Last weekend was my Grandma’s 90th Birthday and we had a small family gathering in the Retirement Home where she lives. I crocheted her a lap blanket using the trinity stitch, that she can use when she is sitting in her chair watching television, or when she is coloring.
I didn’t want it to be too large, or too heavy, but I did want it to provide warmth and comfort. I also wanted it to be something she could fold up and place in her carry bag on her walker so she could use it in other areas of the Retirement Home if she was joining in group activities in the main room. It would also be suitable to bring with her to use for a bit of extra warmth when she is a passenger in a vehicle.
This blanket is crocheted using the Trinity Stitch and the finished fabric does not have any large spaces or holes. Grandma’s Textured Lap Blanket is warm, soft and sized to fit a lap comfortably. The finished blanket used 2 balls of Caron Big Cakes and a 5 mm (H) hook. The finished size is approximately 29 inches by 39 inches. This is the perfect blanket size for her and I think it will be the right size for those who are wheelchair users too.
I LOVE the texture of this blanket (the trinity stitch creates little bumps) and I found myself running my hand over the finished rows of stitches as I worked because it has a slight bumpiness to it. To me it is calming to slide my hand over and I hope Grandma will find it calming too.
If you are making a handmade blanket for someone who lives in a retirement residence, or nursing home, be sure to include the care instructions for the finished throw with your gift. For example, for Grandma’s Lap Blanket the Caron Big Cakes Yarn I used is machine washable and dryable; so the finished lap blanket can be washed just like her other clothing items. This is a durable and warm blanket, which will stand up to daily use. Different washing instructions would be needed for cotton blankets and for wool blankets and the home may not be able to accommodate those cleaning requests.
The pattern is very easy to modify to any size using the stitch multiple. If you are beginning with a starting chain row you will need to crochet a multiple of 2 stitches plus 2. If you are working within an established pattern and just adding a section, or if you are making something and you are working a foundation row of single crochet stitches instead of the beginning chain row, you need to work a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1. For other blanket sizes that you can make, include throw blankets and kids blankets please see this post: Common Blanket and Afghan Sizes
Grandma’s Textured Lap Blanket Crochet Pattern
Supplies
- Yarn: Caron Big Cakes. 100% Acrylic. Medium [4]. (603 yds/551 m; 10.5 oz/300 g) x 2 balls (Color: Nightberry). Machine wash and dry.
- Hook: 5 mm (H) Furls Streamline Wood (ebony)
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker (optional)
Difficulty Level
Beginner-Easy
Finished Size
39″ wide by 29″ long with the edging
Before the edging the blanket measures approximately 37 inches wide X 27 inches long
Gauge
16 stitch sets in 4 inches (stitch set: sc3tog, ch1)
16 rows in 5 inches
You can substitute any yarn and hook for this stitch pattern – just remember when you substitute if your tension is different, the finished size of your project will also be different.
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
Our Crochet Translation Project offers translations in many languages.
Check out the Basic Crochet Terms in 10 languages here.
ch – chain
R – row
rem – remaining
rep – repeat
sc – single crochet
sc3tog – single crochet 3 stitches together
sk – skip
st/sts – stitch/stitches
* – Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain of multiple instructions.
() – Repeat the instructions between the parentheses the number of times indicated.
[] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
Helpful Tutorials
If you are new to crochet, you can always refer to my How to Crochet Guide and Crochet Stitches and Symbols for more information. For my crochet video tutorials, subscribe to my YouTube Channel here.
Stitch Anatomy
Trinity Stitch Tutorial
14 Unique Baby Blanket Crochet Patterns
Helpful Video Tutorials
Notes
The trinity stitch requires that you work into the chain stitches as well as the single crochet stitches (and sc3tog stitches). Be sure to make the chain stitches relaxed (not super tight) because you need to be able to fit your hook into them.
Row end counts include ch1sp.
Looking for a square blanket crocheted in rounds instead? Try: My Favorite Crochet Blanket Pattern (free)
I’ve tried to create a stitch diagram for you for the trinity stitch. I’m a beginner at this so I hope this makes sense!
Grandma’s Textured Lap Blanket Crochet Pattern Instructions
R1: Ch 142. 1 sc in 2nd ch from the hook, beg in the same ch as you worked your prev sc and work a sc3tog over it and the next 2 chs. *Ch 1, sc3tog by inserting your hook into the same ch as the 3rd leg of the previous sc3tog and then into the next 2 chs.** Rep from * to ** across. Work 1 sc in the same ch as the 3rd leg of the previous sc3tog. Turn. [141]
R2: Ch 1, 1 sc in the first st, beg in the same st as you worked your prev sc and work a sc3tog over it and the next 2 sts. *Ch 1, sc3tog by inserting your hook into the same st as the 3rd leg of the previous sc3tog and then into the next 2 sts.** Rep from * to **across. Work 1 sc in the same st as the 3rd leg of the previous sc3tog. Turn. [141]
R3-R92: Rep R2
Finishing
The edging I used for the blanket is a just a simple single crochet edging. I worked under one loop only of each stitch and edge stitch around for the first round. I worked 1 sc in each row end and in each stitch around, making 3 sc in each of the 4 corners. Once I reached the beginning of the edging, I worked a second round of single crochets, 1 in each stitch and 3 in each corner stitch. I finished off with an invisible join before weaving in my ends.
