First time crocheting a blanket - pattern suggestions please!

[Custardslice3]

I have been flirting with the idea of crocheting a blanket for a while, but have failed to commit to exactly what I want to do or to buy wool etc. I really just want to get started to give me something to be doing in the evenings (I've exhausted my jigsaw supply!) so I've decided the best thing to do is just use what I've got and have a go, and if I like it then I can buy specific wool etc for the next one. So I've had a rummage and I have 2 x 400g balls of aran in blue and cream, and a 4mm crochet hook. Can I do this? I'd like to make a stripey blanket, nothing too complex pattern wise, but something that will look nice. I'm thinking baby blanket size. Is 800g enough wool? Will that hook size work? Any suggestions of a free pattern to follow?

For context I can knit fairly proficiently, but have only really crocheted granny squares before. And I once managed to crochet a ball for my son but that was several years ago! I'm happy to google/YouTube if I get stuck on how to do a stitch though.

I think you'll need either a bigger hook (6mm maybe) or DK yarn. 4mm is the usual size for DK.

I use 10 to 11 100g balls of DK yarn to make a single bed sized blanket. So it looks like you'll need more yarn if you go ahead with your Aran.

In terms of patterns do you want to make granny squares and join them together or work in stripes in one continuous pattern? Take a look at the Attic24 blog - it does give very detailed explanations of the steps and stitches for a number of blankets and they are all written in UK crochet terms.

I'd like to do stripes and do it as one piece. If 10/11 balls does a single bed, then 800g should do for a baby blanket right?!

I'll check out that blog, thank you. I've done lots of googling, but so much is American and I'm not confident enough not to get muddled between them.

I did really want to get started this evening, but if 4mm won't work with aran I guess I'd better hold off. I might see my sister tomorrow who may be able to lend me a different hook.

You could use a 4mm hook with Aran, but it would be quite a tight stitch. I usually use a 5mm for aran yarn.

6 day kid blanket is a nice easy pattern. I made one with Caron cakes.

The call the midwife blanket is my other favourite. I've made so many I could probably make it in my sleep

My favourite blanket pattern is the granny stitch corner to corner , you'd end up with diagonal stripes but it's a Really quick and easy pattern which you can find loads of YouTube video tutorials for.

Any of the blankets from Attic24. Instructions and pictures are very good