The Pilson Blanket, a modern patchwork crochet baby blanket
Modern meets sweet in the Pilson Blanket, a new FREE crochet baby blanket pattern from TL Yarn Crafts & WeCrochet.
As an auntie 2 times over and a friend to many mommies, I’ve deemed it my mission to always win the baby shower. Make no mistake, I will show up looking fabulous and will gift the best handmade blanket and coordinating toys. I wanted to add another crochet baby blanket design to my no-fail baby shower show stoppers, and that pretty little thing is the Pilson Blanket.
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Find a printer-friendly PDF version of the Pilson Blanket in my Ravelry Shop and on TLYarnCrafts.com. The PDF version includes a full-color 7-page pattern with instructions on how to adjust your Pilson Blanket to 10 sizes.
The Inspiration
Since designing my Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket, I knew I wanted to revisit the patchwork/plaid idea for another crochet baby blanket. I learned a new technique that allows you to join panels as you go in Tunisian crochet. I practiced that technique in my 2019 temperature blanket and adapted it on a smaller scale for the darling Pilson Blanket.
The Perfect Yarn
With so many lovely yarns on the market, I’m always looking for a new-to-me yarn line to try out. I haven’t met a yarn from WeCrochet that I didn’t like, so I felt pretty confident trying out Wool of the Andes Tweed for the Pilson Blanket. This yarn is a blend of Peruvian Highland Wool and Donegal tweed, giving the yarn a rich texture and those sweet little neps.
One of my favorite features of Wool of the Andes Tweed has to be the woodsy color palette. Every shade has a smoky quality that gives me visions of log cabins, hot apple cider, and blazing fireplaces. I went for a very modern mix of pink, yellow, orange, and a deep chocolate brown in the Pilson Blanket. The crochet baby blanket is anchored by a background of a creamy neutral off-white.
When it comes to a classic pattern like the patchwork found in the Pilson Blanket, choosing the right yarn to make that pattern stand out is key. The hint of tweed and the desaturated colors in Wool of the Andes Tweed bring out the best qualities of this design. When picking your own yarns, go for something really special that will be a joy to crochet with and to have close to your skin.
The Design
The Pilson Blanket is constructed in strips of color that are joined as you go. Since you will have no more than 22 loops on your hook at a time, you can make this blanket using a traditional crochet hook – just make sure it doesn’t have an ergonomic design or any adornments. Need a hook? Try this one!
Once all strips are complete, a simple border is added. Two rounds of single crochet in the main color add definition to the blanket, while a third, lacier round brings harmony to the finished crochet baby blanket.
If you’re ready to start your Pilson Blanket, keep scrolling for the free version of the pattern, or pick up a printable PDF copy from TLYarnCrafts.com. The PDF includes alterations for 10 sizes, from Security blanket to King sized!
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Pilson Blanket Details
MATERIALS:
- WeCrochet Wool of the Andes Tweed
- MC – Picket Fence (6 balls)
- A – Olive Heather (2 balls)
- B – Apple Blossom Heather (2 balls)
- C – Farmhouse Heather (2 balls)
- D – Maple Heather (2 balls)
- 6mm crochet hook
- 6.5mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Blocking supplies
FINISHED SIZE
38″ wide x 42″ long after blocking
GAUGE
15 stitches x 12.5 rows in Tunisian simple stitch = 4″, unblockes
ABBREVIATIONS
Cc = change color
Ch = chain
Lts = Last Tunisian stitch (see Special Stitches)
RetP = Return Pass (see Special Stitches)
Sc = single crochet
Sk = skip
Sl st = slip stitch
St(s) = stitch(es)
Tss = Tunisian simple stitch
Yo = yarn over
SPECIAL STITCHES
Last Tunisian Stitch (Lts): Insert hook under BOTH loops of the last stitch on the forward pass and complete as for Tss.
Return Pass (RetP): Ch 1, *yo, pull through 2 loops; repeat from * until 1 loop remains on the hook.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Cut the yarn no longer in use after a color change.
- New to Tunisian crochet? Practice the basics, color changes, and the join as you go method with these tutorial videos.
