Zebra Blanket

This Zebra Blanket pattern is suitable for intermediate-level crocheters but includes step-by-step instructions for clarity.

Materials Needed:

1. Yarn:
   • Black (Worsted weight, approximately 1000 yards)
   • White (Worsted weight, approximately 1000 yards)
2. Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or the size needed for your desired tension.
3. Scissors
4. Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.

Stitches and Abbreviations:

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• puff stitch: A cluster of stitches to create a raised texture
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side

Finished Blanket Size:

• Approximately 48” x 60” (adjustable).

Pattern Overview:

This pattern alternates rows of black and white in a striped design. Each stripe consists of 3 rows of double crochet (dc). The edges are bordered for a clean finish.

Instructions:

1. Foundation Chain:

• Using black yarn, make a foundation chain of 150 chains (or any multiple of 6 + 2 for your desired width).
• Add 2 chains to turn.

2. Row 1 (RS): Double Crochet Foundation Row

• Work 1 dc into the 3rd chain from the hook and each chain across.
• You should have 150 dc stitches.
• Turn your work.

3. Row 2: Puff Stitch Row

• Chain 2 (counts as first dc), then work a puff stitch into the next stitch.
  • Puff Stitch Instructions:
    • Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
    • Repeat the above step two more times (7 loops on hook).
    • Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops.
    • Chain 1 to secure the puff stitch.
• Alternate between dc and puff stitches across the row, ending with a dc.
• Turn your work.

4. Row 3 (RS): Double Crochet Row

• Chain 2 (counts as first dc), then work 1 dc in each stitch across.
• Change to white yarn at the end of the row.
• Turn your work.

5. Stripe Repetition:

• Repeat Rows 1–3 using white yarn for 3 rows, then switch back to black yarn for 3 rows.
• Continue alternating 3-row stripes (black and white) until the blanket reaches the desired length.

Border

1. Round 1: Single Crochet Border

• Using black yarn, work 1 sc in each stitch across all edges of the blanket.
• For corners, work 3 sc in the same stitch to prevent puckering.
• Join with a sl st to the first sc.

2. Round 2: Puff Stitch Edge

• Chain 2, then work a puff stitch in every other stitch around the blanket for a textured border.
• For corners, work 3 puff stitches in the same corner stitch.

Finishing:

1. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends using the tapestry needle.
2. Lightly block the blanket to even out the stitches and achieve the perfect shape.

Tips for Success:

1. Consistency in Tension: Maintain the same tension throughout to keep the blanket even.
2. Color Changes: Always switch colors on the last yarn-over of the last stitch of a row for seamless transitions.
3. Adjusting Size: To make the blanket wider or narrower, adjust the foundation chain in multiples of 6. For length, add or reduce the number of stripe repetitions.