Christmas Tree Puff Stitch Blanket

Portrait of Amanda, founder of Baby Crochet Ideas, crocheting at home

By: Amanda January 11, 2025

Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details HERE.

Apply this to Me Make a Checklist Key Takeaways

Add us as a Google Trusted Source

The Christmas Tree Puff Stitch Blanket is a crochet blanket project for makers who enjoy a substantial, useful piece of handmade fabric. Its name gives the project a seasonal feel, while its blanket format makes it suitable for everyday use as well as holiday display.

This project may appeal to crocheters who like settling into a steady rhythm and seeing their work grow over time. The finished blanket can bring warmth to a favorite chair or make a thoughtful handmade gift for someone who enjoys seasonal decor.

Working on a blanket offers practice in patience, consistency, and careful attention. Making one can also build confidence with a larger project, and completing a useful gift gives your time and care a lasting purpose.

What Is a Blanket?

A blanket is a broad piece of crocheted fabric designed to provide warmth, comfort, or decoration. Blankets can be made in many proportions and textures, from light coverings for a chair to generous layers for a bed or sofa.

The fabric usually grows in a steady sequence, giving the maker a chance to settle into a comfortable working rhythm. Depending on the design and fiber, a blanket may feel light and flexible or thick and cozy, so its intended use can help guide material choices.

Crocheters enjoy blankets because they combine practical use with room for personal expression. A handmade blanket can suit a room, mark a season, or carry a thoughtful message through the time and care invested in it. Its lasting usefulness makes it a rewarding project to make or give.

Why This Is a Great Choice for a Blanket

Useful at home: A blanket can be kept close for relaxing, added to a reading nook, or folded neatly over furniture. Its everyday purpose makes the finished work especially satisfying.
A meaningful gift: Handmade blankets can express care in a practical way. They suit many occasions, and a recipient can appreciate both the comfort and the effort behind the gift.
Room for creativity: Blanket projects offer a generous canvas for personal taste. Small choices in fiber and palette can help a piece complement a home or feel suited to its recipient.
A steady project: Working across a large fabric surface encourages a calm, repeatable rhythm. That dependable pace can make a longer making session feel restful and rewarding.
A lasting keepsake: A well-cared-for blanket can remain useful through changing seasons and homes. It can also become a familiar object associated with the person who made or received it.

Before You Start

Make a gauge swatch to see how your fabric behaves and whether your personal tension matches the intended drape. Adjust your approach before committing to a larger piece.
Read through the full project material before beginning so you understand its overall flow. A clear overview helps you prepare for transitions and settle in with fewer interruptions.
Keep a notebook or tally sheet handy for recording your place and noting anything you want to remember. A brief written record can make it easier to return after a break.
Organize and wind your yarn before you begin, keeping skeins easy to reach and untangled. A tidy working area helps you stay focused on the enjoyable part of making.

Yarn and Hook Recommendations

Choose a fiber that feels comfortable against the skin, since blankets are often held close. Consider how the yarn feels in your hands as well as how it drapes.
A medium-weight yarn can be a practical option for a blanket because it balances coverage and manageability. Check the yarn label for care information before choosing.
Smooth yarn makes individual loops easier to see and can help you notice irregularities as you work. Highly textured yarn may soften stitch definition, so test its appearance first.
Think about contrast between the yarn and your surroundings while working. A clear, visible surface can make it easier to follow your progress, especially in a dim room.
Use the recommended hook size as a starting point, then compare your swatch with the intended fabric feel. Hook size influences both the fabric’s density and its drape.
If substituting yarn, consider fiber, weight, and yardage together rather than judging by appearance alone. A swatch helps you assess whether the new yarn produces a comfortable, balanced fabric.

Materials

Yarn: Paton’s Alpaca Blend (100 g/3.5 oz, 142 m/155 yds)
Lagoon (deep teal-green, a dark blue-green): 12 skeins
Crochet hook: size J/6 mm
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Finished size: 42 inches by 50 inches

Christmas Tree Puff Stitch Blanket Instructions

Color key

Lagoon = deep teal-green, a dark blue-green.

Abbreviations

BPDC = back post double crochet; ch = chain; dc = double crochet; FPDC = front post double crochet; HHDC = herringbone half double crochet; st(s) = stitch(es); yo = yarn over.

HHDC

Yo, insert the hook, yo and pull up a loop, and pull it directly through the first loop on the hook. Yo and pull through the remaining 2 loops.

Puff stitch

Yo, insert the hook, yo and pull up a loop. *Yo, insert the hook into the same space, yo and pull up a loop. Repeat from * 2 more times. Yo and pull through all loops on the hook.

DC

Yo, insert the hook, yo and pull up a loop. Yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook, then yo and pull through the remaining 2 loops.