Pilson Blanket Pattern
Are you more of a visual learner? Make your Pilson Blanket alongside me with this helpful tutorial video:
STRIP 1
ROW 1: With MC and 6.5mm hook, ch 22, pull up a loop in the back bump of the 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch, RetP. (22 sts)
ROW 2: Tss across row to last st, Lts, RetP.
ROWS 3-17: Repeat Row 2. Cc to B at the end of the last row.
Continue in this manner, repeating Row 2 and changing color after 17 rows according to the chart below.
At the end of the last row, slip stitch bind off loosely and weave in all ends.
STRIP 2
Strip 2 and subsequent strips are added to the blanket using the seamless join-as-you-go method. If you are new to this technique, reference the Pilson Blanket tutorial video linked above.
ROW 1: Insert hook into the back loop AND the 3rd loop of the first stitch from Row 1 of Strip 1 (see image below). Yo with C and pull up a loop, ch 21, pull up a loop in the back bump of the 2nd ch from the hook and each remaining ch, pull up a loop in the same back loop and 3rd loop as the initial join, *yo, pull through 2 loops; repeat from * until 1 loop remains on the hook. (22 sts)
ROW 2: Tss across row, pull up a loop in the back loop AND 3rd loop of the next row on Strip 1, *yo, pull through 2 loops; repeat from * until 1 loop remains on the hook.
Continue in this manner, repeating Row 2 and changing color after 17 rows according to the chart below.
At the end of the last row, slip stitch bind off loosely and weave in all ends.
Repeat the instructions in Strip 2 for Strips 3-6 in the blanket, following the color changes in the chart below.
COLOR CHART
Use the color chart below as a guide for your Pilson Blanket. Follow these color changes exactly to achieve the same look as the original sample. White spaces are worked in MC only.
BORDER
ROUND 1: With MC and 6mm hook with right side facing up, sl st to join in the rightmost stitch along the top edge of the blanket. Ch 1, sc in same st as join, sc in each st along the top edge, *ch 2, rotate to work along the next edge, sc in each st along the edge; repeat from * for the remaining edges, ch 2, sl st in first sc of the round. DO NOT TURN.
ROUND 2: Ch 1, *sc in each st along the edge, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * for each edge, sc in next sc, sl st in first sc of round. Cc to D, fasten off MC.
ROUND 3: Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same st as join, *[sk next st, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next st] to next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp; repeat from * for each edge, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next sc, sk next sc, sl st in first sc of round. Fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in all remaining ends.
Block to finished measurements.
Purchase the Pilson Blanket pattern HERE!
I really hope you enjoyed this pattern for the Pilson Blanket. The sample I showed here is spoken for and I can’t wait to pick some of my favorite colors for my next one. Share your crochet baby blanket with me on Instagram using the hashtags #PilsonBlanket and #TLYCMakers. Then do a little showing off in the TLYCMakers Facebook group.
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This is the most beautiful, the most simplest baby blanket pattern that will be a show stopper at baby showers.
The construction is so incredible but simple,it leaves the seams flawless.you are very very talented and this email is saved to my favorites.
My question is, what weights yarn work best, sndcwould you reccomend a more firmer yarn instead of softer with more ease?
Thank you sgain.
I love tweed and I’ve wanted to do an easy Tunisian crochet pattern–this project addresses both those issues. And I need 2 blankets for a friend’s recent addition of twins! Thanks for this and all your other terrific patterns.
Elaine
Sounds like a win win to me! I hope your friend loves the new blankets – and big congrats to her on the twins. Happy making!
I love this! Your designs inspire me even though I have yet done a Tunisian project.
I hope you’ll give it a try – it’s much easier than it looks!
I love this so much. I, like you, am an auntie and god mommy to many and ALL my babies get blankets. I first found you and your site from your Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket, which I made for my brother’s first born. I will definitely be making this one for a friend’s baby as well!
Amazing work as always!!! I so appreciate the work you do and seeing a black woman in this space!
Yay for the aunties that come through with the best gifts!! I’m so glad you like the design and I hope your friend likes the blanket at well 🙂
I’m thinking the Scheepjes stone washed yarn medley I recently bought will be PERFECT for this pattern! I’m looking forward to actually making something with my newly acquired tss stitching ability. As always, you make learning new things super-duper easy! Thank you for the free pattern, Toni.
