The Tiny Gems Baby Blanket is a free knitting pattern that was inspired by a dishcloth that I designed in 2020. It uses the Seersucker or Padded Diamonds stitch that adds a beautiful texture. It’s framed on the inside with a stockinette panel and the outside is worked with garter stitch. It’s all worked in one piece, so the borders are worked at the same time as the body of the blanket.
If you’d like to check out the free knitting pattern for the dishcloth that inspired this blanket, here’s the link.
About the yarn
As I was picking out the colors, the King Cole “Little Treasures Double Knitting” yarn in the color “Jem” really called out to me. It has hints of greens, yellows, cream and a touch of pinks / purples. It’s a fairly neutral color for babies and is oh-so-soft. It works up like a dream and there were very few knots. I used just under 4 skeins for this project.
The blanket uses size US 8 / 5 mm knitting needles and works over an 8 row repeat.
Disclosure: The Tiny Gems Blanket post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, when you purchase through my links, you allow the company to pay me a small commission without costing you a penny more, which allows me to continue making free content. The yarn for this pattern was provided to me from King Cole – I am a King Cole Brand Ambassador and this post is part of our ongoing collaboration. Thank you for your support!
About the blanket
The Tiny Gems Baby Blanket works over an 8 row repeat and the stitches are worked in increments of 4. Therefore, you can adjust the size as you like. One of my testers even turned the blanket into a doll blanket for one of her granddaughters! The framing is worked as you work the blanket, so there’s no picking up stitches or adding to the blanket once the body is completed.
The blanket is sized for a 42″ x 42″ and the terms are written using US terminology. I’ve created a video to help with your blanket
King Cole Little Treasures Double Knitting (60% Anti-Pilling Acrylic, 40% Polyamide; 3.5 oz / 100g; 349 yd / 320 m) – 1200 yds / 1097 m in color #4780 / Jem (To find your local King Cole stockist click HERE or visit LoveCrafts to purchase online)
Work garter st for 26 rows and remove markers as you come to them.
Bind off loosely, knit wise
Weave in any ends, then block and enjoy.
When you’re all done, please take pictures and tag me on social media @handmadebystacyj or #handmadebystacyj so that I can see your beautiful blanket 🙂
This free knitting pattern is copyright 2022 Handmade by Stacy J. Please do not duplicate or copy any portion of this pattern, as well as photographs. You are encouraged to share images of your final product and are allowed to sell final products; I just ask that if you sell your final product, please purchase the ad-free pdf, provide your own photographs and that you please credit Handmade by Stacy J as the designer. Thank you for your support!
The 4 Day Throw was inspired by a knit stitch that I modified for a collaboration project with another designer. She directed her followers to my YouTube channel and had them pick out a stitch for her upcoming design. Well, they all picked a knit stitch. My fellow designer is not a knitter, so I adapted the stitch to slightly resemble the stitch chosen. Hence, the Leafy Lace Stitch was born!
As I created the stitch, it really called out to me to be a blanket. So, I gathered some yarn and gave it a shot. Although I loved the first version, it needed some adjustments. So, I made it again and had it tested. The testers did an amazing job and also gave me feedback that required going back to the drawing board. I reworked and rewrote the pattern, had it tested once more and here we have it!
I named it the “4 Day Throw” because I was able to make each version In just under 4 days. However, I did work on each blanket for about 8-10 hours each day. Your timing may vary depending on your skill level and the time that you have to dedicate to your project.
My testers rated the 4 Day Throw for an Intermediate to Advanced level crocheter. They did warn that this is not a project with which you can lose yourself in a television program or podcast. This project does require some concentration. However, the end result is worth it!
It’s sized for a 48″ x 58″ throw and the terms are written in US terminology. There’s a full length video tutorial (with time stamps) to help throughout the entire throw.
Also, THANK YOU to all of my wonderful testers! I couldn’t have done this pattern without you! And a big THANK YOU to Mary Maxim for providing the yarn for this gorgeous blanket!
