Choosing a crochet blanket size

Choose the size for the person, chair or bed that will use the blanket. Names such as “throw” and “lap blanket” are useful starting points, not universal measurements.

A few editable starting sizes

The dimensions below are planning examples chosen for our calculators. They are not an industry standard or a guarantee of fit.

Use	Inches	Centimeters, approximately
Small lap blanket	30 × 40	76 × 102
Larger lap blanket	36 × 48	91 × 122
Sofa throw	50 × 60	127 × 152
Generous sofa throw	60 × 72	152 × 183

Measure before choosing a bed-cover size

Measure the actual mattress width and length. Add the overhang you want on each side and at the foot; add extra length at the head only if you want it. A 60-inch-wide mattress with 12 inches of side overhang needs an 84-inch-wide cover. Its length depends on the mattress and how you intend to tuck or drape it. Mattress size labels alone do not tell you the finished cover size.

Decide whether the border is included

A 4-inch border on every edge adds 8 inches to both total width and total length. If the intended final size is 50 × 60 inches, the body inside that border is 42 × 52 inches. In the yarn calculator, enter the body dimensions if the border will be estimated separately.

Let a motif grid choose a nearby size

Whole granny squares rarely land exactly on a target measurement. Seven 6-inch squares make 42 inches before joins and borders; eight make 48 inches. Rather than silently rounding the target size, the granny square planner lets you choose the whole-square grid and displays its actual finished dimensions.

Check the yarn before committing

Area grows quickly. A 60 × 72 inch throw has 44% more area than a 50 × 60 inch throw, so the same fabric needs about 44% more body yarn. Make your consumption sample first, especially if the amount in your stash is fixed. The stash planner can show a possible length at your chosen width.