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    Home » Throw Blankets

    Updated: Sep 29, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    The Ultimate Free Crochet Afghan Pattern

    10.6K shares

    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.

    This free crochet afghan pattern is customizable, so you can use it to make a baby blanket, lap blanket or even a bedspread. Makes a great modern, gender-neutral baby shower gift idea or an afghan for the couch. Click for the free pattern and photo tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    This post contains affiliate links.

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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

    This free crochet afghan pattern is customizable, so you can use it to make a baby blanket, lap blanket or even a bedspread. Makes a great modern, gender-neutral baby shower gift idea or an afghan for the couch. Click for the free pattern and photo tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    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.

    Related: Crochet Borders and Edgings for Every Blanket

    This free crochet afghan pattern is customizable, so you can use it to make a baby blanket, lap blanket or even a bedspread. Makes a great modern, gender-neutral baby shower gift idea or an afghan for the couch. Click for the free pattern and photo tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    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)

    Free crochet baby afghan pattern that looks great in gender-neutral colors, but also works equally well for a boy or a girl. Click for the free pattern and photo tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    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.

    This free crochet afghan pattern is customizable, so you can use it to make a baby blanket, lap blanket or even a bedspread. Makes a great modern, gender-neutral baby shower gift idea or an afghan for the couch. Click for the free pattern and photo tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    This free crochet afghan pattern is customizable, so you can use it to make a baby blanket, lap blanket or even a bedspread. Makes a great modern, gender-neutral baby shower gift idea or an afghan for the couch. Click for the free pattern and photo tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    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)

    This free crochet afghan pattern is customizable, so you can use it to make a baby blanket, lap blanket or even a bedspread. Makes a great modern, gender-neutral baby shower gift idea or an afghan for the couch. Click for the free pattern and photo tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com

    Pattern variations

    • Single color: Try crocheting an afghan blanket using one solid color of yarn for the hexagons. Then use a contrasting color to join the hexagons using a join as you go technique.
    • Scrap blanket: Alternatively, your hexagons can be made using small quantities of leftover skeins of yarn. Using a variety of colorful yarns will create a stunning, crochet-crazy-quilt-style blanket.
    • Go modern + chunky: Skip the worsted weight yarn and instead substitute a squishy, bulky yarn like Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. This will increase the scale and size of your afghan and add some beautiful texture.
    A baby laying on top of a modern crochet hexagon blanket.

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    We'll email you this so you can come back to it later!

    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

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    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.

    Learn how to block crochet or knit hexagons or granny squares with this incredibly easy and inexpensive DIY blocking board (made from a garden kneeling pad!) Click for full tutorial. | MakeAndDoCrew.com5. 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.

    How to weave in crochet ends on hexagons or other pieces using a magic circle technique.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.

    How to crochet a border around a hexagon afghan. Free crochet blanket pattern.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.

    An overhead view of a light brown skein of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn in a color called "Peanut." The yarn sits on top of a textured crochet blanket made with the same color.

    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.

    A crochet afghan made of hexagon shapes draped over a crib.
    4.50 from 8 votes
    Pin For Later

    How to Crochet an Afghan from Hexagons

    Use this simple formula to crochet an afghan of any size using simple, modern crochet hexagons.
    Approx Time (varies by skill level): 14 days d
    Yarn Cost: $20-40
    Author: Jess Coppom

    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

    Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):

    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.

    Overall Pattern Notes

    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.
      Overhead view of stacks of crochet hexagons in the colors grey, teal, cream and light grey. A utilitarian pair of scissors sits atop on stack of hexagons.
    • 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.
      DIY crochet and knit blocking board with hexagons drying on top of it.
    • 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.
      An overhead view of a crochet afghan made of brightly colored hexagons.

    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.)
      An overhead view of a crochet afghan with a tapestry needle in the process of weaving in a yarn tail.
    • 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.
      An overhead view of an in-progress crochet border being added to an afghan.
    • 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

    Crocheting Hexagon Tutorials:
    • How to crochet a hexagon
    • How to crochet a half hexagon 
    Hexagon Joining Tutorials:
    • How to join crochet hexagons as you go – using a crochet hook (video tutorial)
    • How to seam crochet pieces together – using a tapestry needle
     

    More Free Crochet Throw Blanket + Afghan Patterns

    • A moss stitch crochet blanket made in an ombre of brightly colored yarn.
      Ebb and Glow | Stunning Moss Stitch Blanket Pattern
    • Woman's hands adding colorful pony beads to a row of crocheting.
      How to Add Beads to Crochet to Make a Weighted Blanket
    • Four crochet blankets
      40+ Free Crochet Blanket + Afghan Patterns | Captivating Designs
    • C2C crochet butterfly blanket made in Lion Brand Ferris Wheel yarn (Pink Marmalade).
      C2C Crochet Butterfly Blanket | Whimsical Free Pattern
    10.6K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather says

      December 06, 2016 at 11:31 am

      I live in Canada and went to a local lens mills store for yarn and did not see the brand you mentioned. I ended up picking a acrylic yarn because it was very soft and had the appropriate colours…is the cotton just a preference? I am worried I will regret acrylic.

