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I’m Marie Segares from Underground Crafter. I’ve mentioned before that I love crocheting baby projects, and I’ve recently shared two free blanket patterns on FaveCrafts.

• The Diagonal Rainbows Baby Blanket and
• The Checkerboard in Primary Colors Stroller Blanket.

Now, I keep a little stash of ready-made crochet baby blankets for last minute gifts, but once in a while, I want to make something very special to welcome the newborn of a dear friend or family member. Here are 3 tips I follow for crocheting customized gifts that will thrill your favorite parents-to-be.

Carefully choose colors

One of the easiest ways to customize a crocheted baby gift is by selecting the color of your yarns to match – or contrast – colors in the nursery. Many parents today use non-traditional colors, so rather than choosing plain white, yellow, pale pink, or baby blue yarns, find yarns that fit with the decor of the nursery.

You can find out about the nursery colors by looking through the online baby registry. Another great place to get a “sneak peak” of the nursery decor is on social media. If one (or both) of the parents are on Facebook or Instagram, you may find pictures of a painted room, or with some sleuthing on Pinterest, you can find a board with nursery ideas. And, of course, you can always ask!

Add letters or names

If the parents have already named the baby, you may want to add a crocheted, embroidered, or “monogram” name to your project.

The Stitchy Gift Tags free crochet pattern includes a tutorial for using the backstitch to add words to your completed crochet projects.

Basic Crochet Square, free crochet pattern by Olivia from Hopeful Honey on FaveCrafts.

Another option is to use graph paper to chart out the letters of a baby’s name in blocks for a crochet granny square blanket. Choose a one-color granny square pattern, like the free Basic Crochet Square, and “spell” out the name with squares in a contrasting color yarn.

Make a layette

For a truly special gift, go beyond one project and make a layette set including a blanket as well as a jacket, cap or bonnet, booties, diaper cover, and/or a hooded towel. I love to include a set of baby washcloths in organic cotton yarn, too.

The Circle Hexagon makes a great baby washcloth. The free pattern is available here on the Underground Crafter blog.

Choose your favorite patterns to mix and match into a great set. If you keep the color scheme consistent, the layette will look coordinated!

What are your favorite tips for crocheting baby shower gifts?

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Marie Segares

Blogger at Underground Crafter

Marie Segares is a crochet and knitting blogger, designer, and teacher. She has been hooked on crochet since she learned her grandmother when she was 9. She conquered her fear of knitting in 2010 and is now happily bi-craftual. She shares her crafty adventures, free crochet patterns, crochet and knitting book and product reviews, and more on her blog, Underground Crafter.

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Latest posts by Marie Segares (see all)

• 7 Tips for Getting a Head Start on Holiday Crafting and DIY Gifts - October 16, 2015
• Hello, Fall! Crochet Hat Pattern - September 2, 2015
• 3 Tips for Crocheting an Adorable, Customized Baby Shower Gift! - August 19, 2015