My favorite occasion to break out my hooks: new babies. Handmade baby blankets are instant heirloom pieces, cherished by new mother and child as they grow. But, the time it takes to complete a stunning blanket doesn’t always fit into my busy schedule. These are my go-to quick crochet patterns to bestow my love on the newest little ones in my world.

Snow Drifter Chunky Blanket by Jess Coppom

Classic look with a modern, super-soft chunky texture makes this a favorite for new babies and new mothers. This pattern can be sized down to fit a crib or sized up for midday snuggles on the couch. Perfect for the new mother with a chic sense of style who appreciates linens that accent her environment.

Super Easy Baby Blanket by Purl Soho

Bold color blocks can take this pattern in infinite directions: mix bright spring tones with muted naturals for a funky statement gift or go for nautical neutrals for the minimalist mom. Purl Soho is a go-to for beginner-focused patterns and this crib-sized quick crochet is no exception. Get a sense of the recipient’s style before choosing your colorway and this blanket will be the perfect fit.

Apline Baby Blanket by Jerika Tompkins

Brush up on your front post triple crochet stitch with this cozy mountain-inspired blanket. I love the opportunity to learn new stitches and to practice underutilized textures, and this blanket is just small enough to be a quick refresher. A bit on the bulky side, consider this a warm welcome for winter babes.

Log Cabin Quilt by Yarnspirations Design Studio

A log cabin blanket in the color scheme of the nursery is the quintessential baby gift, elevating a quilting tradition to a modern craft. Crochet it in less time than it takes to finish a season of Little House on the Prairie using your favorite super-bulky cotton fiber. Have a fast grower on your hands? Continue the style in an additional layer around the outside to take this blanket from crib-cozy to their first “big kid” bed.

Honeycomb Blanket by Arienne Brigham

Looking for an alternative to the traditional chunky baby blanket? This pattern calls for a more delicate but still-sturdy aran weight yarn, resulting in an elegant drape with extra breathability. A perfect spring-to-summer throw that can be sized to your preference that looks especially eye-catching in a statement shade.  

Amelia Bartlett is a new knitter, long-time crocheter, and enthusiastic writer and photographer. You can follow her through her website, Instagram, and on Steemit, where she shares a variety of content on everything from woman-run business practices to hand-blended teas!