This free crochet afghan pattern is made from addictively simple hexagon blocks. Use these hexies to whip up some easy crochet baby blankets or customize an afghan that's any size you wish.
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Why you'll love this crochet blanket
For a lot of crocheters, including myself, the perfect crochet afghan pattern has a few predictable qualities. I tried to capture all those and channel them into the Happy Hexagons Blanket.
This easy crochet afghan pattern is:
- Simple to memorize - so you can work on it with distractions
- Easy - can be crocheted by beginners, but fun for seasoned crocheters too
- Portable - because it's worked in smaller sections
All hail the crochet hexagon
If my spirit animal had a spirit shape, it would be hexagons. I love them. We've used them in several crochet sweater and afghan patterns including:
- Grandmother's Flower Garden Afghan
- Quinn Hexie Blanket
- Campfire Cardigan
- Brunch Cardigan
- Mezzo Cardigan
- Day Date Cardigan
Hexagons are just the Don Draper of shapes – modern, classic and irresistibly good looking every time.
Additional shapes to use in easy blankets
Crocheting smaller pieces separately and then joining them together can be a great way to create afghan blankets. Here are some other motifs you can use in a crochet blanket:
- Granny squares
- Simple C2C squares or rectangles
- Puff stitch circles with square borders
- Squares in a variety of stitches (just make sure all your squares are the same size)
Adjusting your hexagon afghan size
You can customize this pattern to make whatever size afghan you’d like. When crocheted with worsted weight yarn, each hexagon block is roughly 6” wide x 5” tall.
So first decide the size of the finished blanket you'd like to make.
Then divide the blanket height by 5".
Then divide the blanket width by 6".
Multiply those two numbers and you will have the number of hexagons needed to crochet your afghan. With this simple formula, you can make a stroller blanket, baby blanket, lap blanket or even a bedspread.
Happy Hexagons Afghan supplies
• “I Love This Cotton” in colors: Bright Teal, Ivory, Orangeade, Pewter, Dove (1 skein per 7 hexagons you will crochet + extra in whatever border color you plan to use)
• size H hook (5 mm) (I've been loving this affordable set)
• tapestry needle
• scissors
• blocking board (Make your own for $2 with this DIY blocking board tutorial)
Pattern variations
The Quinn Hexie Blanket pattern is another crochet hexagon blanket pattern that follows this basic formula.
Abbreviations - US terms
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
sc - single crochet
Skill Level
Advanced-beginner
How to crochet an afghan from hexagons
1. Decide how large your afghan will be and how many hexagons of each color you will make. The baby afghan pictured is essentially stroller blanket size at about 32"x33". I used 38 hexagons to make it.
2. Follow this pattern for a basic hexagon.
3. Crochet lots of hexagons! If you'd like, crochet half hexagons to fill in the afghan edges as well.
4. Block your crochet hexagons on a blocking board like my $2 DIY blocking board. If using cotton yarn, spritz each hexagon lightly with a spray bottle and allow them to dry before removing them from the board.
Blocking the hexagons will help ensure they’re all the same size when you sew them together.
5. Lay your hexagons out in a way that you’re happy with.
TIP: Take a photo with your phone of the arrangement in case your kid, cat or husband takes a stroll through your hexies. (Trust me on this one.)
6. Join your hexagons using a join as you go technique with a crochet hook. If you prefer sewing with a tapestry needle, follow this tutorial to learn how to seam crochet pieces together.
7. Weave in all ends that remain. Be sure to weave the magic circle tail through the first round of stitches for added security.
8. Crochet a border using two rows of single crochet as follows:
Attach yarn at one hexagon corner.
Border row 1: ch 2, sc in each stitch of the hexagon sides including 1 sc per corner where the hexagons join (see below) and 3 sc in each solitary hexagon corner. When you arrive at beginning of the row, join with a sl st.
Border row 2: ch 1, sc in each stitch of the hexagon sides, putting a sc in only 1 of the corners where the hexagons join (see below) and 3 sc in each solitary hexagon corner.
When you arrive at the beginning of the row, join with a sl st and fasten off. Weave in end.
9. Feel like a complete rockstar because you finished a super cozy, super modern, super awesome hexagon afghan!
Crochet afghan FAQs
Is the double crochet stitch good for a blanket?
Double crochet is an excellent stitch for an afghan because it's both fast and easy to execute. For added visual interest, you can create stripes using simple rows of double crochet in different yarn colors.
What stitches can I use for a crochet afghan?
The best crochet afghan stitches are stable and not too lacy or airy. Find lots of ideas in this collection of 30+ crochet stitches for blankets and afghans. Each of these stitches includes a helpful tutorial.
