Braided Loops Crochet Blanket

Create a stunning, knit-look throw with gorgeous twisted braids using this surprisingly simple, beginner-friendly crochet pattern.

Have you ever stared at a gorgeous, intricate braided cable blanket and felt a tiny wave of dread? I get it. Those complex post stitches can make even seasoned crocheters want to throw their hooks across the room.

We want that cozy, textured, high-end look. But we don't always have the patience for endless counting and hand-cramping cable work.

That is where this clever design comes in. It gives you the rich look of a braided cable with almost zero stress.

We are using a modified Jacob's ladder technique to build loops that we twist and braid at the very end. The background has a beautiful knit-like texture that makes the braids pop. Best of all, using super bulky yarn means you can whip this up in about six and a half hours!

If you love fast projects that look incredibly detailed, this is going to be your new favorite pattern. Let's grab our hooks and dive in.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• No complex cables: Get the look of intricate braids without the headache of difficult post stitches.
• Knit-look texture: The background stitches mimic a classic knit fabric, giving your blanket a modern, high-end finish.
• Super fast project: Thanks to chunky yarn and a large hook, you can complete this entire blanket in a weekend.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket (Size 6 Super Bulky weight; 100% Polyester; 220 yds/201m per skein) in Vanilla (cream) and Orange Flamingo, and Bernat Blanket in Pale Gray.
• Hook: Size N/P (10 mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in those bulky ends.
• Yardage: Approximately 275 yards of Vanilla, 275 yards of Orange Flamingo, and 390 yards of Pale Gray.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 4-1/4 inches from the center of one chain loop to the center of the next chain loop.
• Sizes included: One size (easily adjustable).
• Finished measurements: 36 inches wide by 45 inches long.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• sc (Single Crochet): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook.
• dc (Double Crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice.
• tr (Triple Crochet): Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) three times. Keep these stitches snug so they do not stretch out too tall.
• esc (Extended Single Crochet): Insert your hook into the designated stitch and draw up a loop. Yarn over, pull through the first loop on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops. This stitch creates a lovely, elongated texture that mimics knitting.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat in rows, changing colors to create bold stripes.
• Keep your chain loops loose! If you tend to tension your chains tightly, your braids will pull the blanket inward. Consider going up a hook size for the chain loops if needed.
• To customize the width, start with any multiple of 6 + 5 chains.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Swatching for Success

I highly recommend making a quick gauge swatch first. This helps you check your chain tension before committing to the full blanket.

To make a swatch, chain 17. Follow Rows 1 to 4 of the pattern below. You will have 2 chain loops at the end of Rows 1 and 3, and 17 stitches at the end of Rows 2 and 4. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 two more times using a single color.

Braid the loops using the linking instructions below. If the braid pulls too tight, add 1 or 2 chains to your loops. If they are too loose, subtract a chain or two.

Foundation and Row 1

With Gray yarn, chain 53.

Row 1: Place a single crochet into the second chain from your hook. Note that the skipped chain serves as your very first stitch. Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 chains. *Chain 9 loosely, skip the next chain, work 1 single crochet into each of the next 5 chains. Repeat from * to the end of the row, then turn. (You should have 8 chain-9 loops).

Building the Knit-Look Background

Row 2: Chain 2 (this counts as your first extended single crochet here and throughout). Work 1 extended single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches. *With the chain-9 loop pushed to the back, make a double crochet into the skipped chain of your starting row. Work 1 extended single crochet into the stitch immediately following the chain loop, then work 1 extended single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * across the row. Your very last stitch should be worked into the top of the turning chain-1 from the previous row. Turn. (53 stitches).

Tip: When working the extended single crochet right before a chain loop, make sure to insert your hook under both loops of the stitch, not just one. You can feel for the back loop with your fingers if it is hard to see.

Creating the Chain-10 Loops

Row 3: Chain 2, work 1 extended single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches. *Chain 10 loosely, skip the next stitch, work 1 extended single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches. Repeat from * across to the end of the row, making sure your final stitch is worked into the top of the beginning chain-1. Turn. (8 chain-10 loops).

Anchoring with Triple Crochets

Row 4: Chain 2, work 1 extended single crochet into each of the next 4 stitches. *Holding the chain-10 loop behind your work, place a triple crochet into the skipped stitch located two rows below. Work 1 extended single crochet in the stitch right after the chain loop, then work 1 extended single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * across, working your last stitch into the starting chain-1. Turn. (53 stitches).

