Easy Mesh Stitch Crochet Blanket Tutorial: Fast & Stretchy!

Are you looking for a quick and satisfying crochet project that yields a wonderfully soft and stretchy blanket? Look no further than the easy mesh stitch! This versatile stitch creates a beautiful, lacy fabric perfect for throws, baby blankets, or even lightweight scarves. Its openwork design allows for breathability, making it ideal for warmer climates or layering. The simplicity of the mesh stitch makes it a perfect project for both beginners eager to expand their crochet skills and experienced crocheters seeking a relaxing and fast-working pattern. This unique stitch pattern results in a surprisingly strong yet flexible finished product that drapes beautifully.

Forget complicated charts and confusing instructions! This tutorial provides a clear and concise, step-by-step guide to mastering the easy mesh stitch, empowering you to create your own stunning blanket in no time at all. Let's dive into the detailed instructions and learn how to make this incredibly fast and stretchy crochet masterpiece.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Yarn (First Choice Double Knitting Yarn)
  • 4.5mm Crochet Hook
Safety Guidelines
  • Use appropriate sized crochet hook for your chosen yarn weight. Using a hook too large or too small will significantly affect the fabric's drape and overall appearance, potentially making it less stretchy or more loosely constructed.
  • Maintain consistent tension throughout your work. Inconsistent tension can lead to an uneven blanket and affect its stretchiness. Practice your mesh stitch until you achieve a consistent rhythm.
  • Always check your work as you go. Correcting small mistakes early is much easier than unraveling a large section of the blanket later. This is especially important for larger projects like blankets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Foundation Chain

    • Start with a slip knot and chain four.
    Start with a slip knot and chain four.
    Foundation Chain
  2. First Loop

    • Work a treble crochet (double crochet in UK terms) into the first chain.
    • Chain four.
    • Yarn over and work a double crochet into the two chains forming a V shape to create a loop.
    Yarn over and work a double crochet into the two chains forming a V shape to create a loop.Yarn over and work a double crochet into the two chains forming a V shape to create a loop.Yarn over and work a double crochet into the two chains forming a V shape to create a loop.
    First Loop
  3. Repeat Loops

    • Repeat steps 3 & 4 along the desired length.
    Repeat steps 3 & 4 along the desired length.
    Repeat Loops
  4. Finishing First Row

    • Fasten off and slip stitch into the first loop.
    Fasten off and slip stitch into the first loop.
    Finishing First Row
  5. First Row of Treble Crochet

    • Chain two, work two treble crochets into the next loop, repeat across.
    Chain two, work two treble crochets into the next loop, repeat across.
    First Row of Treble Crochet
  6. Beginning Subsequent Rows

    • Chain two, turn your work.
    Chain two, turn your work.
    Beginning Subsequent Rows
  7. Mesh Stitch Pattern

    • Slip stitch into the first stitch, chain three, slip stitch into the next chain space.
    • Repeat step 9 across the row. Remember to use slip stitches, not single or double crochets, in the chain spaces.
    Repeat step 9 across the row. Remember to use slip stitches, not single or double crochets, in the chain spaces.Repeat step 9 across the row. Remember to use slip stitches, not single or double crochets, in the chain spaces.
    Mesh Stitch Pattern
  8. Repeat Rows

    • Repeat rows 8 and 10 until the desired height is reached.
    Repeat rows 8 and 10 until the desired height is reached.
    Repeat Rows
  9. Finishing Top Edge

    • Work two treble crochets into each loop, chain four, slip stitch into next chain space. Repeat across.
    To finish the top edge: Work two treble crochets into each loop, chain four, slip stitch into next chain space. Repeat across.To finish the top edge: Work two treble crochets into each loop, chain four, slip stitch into next chain space. Repeat across.
    Finishing Top Edge

Read more: Easy Color Block Crochet Blanket Tutorial for Beginners

Tips

  • Use a measuring tape to gauge the length of your blanket before starting.
  • Keep your chain stitches neat and consistent.
  • Don’t be tempted to use single or double crochet stitches when working the chain spaces. Only use slip stitches in these spaces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the blanket results in a wavy or misshapen fabric.
Solution: Practice maintaining a consistent tension by using a tension square and paying attention to your stitch tightness.

2. Incorrect Stitch Count

Reason: Losing or gaining stitches leads to a blanket that is too narrow or wide, and potentially misaligned patterns.
Solution: Regularly count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure you're on track.

FAQs

What yarn weight is best for a mesh stitch crochet blanket?
Worsted weight yarn (4) is a popular choice for mesh stitch blankets because it creates a good balance between drape and structure. However, you can use DK (3) or even bulky (5) yarn depending on your desired final size and drape.
How can I make my mesh stitch blanket bigger or smaller?
To make it larger, simply crochet more rows and chains in your foundation chain. To make it smaller, decrease the number of rows and the foundation chain length. You can also adjust the size of your stitches (using a larger or smaller hook) to influence the overall dimensions.