An Easy (?) Baby Blanket

I called it easy because it only uses chain and single crochet stitches. It still takes quite some time to make. Chain 2. Work 12 sc in second chain stitch from hook. Put a piece of contrasting color yarn here to mark the end/beginning of the rounds, because we're not going to join and turn.

 Work 3 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches, * work 3 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next two stitches, work from * around.
In each following round, work 3 sc in the corner stitches and 1 sc in all the side stitches. The corner increases will give you 2 more stitches on each side each round.

 After a few rounds, the increases will be easier to see.

The corner stitch becomes easy to find.

 I only made the square to be coaster size. A baby blanket would have to be much bigger. Or you could make stripes by changing colors this way. Slip stitch in corner stitch and finish off.

 Attach border (or stripe) color with a sc crochet.

 Notice how the loose end is worked in as I crochet.

 After several stitches, the loose ends are firmly covered.

Other side, still covered.

 For the border, work 1 round in pattern with contrasting color. For a stripe, work as many rounds as you like for your desired width. It's your own original, unique creation.

 For the border, in the corner stitch, work sc, chain 5, sc.

 Chain 3, skip next sc, work sc in next stitch.

 Repeat ch 3, sk 1 sc, sc in next sc across to corner. Work sc, ch 5, sc in corner stitch.

 Repeat around, join with slip stitch in first sc.

 Slip stitch in next 2 chain stitches.

 Sc in corner loop.

 Ch 5, sc in same loop.

 Ch 3, sc in next loop across.

 Repeat around. The ch 5 increases in the corners are needed so your work will lay flat.

 Now, here is another way to join these rounds. Ch 1.

 Work a half double crochet in first sc.

 1 hdc = 2 ch. So I have made the equivalent of 3 ch stitches and kept my yarn at the top of the loop.

Ch 1.

 Sc in same loop.

 Ch 3, sc in corner loop.

 Ch 5, sc in same loop.

 This is beginning sc.

Repeat border round, joining in whichever method you prefer. Method 1 will keep the beginning sc in the corner loop. Method 2 will move the beginning sc back one loop each round. Make the border as wide or as narrow as you like. When you have made enough rounds, finish off and work in loose ends. You have a warm blanket for that special baby!