In the world of crafting, the Virus Blanket Pattern has become a popular and therapeutic project for many enthusiasts. This captivating and intricate design, despite its somewhat alarming name, has nothing to do with viruses that cause illness. Instead, it refers to the mesmerizing, spiraling pattern that resembles the structure of a virus under a microscope.
The Virus Blanket Pattern gained popularity in the early 2010s when it was shared across various crafting platforms and social media. Its intricate design caught the eyes of many crocheters who were looking for a challenge beyond the traditional granny square or ripple patterns. The pattern is known for its circular, spiraling motif that radiates from the center, creating a visually stunning effect.
While the Virus Blanket Pattern may appear intricate, it is surprisingly accessible for crocheters of various skill levels. The pattern typically involves basic stitches such as chains, single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet.
Abbreviations Used: Ch = Chain. DC = Double crochet. SL = Slip Stitch. SC = Single Crochet. * = Repeat Form
PATTERN NOTES:
The first corner will be completed at the end of each row.
Ch 3 ALWAYS counts as 1st DC
TO BEGIN
Make a slip knot, leaving a tail 2-3 inches for later weaving in. Ch 6 SL to form a ring.
Pattern:
ROW 1:
Ch 3, DC 19 into the ring. SL to join. (20)
ROW 2:
Ch 3, DC into the same stitch as slip stitch. 2 DC into each stitch around. (40)
ROW 3:
Ch 4 (counts as first DC and ch 1), DC into next DC, Ch1, DC into next DC Repeat around. (40 DC, 40 ch 1 spaces)
ROW 4:
*NOTE [Row 4 starts with a large ch space, then makes three small ch spaces, followed by 2 large ch spaces, 3 small, 2 large, 3 small, 2 large, 3 small, and finally one large to finish the last corner.]
Ch 5, 1 SC into 2nd ch-1 space. Then Ch 3, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into next ch 1 space Repeat twice more for a total of three small loops.
Ch 5, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into next ch 1 space, ch 5, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into next ch 1 space. Then Ch 3, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into next ch 1 space Repeat twice more for a total of three small loops.
Repeat the above pattern for the remaining corners. SC into the same space as the first chain 5 of this round. SL into the first large loop to complete this row.
ROW 5:
Ch 3, DC 9 into the first ch 5 loop. SC into ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into ch 3 loop, DC 10 into ch 5 loop, DC into next ch 5 loop Repeat 2 more times.
SC into ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into ch 3 loop, DC 10 into the last ch 5 loop. SL to join.
ROW 6:
Ch 3, DC into the next 9 DC, SC into ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into ch 3 loop, DC into next 20 DC, SC into ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into ch 3 loop Repeat 3 times. DC into next 10 DC, SL to top of ch 3.
ROW 7:
Ch 4 (counts as first DC and ch 1), DC into next DC, Ch 1 Repeat 8 times (10 DC 9 Ch 1)
*Skip ch 3 [NOTE: DO NOT CHAIN (before or after) AS YOU SKIP THE CH 3 SPACES] DC Ch 1 DC into next 20 DC repeat 2 more times.
Finish the last corner as follows: DC Ch1 DC into next 10 DC SL to 3rd ch of the beginning ch 4.
ROW 8:
Repeat of row 4
Ch 5, skip 1 ch 1 space, SC into the 2nd ch 1 space. Ch 3, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into the next ch 1 space Repeat twice more (total of 3 small loops).
Ch 5, skip 4 DC and 2 ch 1 spaces, SC into the 3rd ch 1 space. Ch 3, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into the next ch 1 space Repeat twice more (total of 3 small loops).
Ch 5, skip 1 ch 1 space, SC into the 2nd ch 1 space, Ch 5, skip 1 ch 1 space, SC into the 2nd ch 1 space (these two large loops will always be the blanket’s corners).
Ch 3, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into the next ch 1 space Repeat twice more (total of 3 small loops).
Ch 5, skip 4 DC and 2 ch 1 spaces, SC into the 3rd ch 1 space. Ch 3, skip ch 1 space, 1 SC into the next ch 1 space Repeat twice more (total of 3 small loops).
Continue in the above fashion, working the two large loops as the corners and the “growers” and then small loops in between as the “fillers.”
At the end of row 8, you should have 12 ch 5 spaces and 24 ch 3 spaces.
ROW 9:
Repeat of row 5
Ch 3, DC 9 into the ch 5 loop. SC into the next ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into the ch 3 loop, Ch 3, SC into the ch 3 loop, DC 10 into the ch 5 loop.
Continue around. (At the corners, placing 20 DC in total, 10 in each ch 5 loop)
FINISH:
10 DC into the LAST ch 5 loop. SL to join.
ROW 10:
Repeat row 6.
ROW 11:
Repeat row 7.
This blanket can be made any size. Just remember the blanket has four repeating rows:
The loopy row (row 4-8-12, etc.),
The DC row (row 5-9-13, etc.),
The 2nd DC row (row 6-10-14, etc.),
The DC ch-1 DC row (row 7-11-15).
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The Virus Blanket Pattern is more than just a captivating crochet design; it’s a journey of creativity, self-expression, and comfort. As you embark on this crafting adventure, relish the therapeutic benefits and take pride in the unique, handmade creation that you bring to life.