Stitches & Terms Used (Pattern is written in US terms):
BPTR: Back Post Treble Crochet – Yo 2 times, insert hook back to front around indicated stitch, draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), [yo, draw through 2] three times
BPTR3tog: Back Post Treble 3 Together – Yo 2 times, insert hook back to front around first stitch, draw up a loop, [yo, draw through 2] two times (2 loops on hook), yo 2 times, insert hook back to front around next stitch, draw up a loop, [yo, draw through 2] two times (3 loops on hook), yo 2 times, insert hook back to front around next stitch, draw up a loop [yo, draw through 2] two times (4 loops on hook), yo, draw through remaining 4 loops
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double Crochet
Dc2tog: Double Crochet 2 Together – Yo, insert hook into next st, yo and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 (leaving 2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 (3 loops remaining on hook), yo and then draw through all 3 loops on hook
Ea: Each
Fdc: Foundation Double Crochet – Ch 3; Yo, insert hook in 3rd chain from hook, yarn over and pull up loop (3 loops on hook); Yo and draw through 1 loop (1 chain made); [Yo and draw through 2 loops] 2x (1 Fdc with ch at bottom); *Yo, insert hook under the 2 loops of the chain at the bottom of the stitch just made, yo and pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yo and draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), (yo and draw through 2 loops) 2 times; rep *
FPTR3tog: Front Post Treble 3 Together – Yo 2 times, insert hook front to back around first stitch, draw up a loop, [yo, draw through 2] two times (2 loops on hook), yo 2 times, insert hook front to back around next stitch, draw up a loop, [yo, draw through 2] two times (3 loops on hook), yo 2 times, insert hook front to back around next stitch, draw up a loop [yo, draw through 2] two times (4 loops on hook), yo, draw through remaining 4 loops
FPTR: Front Post Treble Crochet – Yo 2 times, insert hook front to back around indicated stitch, draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), [yo, draw through 2] three times
modBPTR: Modified Back Post Treble Crochet – Yo 2 times, insert hook back to front around post that faces RS of indicated stitch, draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), [yo, draw through 2] twice (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook in stitch behind post just worked, draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, draw through 2, yo, draw through remaining 3 loops
modFPTR: Modified Front Post Treble Crochet – Yo 2 times, insert hook front to back around post that faces RS of indicated stitch, draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), [yo, draw through 2] twice (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook in stitch behind post just worked, draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, draw through 2, yo, draw through remaining 3 loops
Rep: Repeat
RS: Right Side
Sk: Skip
Sp: Space
St(s): Stitch (es)
Tch: Turning Chain
WS: Wrong Side
X: Times (Example: 5x = 5 times)
Yo: Yarn over
Gauge Swatch
The gauge swatch pattern is used to confirm that you are working with the same tension as I do. This helps in determining the amount of yarn needed. If your gauge swatch turns out larger, go down a hook size. If your swatch measures smaller, then go up a hook size.
The gauge swatch pattern has a slightly different border than the blanket does. However, it’s a great way for you to gain understanding of how the leaves are formed. You’ll get comfortable with the placement of your stitches, as well as understand the modified front and back post treble crochet stitches.
To see a video tutorial that walks you through the gauge swatch, please click the image below or click HERE; you can also visit the crochet stitchespage, if you prefer.
Gauge Swatch Pattern
Measures: 6” x 5” / 15.24 cm x 12.7 cm
Note (For Gauge Swatch only): Ch-3 at beg of row counts as first dc
Using J / 6 mm crochet hook, work 19 Foundation dc and skip to step 2 (only work step one is if the beginning ch method is your preferred method)
Row 1: Ch 22; Work 1 dc in fourth ch from hook (skipped chs count as first dc) and then in ea ch across
2: Ch 3, turn; (RS): 1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in ea of the next 3 sts, ch 2, sk 3, 3 dc in next st, ch 2, sk 3, 1 dc in ea of next 3 sts, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st and 1 dc in top of tch
3: Ch 3, turn; (WS): 1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st, 1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-2 sp, 1 BPTR around first post of 3-dc cluster, [1 BPTR, 1 dc, 1 BPTR] in second st, 1 BPTR around third post of 3-dc cluster, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp and dc, 1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, 1 modBPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st and 1 dc in top of tch
4: Ch 3, turn; 1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-2 sp, 1 FPTR around ea of the next 2 posts, [1 FPTR, 1 dc, 1 FPTR] in next st, 1 FPTR around post of ea of the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp and 1 dc, 1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st and 1 dc in top of tch
5: Ch 3, turn; 1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st and 1 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, 1 BPTR around ea of the next 2 posts, 1 BPTR3tog around next 3 posts, 1 BPTR around ea of next 2 posts, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-2 sp and 1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st, 1 dc in next stand 1 dc in top of tch
6: Ch 3, turn; 1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in ea of next 2 sts and ch-2 sp, ch 2, 1 FPTR in next st, 1 FPTR3tog around next 3 posts, 1 FPTR in next st, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-2 sp and in ea of next 2 dcs, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st and 1 dc in top of tch
7: Ch 3, turn; 1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts and 1 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, BPTR3tog around next 3 posts, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-2 sp and in ea of the next 3 sts, 1 modBPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st and 1 dc in top of tch
Take a look at your gauge swatch and it should look like the example below. It should measure 6” / 15.2 cm across and 5” / 12.7 cm tall. Now, let’s move on to the blanket.
