner, I definitely agree that you would need to start with easier projects to get used to crocheting before you try to tackle a corner to corner blanket. To be honest, I learned to crochet using YouTube videos. This easy pattern https://www.highlandhickorydesigns.com/cullens-baby-blanket/ is one of the first baby blankets I ever made. It uses single crochets and double crochets. Are you on Pinterest? If you are, in the search box type “beginner crochet blankets” and a ton of free patterns will come up for you to choose from. You may be able to use the Google search engine as well to search this topic. I would recommend practicing basic stitches (single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet) first until you are comfortable with your hook. A corner to corner blanket like this sleepy bear baby blanket uses only double crochets, but the technique can be tricky. There are quite a few videos on YouTube if you search “beginner corner to corner crochet”. Hopefully this can get you on the right path. If you need to start at the absolute beginning where you need to learn how to hold a hook or make a chain, etc, I would recommend searching “how to crochet” in YouTube. Quite a few videos popped up when I typed that in. I’m sorry that I don’t have any videos to help you. I plan to make some, but, of course, that won’t help you right now. If you have any more questions, I’d be more than happy to answer them! For a quicker response, email me at highlandhickorydesigns@gmail.com. Good luck to you!
Hello I want to make a blanket for my niece’s baby boy. I’ve never crocheted before so I’m curious if you had any pattern recommendations. I would purchase any instructions from you or your Etsy store. If it matters I’m disabled and I am in my bed most of the time. I’m open to other projects as well. I’m open to making something else first if it would teach me the proper stiches and technique. Thanks, Kindly
I am afraid I am another one asking for help on this amazing blanket. I am on row 42 right after the decrease on 41. If I understand correctly I keep chaining 6 and adding a block on this row but the pattern is not matching up. I could be completely be wrong but I seem to be missing a stitch. Thank you for the amazing pattern!
That’s an awesome story and what great timing you had! I’m so glad to hear that you loved making this blanket and that it worked out so well. Thank you for commenting and have a great day!
I loved making this! It was a gift for a friend who did not want to know their baby’s sex before hand. I crocheted it up to the second border – once I found out baby was a girl, I crocheted to second round in pink, and added a little pink crocheted bow to the top of the head! It was perfect, and ready right on time.
Hi Laurie! If I’m understanding your question correctly, then no the decreased block doesn’t count as one of the 40 blocks for Row 41. When you finish Row 40, sl st along the side of that block and then sl st into the ch 3 space. Ch 3 and create your first block of Row 41. The opposite side of the blanket will continue with the ch 6 increase, but now, every time you come back to the side with the corner, you will begin your rows by slip stitching along the side and beginning your row next to the last block from the previous row. This will create the corner. I hope this makes sense…
Erica, I am having a problem on the decreasing. Do you count the first block in the count? Example Row 41 does the decreased block count in the 40 blocks?
Hi Rachel! I’m so glad to hear that you are liking the pattern so far! I don’t have a video for the Moss stitch border just yet, but I do intend to make one soon. I did search YouTube and found a video of a lovely British lady demonstrating exactly what you need to do. You can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhPRHKNymfU&t=211s The only difference is that she is British and uses British terminology instead of the American terminology. So every time she says “double crochet” while she works, just pretend she said “single crochet”. It isn’t confusing. I watched the video and you can clearly see that she is working single crochets. I hope this video is helpful! Thank you for purchasing the pattern and for commenting! Let me know if you have any more questions. Have a great day! Oh, and one more thing. Every time I click the link, the video starts around 3 minutes into it. You will have to restart the video to the beginning. It could just be me, but I just wanted to let you know just in case it happens to you too.
Hi I have finished the pattern but I need help on the border I’m a new crocheter so I’m having a hard time understanding your written instructions. Do you have a video? I did buy the pattern off Etsy and it’s awesome thanks!
