Linen Stitch Crochet Blanket

It always amazes me how just a few simple stitches can be combined to create such different looks when crocheting. For example, with this Linen Stitch Crochet Blanket, I used an alternative long double crochet stitch instead of the usual single, and it completely changed the look of the stitch.

I highly recommend experimenting with the linen stitch using the single, the half double, and the long double crochet stitches just so you can see what a huge difference each one makes to the texture of your project. When you look at this linen stitch crochet blanket, the texture is definitely the first thing that catches your eye!

For this blanket yarn project, I wanted to make another child’s snuggle throw blanket. The original blanket was made with red and black yarn because the recipient was a little boy whose absolute favorite colors are black and red. The second one I made in more neutral colors and gifted it to the adorable little boy across the street. When I initially made it with brighter colors, I wanted to find a stitch that would break up these bold colors, so I researched until I found something that would complement the contrasting color choices. It still looks just as stunning in cream and gray, however. Ultimately, I settled on this cool-looking stitch to make this Linen Stitch Crochet Blanket using the long double crochet.

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Linen Stitch Crochet Blanket (Using Long Double Crochet)

Materials

• 2 Skeins Red Bernat Blanket Yarn
• 2 Skeins Black Bernat Blanket Yarn
• Size N Crochet Hook
• Scissors

Measurements

The finished blanket is approximately 38 inches wide by 49 inches long. (crib or lapghan sized blanket)

Gauge

1 Long Double Crochet + 1 Chain Stitch = 1 inch
2 Rows of Linen Stitches in One Color = 1.5 inches

Instructions

Chain 71 + 3 with the first yarn color to create your foundation chain row. (If you are making another size, always chain an odd number plus three.)

Row 1:  Double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook. The first three skipped chains count as the first double crochet.
Chain 1, skip the next chain and double crochet into the next chain.
Repeat chains and double crochet stitches to the end of the row.
The last stitch is a double crochet.

Row 2: Chain 2. That will count as your first half double crochet.
Long double crochet into that first skipped chain stitch from the foundation chain row. Chain 1.
Long double crochet into the next skipped chain stitch.
Repeat alternating chain 1 and long double crochet stitches for the rest of the row. *Half double crochet in the last stitch.
All the long double crochet stitches will be made into that initial foundation chain row.

Color Change: Before you move on to Row 3, you need to change your yarn color.
With your hook still inserted into the last half double crochet above with the *, pull out that last yarn over leaving three loops on the hook.
Take your second yarn color and yarn over the hook and pull it through all three loops to complete the half-double crochet stitch.
The second color should now be on your hook.
Do not cut off the first yarn color. Leave it there for the next color change.
If you trim the yarn after each color change, you’ll end up with so many tails to tie off and weave in.
No one wants to do all that!

Row 3: Chain 2. This counts as the first half double crochet.
Turn and long double crochet into the first double crochet from Row 1.
It’s the one right below the first chain1 of Row 2. Chain 1.
Repeat the long double crochets and chain 1 stitch across to the last two stitches.
Skip making the last chain stitch and half double crochet into the last stitch.

Row 4: Chain 2. This counts as the first half double crochet.
Turn and long double crochet into the first long double crochet from Row 2. Chain 1.
Repeat the long double crochets and chain 1 stitch across to the last two stitches.
Skip making the last chain stitch and half double crochet into the last stitch.

Color Change and Carry Yarn: Now you’ll be back on the side of the blanket with the tails.
Again pull out the last part of the half-double crochet, leaving three loops.
Then take the first yarn color, yarn over the hook, and pull it through to complete the stitch.
Don’t pull the yarn too tightly to the side of the blanket or it will cause it to curl or buckle from the tension.
Leave the tail of the second color hanging there without clipping, just like before.

Row 5: Chain 2. This counts as the first half double crochet.
Turn and long double crochet into the first long double crochet from Row 3. Chain 1.
Repeat the long double crochets and chain 1 stitch across to the last two stitches.
Skip making the last chain stitch and half double crochet into the last stitch.

Row 6: Chain 2. This counts as the first half double crochet.
Turn and long double crochet into the first long double crochet from Row 4. Chain 1.
Repeat the long double crochets and chain 1 stitch across to the last two stitches.
Skip making the last chain stitch and half double crochet into the last stitch.

Color Change and Carry Yarn

Alternate both yarn colors every two rows, repeating Rows 5 and 6 for 77 rows total. Row 77 should be the first yarn color.

Row 78: For the final row, Chain 1.
Single crochet into the half-double crochet below.
Long double crochet into the first long double crochet from Row 76.
Single crochet into the next long double crochet from Row 77.
Repeat these alternating long double crochets and single crochet to the end of the row. Single crochet into the last stitch, but pull out that last part of the stitch leaving two loops on the hook this time.
The last two rows should be the same yarn color used for the foundation chain and Row 1.

Border

• Carry the second yarn color up the side and complete the last single crochet.
• Clip and tie off that first yarn color.
• Chain 2. Turn and half double crochet each stitch across.
• In the last stitch, half double crochet three times into the same stitch to make a nice corner.
• Half double crochet once into the end of each row down the side of the blanket. (Make sure to tie off, tuck in, and crochet over any tails on this side of the blanket.)
• Repeat the three double crochets into each corner and continue the half double crochets all the way around the blanket.
• The last side of the blanket will have the majority of the tails to tie off, tuck in, and crochet over. Towards the last several stitches of this side, make sure to point the tails towards the hook so they aren’t leftover at the corner.
• That last corner/ stitch is also the first, so only add two additional half double crochets to the same stitch to make the final corner. Cut, tie off, and weave in that last tail.

Both little boys were so excited to see their blankets and I love to see them snuggle and hug their squishy blankets. I think I’ll be using this stitch again in the future for sure. Even with standard weight yarn, this stitch creates a thick blanket, but with this bulky weight chenille yarn, it’s at least 1/2″ thick! I’d definitely love to see how it looks in softer colors or with a mix of a bunch of colors, too. What color combo would you try?

I think this blanket pattern would be perfect for crocheters who are between beginner and intermediate. Once you know the four basic stitches used here, learning the long double crochet shouldn’t be too hard to master.

The texture and pattern made from this linen stitch using long double crochet is stunning and looks far more complicated than it is, making this Linen Stitch Crochet Blanket stand apart from other blanket yarn projects.

If you love the look of two contrasting yarn colors, but want to see other stitch options, you make like my Teal Waves Crochet Blanket pattern.

Teal Waves Crochet Blanket

If you love stripes but want to try an easier, more subtle approach, you’ll probably love my Quick & Easy Crochet Baby Blanket tutorial as well!

Quick & Easy Crochet Baby Blanket

If you want to see a large variety of stitches that work well with this bulky chenille yarn, don’t miss my Bernat Blanket Yarn Projects article where you can find a large variety of ideas for using this amazing yarn!

Bernat Blanket Yarn Projects

You can also find loads of free crochet patterns featuring this Bernat Blanket Yarn at Yarnspirations!