Beside the Sea Little Comfort Blanket
This is a little comfort blanket designed to go with the full sized Beside the Sea baby blanket. For those little ones who like to take their blanket with them but when the full size version is just too big. Perfect for nursery and days out. I didn't take a photo before I sent this to my friend otherwise this would have been blocked out to look a little more square!
Finished size and pattern notes
Increasing/decreasing the size of the blanket background is easy. To increase or decrease the width of the pattern add or subtract chains in multiples of 6 stitches (add 2 stitches for the foundation Ch). It's relatively easy to miss the last st of the DC-FP row when working the wrong side row so remember to count your stitches!
Hook
A 4mm (G) hook was used for this project but of course use a hook appropriate to the weight of your yarn. For this particular yarn I would recommend not to use too sharp a hook as it does split slightly. Yarn Mary T Designs on Ravelry I used Sirdar Simply Recycled DK, which is lovely and smooth to work with even if it splits a little. And of course it's machine washable! 51% cotton, 49% acrylic 50g ball = 130 metres (142 yards) Blue Shade 1 balls Cream Shade 14 ball or scraps Brown Shade 14 ball or scraps Pink Shade 14 ball or scraps
Gauge
I used a DK yarn for the drape it allows but in fact this stitch would look good in any yarn weight. Gauge is not important for this project.
Abbreviations (American)
Ch chain SC single crochet SC2tog single crochet two together DC double crochet FP-DC front post double crochet Slst slip stitch chain double crochet double crochet two together treble crochet front post treble crochet slip stitch
ReliefWave Stitch
This stitch is worked over two repeated rows. Row 1 is performed by alternating three DC with three FP-DC. The next row is DC (in both loops) across.
The alternation in stitches is key to the pattern. Remember to check periodically along the project that you have placed the three FP-DC in the correct places as this will offset the wave effect in subsequent rows.
PATTERN
Blanket
1. In blue ch 53 2. DC into 4th ch from hook and each ch to end, ch3, turn. 3. \*FP-DC around first 3 stitches, DC in next 3 stitches \*\*, continue pattern between \* and \*\* to end, ch3 and turn. 4. 1DC in each stitch across including 3'd ch of turning chain, ch3 and turn. 5. Ch3 (counts as first DC), DC in next 2 stitches, \*FP-DC in next 3 stitches, DC in next 3 stitches \*\*, continue pattern between \* and \*\* to end. End with DC in 3rd ch of turning chain, ch3 and turn. 6. 1DC in each stitch across including 3rd ch of turning chain, Ch3 and turn. Repeat rows 3 to 6, aligning the waves carefully, until the blanket is approximately square.
Edging
1. Attaching the colour of your choice work a single row of crab stitch (reverse single crochet) around all four sides. 2. Fasten off and sew in ends using a darning needle.
Boat Base
1. In brown ch21 2. 1SC in 2nd Ch and in each ch across, ch1, turn. 3. SC2tog in first two st, sc in each st across until last two st, sc2tog in remaining st. ch1, turn. 4. Repeat row 3 two more times. 5. SC around and sew in place on right side of blanket.
Sail (small)
1. In pink ch11 2. 1sc in 2nd ch and each ch across, ch1, turn. 3. SC2tog in first 2 st, sc in next 2st, hdc in next 3st, dc in next 3 st, ch3, turn 4. Skip 1st st, dc in next 2st, hdc in next 3st, sc in next st, sc2tog over last 2st, ch1 turn 5. SC2tog over first 2st, sc in next st, hdc in next 2st, dc in next 3st 7. Slst around with right side facing and sew in place on right side of blanket.
Sail (big)
1. In pink ch16 2. 1SC in 2nd ch and next 4st, hdc in next 5st, dc in next 5st, ch3, turn. 3. DC in first st and next 4st, hdc in next 4 st, sc in next 3 st, sc2tog over last 2st, ch1, turn. 4. SC2tog in first 2 stitches, sc in next 2 st, hdc in next 5st, dc in next 5st, ch3, turn. 5. DC in first 5st, hdc in next 5st, sc until the final 2st, sc2tog over last 2 st, ch1, turn. 6. Skip first st, sc in next 3st, hdc in next 3st, dc in next 5st. 7. Slst around and sew in place on right side of blanket.
