Bobble Plaid Throw with Pom-Pom Border: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This bobble plaid throw is a cozy, beginner-friendly project that looks far more complicated than it is. It's perfect for anyone who can work double crochet and wants to try their first textured stitch, because the whole blanket is just smooth double crochet rows broken up by a few raised bobble lines. The emerald and blush stripes, crossed by alternating colored bobble rows, create a soft plaid grid that feels modern and a little kawaii, especially with the tiny blush pom-poms dotting the edge. Worked in a linen-cotton blend, it drapes beautifully and stays breathable, so it's lovely on a sofa or at the end of a bed.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4) linen blend, approx. 60% linen, 40% cotton. Emerald (A): 900 yd; Blush (B): 600 yd.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), a 1-inch pom-pom maker or a piece of cardboard, and a measuring tape.
• Finished size: Approx. 36 x 48 inches (91 x 122 cm), excluding pom-poms.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull through everything on the hook.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• bobble – 4-dc cluster: work 4 double crochet stitches all in the same stitch, then yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the hook to close the cluster.
• RS – right side (the front, textured face of the blanket).
• rep – repeat.

Gauge

16 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in double crochet. To check it, crochet a small swatch in double crochet, measure a 4-inch section, and adjust your hook size if you have more or fewer stitches than 16 per 4 inches.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your bobbles loose enough to pop out: work the 4 dc of each bobble in the same stitch without pulling tightly, then close the cluster firmly.
• Count your stitches at the end of every plain row. Each row should have 144 dc, and each bobble row should have 36 bobbles, so mistakes are easy to spot early.
• Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a row so the new color begins cleanly at the start of the next row.
• Make all 44 pom-poms in one sitting before attaching them, so you can space them evenly without stopping to make more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The blanket is worked flat in rows. Bobbles are made as 4-dc clusters.

Blanket Body

Setup: With A, ch 146.

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (144 dc).

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each st across, turn (144 dc).

Row 3 (bobble row): Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, *bobble in next st, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, turn (36 bobbles).

Rows 4-5: Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc).

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc). Change to B.

Rows 7-8: With B, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc).

Row 9 (bobble row): With B, ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, *bobble in next st, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, turn (36 bobbles).

Rows 10-11: With B, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc). Change to A.

Rows 12-13: With A, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc).

Row 14 (bobble row): With A, ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, *bobble in next st, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, turn (36 bobbles).

Rows 15-16: With A, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc).

Rows 17-18: With B, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc).

Row 19 (bobble row): With B, ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, *bobble in next st, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, turn (36 bobbles).

Rows 20-21: With B, ch 3, dc in each st across, turn (144 dc). Change to A.

Repeat: Rep Rows 2-21 for pattern until piece measures approx. 46 inches, ending after a Row 21. Do not fasten off.

Border

Border round: With RS facing and A, ch 1, sc evenly around entire blanket, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Pom-Poms

Pom-poms (make 44): Using B, make 1-inch pom-poms.

Attach: Attach pom-poms evenly along border, spacing approx. 2 inches apart, using yarn tails.

Assembly and Finishing

This blanket is worked in one piece, so there are no seams to sew. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading each tail through a few stitches in its own color so it disappears. Attach the pom-poms last, tying each securely with its yarn tails and trimming the tails close. Block lightly to measurements: mist the blanket, pat it flat to 36 x 48 inches, and let it dry fully, keeping the pom-poms flat so they don't crush.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the blush pom-poms for emerald ones, or alternate the two colors, for a different accent.
• For a smaller baby-size version, chain fewer stitches in a multiple of 4 plus 2, and keep the same row repeat.
• Try a solid-color version for a quieter, more tonal plaid, letting the bobble texture do all the work.