Secret Garden Round Baby Blanket

Circle blankets have such a romantic look, and this round crochet blanket pattern is no exception! It has a beautiful lacy texture made up of shells, clusters and cross stitches. *This crochet pattern is available for free (baby blanket-throw sizes) on my website or you can download all 9 sizes here as a print-optimized, ad-free PDF for your convenience.* **Difficulty:** Intermediate/Advanced *Materials Needed:* 6.5mm (K) hook, or hook needed to obtain gauge 800, (1100, 1400, 1800, 2200, 2700, 3200, 3800, 5200) yds #4 Worsted Weight Red Heart With Love in "Eggshell", or Red Heart Comfort in “Petal Pink” or the color of your choice. Yarn needle Scissors Stitch markers in several different colors **Stitches Used:** ch = chain sl st = slip stitch sc = single crochet dc = double crochet **Additional Terms:** 3dc cluster: YO, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, YO, draw through 2 loops (1st stitch of cluster made), YO, insert hook into same st, pull up a loop, YO draw through 2 loops (2nd st of cluster made), YO, insert hook into same st, pull up a loop, YO draw through 2 loops (3rd st of cluster made), YO, draw through all loops on hook. *Cross stitch (Crossed double crochet):* sk st, dc in next st, cross over st just made, dc in skipped st. *Cross Stitch increase (Crossed double crochet increase):* sk st, dc in next st, cross over st just made, dc in skipped st, dc in the next unworked st (do not skip!), cross over st just made and dc in prev st (it will already have a dc in it, this is ok). st/sts = stitch/stitches sp/sps = space/spaces **Gauge:** Circle measures 9 1/2" across after round 9. **Measurements:** Approximate diameter: Small receiving blanket: 40" Large receiving blanket: 46" Crib blanket: 53" Small throw blanket: 60" Large throw blanket: 67" Twin blanket: 74” Double blanket: 81” Queen blanket: 88” King blanket: 102” **Additional Notes:** -ch 1 at beginning of round does not count as a stitch. *Stitch markers are going to save you so much time and headache in this pattern, especially the ones that have alternating increases.* Use them liberally. Your sanity will thank you later. -As your blanket gets larger, read through the rounds first--especially the ones with the sc in the ch-4 spaces. This is where stitch markers in different colors will be very helpful. This is where the blanket gets its difficulty rating. -Seriously, stitch markers in different colors for alternating increases are what you need. -Having trouble getting your counts right? Have you remembered stitch markers? -Maintain very relaxed tension when crocheting this pattern.