If you love baby blankets with beautiful texture and a rhythmic stitch pattern, the Crochet Square Dance Baby Blanket is the perfect project for your next make. This design uses clever stitch combinations to create soft squares that seem to “dance” across the fabric. The result is a cozy, modern blanket with incredible drape ideal for gifting, nursery décor, or keeping your little one warm.

This pattern is beginner-friendly yet interesting enough to keep experienced crocheters engaged. Using simple stitch repeats and easy construction, you’ll quickly fall into the soothing rhythm of the squares. Below, you’ll find everything you need to create this lovely blanket, including the full instructions and border.

Finished Size
31 in x 35 in
Gauge
4 in = 14 stitches and 14 rows in pattern

Materials

• Size J / 6.00 mm crochet hook

• Worsted weight yarn

• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

• Scissors

Stitches Used (US Terms)

Half Double Crochet (HDC): YO, insert hook, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through all 3 loops.
Split Half Double Crochet (Split HDC): YO, insert hook into the center of the HDC below, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through all loops.
Half Double Slip Stitch (HDSS): YO, insert hook, YO, pull up a loop and pull directly through the 2 loops on hook.
Slip Stitch (SL ST): Insert hook, pull up a loop, pull through loop on hook.
Single Crochet (SC): Insert hook, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through both loops.

Crochet Square Dance Baby Blanket Pattern

Foundation:
Chain 91.
(Pattern multiple = any odd number × 10, plus 1.)

Row 1

HDC in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across.
CH 1, turn.

Row 2

HDSS in the back loop only of each of the first 10 stitches.
Split HDC in each of the next 10 stitches, then HDSS in the back loop of the next 10 stitches.
Repeat from * to * across the row.
CH 1, turn.

Important Tip:
After completing your split HDC stitches, make sure not to accidentally use the top of the split stitch as the back loop for the next HDSS. Work into the actual next stitch.

Rows 3–10

Repeat Row 2.

Row 11

HDSS in the first stitch.
HDC into each of the next 9 stitches, inserting hook under all three loops.
HDSS in the back loop of the next 10 stitches, then HDC under all three loops of each of the next 10 stitches.
Repeat from * to * across.
End with 1 back-loop HDSS in the last stitch.
CH 1, turn.

Rows 12–20

HDSS in the back loop of the first stitch.
Split HDC in each of the next 9 stitches.
Back-loop HDSS in the next 10 stitches, then split HDC in the next 10 stitches.
Repeat from * to * across.
CH 1, turn.

Continue Pattern

Alternate:

• 10 rows of HDSS + Split HDC, and

• 10 rows of HDSS + HDC (all loops)

Start and end every row with a back-loop HDSS.

Work until you complete 110 rows (11 textured blocks).

Final Blanket Row

Work 1 full row of HDC across, maintaining stitch technique:

• Split HDC on split HDC sections

• HDC under all three loops on HDSS sections

Tie off or continue directly into the border.

Border Instructions

Round 1 – Single Crochet Base

Work 1 round of SC:

• 1 SC per row along the sides

• 1 SC per stitch along top and bottom

• 3 SC in each corner

Side 1 – Ribbed Border

Slip stitch into the corner, CH 8.
Starting in the 2nd chain from hook, work HDSS in each of the 7 chains.

SL ST into the next stitch along the blanket edge, and again into the next stitch.
Turn, HDSS in the back loops only of the 7 HDSS just made.
CH 1, turn, HDSS back down the strip in the back loops.

Repeat from * across the side.

Side 2 and Remaining Sides

At the corner, adjust with only 1 slip stitch if necessary to stay centered.
CH 8 and work the ribbing following the same method as Side 1.

Continue around the entire blanket.
When you reach the starting point, tie off and weave in ends at the top of the final ribbed strip.

The Crochet Square Dance Baby Blanket is a beautifully textured project that looks much more complicated than it truly is. With simple stitch switches every ten stitches and a soothing rhythm throughout, this blanket is relaxing, fun, and perfect for gifting. Whether you keep it in soft pastels or choose bold modern colors, this baby blanket is sure to become a treasured piece for years to come.