I am a Black, Female crafter too! I was so excited to find your page. I love the projects and the videos to help along. Thank you for such great info. I want to try a larger project in Tunisian crochet and I think this may be the one. Please keep up the great work in this age of COVID-19. If you need a tester, please keep me in mind. Be safe!
I want to make this stunning blanket with a bulky 5 acrylic so that it will be easier to wash. Do you think a bulky 5 tweed yarn will work with this pattern?
Thank you.
I just purchased the pattern as I would like to make a throw size blanket. Can you share how much yarn in each color I would need for this larger size? I didn’t find this information on the purchased pattern. Thank!
Hi! One square takes about 30 yards of yarn to make. You’ll then want to add a full ball of yarn for the border, just to be safe. You can use that math to determine that yardage for whatever colors you have planned for your blanket 🙂
Thank the Lord for this pattern! I have FIVE little new nieces and/or nephews who will be coming along–ALL in January! Two sets of twins and a singleton. 🙂
Wowza! You’re going to be so busy! Congrats on the new additions 🙂
Where can I find the video showing how to join ?
Hi! The tutorial video in the blog post will show you how to join. If you’re looking for the join video on its own, you can find it HERE.
I love this pattern but I wanted to know what the difference between this one and the Gingham blanket. Is it just the way you decided to construct it? This as strips and the Gingham as one piece. I have purchased the Gingham and I wanted to know how do you increase it. I know you can just add more squares but how would you make each block larger. Does it have to but in a certain amount of stitches?
Hi! You are correct – these patterns are structured differently and each design can be made either way. If you want to increase the size of your blocks, you’ll start with more foundation stitches and add rows to your desired size. There isn’t a particular formula for the size of these squares.
Is it normal for the first few rows to curl? I tried moving up in my crochet hook and to stay looser on my tension but it seems to still be doing it. I know blocking at the end should help, I just feel like it’s curling more than the sample did in the video tutorial
Hi! Yes, it is normal for the first few rows to curl. That’s the nature of Tunisian crochet. Adding a border and blocking should relax the curl completely once you’re all done.
Hi! Yes, curling is normal for the first few rows – that’s the nature of Tunisian crochet. Adding the border and blocking in the end should relax the curl completely. As long as you achieved the gauge mentioned in the pattern, you’re on the right track.
Hi Toni!
I love your blog and I love Tunisian crochet. How do you keep the sides from curling??
Hi! Curling is normal with Tunisian crochet. Blocking at the end will relax that curl.
Hi! Curling is normal with Tunisian crochet. Blocking at the end will relax that curl.
Hey! So this is the first Tunisian crochet project I’m trying – and I love how it works up, but I don’t know if my gauge is 100% exactly as it’s noted in the pattern. My unblocked squares with 17 rows and 22 stitches across measure about 5 x 5 inches. Does Tunisian generally stretch out a bit more after wet blocking? It seems stretchier pulling the rows apart as opposed to pulling across the stitches. I used WeCrochet Wool of the Andes, not the tweed kind. I’m totally fine with the size it’s working up to be right now, but I’m just curious as to how yours was when you worked it up!
Thank you!
Hi! Happy to help – please send your pattern question to [email protected]
Hello! I love this, and ALL of your work! I’ve fallen in love with Tunisian crochet, and I can’t wait to get started on this pattern. I have a quick blocking question. Do you need to block your blanket after each wash, or do the curls ‘wash out’ over time? Thank you!!
Hi! It depends on what yarn you use. You won’t need to block it each time, but blankets with wool will hold up better if you lay them flat to dry as opposed to machine drying them.
so happy I found this! The link for your recommended hook is not available, can you tell me what your go-to crochet hook would be for this project? Thank you.
Hi! Something like the hook mentioned would be my recommendation. Chiaogoo has nice straight hooks. You can also find inexpensive bamboo hook sets that would work. If all else fails, a Susan Bates or Boye hook would work as well.
Hi Toni,
I’m working on this and doing the first join section. I am having a lot of trouble finding the 2nd back stitch. Would it mess up the pattern if I used the front and back stitch to join rather than the 2 back ones?
