Best Crochet Stitches to Use for Cosy Blankets

There's something truly special about snuggling up beneath a handmade crochet blanket, savouring the warmth and the comforting texture of every meticulously crafted stitch. But did you know that the stitch you choose can greatly impact the blanket’s overall feel, drape, and warmth? Whether you're aiming for a cosy, plush winter throw, a light and airy layering piece, or a textural sensation, choosing the right crochet stitch is an essential component to achieving the perfect blanket.

Some stitches, like the waffle and puff stitch, create deep textures that trap warmth, making them perfect for snuggly, insulating blankets. Others, like the moss and shell stitch, offer a lighter drape while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic. The right combination of stitch and yarn enhances the look and comfort of your blanket, making it truly special.

If you’re starting your crochet blanket journey or looking for fresh crochet blanket stitch ideas, this guide will walk you through the best stitches to use, how to crochet them, and which yarns will give the best results.

Waffle Stitch Blanket

The waffle stitch is a timeless favourite for those who love deep, squishy textures. Its signature raised grid-like pattern creates a plush, three-dimensional surface. This texture effectively traps warmth, making it the perfect choice for cozy, heat-retaining blankets.

How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch:

1. Foundation Chain: Begin by chaining a multiple of 3 stitches, plus an additional 2 chains for the turning chain.

2. Row 1:

• Make a double crochet (DC) in the third chain from the hook.
• Continue to DC in each chain across the row.

3. Row 2:

• Chain 2 (counts as the first DC), turn your work.
• DC into 1st stitch of row
• *Front post double crochet (FPDC) around the next stitch.
• DC in the following two stitches.*
• Repeat from * to * across the row, until 2 stitches remain. FPDc around post of 2nd to last st, DC in last stitch.

4. Row 3:

• Chain 2, turn your work.
• DC in the next 2 stitches.
• *FPDC around each of the next two stitches, DC in next St.*
• Repeat from * to * across the row to last St. DC in last stitch.

5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3: Continue alternating between Rows 2 and 3 until you reach the desired length for your project.

Best Yarn for Waffle Stitch:

Thicker wools, such as Malabrigo Rasta, enhance the depth and warmth of the stitch whilst infusing your work with a striking sculptural aesthetic. Another wonderful choice is the Ashford Triple knit it is wonderfully soft and at a more traditional weight will give a more traditional appearance to your finished waffles. This yarn imparts a classic, timeless look to your finished waffles, while its structure ensures a beautifully defined texture.

Best Uses:

• Thick winter throws
• Plush baby blankets for extra insulation

Shell Stitch Blanket

The shell stitch is an elegant, decorative stitch known for its delicate openwork. It’s lightweight yet warm, making it a great choice for blankets that need a balance of beauty and functionality.

How to Crochet the Shell Stitch:

1. Foundation Chain: Begin by creating a foundation chain with a multiple of 6 stitches, plus 1 extra stitch (e.g., chain 19 for a small swatch, as 6 x 3 = 18, plus 1).

2. Row 1:

• Start by working a single crochet (sc) into the second chain from the hook.
• Skip two chains, then work five double crochets (dc) into the next chain (this forms the "shell").
• Skip two chains, then work a single crochet (sc) into the next chain.
• Repeat this pattern (skip two chains, five dc into the next chain, skip two chains, sc in the next chain) across the row.
• End with a single crochet (sc) in the last chain.

3. Row 2:

• Chain 3 (counts as the first dc), then turn your work.
• Work two double crochets (dc) into the first single crochet (sc) from the previous row.
• Skip the first two stitches (st), then single crochet into the third stitch (the middle of the shell below). Skip the next two stitches, then work five dc into the next stitch (this forms a shell).
• Repeat from * to * until you reach the last 3 stitches.
• Skip 2 stitches, then work 3 dc into the last sc (this forms a half shell).
• Turn your work.

4. Row 3:

• Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), then sc into the first stitch.
• Skip the next 2 stitches, then work 5 dc into the next sc). Skip the next 2 stitches, then sc into the next dc (middle of the shell on the previous row).
• Repeat from * to * and end with a sc into the top of the turning chain.