Other free crochet patterns that provide extra warmth for Grandma are:
Grandma’s Shoulder Shawl Free Crochet Pattern(Opens in a new browser tab)
Diana says
Thanks so much for your help, Rhondda! The stitch calculators are a GREAT resource that I will continue to use in the future!
-Diana
Rhondda says
Hi Diana, the stitch multiple is 2 + 2. Mikey has an Afghan Size Calculator available that you could try. You would need to do a gauge swatch in your chosen yarn and hook and enter in the stitch multiple for the pattern you want to make and it will tell you the starting chains you need. Or, what I do when I am designing is I chain my chain to be 6 inches longer that the dimension of the blanket I want to make, then I work the pattern across until the pattern stitch measures the size blanket I want. I then cut some of the excess chain and undo the last 5-7 extra chain stitches and continue on my way. I think Super Saver Ombre may be a bit heavier than the yarn I used and comes in smaller balls. Here is my post that includes some of the online calculators I have found online: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/the-best-online-crochet-calculators/ Mikey’s afghan size calculator is here: https://thecrochetcrowd.com/afghan-calculator/ and he has a yarn substitution one too that should work for you for your project I think: https://thecrochetcrowd.com/calculator-yarn-substitutions/ All the best, Rhondda
Diana says
Hi Rhondda,
I’m a newbie crocheter and wanting to make a queen or full size blanket with Red Heart super saver ombre, and I’m having trouble trying to figure out how many skeins it would take and how many chains I should have to do your pattern here. Could you possibly help, or is there a good converter somewhere online?
Thanks!
Diana
Rhondda says
Hi Eunice, that is with the single crochet edging I added. The blanket is approximately 27 inches long and 37 inches wide before I added the edging. Hope this helps! Rhondda
Eunice Flagler says
Hi:
I am getting ready to start the lap blanket my question is the 29 inches length does that include the edging? Thanks for the pattern.
Rhondda says
Hi Eunice, Thank you 🙂 Here are some similar yarns that would work: https://yarnsub.com/yarns/caron/big_cakes Thanks! Rhondda
Eunice Flagler says
HI
i HAVE MADE A PRACTICE PIECE AND i REALLY LIKE THE PATTERN. IF I CAN’T FIND THE CARON BIG CAKES 100% ACRYLIC YARN WHAT CAN i USE THAT IS CLOSE TO CARON?
THANKS I LOVE YOUR WEB SITE.
EUNICE
Susan says
Love this! Using same yarn, different color. It has become my “in between” pattern project as it is very time consuming. I use it to take a break from other projects i have going on. I love the way it is coming together and the trinity stitch is perfect for this. I don’t have anyone who needs it so i will donate when its done. thank you for this lovely pattern!
Rhondda says
Hi Diane, 141 sts including the ch1sp in the rows. I’ve added the extra information. Thank you for letting me know I’d missed that! All the best, Rhondda
Diane Kreps says
It would help to know how many stitches I should have ar the end of row 1. If we start with 142 chains, shold we have a stitch count of 141from here on out?
Rhondda says
Hi Grandma Joyce, I’m so happy you like this project and will be able to make use of it with your excess yarn 🙂 Wishing you the very best, Rhondda
Grandma Joyce says
Sorry for my mistakes. I hope you correct the spelling of Trinity, etc. That’s what happens as we age! Grandma Joyce
Grandma Joyce says
Thank you you so much for a lovely early Labor Day Birthday gift! I’m a Grandma too, living in a Retirement Home, turning 89 on Labor Day I’m trying to use up my excess yarn so love these perfect laptop patterns I can use to share with others at my church. The “Trinity Stitch” is a perfect name for my projects!
Rhondda says
Hi Laurie, No I’m afraid I don’t have a video for the edging. I crocheted 1 sc in each row end on the 2 sides and 1 sc in each stitch on the top and bottom edges. The 4 corners I worked 3 sc into (to let it go around the corner to the next side). After I worked that first round around the outside I just did it again, 1 sc in each st around – in each of the 4 corners I worked 3 sc stitches.
When I work the first round of stitches I worked under one strand of the side edge of each row. I didn’t work under all the strands on the edge, I worked under a single strand (loop). This makes the edges a little bit neater and flatter.
I hope this helps a bit!
