About This Zig-Zag Blanket Pattern
This pattern creates a textured zig-zag blanket using sport weight yarn held double and puff stitches for a plush, dimensional fabric. You can make newborn, crib, or adult throw sizes by adjusting the starting chain and number of rows. The pattern includes clear step-by-step photos, a color placement chart for four colors, and guidance for changing and weaving in yarn ends. It is written in American terms and is ideal for a relaxing, rewarding crochet project.
The design uses Knit Picks Brava Sport in four colors and a 5.5 mm hook, but you can substitute other yarns and weights. Detailed instructions for the puff stitch and color changes are included to help you achieve neat, consistent results.
Why You'll Love This Zig-Zag Blanket Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because the puff stitch creates an incredibly soft and textured fabric that feels luxurious to touch. I enjoy how quickly the rows grow once you get into the rhythm of making puff stitches and chaining; it is very satisfying. The color placement chart makes it easy to plan beautiful gradients or stripes, and I find swapping colors one strand at a time keeps the transitions clean. This is one of my go-to projects when I want a cozy handmade gift that looks more complicated than it actually is.
Switch Things Up
I love how easily this zig-zag blanket accepts color variations; try pastel tones for a nursery or bold brights for a modern throw.
You can swap the sport weight yarn for a worsted weight and a larger hook to create a thicker, chunkier blanket that works up faster.
Hold three strands together instead of two to make an extra plush fabric; just be sure to adjust your hook size for comfortable tension.
Make a mini version using fingering weight yarn and a small hook to create a decorative lapghan or baby security blanket.
Experiment with striping sequences: repeat each color for more rows for longer stripes or alternate each row for a peppered multicolor effect.
I sometimes add a simple single crochet border in a contrasting color to frame the blanket and give a clean finish to the edges.
Try substituting a self-striping yarn for one of the color strands to introduce subtle variegation without extra color changes.
You can make a reversible version by changing the placement of puff stitches and DCs on the wrong side to create mirrored texture.
If you want a lacy look, replace the ch-1 between puff stitches with a ch-2 and adjust spacing to open up the fabric.
I also like to add appliques, pom-pom corners, or small tassels in the corner colors to personalize the blanket for gifts.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
β Skipping the initial chain count or chaining the wrong number will change the width dramatically; double-check the starting chain (83, 128, or 146) before beginning.
β Not holding yarn double as instructed will change gauge and texture; be sure to hold two strands together consistently for the pattern to work as written.
β Cutting both yarn ends when changing color can make joining messy; replace one strand at a time and leave one thread uncut before starting the new color.
β Failing to weave in ends securely can cause unraveling over time; knot paired ends close to the fabric and use a yarn needle to weave them in tightly.