First dc will be made in first st where tch is located
Each leaf is worked in a panel; Panels 1, 3, 5 & 7 begin and end with a full leaf, panels 2, 4, & 6 begin and end with a half leaf
There is a chart at the end of the written pattern for reference, as well as a check list
Optional: Using a lockable stitch marker, mark the right side of your work
Full length video tutorial (with time stamps), please click below
Directions:
Work 127 Fdc and skip to Bottom Border section (only the work step below is if the beginning ch is your preferred method)
Chain 129: Work 1 dc in third ch from hook (skipped chs do not count as first dc) and in ea ch across (127 dc)
Bottom Border:
Row 1: Ch 2, turn; (RS): 1 dc in first st, 1 dc in next st, *1 modFPTR, 1 dc; rep * across until 1 st remains; 1 dc in top of tch (62 modFPTR, 65 dc)
2. Ch 2, turn; (WS): 1 dc in first st, 1 dc in next st, *1 modBPTR around FPTR from previous row, 1 dc in next st; rep * until 1 st remains, 1 dc2tog in last st and top of tch (62 modBPTR, 64 dc, 1 dc2tog)
3. Ch 2, turn; (RS): 1 dc in first st, 1 dc in next st, *1 modFPTR, 1 dc; rep * across until 1 st remains; 1 dc2tog in last st and top of tch (62 modFPTR, 64 dc, 1 dc2tog)
Repeat rows 2-3 once more
Repeat row 2 once more
Body of Blanket
Row 1:
Ch 2, turn; (RS): 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1:
1 dc in ea of the next 3 sts, ch 2, sk 3, 3 dc in next st, ch 2, sk 3, 1 dc in ea of next 3 sts, 1 Fptr in next st
Panel 2:
dc in ea of the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2, 1 Fptr around ea of next 2 sts, 1 FpTr3tog around post just worked and ea of the next 2 posts, 1 Fptr around post just worked, 1 Fptr around next st, ch 2, sk 2, 1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, 1 Fptr in next st
Rep Panel 1 – Panel 2 twice more
Rep Panel 1 once more making last Fptr a ModFPTR, then end with [1 dc, 1 modFPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (14 modFPTR, 51 dc, 14 ch-2, 4 3-dc clusters, 18 FPTR, 3 FPTR3tog, 1 dc2tog)
Row 2:
Ch 2, turn; (WS): 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1:
1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-2 sp, 1 BPTR around first post of 3-dc cluster, [1 BPTR, 1 dc, 1 BPTR] in second st, 1 BPTR around third post of 3-dc cluster, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp and dc, 1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, 1 Bptr in next st
Panel 2:
1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, 1 dc in ch-sp, ch 2, 1 BPTR, 1 BPTR3tog, 1 BPTR, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-sp, 1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, 1 Bptr in next st
Rep Panels 1-2 twice more
Rep Panel 1 once more making last Bptr a ModBptr and then end with [1 dc, 1 modBPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (14 modBPTR, 49 dc, 14 ch-2, 20 BPTR, 4 [BPTR, 1 dc, BPTR] Cluster, 3 BPTR3tog, 1 dc2tog)
Row 3:
Ch 2, turn; 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1:
1 dc in next st, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-2 sp, 1 FPTR around ea of the next 2 posts, [1 FPTR, 1 dc, 1 FPTR] in middle st of 3-dc cluster, 1 FPTR around post of ea of the next 2 sts, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp and 1 dc, 1 dc in next st, 1 Fptr in next st
Panel 2:
1 dc in ea of next 3 sts, 1 dc in ch-sp, ch 2, FPTR3tog, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-sp, 1 dc in ea of next 3 sts, 1 Fptr in next st
Rep panels 1-2 twice more
Rep panel 1 once more making last Fptr a ModFPTR, then end with [1 dc, 1 modFPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (14 modFPTR, 47 dc, 14 ch-2, 4 [FPTR, 1 dc, FPTR] clusters, 22 FPTR, 3 FPTR3tog, 1 dc2tog)
Row 4:
Ch 2, turn; 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1:
1 dc in next st, 1 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, 1 BPTR around ea of the next 2 posts, 1 BPTR3tog around next 3 posts, 1 BPTR around ea of next 2 posts, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-2 sp and 1 dc in next st, 1 Bptr in next st
Panel 2:
1 dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-sp, 3 dc in top of FPTR3tog from previous row, ch 2, sk ch-sp and 1 dc, 1 dc in ea of the next 3 sts, 1 Bptr in next st
Rep panels 1 – 2 twice more
Rep panel 1 once more making last Bptr a ModBPTR, then end with [1 dc, 1 modBPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (14 modBPTR, 49 dc, 14 ch-2, 22 BPTR, 3 3-dc clusters, 4 BPTR3tog, 1 dc2tog)