Rhondda
Laurie says
Hello! I have just finished Grandmas textured lap blanket. Loved it. But I do not understand the instructions for the border. Is there something that you could direct me to to help me finish my border. I am a visual learner.
Thanks!
Lilliane Andrews says
Hi, I am a senior who has never learned to crochet. I have been knitting preemie hats for the hospital here in Edmonton Alberta Canada; but after 2 dozen made, I needed a bigger challenge. After calling our Cross Cancer Clinic I was informed that they need lap blankets. I have looked for simple granny squares unsuccessfully but this Gramma’s blanket I think will do nicely. I have completed 2 rows of this blanket and so far so good.
Thank You so much for sharing I find your tutorials are excellent for a beginner and plan to make purchases as I progress. Thanks again
Rhondda says
Very welcome 🙂 Thank you – she is a lovely lady!
Ada says
What a lovely lady! I love the pattern in this lap blanket – is rich in texture and will crochet for a donation. Also will crochet pillow.
Thank you for sharing!
Ada.
Rhondda says
Hi Cindy! Thank you for letting me know!! I’m so happy you found the pattern easy-to-follow and that it worked well with the Bernat Blanket yarn too 🙂 Have a lovely week, Rhondda
Cindy says
I made this blanket in Bernat Blanket variegated shades of red and it came out fantastic. Of course I upped the hook size to match the yarn and the blanket came out bigger but just what I was hoping for. It stays on the foot of my bed for impromptu naps. It has become my favorite blanket and go to pattern for quick gifts. Thanks Rhonda!
Rhondda says
Hi Angela, The stitch pattern is based on a multiple of 2 stitches plus 2. So this means you can crochet your chain to the width you want it to be with any yarn and hook combo you would like to use, just be sure to chain a multiple of 2 stitches before you stop (so any number of chains that divides by 2 will work). Once you have that width and that chain number that is divisible by 2 then add 2 more chains (this makes up for the first turning chain) and follow the pattern from that point forward. You may want to make a small sample in the bulky yarn before deciding to make an entire blanket with it though because this stitch is quite dense (thick) with medium weight yarn – it may be too heavy for you with the bulky yarn – best to try a couple shorter rows first to see if you like how thick it ends up being than chaining a whole blanket width and a few rows and then deciding. Best wishes, Rhondda
Angela says
Hello, I like this pattern and would like to make a lap blanket with it. However, I have bulky yarn with a total of 763 yards of it. Do you know how I should alter the initial chain length to make an appropriate lap blanket?
Michelle says
OMG! Thank you for this pattern! And when I looked down at the diagram pattern, I think for the first time ever…..I understood the stitches by ‘reading the symbols” I’m excited.
Rhondda says
You are very welcome 🙂 I really love that blanket too the stitch makes a fabric that is perfect for keeping out the chill 🙂 It would make a great pillow too!
Candy says
I just love the weight of this lapghan. I took your pattern and made it into a window cushion for my kitties by folding a longer length in half and crocheting the whole thing all the way around. It made the finished “cushion” nice and thick and comfy. Thank you for sharing this pattern.
Rhondda says
Hi Lucie-France, I’m so happy the diagram was helpful and you were able to complete the blanket for your Mom 🙂 Thank you for letting me know – I will try to provide them for more patterns where I can. If you ever do have questions though, please let me know so I can try to help. It has been a very long winter hasn’t it? I’m in Ontario, Canada – it is cold here which means it is even colder where you are! Today it is beautiful though – I was very happy to finally see the sun shining! Have a lovely weekend, Rhondda
Lucie-France ST-Pierre says
Hello Rhondda,
I hope you understand my bad English, I’m French Canadian … I just want to say a big thank you for sharing your beautiful pattern. At first, I had some difficulties because most of the time I have to watch the video before reading the pattern, but there I had to read before and I did not understand where I was wrong, I always finished with a stitch more or less …..🤔
I looked at your diagram More Carefully and the Click in my head is done and I understood the beginning and the end of the row …. Without your diagram, I would not have arrived! So if you are at your beginning with the diagrams, I wanted you to know, that for me it was like a Magic Key, which allowed me to succeed. 😘💙
It’s more work for you, but for someone who speaks little English like me, it’s like the Wheel of Fortune 😉
Strangely, I am rather nervous, hooking it, I felt more relaxed, it was only happiness. Me, I did it for my mom, who is in the same situation as your pretty grandma.
I LOVE everything about this blanket, I start another this weekend but for me this time, because here in Quebec, it is still really cold at night (-25) and the day is not better. I have so much snow in front of my house that I can not see the cars passing in the street.
I’m sorry about the length of the message, maybe I had the taste to practice my english 😉
Once again, Thank You Very Much Rhondda, because my mom had star-filled eyes and a big smile …..
