blankets

types of blanket construction

Blanket is worked in rows. The blanket starts with a foundation chain that is the approximate width of the final blanket, and the blanket is worked by adding rows until the desired length is achieved.
While not required, a border can be added to the blanket to give it a uniform shape and a clean finish.
Sampler blankets are often worked flat and change the stitch pattern after one or more rows. The key to planning a sampler blanket worked flat is to choose stitch patterns that use compatible stitch multiples. For example, a blanket with a foundation row of 144 stitches can use stitch patterns that use a multiple of 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, or 12 stitches.
A challenge with making this type of blanket is maintaining a consistent tension from start to finish. Inconsistent tension can make this blanket warp out of shape. If warping does occur, you can add a border and/or block the blanket into the correct shape.
Examples: Gingham Baby Blanket, A Spicier Life Blanket, Strawberry Fields Mosaic

Blanket is worked from the center outward. The blanket starts with a foundation round that is worked into the top and bottom of a foundation chain (for rectangular blankets) or worked around a magic circle (for square blankets).
A benefit of this type of blanket is that you don't have to have specific dimensions for the final blanket in mind when you start. You simply add rows until you reach the desired size. However, with rectangular blankets, the length of the foundation round determines the difference between the width and length of the blanket.
This type of blanket is fairly forgiving when it comes to changes in tension.
A challenge with making this type of blanket is estimating how much yarn is needed to complete the next round, which is necessary when changing colors or adding a border.
Examples: Prism Block Stitch Blanket, Chevron and On (And On), Sophie's Universe

Blanket is worked flat diagonally from one corner to its opposing corner. Your foundation starts one corner. Then, each row increases at its start and/or end until the desired blanket length is acheieved, creating two more corners at its widest diagonal. Then, each row decreases until the final corner is made.
C2C blankets usually refer to blankets made with the C2C Block Stitch, which can be used with different colors to create patterns or images.
However, many other stitch patterns can be worked C2C as well.
Like blankets worked in the round, C2C blankets don't need to start with specific dimensions in mind. You can increase until the desired dimensions are reached.
One challenge with this type of blanket is maintaining consistent tension. If you tension changes throughout the the project, the final blanket may become warped. If warping does occur, you can add a border and/or block the blanket into the correct shape.
Examples: Colorful Connection, C2C Hot Boho Nights Sofa Throw, C2C Moss Stitch Baby Blanket

Blanket is made up of multiple panels, worked flat. The completed panels are then sewn together or joined with crochet stitches. Panels can also be joined as you go (JAYG), where the edges of each panel are worked into the previous one.
A benefit of this type of blanket is that each panel is relatively portable, making it a great travel project or for crocheting in public.
A challenge with this type of blanket is that, unless it's a JAYG pattern, these require a lot of of sewing, which can be time-consuming even for veteran crocheters.
Mile-a-Minute blankets are a particular style of joined panel blankets. These blankets mainly use "fast" stitches, such as the Granny Stitch or the Granny Cluster, that create a lot of fabric quickly. The panels are joined with crochet and a border is added. Example: Colorful Mile a Minute
Examples: Zendoodle Blanket, Boho Desert, Lake Pepin Blanket

Blanket is made up of many small shapes, usually granny squares or hexagons (hexies). The completed squares are then sewn together or joined with crochet stitches. Squares can be joined as you go or sewn altogether at the end.
A benefit of this type of blanket is that squares are usually portable and quick to make. You also get the satisfaction of completing a mini-project as you finish each square.
A challenge of this type of blanket is that squares produce a lot of ends, especially with color changes. Working with a blanket-amount of squares also requires a lot of sewing/joining. This means that these blankets can take more time to complete compared to other blanket styles.
Examples: Rainbow of Stars Blanket, Starlite Blanket of Stars, Tessellation Nation