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        December 06, 2016 at 10:13 pm

        Hey Heather,

        I think the “I Love This Cotton” is only available at Hobby Lobby. Do you have those in Canada? Cotton is totally just a preference for me and acrylic can work too. I tend to like the softness and weight cotton provides, but there are some really soft acrylics out there too. (Plus acrylic is easily washable for a baby.)

        Happy crocheting!

        Jess

        Reply
    2. Conceição Belizanda Sousa R.Gomes says

      December 03, 2016 at 2:29 pm

      Gostava de saber s em vez de ser com 6 lados também da com 5

      Reply
    3. Ashley says

      November 05, 2016 at 9:51 pm

      I am having a baby in April and we are not finding out the gender. I love this blanket, and I would love to use the same colors that you chose. How many hexes of each color did you make?

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        November 09, 2016 at 4:55 pm

        Congratulations! I was able to get about 7 hexagons out of each 180 yd skein of this yarn and I think I made 35-40 hexagons for my afghan. It’s so fun to crochet for little ones while you anticipate their arrival! Enjoy!

        Jess

        Reply
    4. Joyce Wilford says

      October 17, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      Why can’t I print the half hexagon pattern?

      Reply
    5. Pamela Williamson-Stuart says

      October 09, 2016 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Jess,
      I want to thank you for this lovely Hexagon Crochet pattern. I am new at crochet but like you, I love hexagons, especially in my quilting…. I am going to persevere, with much practice, as I want to make a lovely rug for my Queen size bed fir summer, in cotton, much thanks once again, Pamela

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        October 16, 2016 at 9:00 pm

        Hey Pamela,

        My love affair with hexagons first started with quilting too! In fact, I just came across some unfinished English paper piecing hexagons today. 🙂

        That bedspread idea sounds so lovely! And it cotton it would be so perfect for the warmer months. Please send me a picture when you undertake it! I’d love to cheer you on.

        Jess

        Reply
    6. Colleen says

      September 18, 2016 at 5:57 am

      I love this pattern..I also think the hexagon is cool looking..my third grandchild will be born in April and this is the perfect project for this grandma to work on…thank you so much….now to pick the colors…..

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        September 27, 2016 at 2:53 pm

        Thanks, Colleen! Picking the colors is always the hardest part for me. Congrats on your impending grandchild! How exciting.

        Jess

        Reply
    7. Meira says

      August 28, 2016 at 1:09 pm

      Hi, i would like to make this blanket in the exact colors shown. However, i am having trouble finding “i love this cotton yarn’ online. Amazon has very few colors available. Has the line been discontinued?
      Thanks!
      Meira

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        August 29, 2016 at 4:45 pm

        Hey Meira,

        Do you live near a Hobby Lobby? You can find lots of it there. I believe you can order it online from Hobby Lobby’s website too.

        Happy crocheting!

        Jess

        Reply
    8. Nikki Sweigard says

      August 05, 2016 at 8:58 pm

      Love this! Just curious- how many hexagons do you think I will need to make an adult size blanket?

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        August 06, 2016 at 11:36 am

        Hey Nikki,

        Are you thinking like a lap blanket or more of a bedspread? Each of my hexagons was about 5×6″, so you could do a bit of math to determine the approximate number you’d need based on the dimensions of the blanket you’d like. Also, if you wanted to adjust the size of the hexagons, you could always add more rows by simply continuing in the same pattern of increases on each row. Does that make sense?

        Jess

        Reply
    9. Annemarie Windisch says

      July 20, 2016 at 4:15 am

      Hi I am Annemarie, I missed your explanation how to do an invisible seam to join the hexagons. I just know
      the not so good looking way of crocheting them together!Please could you advise!I am an Austrian living in SA and I find your way of crocheting very interesting! Thank you for your inspirations!

      Reply
    10. Amanda says

      July 17, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      Can’t get enough of this!! I don’t normally crochet, but these hexis are so much prettier than any knit ones I’ve seen. As always, your color choice is impeccable.

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        July 31, 2016 at 8:42 pm

        Thanks sweet, SIL 🙂 I haven’t seen a lot of knit hexies, but I love these because I can make one in less than 30 minutes. (Which, ironically, is the same amount of time it took me to knit each one of those wee little hexies for the Beekeeper’s Quilt).

        As usual, I really stressed about the colors, so thanks for thinking they’re okay!

        Reply
    11. Kristin says

      July 04, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      Love the pattern, but I really love the Otomi-esque wall. Is it wall Paper? A Stencil? Swoon.

      Reply
    12. Kim says

      June 30, 2016 at 7:20 am

      This pattern looks so easy! Love the way yours turned out. Thanks for sharing the instructions!

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        July 03, 2016 at 1:11 pm

        My pleasure, Kim! It was really fun to make. I hope the baby recipient likes it too. 🙂

        Happy crafting!

        Jess

        Reply
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