Baby blankets are a newborn staple, great for car seats, impromptu play pads or to finish cribs and rocking chairs. For the new crafter — or the crafter trying out a new craft "genre," baby blankets can be an intimidating first-time project, but these unique gifts are easy enough for complete newbies to finish. From an upcycled baby blanket that uses a custom fabric stamp to a 20-minute machine-sewn crib cuddler, these baby blankets are not only practical, they are easy and fast to make.

Taggie, Your It!

Bright ribbons stitched between a cozy flannel fabric and a simpler backing create a unique taggie blanket. Consider using a waterproof fabric like nylon or even oilcloth as the backing to make this baby blanket ground-proof.
The Nifty Foodie shares how to make your own taggie baby blanket.

Stamping Ground

A custom stamp adds DIY flair to a leftover width of muslin fabric, particularly great for those tired of the cliché graphics and colors found with store-bought baby blankets. Design an image, like the fox, and then cut it into craft foam. For those uncomfortable with free-form sketching, borrow an image from a magazine or choose simple shapes like circles and diamonds.
Learn how to make your own hand-printed baby blankets from Patchwork Cactus.

First Time's a Charm

A charm pack (quilter lingo for 5-inch pre-cut, pre-coordinated quilting fabrics) makes up this bright baby blanket. After arranging where you want each square to go, stitch the rows together — horizontal rows first. With right sides facing each other, the next step is to sew the backing fabric to the patchwork top while hand-sewn yarn knots secure the patchwork top to the backing.
Crazy Little Projects shares this easy baby blanket sewing pattern.

True Colors

Colorblocking adds a modern flair to this simple crochet baby blanket. To make your own, single crochet a 3-foot length row, and when the skein runs out, switch to another color. After using 7 different complimentary colors, stitch rows together with yarn to make a 48-inches by 60-inches.
The Sweeterside of MommyHood shares this simple baby blanket crochet pattern.

A Common Thread

Machine embroidery adds a simple but special detailing to baby blankets and crib sheets. A transfer pen traces the templates onto the fabric, and the images are then outlined with embroidery floss using the stem stitch. For those new to embroidery, practice machine embroidery on scrap fabric before starting on the baby blanket fabric.
Sulky shares how to machine embroider a baby blanket.

Close Knit

Those wanting to knit their first baby blanket may want to try this unique and free knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn. Measuring a squared 30 inches, this pattern uses the garter stitch, but the bambino bedding is kept interesting by being knit on the diagonal instead of back-and-forth rows.
Head to CraftFoxes to get this free baby blanket knitting pattern.

Quick as a Wink

For the new little shortie in your life, try this short-on-time baby blanket that needs only 20 minutes to complete and is geared for the complete beginner. The craft video covers basic skills like hand-sewing and attaching binding to two pieces of patterned fabric without any filling or cotton batting, which can complicate the process.
Make a 20-minute baby blanket with this video, found here at CraftFoxes.

Basket Case

This baby blanket pattern uses a basket weave design. While not an easy pattern, a beginner could tackle it since there are only 5 rows repeated 15 times to make a 42-inches by 33-inches blanket. A single crochet border in a contrasting color completes the craft.

Head to Craft Passion for the complete basketweave baby blanket crochet pattern.

Image credit (from top): The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood, The Nifty Foodie, Patchwork Cactus, Crazy Little Projects, The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood, Home Life, Lion Brand Yarn, Melarky and Craft Passion