5. Subsequent Rows: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your piece reaches the desired length.

Best Yarn for Shell Stitch:

A lightweight yarn that allows for stitch definition, such as Maurice Brassard 8/4 or Malabrigo 100% merino sock yarn, is ideal for intricate shell stitches.

Best Uses:

• Decorative throws
• Heirloom baby blankets

Puff Stitch Blanket

The puff stitch brings beautiful texture and plushness to a blanket, it can be used sparingly as a decorative feature or more liberally making it wonderfully soft and insulating.

How to Crochet the Puff Stitch:

• Yarn Over: Yarn over (yo) and insert your hook into the stitch where you want to make the puff.
• Pull Up a Loop: Yarn over again and pull up a loop, bringing it through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.
• Repeat the Process: Yarn over again and insert your hook into the same stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop (now you have five loops on your hook).
• Continue until Desired Size: Repeat this process a third time (or more, depending on the size of puff you want), yarn over, and pull up a loop. You should now have seven loops on your hook.
• Close the Puff: Yarn over and pull through all seven loops on the hook. You now have one loop remaining.
• Finish the Stitch: To secure the puff, chain 1 (optional, depending on pattern) to complete the stitch.

Tips for working with puff stitch

• Right Side vs. Wrong Side: Puff stitches will appear on the opposite side of where they're made. To have puffs on the right side of the fabric, crochet them on a wrong-side row. Patterns often alternate between puff stitches on the wrong side and regular stitches on the right side (sc, hdc, dc).
• Add Shorter Stitches: Crochet shorter stitches (like sc or hdc) before and after a puff stitch to make it "pop." This pulls the fabric in, making the puff appear more rounded and 3D.
• Tension Control: Keep an even tension when working puffs to avoid overly tight or loose stitches, ensuring a clean, even texture.

Best Yarn for Puff Stitch:

Chunky yarn makes large, bold puffs, while lighter yarns create smaller, more delicate textures. So, for a particularly cozy blanket opt for bulky, high-loft yarns to achieve a thick, puffy texture. Ashford DK, in particular, enhances the puff stitch’s volume.

Best Uses:

• Warm winter blankets
• Cuddly throws

Moss Stitch Blanket

The moss stitch creates a subtle, woven-like texture with a tight, modern look. It’s great for structured blankets with a uniform drape.

How to Crochet the Moss Stitch:

1. Foundation Chain: Begin by chaining an even number of stitches to achieve your desired width.

2. Row 1:

• Single crochet (SC) into the fourth chain from the hook.
• *Chain 1, skip the next chain, SC into the following chain.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row. You should end with a sc in the last chain.
• Chain 2 and turn your work.

3. Row 2:

• SC into the first chain space-1 space from the previous row.
• *Chain 1, skip the next SC, SC into the next chain-1 space.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row, finishing with an SC in the space between the last SC and the turning chain of the previous row.
• Chain 2 and turn.

4. Repeat: Continue repeating Row 2 until your piece reaches the desired length.

Best Yarn for Moss Stitch:

Soft wool yarns, such as Malabrigo Rios, give a clean, structured look while contributing to warmth.

Best Uses:

• Lightweight throws
• Everyday-use blankets

Choosing the Right Stitch for Your Blanket

Not sure which stitch to choose for your next blanket? Here’s a quick guide:

• For warmth: Waffle Stitch, Puff Stitch
• For elegance: Shell Stitch, Moss Stitch
• For structure: Moss Stitch, Block Stitch
• For fun textures: Puff Stitch, Waffle stitch, Granny Stitch

Pairing the right stitch with the perfect yarn ensures that your blanket is not only visually appealing but also cosy and functional.

Customising Your Crochet Blanket

Make your blanket uniquely yours with these ideas:

• Mix stitches: Combine various stitches to introduce rich textures and depth to your blanket.
• Play with colours to create a vibrant, eye-catching design.
• Add a border for a polished finish—try a simple single crochet border or a decorative picot edge.

Wrap Yourself in Handmade Comfort

Crocheting a blanket is more than just a craft; it’s a journey of warmth and creativity. The perfect crochet stitch can turn a simple project into a treasured piece, offering both comfort and joy.

Ready to start your next creation? Discover Thread Collective’s selection of premium yarns and crochet tools to bring your dream blanket to life. Happy crocheting!