How to Crochet a Bernat Blanket Big Playmat

The Bernat Blanket Big Playmat is a thick, ultra-chunky crochet project designed by Tiffany from Daisy Farm Crafts. Created specifically as a soft, padded surface for babies to play on, this mat features a unique “reversible” texture: one side is smooth, while the other side has a decorative braided or ridged appearance.

This project works up incredibly fast—often in just a few hours—making it a perfect last-minute gift or a quick addition to your nursery.

1. Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Bernat Blanket Big (a jumbo-weight yarn).

  • Cream: 2 skeins.

  • Dark Pink: 2 skeins.

  • Light Pink: 3 skeins.

• Hook: Tiffany used an 18 mm hook for a tighter, more padded weave . However, the yarn typically recommends a 25 mm hook if you want more drape and a looser fee.

• Finished Size: Approximately 40 inches by 40 inches .

• Stitch: Half Double Crochet (HDC) worked into specific loops to create the texture.

2. Starting the Playmat

1. Foundation Chain: Chain 32. Keep your chains as loose as possible to ensure the bottom edge doesn’t pull .

2. Row 1: Start in the third chain from the hook and work HDC into the top loop of each chain across . You should have a total of 30 HDC stitches .

3. Height: The turning chain-2 does not count as a stitch; it is only used to gain height for the next row.

3. Creating the Reversible Texture

The mat’s unique look comes from working into the Front Bottom Loop (sometimes called the third loop) of the HDC, rather than under the standard top two “V” loops].

The Smooth Side (Facing You)

When you want to keep the side facing you smooth:

1. Yarn over.

2. Locate the Front Bottom Loop (the loop just below the standard top “V”).

3. Insert your hook under that loop, pull up a loop, and finish the HDC .

4. This pushes the standard “V” loops to the back of the work.

The Braided/Ridged Side (Facing You)

To create the braided texture on the side facing you:

1. Yarn over.

2. Instead of coming from the front, reach your hook behind the top “V” loops to grab that bottom loop .

3. Pull it up and finish the stitch.

4. This pulls the “V” loops forward, creating a decorative ridge or braid on the front .

4. Finishing and Weaving Ends

Because the yarn is so thick, you don’t use a standard tapestry needle to weave in ends.

• The “Twist” Method: Use your fingers or your hook to pull the yarn tail underneath the “braids” of the existing stitches ].

• Disguising Tails: Keep twisting and pulling the tail through the loops until it is fully hidden within the chunky texture.

• Security: Once the tail is woven through several inches of stitches, it is very secure due to the friction of the jumbo yarn. You can then clip any remaining excess.

5. Usage Tips

• Versatility: When not in use as a floor mat for “tummy time,” this project doubles as a stylish, chunky throw for a couch .

• Padding: If you use the smaller (18 mm) hook, the mat will be very thick and sturdy, providing excellent cushioning for babies on hard floors .

Video Tutorial: