Well the gift has been given to it's new little owner, Jens, my brother's son.
So now as promised it's time to tell and show you all!
I just love personalized gifts. As soon as I heard my brother and his girlfriend were expecting I knew I wanted to make something with the baby's name on it. The only disadvantage is you have to wait until the baby is born before you can finish your gift.
Often we know beforehand if it will be a boy or a girl but a name always remains a secret. In this case you can start with the blanket and add the name later on. Just pray they don't choose a really long name ;-). In that case you can just use initials!
Want to make your own "What's My Name" baby blanket?
Here's how.......
Materials
- yarn in 7 different colors (1 skein of each color) and 5 skeins in main color
- crochet hook (slightly larger than your yarn requires) I used 4mm.
- crochet hook (smaller size for crocheting the name) I used 3mm.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- scissors
A. Phil coton 3 color 0008 Mercure (main color)
B. Phil coton 3 color 0049 Craie
C. Phil coton 3 color 0054 Canard
D. Phil coton 3 color 0056 Marine
E. Phil coton 3 color 0072 Cuivre
F. Phil coton 3 color 0086 Anisade
G. Phil coton 3 color 0087 Bambou all by Phildar
H. Larra color 17336 by Scheepjes
Used stitches and abbreviations
Moss stitch also known as granite stitch. If you don't know this stitch, I recommend you watch this video before you start.
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
sc = single crochet
Instructions
With color A, ch 115.Row 1: sc in 3rd starting ch from hook, *ch 1, skip a ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * until you reach the end of the row. End with a sc in the last starting ch, then ch 2 (= turning ch and 1st ch 1 for the next row). Turn your work.
Row 2: sc in ch one sp of previous row, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp. Repeat from * until the end of the row. End with a sc in the ch two sp. Ch 2 and turn work.
Continue repeating row 2.
Row 1 - 12 color A
Row 13 & 14 color H
Row 15 color E
Row 16 color C
Row 17 color F
Row 18 color D
Row 19 color G
Row 20 color B
Row 21 color E
Row 22 color D
Row 23 color G
Row 24 color H
Row 25 color C
Row 26 color B
Row 27 color F
Row 28 color A
continue in reverse order starting with F from row 27 (then B, C, H, G, D, E etc.)
When you reach color A again continue in this color until you have used all 5 skeins.
How to change color at end of row
In the last sc of the row stop when you have two loops on your hook. Cut your working thread and leave a tail of approx. 4" (10 cm). Take the new color and pull it through both loops and continue by chaining 2. Turn work and continue working moss stitch in the new color.
Take two tails and tie a double knot. Then use your tapestry needle and weave in each end in the row of the corresponding color.
Crocheting name
I used the following tutorial from Sol de Noche {deco crochet}. Thanks for the inspiration Cintia!
Only don't use wire as she mentions. After you have the length you need to make the name you want. Simply sew the crochet "snake" as I like to call it, onto your blanket.
And presto you have a very special customized baby blanket!
I would love to see your finished blanket!
You can always mail me a photo or add your project to Ravelry.
