Crochet Tartan Blanket Pattern – A Timeless Blend of Tradition and Texture
If you’ve been on the hunt for a crochet project that combines structure, tradition, and cozy charm, this Crochet Tartan Blanket Pattern is just the thing. Inspired by the iconic Scottish tartan, this blanket features bold, intersecting stripes brought to life with simple mesh crochet and clever yarn weaving techniques.
Whether you’re drawn to rich scarlet and grey tones or prefer the deep contrast of green and blue hues, this pattern offers two beautiful colorways to match your personal style or home décor.
This tutorial guides you through creating a mesh background using basic double crochet and chain stitches. Then, you’ll use a tapestry needle to weave in your tartan stripes—no complicated color changes while crocheting. It’s an approachable project for beginners, yet delivers striking results that look far more complex than they are.
Crochet Tartan Blanket Pattern
🧶 Gauge:
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2 meshes = 1 inch
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3 rows = 2 inches
🧵 Materials Needed
Original Colorway (Light Tones)
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11 skeins Scarlet – 1¼ oz. each
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19 skeins White – 1¼ oz. each
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13 skeins Grey – 1¼ oz. each
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3 skeins Black – 1¼ oz. each
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Crochet hook Size No. 5 (bone or plastic recommended)
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Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn
🔲 Mesh Background Instructions
Foundation:
With Grey yarn, chain 219.
Row 1:
Double crochet in the 5th chain from the hook. Chain 1, skip 1 stitch, double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * to end (you should have 108 mesh spaces). Chain 4 and turn.
Row 2:
Double crochet in each double crochet from the previous row, with chain-1 spaces in between. Chain 4 and turn.
Continue with this mesh stitch pattern as follows:
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2 more rows in Grey (3 rows total), then break yarn.
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Attach White, work 1 row.
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Attach Scarlet, work 1 row.
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Work 6 rows in White.
Now begin the repeat sequence:
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1 row Scarlet, 1 row White, 3 rows Grey, 1 row White, 2 rows Scarlet, 1 row Black, 2 rows Scarlet, 1 row White, 3 rows Grey, 1 row White, 1 row Scarlet, 6 rows White
Repeat this sequence 4 times, then finish with:
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1 row Scarlet, 1 row White, 3 rows Grey
🧵 Weaving the Tartan Stripes
This is where the magic happens—transforming your mesh base into a beautiful plaid design.
Using a tapestry needle and double strands of yarn, weave vertically through the mesh rows following this color sequence:
Start by weaving with Grey through the first row of mesh, then weave a second strand over the opposite threads in the same row for thickness and dimension.
Weaving Sequence:
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2 meshes Grey
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1 mesh White
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1 mesh Scarlet
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6 meshes White
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(Repeat):
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1 Scarlet, 1 White, 3 Grey, 1 White, 2 Scarlet, 1 Black, 2 Scarlet, 1 White, 3 Grey, 1 White, 1 Scarlet, 6 White
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Repeat the above tartan sequence 3 times, and end with:
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1 mesh Scarlet, 1 mesh White, 3 meshes Grey
🎀 Finishing the Fringe
To complete your blanket with a polished look:
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Knot the fringe close to the edge of the blanket.
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Make another knot about ½ inch down, combining strands from adjacent knots to create a decorative and full edge.
🌿 Alternate Colorway: Highland Greens
Prefer an earthy and bold twist? Try this striking variation.
Materials:
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13 skeins Golf Green
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9 skeins National Blue
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5 skeins Amber
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19 skeins Cardinal
Mesh Background Rows:
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3 rows Green, 1 row Cardinal, 1 Amber, 6 Cardinal, 1 Amber, 1 Cardinal, 3 Green, 1 Cardinal, 2 Blue, 1 Amber, 2 Blue, 1 Cardinal, 3 Green, 1 Cardinal, 1 Amber, 6 Cardinal
Repeat 4 times, and finish with:
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1 Amber, 1 Cardinal, 3 Green
Weaving Sequence for Highland Greens:
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3 meshes Green, 1 Cardinal, 1 Amber, 6 Cardinal, 1 Amber, 1 Cardinal, 3 Green, 1 Cardinal, 2 Blue, 1 Amber, 2 Blue, 1 Cardinal, 3 Green, 1 Cardinal, 1 Amber, 6 Cardinal
Repeat the sequence 3 times, then finish with:
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1 Amber, 1 Cardinal, 3 Green
Finish the fringe the same way as the original design for a cohesive look.
Final Thoughts
This Crochet Tartan Blanket isn’t just a cozy addition to your home—it’s a celebration of heritage, color, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re making it as a cherished gift, a statement décor piece, or a future heirloom, its woven plaid design will always remain in style.