FYI, I tried Tunisian crochet many many years ago. Not sure why I didn’t like it then, but I’m loving it now. Thanks for your super easy to understand instructions! Next blanket I’m going to try is the holiday sampler blanket!
Hi – it will significantly impact the finished look if you pull up in different loops. I’d recommend taking a look at the joining video to see if that helps. Find the video HERE.
I’m doing better finding that last back loop. I ended up taking the bifocals off, LOL!
This video tutorial is the Best Ever. Clear, articulate, easy-to-follow, the instructions are simple and perfectly demonstrated. Thank you so much, I wish all the tutorials were like yours!
You’re so sweet! Thank you – I’m so glad they’re helpful 🙂
Hi Toni!
I just started crocheting this past April and I had no idea that I would love it so much. It makes my heart happy being the dad crocheting at the park while my son plays. I also had no idea that Tunisian crochet would become my true love!! Thank you so much for making crocheting, both traditional and Tunisian, approachable.
I just started this blanket Saturday and I absolutely love it. The simplicity of the stitches mixed with the excitement of the color changes makes this blanket an absolute joy to make. Right now my blanket seems to be coming out a few inches smaller, but I might just add another panel to the end and maybe an extra block vertically. I tend to overthink my color choices so my question is, what advice would you give in deciding what colors to use in extra blocks if I choose to go that path?
Thank you!!
Hi! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Pilson. It’s one of my favorites 🙂 This blanket is meant to be quite random in the color placement, so choose something that is different from what you used in the previous panel, so the same two colors aren’t touching.
Can you please tell me what size the blanket will be from this pattern? Thank you!
All of the pattern details, including the size, are listed in the “Pilson Blanket Details” section.
hi, may i ask which size is depicted here? i cant be the baby size, right?
Hi – yes, this is the baby size.
Hi your tutorial is very simple and clear to understand. Great job! Plse help me with your crochet hook the linked reference does not actually take me anywhere. Can totally be me doing it wrong but my crochet hook has ergo thing in the middle and yours seem to glide pretty nicely. Thanks rene
Thanks for letting me know about the missing link. I just updated it to direct to these crochet hooks.
I’ve been having a lot of problems with strip 2. Is row 1 of strip 1 the chain 22 or the row where we did our Tunisian simple stitch? I keep ending up with 18 rows for strip 2. 🙁 Would really appreciate some support with this!
Hi! Row 1 includes the chain, pulling up loops, and the return pass. That counts as Row 1. I’m happy to provide additional help via email – [email protected].
Hi Tony
I am on my second blanket. The second one i am making for your yarn and o boy am i in trouble. I adore it! The combo is fantastic the result omg what is not to love! Thank you for a great tutorial and fabulous result. Perfection! Thanks for the hook link.
[…] Tunisian crochet. Want to make your own Pilson Blanket, find the free pattern and video tutorial on TL Yarn Crafts […]
Hi Linda! You would have to play around with a swatch and see if you can get something closer to your desired size.
Hi Toni! I am curious. Say I’m stash busting, just trying to get through my ginormous tub of extra full skeins and leftovers and I don’t know what color pattern I want bc there’s so many colors. I don’t want to put the patches together until I’ve busted my whole stash with patches, CAN you join them after they’re made? I‘be been crocheting for a few years now, but not consistently, so I still consider myself a beginner! I love this pattern!
Great question, Brittanie. You absolutely could join your squares after you make them all. You’ll want to use a crochet seaming technique, and you can pick your favorite here – LINK
Hi Toni,
I apologize if I missed this on the blog, but I couldn’t seem to find this information. I’m wondering about the size of each square. I’m using a different yarn and hook and would like to try to match the size of the square as much as possible.
Thank you!
Hi Jennette! The pattern does not specify the exact measurement of the individual squares. You can try making a 4×4 swatch and then adjusting from your stitch and row counts.
Hi Toni……..Just found you. You are a treasure! Thank you for sharing. You’ve made it possible for a beginning crochet newbie to create more than I ever imagined. Your instructions are right on and your designs are sooooooooooo nice.
Hey there, Eileen 🙂 Thank you so much for much for your kind words of support! I will be sure to pass these along to Toni, and we are so happy to have you as a part of this community! All the love