Linen Stitch Modern Heirloom Baby Blanket Crochet

This modern heirloom baby afghan is a great crochet pattern for a beginner. This is one of my favorite stitch patterns to use and it makes such a beautiful gift for an expecting mother.

Crocheting is not just for grannies anymore. You can find crocheted baby afghans that are made with the same attention to detail and quality as handcrafted quilts, but have a modern twist. This post features a modern heirloom baby Afghan that will be treasured by your child for years to come.

Beginner Crochet Baby Blanket

This crochet pattern is perfect for a beginner as it uses the single crochet stitches and chain stitches. If you are new to crochet, this will help you build your skills. However, if you have been crocheting for a while, you will just enjoy how beautiful an easy crochet pattern can look.

Crochet Linen Stitch

Recently, I learned how to make the linen stitch, which is also called the moss stitch, granite stitch, and the woven stitch. Once you learn the techniques, the crochet projects are endless. Today, though, we will be making the modern heirloom baby afghan and it is super easy.

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Crochet Pattern Tutorial Videos Near Bottom of Post

While this is a simple pattern, it can be helpful especially for a new crocheter to see the stitch in action.

I will also show you how to crochet over your yarn tails so they are secure and almost invisible.

Impact of a Handmade Gift

This baby afghan has a modern look to it, but at the same time, is a beautiful blanket to pass on as an heirloom-if it lasts that long.

Quick story:

When I was first married, we had very little money. I remember only having enough money to purchase some yarn. Family had a little boy and little girl. I made each of them a baby afghan in a chevron pattern. (Looking back, they were a bit dismal looking, as the edges were not even, and the stitches were not uniform in size).

However, that was my skill level at the time and I was proud to be able to give a gift at all. Our friends were very appreciative and that meant so much to me. After they were given as gifts, I did not think about them again.

Treasured Heirloom Crochet Blankets

Many years later at their eldest’ s graduation party, I was asked to come into his bedroom, so his mother could show me “So Soft,” which was now a scrap of an afghan square about 6 inches X 6 inches with very ragged edges. She had taken it out of his pillowcase! 

Apparently, both children liked their baby blankets so much that they slept with them each night. They loved the softness of the afghan on top of them before their sheet went on. You just never know the impact of your handmade gift.

Favorite Crochet Stitches

Years later, this continues to be one of my favorite stitches. It is easy as it uses basic stitches. Yet, the fabric that is created has subtle texture and small holes. Which gives this blanket a nice drape. A perfect stitch if you are concerned about baby getting their fingers stuck in the holes.

However, the linen stitch can be used for so many other crochet projects.

What Can the Linen Stitch Pattern Be Used For?

The crochet linen stitch, also known as the moss stitch or granite stitch, is a versatile and visually appealing stitch pattern that can be used for a wide range of crochet projects.

Here are some ideas on what the easy crochet stitch can be used for:

Scarves: The linen stitch creates a beautiful, dense fabric that’s perfect for keeping you warm in a scarf.

Blankets and Afghans: This stitch produces a tight, textured fabric, making it great for cozy blankets and afghans.

Dishcloths and Washcloths: The linen stitch creates a sturdy and absorbent fabric, making it ideal for kitchen and bathroom linens.

Market Bags: The tight stitch pattern makes for a strong and durable bag that can carry groceries, books, or other items.

Coasters: Crochet some small linen stitch squares to use as coasters for your drinks or as decorative elements on your tables.

Potholders: This stitch creates a dense fabric that can handle hot pots and pans in the kitchen.

Headbands: Create stylish headbands with the linen stitch for a unique and textured look.

Boot Cuffs: Add a decorative touch to your boots with boot cuffs made using this stitch pattern.

Baby Blankets: The soft and textured fabric created by the linen stitch is great for baby blankets.

Beanies and Hats: The linen stitch adds warmth and texture to hats, making them both functional and stylish.

Infinity Scarves: Make cozy infinity scarves that can be wrapped around your neck for added warmth.

Handmade Home Decor, Gifts, and A Quick Project or Two

Cushion Covers: Make cushion covers to add texture and style to your home decor.

Tote Bags: The linen stitch creates a sturdy fabric that’s perfect for tote bags, which can be used for shopping or carrying everyday essentials.

Table Runners: Create elegant table runners to dress up your dining table for special occasions.

Bookmarks: Crochet small strips with the linen stitch to use as bookmarks, which also make great gifts.

Throw Pillows: Add a touch of texture to your living room or bedroom with crochet linen stitch throw pillows.

Rugs: Create small accent rugs or larger area rugs using the linen stitch for a textured look.

Handbags: Design fashionable handbags with the linen stitch for a unique and durable accessory.

Cellphone or Tablet Covers: Protect your electronic devices in style with custom-made covers featuring the linen stitch.

