Step-by-Step Blanket Pattern

Step 1: Foundation Magic Ring

1. Begin by making a magic ring:
   • Hold the yarn with the short strand down and the long strand looped in front.
2. Chain 2 (does not count as a double crochet).
3. Crochet 12 double crochets (DC) into the magic ring.
   • Double crochet (DC) instructions: Yarn over, insert hook into the magic ring, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through the remaining two loops.
4. Use a stitch marker to mark the first double crochet.
5. Slip stitch into the first double crochet to close the circle and chain 2.
   Save

Step 2: Row 1 (Increases)

1. In the marked stitch, make 2 double crochets (an increase).
2. Chain 1.
3. Repeat the pattern (increase, chain 1) for all 12 double crochets in the round.
   • You will end up with 12 increases and 12 chains.
4. Slip stitch into the third stitch and chain 2.

Step 3: Row 2 (Increase and Additional Double Crochets)

1. In the first stitch, create an increase (2 double crochets in one stitch).
2. Make 1 double crochet into the next stitch.
3. Chain 1.
4. Repeat the pattern (increase, one double crochet, chain 1) for all stitches.
   • You will end up with 12 increases, 12 double crochets, and 12 chains.
5. Slip stitch into the third stitch and chain 2.

Step 4: Row 3 (Increase + Two Double Crochets)

1. Make an increase (2 double crochets in one stitch) in the first stitch.
2. Work 2 double crochets into the next two stitches.
3. Chain 1.
4. Repeat the pattern (increase, two double crochets, chain 1) for all stitches.
5. Slip stitch into the third stitch and chain 2.

Step 5: Continuing Rows (Increasing Double Crochets Between Increases)

1. For each subsequent row:
   • Begin with an increase.
   • Increase the number of double crochets between each increase by 1 every row (e.g., 3 double crochets in Row 4, 4 double crochets in Row 5, and so on).
   • Always chain 1 between clusters.
2. Continue until the blanket reaches your desired size (e.g., 31 rows for a mid-size blanket).
3. Cut the yarn to finish the base.
   Save

Step 6: Creating the Green Border with Leaves

1. Use green yarn to add a decorative border.
2. Begin anywhere between two chains in the last row of the blanket.
3. Chain 3 (does not count as a double crochet).
4. Work double crochets across the row, stopping at a chain space to create a leaf:
   • Chain 7.
   • Begin in the second chain from the hook:
     • Slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet.
   • Chain 1 and turn your work to repeat the same steps on the opposite side of the leaf.
   • Slip stitch back down the middle of the leaf stitches (5-7 times).
   • Continue double crocheting to the next chain space.
5. Repeat this process to create leaves around the blanket.
   Save

Step 7: Adding Flowers (Daisies and Sunflowers)

Daisy Instructions

1. Use yellow and white yarn.
2. Create a magic ring with yellow yarn.
   • Chain 2 and make 10 double crochets into the ring.
   • Pull tight and slip stitch into the first double crochet.
3. Switch to white yarn:
   • Chain 2.
   • Make 1 double crochet into the same stitch and 1 double crochet into the next stitch.
   • Chain 2 and slip stitch into the initial stitch of the white section.
   • Repeat for 5 petals.

Sunflower Instructions

1. Use brown and yellow yarn.
2. Create a magic ring with brown yarn.
   • Chain 2 and make 12 double crochets into the ring.
   • Slip stitch into the first double crochet and cut the yarn.
3. Attach yellow yarn and work petals:
   • Chain 3.
   • Make 1 triple crochet into the stitch and chain 2.
   • Slip stitch back into the same space to finish the petal shape.
   • Repeat for all 12 stitches.

Step 8: Attaching Flowers

1. Use a yarn needle to sew flowers onto the green section of the blanket.
   • Position them between leaves or in desired areas.
2. Continue until satisfied with the number of flowers.
   Save

Conclusion

The Viral Bouquet Blanket is a versatile and creative project, combining basic crochet techniques and colorful embellishments to craft a stunning design resembling a bouquet. Whether you choose to make a small decorative piece or a full-sized blanket, the steps above provide a comprehensive guide to recreating this beautiful pattern.