Hi Rachel! I’m so glad to hear you are loving the pattern! As for your question, I found a video that shows the decrease with slip stitches. Until I am able to make my own videos, which I intend to do very soon, this will have to do. The lady is British and uses British terminology (for instance, she calls a double crochet a treble), but that isn’t the part you really need to focus on. She calls a slip stitch a slip stitch, so that is helpful. If you fast forward the video to 12:50, that is where the decrease tutorial begins. Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5G9IM24LFU
As for the 2nd part of your question, when looking at the rows of the blanket that you have finished already you will see one of the bear’s ears. That is the side that you will decrease (sl st) on for the rest of the pattern. The other end of the blanket will continue to increase (ch 6) until Row 51. I hope this makes sense. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. You can also email me with any questions at highlandhickorydesigns@gmail.com. Thank you for commenting!
I’m confused with the decrease instructions. I understand chaining 3 instead of 6, but not the sl st 3. Can you explain? This ya my first C2C. I’ve done scr graghgans before but not this type. Loving it so far though. I believe I’m starting decrease on my next row, but only on the top right, is this correct? The bottom left continued the increase? Thanks. Rachel
Hello! You would have to print it from the screen to get it for free. There is also the option of purchasing through Etsy or Ravelry for $2.99 where you would get a full page of the graph as well as the same graph blown up and on 4 pages to make it easier to see and line-by-line instructions. Just an option! Thanks for commenting!
Hi I’m trying to get the graph printed off but I can’t find the free download link (if there is one) or do I just print screen and do it that way I’m abit hopeless on the computer lol thanks in advance ☺️ X
You are so very welcome, Kathy! I’m so excited to hear that your first C2C was a success! The pink sounds lovely in the border. Congratulations on the new granddaughter! I know she’s going to love her new blanket!
Yay! I finally finished! Thank you for all your help and for the adorable pattern! My first c2c and graphgan is a success but I couldn’t have done it without you! I added a little pink to my border for my granddaughter, due in January. Thanks again!
You’re so welcome, Suzette and I can’t wait to see your blanket! Thank you for commenting! Erica
Hi Erica
i’ve crochet your blanket, mine have a few flaws in but I don’t mind was my first c2c with a diagram, can I maby show you with a email. I don’t have instagram. Thanks for the pattern.
Suzette
Hi Eline! I’m so glad to hear that you love the Sleepy Bear Baby Blanket. I’ve been thinking about it, and other than making a whole new graph, the only way to make this into a bigger blanket (that I can think of) is to use a thicker yarn, like blanket yarn or bulky yarn and the size hook recommended on the package. This would add several inches to all of the sides of the blanket without having to make a new graph. I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. If you have any more questions, I’d be happy to answer them. Thank you for commenting!
Hi Erica,
It’s such a lovely blanket (!!) and I really love it.
I still have a question. Can you make the whole blanket (so the bear as well) bigger? For example for a size to put over a bed.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Eline.
Hi Teresa! I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with those rows. If you wouldn’t mind, could you email me at highlandhickorydesigns@gmail.com. If you’re able to take a photo and send it, that would be great too! It’s easier for me to help through email. Don’t worry. We will get it figured out. 🙂 Thanks! Erica
really having a hard time between 54 55 56, the pattern or colors, does not look right, not sure what I am doing wrong, or the decrease on 55….almost giving up, any help or suggestion would be appreciated….
Hi Kathy,
I think it would be better if you emailed me because I would be able to help a lot faster since I check my email often. Are you able to take a photo of your blanket and email it to me at highlandhickorydesigns @ gmail dot com? I’m sorry about the written out email address. I’m hoping to keep bots from picking it up. I hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Erica,
Thanks for your reply. I understand your answer. My problem is that the last block of my row 40 is in the right corner (the opposite side of the bear’s ear). I guess that’s why it seems like I need to decrease on the end of my row 41. I am stuck and don’t know where to go from here. This is for my grandbaby and want to complete it. Can you help?
Hello Kathy! I’m sorry for the delay in answering your message. So I sat down and wrote exactly how to do the corners and hopefully this will help anyone else who seems to be having this problem. Here is what I came up with for both corners.
The last block of Row 40 is the left corner.
Begin Corner Decrease after you finish your last white block of Row 40, turn your work and you will sl st along the side of that block and sl st into the ch 3 space to begin Row 41.
The 1st block of Row 54 is the right corner.
Begin Decrease at the end of Row 55. Once you finish your last block of Row 55, sl st into ch 3 sp of the block from Row 54. Sl st along the last block of Row 55, then sl st into ch 3 sp of that same block.