Wall Hangings: Use this stitch to create decorative wall hangings with intricate patterns and textures.

Remember that the yarn and hook size you choose can greatly affect the look and feel of your project, so feel free to experiment with different combinations to achieve the desired outcome for your specific project.

Directions: Linen Stitch Modern Heirloom Baby Afghan

Skill Level

Beginner Crocheters

Gauge

12 single crochet every 4 inches.

Size:

Approximately 26 inches X 26 inches

How to change the size:

To make the blanket wider or narrower, increase or decrease the starting chain by 2 stitches. This blanket uses even stitches. To make this longer or shorter, simply increase or decrease the number of rows.

However, to keep the symmetrical look of the afghan, be sure to count out the rows and whatever you do on one end, you should repeat on the other end.

Crochet Pattern Notes

When completing the stitches used in this pattern, make sure to keep the chain one stitch the same size as the single crochet. This will ensure an even look throughout your beautiful project.

The blanket is worked in rows. Turn at the end of each row

The last single crochet of the row is placed in the turning chain 2 area.

Row 1 is the foundation row. This pattern is a one row repeat of row 2 throughout. You can make this using variegated yarn, solid color yarn, or change yarn colors as I have in this blanket pattern.

This baby girl’s afghan features a woven look and the color scheme uses baby pink as a base with simple modern stripes in dusty grey.

This pattern is written in US Terms.

How to Start a New Skein:

When starting a new skein, begin using the skein at the start of the row for best results.

How to Change Yarn Color:

In the photos below, you will see that the new color is added by adding the yarn with the hook in the last two loops on the hook. Yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops on your hook. Then continue with the linen stitch.

Securing the Yarn Tails

This method of securing the yarn tails I think gives this baby blanket such a professional look. By completing this two-step process, you cover up the yarn tails while crocheting your rows.

I would recommend securing the yarn tails by crocheting over them. This is a two-step process.

1. Hold the yarn in front of the stitches of the previous row and when you insert your hook into the CH 1 SP, make sure to include the two strands of yarn. This secures the yarn under the SC. I do this for about 6 inches of the yarn tail, then I stop incorporating them and continue on with the linen stitch. See the photo tutorials below.

Adding new color and crocheting over the tails

Notice below how the yarn tails in the pictures on the left are quite visible?

After you have completed the row after the color change and are on the return row. It is time to pick up the yarn into the stitches of this row. If this was not done, the yarn would be very visible as it is on the left.

Therefore, when making your SC, pick up the two strands of yarn again as you work along the row. It looks neat on the right with the yarn tails tucked up nicely into the stitches.

I have put brackets around the areas to help you see the areas.

Here is another photo to help you see the difference in crocheting over the yarn tails.

Abbreviations:

CH = Chain

SC = Single Crochet

SK = Skip Stitch

ST = Stitch

[ ] = Repeat Between

Materials:

2 Skeins Baby Pink Red Heart yarn approximately 728 yards

1 Skein Dusty Grey Red Heart yarn approximately 300 yards

Size H Crochet Hook

Yarn Needle to weave in the ends

Scissors

Crochet Pattern Directions:

CH 126

Starting with the Baby Pink

Row 1:

SC in 4^th CH from hook, [CH 1, SK ST, SC in next ST]. Repeat between [ ] across, ending with a SC in last ST.

Rows 2-10:

CH 2, SC in first CH-1 SP in previous row (Note: not in the stitch itself, but in the space that was created by the CH ST. To do this, insert your hook in the space, yarn over and pull through the yarn and complete your SC), [CH 1, Skip 1 ST, SC in next SP]. Repeat between [ ] to last CH where you work a SC at the end of the row. turn.

Change to Dusty Grey

Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern Color Changes by Row

Rows 11-14: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 15-18: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 19-20: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 21-22: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 23-25: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 26-50: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 51-53: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 54-58: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 59-60: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 61-65: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 66-67: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 68-72: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 73-75: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 76-101: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 102-104: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 105-106: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 107-108: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 109-112: Repeat row 2

Change to Dusty Grey

Rows 113-116: Repeat row 2

Change to Baby Pink

Rows 117-126: Repeat row 2

Finishing

Weave in ends and remove any excess yarn.

Video Tutorial on How to Crochet the Linen Stitch

I hope that you have found this tutorial useful.

Happy Crocheting!

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Here are a few other free crochet patterns you may enjoy.

• Cozy Comfy Baby Blanket
• 7-Hour Crochet Soft Bassinet Blanket
• Textured Ombre Blanket
• Crochet Modern Baroque Throw

• How to Crochet the Linen Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern
• Beginner Linen Stitch Coaster
• Pink and Grey Baby Blanket
• Treasured Crochet Moss Stitch Baby Afghan
• Shell Stitch Afghan Crochet Pattern