FPDC and BPDC

For an FPDC, insert the hook from front to back around the post of the next dc and work a dc. For a BPDC, insert the hook from back to front around the post of the next dc and work a dc.

Notes

After the first two sets of triangles, you only need to count the bottom rows of each triangle. Once the base is built, you can see the triangles take shape by working 1 puff fewer on each next puff row. To change the size, multiply an odd number by 9, then add 2.

Blanket Body

Ch 119.
Row 1: Starting in the 3rd ch from the hook, work an HHDC in each ch. Ch 2, turn. [117 sts; the turning ch does not count as a st]
Row 2: *Work an HHDC in each of the first 9 sts. In the next 9 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Repeat from * across the row. End the row with an HHDC in each of the last 9 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 3: Work an HHDC in each st across. Ch 2, turn.
Row 4: Work an HHDC in each of the first 10 sts. *In the next 7 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Then work an HHDC in each of the next 11 sts. Repeat from * across the row. After the last set of puffs, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 10 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
Row 6: Work an HHDC in each of the first 11 sts. *In the next 5 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Then work an HHDC in each of the next 13 sts. Repeat from * across the row. After the last set of puffs, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 11 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
Row 8: Work an HHDC in each of the first 12 sts. *In the next 3 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Then work an HHDC in each of the next 15 sts. Repeat from * across the row. After the last set of puffs, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 12 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 9: Repeat Row 3.
Row 10: Work an HHDC in each of the first 13 sts, then work a puff stitch in the next st. *Work an HHDC in each of the next 17 sts, then a puff stitch in the next st. Repeat from * across the row. After the last puff, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 13 sts.
Rows 11-17: Repeat Row 3.
Row 18: Work an HHDC in each of the first 18 sts. *In the next 9 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Then work an HHDC in each of the next 9 sts. Repeat from * across the row. After the last set of puffs, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 18 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 19: Repeat Row 3.
Row 20: Work an HHDC in each of the first 19 sts. *In the next 7 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Then work an HHDC in each of the next 11 sts. Repeat from * across the row. After the last set of puffs, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 19 sts.
Row 21: Repeat Row 3.
Row 22: Work an HHDC in each of the first 20 sts. *In the next 5 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Then work an HHDC in each of the next 13 sts. Repeat from * to the end of the row. After the last set of puffs, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 20 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 23: Repeat Row 3.
Row 24: Work an HHDC in each of the first 21 sts. *In the next 3 sts, work puff stitch, HHDC, puff stitch. Then work an HHDC in each of the next 15 sts. Repeat from * across the row. After the last set of puffs, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 21 sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 25: Repeat Row 3.
Row 26: Work an HHDC in each of the first 22 sts, then work a puff stitch in the next st. *Work an HHDC in each of the next 17 sts, then a puff stitch in the next st. Repeat from * to the end of the row. After the last puff, end the row with an HHDC in each of the last 22 sts.
Rows 27-33: Repeat Row 3.
Repeat Rows 2 through 33 two more times, then repeat Rows 2 through 26. Work 1 more row of HHDC to finish the blanket body, then ch 2 and turn. Begin working down the side of the blanket for the border.

Border

Round 1: Work 1 round of HHDC around the blanket, working 3 HHDC in each corner. Along the sides, do your best to work 1 HHDC per row.
Round 2: When you reach the corner you started in, keep going in the same direction and work a dc in each st around the blanket. Work 3 dc in each corner st.
Round 3: When you reach the starting corner, keep going in the same direction and work alternating FPDC and BPDC around each dc. At a corner, work 3 alternating FPDC/BPDC around the middle dc of the 3 dc that formed the corner in the previous round. For example, if the corner post calls for an FPDC, work an FPDC, a BPDC, and an FPDC all around that post. Then in the next st, continue the alternating pattern with the opposite of the stitch you just used.
Rounds 4-5: Keep going in the same direction and repeat Round 2. Always match your post dc so they poke out in the same direction as the previous round. After the last round, sl st in the starting corner and fasten off.

Tips for Blanket Success

Comfortable posture

Choose a chair that supports your back, and let your shoulders rest rather than lifting them toward your ears. Keep your elbows close to your sides so your arms can move without unnecessary strain.

Good lighting helps you see the fabric clearly and reduces squinting. Aim the light toward your work without casting a strong shadow from your hands.

Even tension

Use a relaxed grip on both hook and yarn. A tight hold can tire your hands and make the fabric stiff, while a very loose hold can leave loops inconsistent.

Pause occasionally to unclench your fingers and roll your shoulders. Returning to the work with relaxed hands helps keep your movements comfortable and controlled.

Track your place

A notebook or tally sheet can help you record progress when you put the project down. Write a clear reminder that makes sense to you when you return later.