Tip: Keep your triple crochets relatively tight so they do not become too tall and loose. You can find the skipped stitch by looking between the legs of the chain-10 loop.

Stripe Repeats and Color Changes

To change colors seamlessly, work your last extended single crochet of the row until you have 2 loops left on your hook, then pull the new color through to complete the stitch.

Each color stripe consists of 6 rows.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 once more with Gray (completing Row 6). Join Vanilla yarn on the final stitch of Row 6 and fasten off Gray.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 for 6 rows with Vanilla (Rows 7-12). Join Orange Flamingo on the final stitch of Row 12 and fasten off Vanilla.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 for 6 rows with Orange Flamingo (Rows 13-18). Join Gray on the final stitch of Row 18 and fasten off Orange.

Continue this 6-row stripe rotation (Gray, Vanilla, Orange Flamingo) until you have completed 10 stripes in total, ending with a Gray stripe. Do not fasten off your working yarn yet, but you can if it makes the braiding process easier.

Linking the Chain Loops

Lay your blanket flat with the chain loops facing you.

Start at the bottom (foundation chain side) of one vertical column of loops.

Twist the first loop once to the left.

Twist the second loop once to the left, then pull it through the first loop.

Twist the third loop once to the left, then pull it through the second loop.

Continue this twisting and pulling process all the way up the column. Repeat for all 8 vertical columns.

Securing the Top Row

The final row is worked on the right side (the side with the braids) to anchor the loops.

To work an extended single crochet through a loop and the stitch behind it: insert your hook under the chain-10 loop and into the next unworked stitch directly behind it. Pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, and pull through the remaining 2 loops.

Last Row: Chain 2 with your working yarn (if you fastened off earlier, slip stitch to the first stitch of the row and chain 2). Work 1 extended single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches. *Work 1 extended single crochet through the chain loop and the stitch behind it, work a second extended single crochet through the same chain loop and the next stitch behind it, then work 1 extended single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * until all 8 braided columns are anchored at the top. Work 1 extended single crochet in each of the remaining 5 stitches, placing the last stitch in the beginning chain-1. Fasten off.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Solid Color Elegance: Skip the stripes and work the entire blanket in a single neutral tone to emphasize the gorgeous stitch definition.
• Adjusting the Size: To make a smaller baby blanket, try starting with 41 chains. For a larger throw, increase your starting chain in multiples of 6. If you love quick baby blankets, you might also enjoy my Five Hour Baby Blanket.
• Yarn Weight Swap: If super bulky yarn feels too heavy, you can use worsted weight yarn with an H/8 (5mm) hook. Just adjust your starting chain to your desired width.
• Playful Tassels: Add large yarn tassels to the four corners of the blanket using leftover yarn to give it a cozy, bohemian vibe.
• Knit-Look Border: Add a simple single crochet border around the entire edge to clean up any loose yarn tails from your color changes.
• Colour ideas: Try a modern coastal palette with cream, slate blue, and taupe, or a cozy autumn blend of mustard, forest green, and cream.
• Yarn substitutions: Any size 6 super bulky chenille-style yarn will work beautifully, such as Premier Yarns Basix Blanket or Red Heart Blanket.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The blanket is pulling inward and looks puckered along the braided columns.
  Fix: Your chain loops are too tight. Undo the rows and focus on chaining very loosely, or go up one hook size just when making the chain loops.
• Problem: The triple crochets are sticking out too much and look sloppy.
  Fix: Make sure to pull your yarn tight when working the triple crochets. They need to be snug to anchor the background fabric flat.
• Problem: I cannot find the skipped stitch for the triple crochet.
  Fix: Gently pull the chain-10 loop forward. Look directly between the two legs of the loop to find the unworked stitch from two rows below.
• Problem: The edges of my blanket are uneven and wavy.
  Fix: Always ensure your final stitch of each row is worked into the beginning chain-1 of the previous row rather than the chain-2. This keeps the edges straight and clean.

Care Instructions

To keep your blanket looking fresh and plush, machine wash it separately on a delicate cycle with cold water. Lay it flat to dry on a clean towel to prevent the heavy, bulky stitches from stretching out of shape. Avoid ironing or using high heat, as synthetic blanket yarns can melt or lose their softness.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a substantial project in just a few sittings. This blanket looks incredibly complex to non-crocheters, but you and I will know the secret: it is just a series of clever loops and simple twists! I hope you enjoy watching these braids come to life under your fingers. Happy crocheting!