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Snail’s Pace Crochet Blanket Pattern

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Snail's Pace Crochet Blanket Pattern showcasing a colorful and cozy design.

Why you’ll love this pattern

If you’re looking for a delightful crochet project, the Snail’s Pace Crochet Blanket Pattern is a fabulous choice. This charming pattern combines simplicity with creativity, making it a joy to work on while simultaneously serving a practical purpose. Crafted with soft, cuddly yarn, the blanket is perfect for babies and toddlers, providing warmth and comfort. Additionally, the snail design adds a whimsical touch, making it a wonderful gift for baby showers or nursery decor. Whether you’re a beginner venturing into crochet or an experienced maker, this pattern offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience, as well as the opportunity to create a heartfelt keepsake.

“This pattern was so much fun to make! The snail detail is adorable. I gifted it to my niece, and she loves it!” – Emma, crocheter

How this crochet pattern comes together

The Snail’s Pace Crochet Blanket is a multi-step project that yields both a cozy blanket and an adorable snail. Using basic stitches, this pattern primarily involves single crochet, making it accessible for beginners while still offering room for skill enhancement. You’ll start by crafting the blanket, then transition to creating the snail’s body, head, and shell. Expect to spend a little time on it, but the satisfaction of completing this unique piece is truly rewarding.

Materials you’ll need

Gather these supplies before you begin:

  • Bernat® Baby Blanket™ (10.5 oz / 300 g; 220 yds / 201 m)
    • Main yarn: Contrast A Baby Sand (04010) — 3 balls
    • Contrast B Vanilla (04008) — 1 ball
    • Contrast C Misty Gray (04821) — 1 ball
  • Crochet hooks: U.S. L/11 (8 mm) and U.S. N/15 (10 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Stuffing
  • Yarn needle

Notes:

  • Bernat® Baby Blanket™ is a thick, plush yarn that provides softness and warmth.
  • Use the recommended hook sizes for best results, but feel free to adjust based on your tension.

Step-by-step instructions

BLANKET (A + larger hook)

  1. Foundation chain: With A and larger hook, ch 64.

  2. 1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch 1. Skip next ch. 1 sc in next ch. Rep from * to end of chain. Turn. (63 sts)

  3. 2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 space. Rep from * to last sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

  4. 3rd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 space. Rep from * to last 2 sc. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

  5. Pattern repeat: Rep 2nd and 3rd rows until work measures 35" [89 cm] from the beginning. Fasten off.

SNAIL BODY

Top and Bottom (make 2 alike)

  1. With A and smaller hook, ch 2.

  2. 1st row: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Turn. (2 sc)

  3. 2nd row: Ch 1. 2 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. (4 sc)

  4. 3rd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.

  5. 4th row: Ch 1. 2 sc in first sc. 1 sc in each sc to last sc. 2 sc in last sc. Turn.

  6. Rep 3rd and 4th rows 6 more times. (18 sts)

  7. Next row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.
    Rep last row until work measures 10" [25 cm] from last increase row.

  8. Next row (decrease): Ch 1. Sc2tog. 1 sc in each sc to last 2 sc. Sc2tog. Turn. (16 sc)

  9. Next row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.

  10. Rep last 2 rows until 2 sts remain. Fasten off.

Top Edging

  • Join C with a sl st at the corner of the top edge. Ch 1. Work sc evenly across the top edge. Fasten off.

Bottom Edging

  • Repeat Bottom Edging techniques. Hold Top and Bottom together with WS facing, work through back loops only, leaving a 10" [25 cm] opening at the side, sew Edges together, creating a pocket for the blanket.

Attach to blanket opening

  • Determine center 10" [25 cm] of the top edge of the blanket and sew to the opening of the Snail Body on the bottom edge.

SNAIL HEAD (A + smaller hook)

  1. With A and smaller hook, ch 2.

  2. 1st rnd: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (6 sc)

  3. 2nd rnd: Ch 2. 2 sc in each sc around. Join. (12 sc)

  4. 3rd rnd: Ch 1. *1 sc in next sc. 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. Join. (18 sc)

  5. 4th rnd: Ch 1. (1 sc in each of next 2 sc. 2 sc in next sc) twice. 1 sc in next sc.
    Ch 10. Turn. 4 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. 1 sc in each of next 7 ch. 1 sc in next sc in rnd. Eyestalk made. 2 sc in each of next 2 sc. 1 sc in next sc. Rep for 2nd Eyestalk. 1 sc in next sc. (2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc) twice. Join. (24 sc)

  6. 5th rnd and 6th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join.