Why are crochet afghans so warm?
Crochet afghans can be particularly warm when they are made with dense stitches and chunky yarn. For a cooler blanket, use a lighter weight yarn and chose a more airy, open stitch.
More crochet baby blanket patterns
Handmade blankets are thoughtful, sentimental gifts to welcome a new baby. Here are few of our easiest beginner-friendly free crochet baby blanket patterns you can finish quickly:
- Tributary Granny Stripe Blanket
- Gradient Boxed Block Stitch Blanket
- Done In a Weekend Fast Crochet Baby Blanket
- Chunky Ripple Blanket
- 1 Day Modern Baby Blanket
- Hooded Granny Square Blanket
Easy crochet afghan patterns
Looking for more cozy crochet projects you can use everyday? Easy afghans are the answer! Here are some free crochet patterns you might enjoy:
- Sedona Chunky Fringed Throw Blanket
- Quad Color Throw Square Crochet Blanket
- Bobble Stitch Afghan
- Dahlia Scrap Blanket
- 8 Point Star Blanket
- Crochet Sampler Blanket
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting afghans and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitchin'. Come join us here.
How to Crochet an Afghan from Hexagons
Materials
- “I Love This Cotton” worsted weight yarn Bright Teal, Ivory, Orangeade, Pewter, Dove (1 skein per 7 hexagons you will crochet + extra in whatever border color you plan to use)
- size H hook 5 mm
- tapestry needle
- scissors
- blocking board
Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
Want some company while you crochet?
Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group. Search “Make and Do Crochet Crew” on Facebook.com.
Permissions + Copyright
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this page. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.
Instructions
Crocheting the Hexagons
- Step 1. Decide how large your afghan will be and how many hexagons of each color you will make. The baby afghan pictured is essentially stroller blanket size at about 32"x33". I used 38 hexagons to make it.
- Step 2. Follow the basic hexagon photo tutorial and pattern to learn how to crochet a hexagon.
- Step 3. Crochet lots of hexagons!!
Prepare Hexagons for Joining
- Step 4. Block your crochet hexagons on a blocking board like my DIY blocking board. If using cotton yarn, spritz each hexagon lightly with a spray bottle and allow them to dry before removing them from the board.
- Blocking the hexagons will help ensure they’re all the same size when you sew them together.
- Step 5. Lay your hexagons out in a way that you’re happy with. Take a photo with your phone of the arrangement in case your kid, cat or husband takes a stroll through your hexies.
Joining Hexagons to Create Afghan
- Step 6. Join your hexagons using your preferred technique. (See notes section below for a crochet option using a crochet hook and a sewing option using a tapestry needle.)
- Step 7. Weave in all ends that remain, including weaving the magic circle tail through the first round of stitches for added security.
Borders
- Step 8. Crochet a border using two rows of single crochet as follows:
- Attach yarn at any hexagon corner.
- Border row 1: ch 2, sc in each stitch of the hexagon sides including 1 sc per corner where the hexagons join (see below) and 3 sc in each solitary hexagon corner. When you arrive at beginning of the row, join with a sl st.
- Border row 2: ch 1, sc in each stitch of the hexagon sides, putting a sc in only 1 of the corners where the hexagons join (see below) and 3 sc in each solitary hexagon corner.
- When you arrive at the beginning of the row, join with a sl st and fasten off. Weave in end.
Celebrate
- Step 9. Feel like a complete rockstar because you finished a super cozy, super modern, super awesome hexagon afghan!
Overall Pattern Notes
- How to join crochet hexagons as you go - using a crochet hook (video tutorial)
- How to seam crochet pieces together - using a tapestry needle
Tracy McDonald says
Hum... This 1 will work as a stash buster. Smaller hexagons overall while occasionally making a - 2 row center - Then switching to another color. This will result in the centers seeming to have - flowers! Without any "fancy" stuff.
Niki says
My round 1 keeps coming out flower shaped instead of looking like a hexagon. ? I can't figure out what I am doing wrong, I even have a sheet to keep track of my stitches. I really want to make this blanket.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Niki,
Round 1 tends to look a little like a blob, but the shape develops more distinctly as you work. Are you still having trouble with it looking right after a few more rounds?
Jess
Niki says
I never made it that far, I kept looking at your photos and though I screwed up, I will give it a try again soon and let you. Thank you.
Kelly says
I was making this pattern into a queen sized blanket for my sister. After 132 hexagons, I am ready to be done but that definitely won't cover the bed. I want to make a boarder around them thick enough to finish and make it the correct size. Have you ever filled in the the hexagons around the outside edge, to make a clean rectangle ? If so, do you have a pattern for this? Thanks so much for this great pattern! I loved to be able to work on the little hexagons wherever I was.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Kelly,
I can understand wanting to be done with a project, lol. This pattern for half hexagons might be useful!
