An American flag blanket is one of those projects that looks hard but really isn’t. The challenge is keeping the stars and stripes lined up — which sounds intimidating until you read the pattern and realize it’s just counting squares.
This free pattern by Kathy Wilson of Grandma’s Hookery is a classic. It’s 65″ long by 46″ wide — proper throw size — and works up in worsted weight yarn with a 6mm hook. It’s been floating around the crochet community for years for good reason: the instructions are clear, the result is unmistakably a flag, and it makes a great 4th of July gift.
What You’ll Need
Yarn: This one calls for worsted weight (size 4) yarn.
Hook: 6mm.
You’ll also need: a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors.
Shop the supplies: worsted weight yarn · ergonomic crochet hook set · tapestry needles · small craft scissors · blocking mats and pins
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Pattern Details
- Pattern: American Flag Afghan
- Designer: Kathy Wilson of Grandma’s Hookery
- Finished size: Approximately 65″ long x 46″ wide
- Yarn: Worsted weight in red, white, and navy blue
- Hook: 6.0 mm (US J)
- Skill level: Easy to intermediate (basic stitches, color changes)
Get the free pattern on Ravelry →
Tips for Making a Flag Blanket
- Use the same yarn brand for all three colors. Different brands can have slightly different weights even within the same label, and your tension will thank you for being consistent.
- Mark your stripe counts. The stripes need to be even for the flag to look right. A sticky note or tally counter helps more than you’d expect.
- Carry yarn vs. cutting. For the stripes, you can carry the white yarn up the side rather than cutting after every stripe. It saves a lot of weaving-in later.
- The star field: Some versions of this pattern use surface slip stitches for the stars, others use appliqués. Either works — just pick the method that sounds less annoying to you.
- Block it after washing. A flag blanket needs to be square and flat to look like a flag. Block it stretched out on a surface while it’s still damp.
Looking for more patriotic crochet? We have a whole post on 4th of July crochet patterns including this same Kathy Wilson afghan plus a few other options.
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Happy hooking!