Hopefully you and others will find this more helpful! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! You’re welcome for the pattern and thank you for choosing to make it. Have a great day!
Erica
I am also stuck on row 41! This is my first c2c attempt! It seems like I need to decrease at the end of my row rather than at the beginning of a row to make the pattern work correctly, but that doesn’t seem to be how you do it.can you please help! I have watched numerous videos but that still doesn’t help me work with it in this pattern. Thank you and thanks for the adorable design!
You’re welcome, Frances! I’m so glad that it made sense! I can’t wait to see your finished blanket!
Erica, Yes it does make sense now. Hopefully the next time u hear from me it will b to show u my work. I’ve watched the video 5 times b/4 I bothered u. This does explain it, n hopefully others will understand also. Thank you so much for your help. It is very much appreciated. Sincerely, Frances Wilson
Hello!
I’ve edited out your phone number from your comment to keep it private for you. I’ve also sent you an email as well, but to answer this question, in case anyone else has the same one, I’ll add it here too.
If you lay your blanket with the “Right Side” facing up (that’s the side where the bear’s ear that you can see is on the left). The left corner is the end of Row 40. This is where you will decrease before you begin Row 41. You said you were familiar with how to decrease (the slip stitches along the side of the block at the end of Row 40) So I won’t get into detail about that. For approximately 15 rows, you will only be working 40 blocks across each row. You will still be increasing on the opposite side of the blanket, but decreasing (slip stitching) on the side with the visible ear.
I hope this makes sense. If you need more clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks for commenting!
Erica
Hi! I purchased both written instructions n graph.i was doing fine till 41, where it says begin L decrease. I understand how to decrease, but am lost on where. Since I crochet R to L I decreased on the last stitch in that roe. That gave me 40 stitches. 42 I started with an increase, n wound up with 2 extra stitches. Can u please help me? I’d like to finish it bc have many other projects to do. My phone number is (***)***-**** please feel free to call me.
Boa noite Erica. Gostaria muito de aprender esse ponto e outros mais em croche. Amo crochet, mas quero novidades.Eu li um valor acima, esse valor é so para o cobertor ou se aprende outros pontos. Como tenho que fazer para comprar? Esperando resposta. Obrigada.
Hi again!
You are absolutely right. I am so sorry. I didn’t realize that you were one of the people who purchased the written pattern from Etsy. I sent you a message on Etsy to let you know that a typo had been found in the written pattern. The typos have been corrected and I’d love to email you the fully corrected PDF if that’s alright with you. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. And you’re never a pest. 🙂
I’m not sure but I think there might be a stitch missing on the written pattern on row 40 it starts with 4W, 1BL, 1BR, 1BL, but on the graph it looks like it has 2 BR, I keep coming up short by one stitch I may be wrong in reading the graph…sorry to be such a pest..
Hello! I’m so glad that you are enjoying the bear blanket! To answer your question, the next row is considered Row 41 and it is where you will begin your left decrease. There should be 40 squares for the next 14 rows. Row 55 will begin your right decrease. I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. 🙂
Hello Erica I am really enjoying this project but I am stuck on row 40 I noticed it only has 39 squares is this where I start to decrease or do I start on row 41?
Hi April! I know I already spoke to you through Etsy chat, but for anyone else with this question I’d like to share the video link that Mikey from the Crochet Crowd made that explains everything for C2C. It’s a long video, but very thorough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZk8hk6w1xc Thanks for commenting!
This seems very easy the only part is when it comes to changing color how did you do that I don’t see any explanation, do you change color and finish off or do you carry over ? Hope you understand my question
You’re so welcome! I’m so glad that you like it and I hope your friends do too! 🙂
Wow this is awesome,I have lots of friends having babies they would love this thankyou xx
You’re so welcome! I’m so excited that you like the pattern! I was surprised at how easy it was once I got started. The most difficult part is changing colors, but even that will get easier as you go along. Congratulations on the new baby coming in September! Thank you for commenting!
Thank you for this beautiful pattern. I have never made a C2C however after seeing this I am defiantly going to try this. I have a niece that is due this September and this will make a perfect gift.