Jess
Heather says
I was wondering if the two rows for the border could be repeated at all to make a thiker boarder?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Sure! 🙂
Mary M says
I love this! I have three nephews that I want to make blankets for, but have a question on the yarn. I love cotton yarn because it gives great stitch definition, is more natural, and is breathable, but I have really only used it for more craft-type items, not a baby blanket. How well does I Love This Cotton hold up? I have heard the colors bleed and fade from that yarn - just wondering it that's true. Of course I always advise hand washing handmade items with a mild detergent, but I would hate for the darker colors to bleed into the lighter ones and look muddy. Also, does it shrink quite a bit - wondering if I should make the blanket an extra hexagon around to compensate for shrinkage? Thank you! PS: I love your blocking board idea!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks Mary! You know, I can't exactly speak to the fading because I gave this blanket away and didn't have the experience of washing it myself. I think if you washed it on cold, you would minimize both shrinkage and bleeding. I do really like this yarn because it's extremely soft and I just like using natural fibers for babies. Of course, you can really use any washable yarn for this pattern and it will be beautiful!
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Kristin O says
Hi!
I made this blanket and it turned out great. I'm actually in the process of making another. Before I put the next one together I'm just wondering if you have tips for weaving in all those ends. It took me so long and some of them keep poking out. I'm a novice at crochet and just feel there has to be a more effective and easy way to do this. Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Kristin!
Oye, the ends! The bane of any crocheter's existence. One thing I found helpful was to leave fairly long tails on each hexie so I could use those ends to sew the hexagons together. That eliminates at least some of the extra ends. Also, I haven't tried any yet, but I know there are some methods for how to crochet hexagons or squares together (instead of sewing them together), which might allow you to crochet over your tails at the same time instead of weave them in. This is one example I just came across that might be interesting to try. 🙂
Hope that helps!
Jess
Alissa says
I'm in the process of putting on my border and I got to the 2nd row but I seem to be having troubles. My corners keep curling up and do not lay flat. I don't know if I'm maybe adding to many SC? I get confused at the solid hexagon corners on row 2 where I previously stitched 3sc?
Sarah says
Love this pattern and hope to make it before my baby comes in July! Just wondering - does the blanket (and the individual hexagons) hold its shape after being washed?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Sarah,
Congrats on your pregnancy! I love crafting for an upcoming baby. It's so exciting!
To be honest, I gifted this blanket, so I'm not sure how well it washed. I believe if you washed it on cold, laid it flat to dry and then tossed it in the dryer for a few minutes to soften it up, it should hold its shape well. This cotton is really soft, so I imagine it would soften up really nicely even after being air dried.
Hope that is helpful!
Jess
Nicci L. says
I LOVE the I Love this Cotton yarn! I use it for nearly all my baby blankets! I also really love the colors you chose! I'm making this blanket for my friend who is not finding out the gender and using Charcoal, Gray, Cream, Black, and Mint...only not using the same colors as you because I had scrap black and mint left and the hubby already whines about the back stash of yarn all over the house 🙂
LOVE all your patterns, by the way!!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I love that color palette! In fact, it sounds so nice I almost want to make another blanket using it! 🙂
Tell your hubby he's lucky your yarn isn't all over your living room windowsills like it is in my house. (Or maybe that's where yours is to?!)
Brittany O says
I love the hexagons, but I'm kind of weird about wanting to square or rectangle blankets out. Do you have any suggestions for closing the gaps? Thanks for the pattern!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha--I can relate to that, Brittany. I haven't designing a piece to go in the triangle shaped edges, but you could definitely use my half hexagon pattern to fill in the sides.
Cynthia says
How did you determine the layout of your hexies? Did you follow a pattern or was it completely random? It looks amazing!
Thanks so much for sharing the instructions!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thank you Cynthia! I basically just tried some random arrangements until I found one I liked (and then tried not to step on it and screw it up over the course of days until I could sew it together.) 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Lisa says
Hi Jess! I've been trying this pattern for a week or two now, but I can't seem to get the start and stop point of the rows correct. My hexagons are pentagons! I think the problem occurs early on- I start with six two double crochets but then I get five the next round. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Lisa,
Hmm. That sounds tricky! I'm wondering if it might be happening with either the first or last stitches of the round. Something that might be helpful would be to mark each chain "corner" as you go so that you guarantee that you're ending with a total of six at the end of the round. Doing so might help you trouble shoot where one of the sides is disappearing to. If you don't have stitch markers, safety pins work well!