Row 5:
Ch 2, turn; 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1:
1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, 1 dc in ch-sp, ch 2, 1 FPTR in next st, 1 FPTR3tog around next 3 posts, 1 FPTR in next st, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-2 sp and in ea of next 2 dcs, 1 Fptr in next st
Panel 2:
1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-sp, 1 FPTR in next st, [1 FPTR, 1 dc, 1 FPTR] in middle st of 3-dc cluster, 1 FPTR in next st, ch 2, sk ch-sp and 1 dc, 1 dc in ea of next 2 sts, 1 Fptr in next st
Rep panels 1 – 2 twice more
Rep panel 1 once more making last Fptr a ModFPTR, then end with [1 dc, 1 modFPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (14 modFPTR, 51 dc, 14 ch-2, 3 [FPTR, 1 dc, FPTR] clusters, 20 FPTR, 4 FPTR3tog, 1 dc2tog)
Row 6:
Ch 2, turn; 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1:
1 dc in next 3 sts and 1 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, BPTR3tog around next 3 posts, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-2 sp and in ea of the next 3 sts, 1 Bptr in next st
Panel 2:
1 dc in next st, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-sp, 1 BPTR in ea of next 2 sts, [1 BPTR, 1 dc, 1 BPTR] in middle st of 3-dc cluster, 1 BPTR in ea of next 2 sts, ch 2, sk ch-sp and 1 dc, 1 dc in next st, 1 Bptr in next st
Rep panels 1 – 2 twice more
Rep panel 1 once more making last Bptr a ModBPTR, then end with [1 dc, 1 modBPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (14 modBPTR, 53 dc, 14 ch-2, 18 BPTR, 3 [BPTR, dc, BPTR] clusters, 4 BPTR3tog, 1 dc2tog)
Row 7:
Ch 2, turn; 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1:
1 dc in ea of next 3 sts, ch 2, sk 1 dc and ch-sp, 3 dc in top of BPTR3tog from previous row, ch 2, sk ch-sp and 1 dc, 1 dc in ea of next 3 sts, 1 Fptr in next st
Panel 2:
1 dc in next st, 1 dc in ch-sp, ch 2, 1 FPTR in ea of next 2 sts, 1 FPTR3tog, 1 FPTR in ea of next 2 sts, ch 2, 1 dc in ch-sp, 1 dc in next st, 1 Fptr in next st
Rep panels 1 – 2 twice more
Rep panel 1 once more but make last Fptr a ModFPTR, then end with [1 dc, 1 modFPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (14 modFPTR, 51 dc, 14 ch-2, 4 3-dc clusters, 18 FPTR, 3 FPTR3tog, 1 dc2tog)
Repeat rows 2-7 eleven more times ending with last repeat with completion of row 6
(12 full leaves on panels 1, 3, 5, 7; 11 full leaves with 2 half leaves on panels 2, 4, 6)
Top Border
Row 1:
Ch 2, turn; 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st] 7x
Panel 1: [1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st] 2x, 2 dc in ch-sp, 1 dc next st (top of bptr3tog from previous row), 2 dc in ch-sp, [1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st] 2x, 1 modFPTR in next st
Panel 2: 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in ch-sp, 1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in between the next st and st just previously worked, 1 dc in next st (middle st of 7 sts worked in previous row), 1 dc in between the next st and st just previously worked, 1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc in ch-sp, 1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st
Rep panels 1 – 2 twice more
Rep panel 1 once more ending with [1 dc, 1 modFPTR] 6x, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last dc and in top of tch (84 dc, 42 modFPTR, 1 dc2tog)
Row 2:
Ch 2, turn; (WS): 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modBPTR in next st] across to last 2 sts and tch, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last st and tch (64 dc, 62 modBPTR, 1 dc2tog)
Row 3:
Ch 2, turn; 1 dc in first st, [1 dc in next st, 1 modFPTR in next st] across to last 2 sts and tch, 1 dc in next st, 1 dc2tog in last st and tch (64 dc, 62 modFPTR, 1 dc2tog)
Repeat rows 2-3 twice more
Fasten off and weave in ends
I hope you enjoy making this blanket as much as I did! Please tag me on social media @handmadebystacyj or #handmadebystacyj so that I can see your makes. Thank you so much for your support!
This pattern is copyright 2023 Handmade by Stacy J. Please do not duplicate or copy any portion of this pattern, as well as photographs. You are encouraged to share images of your final product and are allowed to sell final products; I just ask that if you sell your final product, please purchase the ad-free pdf, provide your own photographs and that you please credit Handmade by Stacy J as the designer. Thank you for your support!
