How Many Chains For A Blanket?

How many chains do I need for a blanket is probably the most common question I get asked. The answer is…well, there is no definitive answer! The size of your crochet blanket doesn’t just rely on chain number, it also takes personal gauge, yarn thickness, size of hook and the blanket pattern into account. So, what may make a baby blanket for one person, might make a lap blanket for another. But here’s the great thing about blankets. They don’t need to be worn or sized to body of the person using the blanket. So, the truth is, you can make it ANY SIZE YOU LIKE!

That said, there ARE ways to ensure you don’t end up with a tiny doll-sized blanket instead of a full adult sized one! We’ve all seen the internet stories of people ordering furniture for their house, only to end up with a miniature-sized rug or chair. While it might make for fun viewing, you don’t want to recreate the crochet version.

So, if you can’t rely on chain number to get the right size…what can you do? You can measure your chain! It’s simple. I’ve created a quick reference guide on blanket sizes so you can measure your chain with a measuring tape and make sure you avoid any teeny-tiny blanket nightmares!

Instead of asking “how many chains do I need for a blanket?” it’s better to ask, “how long should my chain be for a blanket?”

tips for measuring your chain

Whilst measuring your chain may seem quite simple, there are a few things to bear in mind when doing this:

• Try making a swatch. Create a swatch which measures 10cm X 10cm or 20cm x 20cm. Then count the amount of stitches within that swatch and you’ll be able to gain rough calculation of how many stitches you will need to create your chosen size.
• Give your chain a very gentle stretch when measuring so it lays flat but try not to pull too much to prevent it from pulling the chains.
• Take into account any turning chains needed. Add these after you have measured your chain. Ideally, you will want your first stitch to be placed in the last chain you made before you measured the chain.
• Work your first row of stitches and re-measure the work to see if there are any differences in sizing.
• Be mindful of what stitch you are working. Are you doing a simple stitch which doesn’t require a multiple? Or do you have to take into consideration how many stitches you will need? For example, if your stitch is a multiple of 4+2, you will need to keep chaining 4 until you reach as close to your desired size.

Now you’ve taken the above into account, you should hopefully have a better understanding of how to work out your chain count.

Ready to get your hands on the guide?

free blanket size guide

Whether you save, pin or print this guide and stick it to your fridge, it’s the perfect handy reference for your crochet blanket making. So, now you’ve no excuse – get hooking!

pin for later

blanket inspiration

Why not create a beautiful Patchwork blanket whilst you learn new stitches. If you’re looking for a project to work on throughout the year and learn new stitches along the way the Patchwork Blanket might be the answer to your crochet cravings!

You will enhance your crochet skills as you work through this pattern Ebook and have a beautiful blanket to show off your efforts at the end of it.

or

Browse my collection of crochet blankets here?

Alternatively for more blanket inspiration you can view my Crochet Blanket board on Pinterest!