Crocheting blankets is a rewarding and calming hobby that allows for creativity and personalization.
One of the most unique and appealing designs is the Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket, which offers texture, softness, and warmth, perfect for cozy days. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the pattern, including detailed step-by-step instructions, recommended stitches, and tips to achieve a fluffy and professional look.
Let’s dive into this exciting crochet project!
What is the Fluffy Meringue Stitch?
The Fluffy Meringue Stitch is a crochet technique that creates a beautifully textured and puffed-up stitch, resembling delicate meringue desserts. This stitch is often used in blankets, baby items, and scarves because of its softness and intricate appearance. It combines simplicity with a decorative, voluminous finish.
Crocheting with this stitch requires a bit of patience, but once mastered, it can be used to craft stunning pieces. The pattern’s repetitive nature makes it perfect for those who love rhythmic crocheting. Additionally, the fluffy texture is ideal for blankets, providing a cozy layer of warmth without feeling too heavy.
When using the Fluffy Meringue Stitch in a blanket pattern, the result is a plush and voluminous design that adds both aesthetic appeal and comfort. It’s a wonderful option for creating handmade gifts that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Materials You Will Need for the Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket
Before starting your Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. The right yarn and tools are key to achieving the desired fluffy and soft texture. Here’s a quick list of the essential items you’ll need to get started.
First, choose a high-quality yarn that is both soft and durable. For a fluffy blanket, bulky or super bulky yarn works best. Some popular options include merino wool, alpaca blends, or soft acrylic yarn. You’ll need approximately 1500 to 2000 yards of yarn, depending on the blanket size. Ensure that the yarn you choose is easy to work with and can hold the shape of the meringue stitch.
Next, select an appropriate crochet hook size. A larger hook, such as a 6mm to 8mm hook, is recommended for this pattern. The larger hook will allow for looser, more textured stitches, enhancing the fluffiness of the meringue stitch. You’ll also need scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in the ends, and stitch markers to help keep track of your progress.
Finally, have a comfortable workspace ready. Crocheting a blanket can take time, so ensure you have a space that’s ergonomic and well-lit. This will make the process more enjoyable and help you avoid strain during longer crochet sessions.
Starting the Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket
To begin your Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket, start with a foundation chain. The foundation chain should be a multiple of 6 plus 2 chains (e.g., 60+2, 90+2, etc.). This allows for even stitch distribution across the blanket and ensures that the meringue stitch pattern aligns properly.
Once you have your foundation chain, begin working your first row in single crochet (sc). This row creates a base for the fluffy meringue stitches and gives the blanket structure. Simply insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook. Continue working single crochet across the entire foundation chain.
After completing the first row of single crochet, it’s time to start the meringue stitch pattern. The meringue stitch is made up of puff stitches and shells, which alternate to create a raised, fluffy texture. The next row will consist of alternating puff stitches and chain spaces, which will form the base of the meringue pattern.
The Meringue Stitch: Puff and Shells
The core of the Fluffy Meringue Stitch is the puff stitch, which gives the blanket its signature fluffy look. To create a puff stitch, yarn over and insert your hook into the designated stitch, yarn over again, and pull through. Repeat this process until you have five loops on your hook. Finally, yarn over once more and pull through all the loops to close the puff stitch.
After each puff stitch, you’ll create a chain space to give the stitches room to puff up. Chain two stitches, then continue with the next puff stitch. This creates an alternating pattern of puff stitches and chain spaces, which will form the body of your blanket. Make sure to keep your tension consistent to avoid overly tight or loose stitches.
On the next row, you’ll work shell stitches into the chain spaces created in the previous row. A shell stitch is typically made up of five double crochets (dc) in the same space. This adds another layer of texture and volume to your blanket. Continue alternating between puff stitches and shell stitches for the length of the blanket.
Building the Blanket: Repetition of Rows
Once you’ve established the Fluffy Meringue Stitch pattern, it’s simply a matter of repeating the rows to build up the blanket. For the next row, work a row of puff stitches across, followed by a row of shells in the chain spaces. Continue alternating these two rows until your blanket reaches the desired size.
This repetition creates a rhythm that many crocheters find relaxing. Since the stitches are relatively simple once you get the hang of them, you can crochet while watching TV or listening to music. The fluffiness of the meringue stitch will gradually build as you work through each row, giving the blanket a luxurious feel.
Keep in mind that as the blanket grows, it may become heavier, so it’s a good idea to take breaks to avoid hand and wrist strain. To ensure that your stitches remain even, use a stitch marker at the beginning of each row. This will help you keep track of where each row starts and ends, ensuring that the blanket’s edges stay straight.
Finishing Touches: Edging and Weaving in Ends
Once you’ve reached your desired blanket length, it’s time to add the finishing touches. An important part of any crochet project is the edging, which gives the blanket a polished, finished look. For the Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket, a simple border of single crochet or half double crochet works well to complement the textured design.
Start by working a row of single crochet evenly around the entire blanket, including the edges. Be sure to work three single crochets in each corner to keep the edges smooth and prevent curling. If you prefer a more decorative edge, you could also add a picot or scalloped border to match the puff stitch texture.
Finally, weave in any loose ends using a yarn needle. To do this, thread the yarn through the needle and weave it back and forth through the stitches, ensuring that the ends are secure and won’t unravel. Once all the ends are woven in, your Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket is complete and ready to be enjoyed!
Crocheting a Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket is a satisfying project that results in a soft, luxurious, and visually striking blanket. With a few basic supplies and a bit of practice, you can create a cozy addition to your home or a thoughtful handmade gift. By following the step-by-step pattern and focusing on the puff and shell stitch techniques, you’ll have a beautiful and unique blanket that showcases your crochet skills.
This pattern is versatile and can be adjusted for different sizes, making it ideal for baby blankets, throws, or full-size bedspreads. So, grab your yarn and hook, and start crocheting your own Fluffy Meringue Stitch Blanket today!