Friends of Quebec, Lucie-France ST-Pierre 💙😘
Rhondda says
Hi Colleen, I definitely used the Nightberry from Caron Big Cakes Yarn. This one here: The only thing I can think of is that there are different dye lots that have changed the colors slightly. I only used this yarn in this color. Sorry I can’t be of more help, Rhondda
Colleen Fickes says
I bought night berry yarn and it is not what I wanted the colour in the original pattern with the light colours in the yarn. Night berry does not have the colours depicted in pic ture. Was there another colour used. If there was would you let me know! Thank you.
Rhondda says
Hi Tricia, Yes! You can add length to the blanket. The starting chain is the width for the blanket. The number of rows is the length. Hope this helps! Rhondda
LynnZ says
I am making this pattern now as a baby afghan using 3 weight sport variegated baby yarn. Yarn label calls for a G hook, but after making a test swatch, I decided to use an I hook. It makes a softer fabric and is easier to get your hook into the chain stitch that locks your 3tog sets. It helps also to work somewhat loosely. If you have the wrong number of stitches at the end of any row, you have probably missed one of the chain stitches, so you need to pull out that entire row and restitch it. I know, I know – nobody likes doing that ! But with this particular pattern it’s hard to find your missed stitch so reworking an entire row is less time wasting. I’ve been crocheting for more than 50 years and if I had $1 for every row I had to pull out, I’d be able to spend the winter in Hawaii and still have money to buy more yarn ! Hope these comments will help get your project back on track.
Tricia says
Hi there, I was wondering if I could add more yarn balls to make the Afghan longer? Which is the width and the length measurements?
Rhondda says
Hi Peggy, You can work into the space instead of the loop of the chain. It will change the look slightly but it will work 🙂 Hope this helps! Rhondda
Peggy says
I like this pattern. But I can’t seem to keep my chain one loose enough and struggle to get the hook in on the next row. It slows me way down. I’m trying to use Lion Brand Mandela. I changed to a bigger hook but that didn’t help. Any other suggestions?
Rhondda says
Hi Judi 🙂 She is and she is 91 now and doing quite well. We just spent some time with her at Christmas and she is learning to use a tablet so she can see photos of her great grandchildren and send us messages. She is a wonderful lady. I hope you enjoy making the pattern 🙂 Rhondda
Judi E says
Rhondda, that woman in the photo is 90 years old? She looks to be no older than say, 75. Holy cow, she looks fabulous. The photo of her with your lap blanket is beautiful. Thank you for the pattern and I hope you have more years with her.
Rhondda says
Hi Pearl, I’ve added the video to the post or the end of Row 1 and moving into Row 2 and Row 3. Hope this helps! Rhondda
Pearl says
Hi. I love this pattern but the start of row 2 seems to be confusing for me.
Is there any way you can do a video showing the end of row 1 and the start of row 2.
Thank you – Pearl
Rhondda says
Hi Sheri, I never changed colors in this pattern. This is one variegated ball of yarn. When I ran out I just added the new yarn to my continue on the last yarn over of a stitch and continued crocheting. Hope this helps, Rhondda
Sheri says
When in the pattern do I change colours.
Rhondda says
Hi Lisa, they should be matching up exactly as we are using the same number of stitches in each row. I will see if I can make a video for you tomorrow. I’m just getting over the flu (since last Wednesday) so playing catchup today and tomorrow on my messages. When you chained to turn to begin the next row did you work into that chain? All the best, Rhondda
Lisa Steiner says
Is there a video tutorial on how to end R1 and begin R2 and then how to end R2? I’m stuck.
Lisa Steiner says
I’ve got the stitch down but at the end of R2, I have one stitch left. I’ve tried it twice now and get the same result. If I do one sc into the last leg of the last sc3tog, the second row falls short of the first. Can you plz help! I really want to make this for my 99 year old aunt. Thanks!!
Rhondda says
Hi Carol 🙂 I created a short 1 minute 20 second to help you understand what I mean in Row 1. It is immediately above the information in the post and shows you how to work R1. Hope this is helpful, Rhondda
Carol says
Row 1 makes no sense.
Rhondda says
Hi Diane, The video cut off – here’s the new link: Let me know if this doesn’t help 🙂 Thanks! Rhondda
Diane riddle says
We are having trouble starting this pattern at row 1. It seems to go into a circle. Specifically work a sc3 tog over it and the next 2 ch. please demonstrate with a video because we want to make these to donate to hospice. We
Rhondda says
Hi Valerie, Let me know if you have any questions 🙂 I’d be happy to help! All the best, Rhondda
Valerie Mayburgh says
Hi! I normally struggle to make sense of crochet charts – yours is brilliant, I am looking forward to making the lapghan.
Fyi, I am a 73 old grandmother and plan to make this one for myself!!
Becky says
Love the pattern
Rhondda says
Thank you Alicia 🙂
Alicia says
Thanks! I love this pattern. Your Grandma is precious.