Keep the record beside your work, and update it before taking a break. A consistent note-taking habit reduces guesswork and helps you settle back into the task.

Check your work

Take a moment to inspect the fabric under good light as it grows. Look for missed loops, unexpected gaps, or changes in the overall drape before continuing farther.

If you notice a problem, pause and decide whether correcting it now will make the work more consistent. Small, early repairs are often easier to manage than corrections discovered much later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the swatch

A swatch is easy to overlook when you are eager to begin, but personal tension can affect the way yarn forms fabric. Skipping this test can leave you with a result that feels denser or looser than you expected.

Make a sample with the yarn and hook you plan to use, then assess its feel after it settles. Swatching also gives you a low-pressure chance to become comfortable with the materials.

Pulling too tightly

Tight yarn handling may happen when you want every loop to look controlled. It can make the fabric firm, slow your hand movements, and make the hook harder to insert.

Let the yarn feed smoothly through your fingers and avoid tugging each loop closed. If your hand begins to ache or the hook feels difficult to move, relax your grip and reset your working position.

Losing count

It is easy to lose track when you pause, talk, or set the work aside. A small counting error can gradually change the fabric’s width or interrupt the intended consistency.

Count at natural checkpoints, and use a written tally when you step away. If a count seems wrong, recount calmly from a clear starting point instead of trying to estimate.

Leaving short tails

A short yarn tail can be difficult to secure neatly and may work loose with handling. This can happen when the end is trimmed before you have enough length to weave it securely through the fabric.

Leave a comfortable tail when changing yarn or preparing an end for securing. Give yourself enough length to guide it through several nearby loops without pulling the fabric out of shape.

Changing materials midway

Switching yarn or hook partway through can alter the fabric’s feel and appearance. Even materials labeled similarly can behave differently, so a substitution may create an obvious change in texture or drape.

If you need to replace a material, compare the new option with your existing swatch first. Keeping the same yarn and hook throughout usually makes the fabric more consistent from one area to another.

Ways to Make It Your Own

Choose a palette that suits your home or the recipient’s taste. A calm combination can feel restful, while a lively mix may bring a cheerful seasonal touch.
Select a different yarn in the same weight for a new hand feel. Compare its softness and care needs before choosing, so the finished gift suits its intended use.
Make a coordinating second project to create a thoughtful set. Matching home pieces can feel connected without needing to look exactly alike.
Add a handwritten note explaining why you chose the gift or who inspired it. A personal message can make a handmade present feel especially memorable.
Present the blanket in a reusable fabric bag or a simple gift box. Neat wrapping adds care while leaving the handmade work as the focus.

Care and Washing Instructions

Washing: Follow the yarn label for the safest way to clean the finished blanket. Check whether the fiber calls for hand washing or machine care, and use gentle handling to help preserve its shape and feel.

Drying: Support the fabric when lifting it while wet, since moisture can make crochet heavier. Lay it flat on a clean surface and reshape it gently, allowing it to dry fully before storing.

Blocking: Gentle blocking can help even the fabric and smooth its outline if needed. Use a method suitable for the yarn fiber, and avoid stretching the blanket beyond its natural drape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes, another yarn can work if it has a similar weight and produces a fabric you enjoy. Check the fiber content and care label before substituting. Make a swatch first, since different yarns can change drape, softness, and overall appearance.

How can I keep my work even?

Keep your hands relaxed and let the yarn move smoothly as you form each loop. Consistent handling helps the fabric develop a more uniform feel. Take short breaks when your fingers feel tired, then return with a comfortable grip and steady movements.

What is a reliable way to count?

Count at consistent checkpoints rather than relying on memory throughout a long session. Record your place on paper whenever you stop, and make the note clear enough to understand later. Recount from a known point if your tally becomes uncertain.

What if the result looks different than expected?

First consider whether your yarn, tension, or working posture has changed over time. Compare the fabric with your swatch and assess its overall feel before making adjustments. If you prefer the emerging result, continuing consistently can be a reasonable choice.

How long should yarn tails be?

Leave enough yarn to secure each end comfortably through nearby loops without straining the fabric. A generous tail is easier to handle than one cut too short. Trim excess only after the end feels secure and the fabric lies naturally.

More Ideas to Try

If you enjoy making useful home pieces, consider a cushion cover, a lap blanket, a table runner, or a crocheted basket. These projects offer different ways to practice consistency while creating items for everyday spaces or thoughtful gifts. Choose one that suits your available materials and the kind of making time you enjoy.

Conclusion

Give the Christmas Tree Puff Stitch Blanket a try if you are ready to make a useful, handmade piece with a seasonal spirit. Take your time, enjoy the calm rhythm of creating, and let the finished work carry a little warmth into someone’s home. When you are ready for another project, explore more crochet ideas on the blog.