  7. 7th rnd: Ch 2. 2 hdc in first sc. 1 hdc in next sc. 1 sc in each sc to last 4 sc. (2 hdc in next sc. 1 hdc in next sc) twice. Join. (27 sts)

  8. 8th rnd: Ch 2. 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 sts. 1 sc in each sc to last 6 sts. (2 hdc in next st. 1 hdc in each of next 2 sts) twice. Join. (30 sts)

  9. 9th rnd: Ch 2. 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sts. 1 sc in each sc to last 8 sts. (2 hdc in next st. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sts) twice. Join. (33 sts)

  10. Fasten off.

Finish + attach

  • Fold Eyestalks to the top of the Head as shown in the photo.
  • Stuff the Head firmly and sew to the Body.

SHELL

  1. Start with B and smaller hook, ch 2.

  2. 1st rnd: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. (6 sc)

  3. 2nd rnd: Ch 1. 2 sc in each sc around. Join. (12 sc)

  4. 3rd rnd: Ch 1. *1 sc in next sc. 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. Join. (18 sc)

  5. 4th rnd: Ch 1. *1 sc in each of next 2 sc. 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. Join with C. (24 sc)

  6. 5th rnd: With C, ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join with B.

  7. 6th rnd: With B, ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join with C.

  8. Pattern repeat for height: Rep 5th and 6th rnds until the work measures 55" [140 cm] from the beginning, stuffing firmly as you work. Fasten off.

ASSEMBLE SHELL

  • Starting at the increase rnd, roll and sew the Shell in place.
  • After rolling and sewing, attach the last rnd of the Shell to the Snail Body behind the Head.
  • Secure the remaining part of the Shell to the Snail Body as shown in the photo.

Ways to use your finished project

The Snail’s Pace Crochet Blanket serves as a lovely home décor item that can brighten up any nursery or toddler’s room. Not only is it an excellent gift for baby showers, but it can also double as a cozy throw for chilly evenings. Consider using it as a playful decoration for children’s parties or as a cherished keepsake that can be passed down. Moreover, it makes a thoughtful handmade gift that shows the recipient just how much you care.

How to care for your crochet project

Taking care of your crochet blanket is essential to keep it looking great. Here are some guidelines:

  • Washing: Hand wash your blanket in cold water to maintain color and softness. If machine washing, use a gentle cycle and a mesh laundry bag.
  • Drying: Always flat dry your blanket; avoid hanging to prevent deformation. You can lay it on a towel to absorb excess moisture.
  • Reshaping: If it looks misshapen after washing, gently reshape it while it’s damp.
  • Storage: Store the blanket in a dry place, avoiding areas that are prone to humidity to prevent mold and mildew.

Helpful crochet tips

To ensure your success with this pattern, consider these valuable tips:

  • Maintain even tension in your stitches to avoid curling or uneven edges.
  • Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds or rows, especially when working on the snail’s head and shell.
  • Count your stitches regularly, especially when increasing or decreasing, to ensure your project stays true to its shape.
  • When changing yarn colors, carry the old color along the top of the project to avoid a messy transition.
  • Before finishing your project, don’t forget to secure all ends properly for a neat look.

Creative variations

Get creative with your Snail’s Pace Crochet Blanket by considering these fun variations:

  • Yarn colors: Experiment with bold, contrasting colors for a vibrant look or pastel shades for a softer appearance.
  • Size: Adjust the number of chains in your foundation row to make a larger or smaller blanket.
  • Decorative edging: Add a fun border using a contrasting color for a finished touch. Consider appliqués like flowers or additional snails for added charm.
  • Themed palettes: Create seasonal variations by using fall colors, winter whites, or bright summer hues.

Remember that making significant changes may affect the overall size or drape of your blanket, so adjust your yarn amounts accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Is this crochet pattern beginner-friendly?

    • Yes! This pattern mostly uses single crochet, which is perfect for beginners.

  2. What yarn works best?

    • Bernat® Baby Blanket™ is recommended for its softness and durability.

  3. Can I use a different hook size?

    • You can, but this may affect the size and texture of your final blanket. Always check gauge if you switch hooks.

  4. How long does the project take?

    • While it varies by skill level, expect to spend several hours to complete the blanket and snail.

  5. How should I wash the finished project?

    • Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry to maintain the quality of the yarn.

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