Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America 2025

UPDATED: MARCH 3, 2025 BY BRITTANY
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We’re passionate about using our crochet skills to help others through our annual Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America. Every year, hundreds of people just like you come together to make a specific handmade gift (the challenge project) for someone in need.

This challenge has concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated! Together as a community, we sent 323 blankets to Warm Up America as a result of this challenge!

We’ll see you next year!

This page is like your main hub for the challenge because it has everything you need to know to join and finish the challenge. I’ve tried to make it simple, but there’s a bunch of info I need to share with you!

This page is organized like this:

• What is the Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America?
• Challenge Welcome Video
• How Warm Up America Will Use Your Donation This Year
• Challenge Dates
• The 2025 Challenge Project
• Skills Needed to Complete the Challenge
• Sending Your Finished Projects to Warm Up America
• Challenge Donation Form
• Challenge Facebook Event Page
• Yarn Information
• Color Requirements
• Where to Buy the Yarn
• Yarn Substitution
• Yardage Requirement
• Hook & Notions Required
• Pattern Notes
• Abbreviations
• Challenge Project Pattern
• Full Step-by-Step Tutorial (available in right and left-handed versions)
• Challenge FAQ’s

What is the Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America?

The Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America is the annual crochet-along at B.Hooked. Each year, we have a new crochet project and a new organization to receive the items made by challenge participants.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a “crochet challenge” without a bit of excitement, right? Participants have a set amount of time to complete and send in their challenge project.

When the challenge kicks off, participants get a free pattern and tutorial to guide them. Their task is to finish the project and mail it to Warm Up America before the challenge deadline.

This deadline adds a cool challenge to our crochet-along, and it also makes sure that Warm Up America can deliver all the challenge projects to the chosen organization at the same time.

If you think this sounds like fun and you want to join in this year, keep reading for all the details about this year’s challenge!

For more information about Warm Up America, check out their website here.

Watch the Challenge Welcome Video

How Warm Up America Will Use Your Donation This Year

The blankets this year are going to Newborns in Need, Hospitals around the U.S., and some foster care organizations.

A portion of the blankets made and sent in from this challenge will be donated to the Newborns in Need organization. This wonderful organization focuses on providing care for sick and needy babies and families by providing basic, essential items, and in case of crisis, provide help where help is needed.

Additionally, some of the blankets will be given to Hospitals and foster care across the U.S.

Let’s share one common goal – to provide a handmade gift for as many of these babies as possible. Your handmade gift will signify hope, love, and gratitude in their eyes.

The 2025 Challenge Project

This year, challenge participants will create this lovely blanket over the challenge weeks and need to send it to Warm Up America by the deadline.

Putting this blanket together is quite fascinating! It blends two amazing forms of crochet, entrelac and corner to corner, creating a beautifully woven look.

I think projects like this are great for challenges because they mix various techniques, making it fun and interesting from start to finish.

Skills Needed to Complete the Challenge

Don’t be intimidated by the look of this pattern. It’s actually easier than it looks! All you need are some basic crochet skills, and a little determination to complete this challenge.

Just knowing how to hold the hook and yarn, and keeping a steady tension will take you a long way.

The project involves entrelac crochet – a technique that makes little blocks with the Tunisian simple stitch. So having a little Tunisian crochet experience is great, but it’s not required! This is actually a great technique to see if you like Tunisian crochet because it uses your standard crochet hook, and the most basic (but still beautiful) Tunisian simple stitch.

While it’s helpful to be familiar with these stitches, it’s not a must. The tutorial will guide you through each step.

I’ll tell you more about this beautiful blanket, including the yarn and supplies you’ll need for the challenge start date, after clearing up some important details below.

Sending Your Finished Projects to Warm Up America

To complete the challenge, you must ship your completed challenge blanket to Warm Up America at the address below, postmarked on or before April 14th, 2024.

Warm Up America/BHooked
3740 N. Josey Lane
Suite 126
Carrollton, TX 75007

**Please do NOT send your donations to the address you see at the bottom of the B.Hooked newsletter. Your donations must go to Warm Up America to complete the challenge, not to the B.Hooked Studio. I will not be able to forward your package to Warm Up America if you ship it to me in error. Please, please only use the Warm Up America shipping address you see here.

Instructions for Packaging Your Challenge Blanket

Include a fully filled-out WUA! donation form (find it just below) in the shipping box with your completed challenge blanket. Make sure to write “Brittany B.Hooked” in the campaign section.

Fill out this form so Warm Up America can know who made and sent in a donation, and they’ll use this info for the final count of blankets received. If you don’t have a printer, simply hand write all the same information from the donation form on a piece of paper and include it with your blanket.

You can wash your blanket before sending it in, but it’s not necessary. If you decide to wash it before shipping, use a fragrance-free detergent (to avoid potential allergies), and wait until it’s completely dry before packaging it up.

Multiple Donations

To finish the challenge, you just have to send in one blanket, but if you can make more, Warm Up America would love to receive them! Also, if you want to include any extra hats with your challenge blanket, they are always welcome and very much appreciated!

Challenge Facebook Page

You don’t have to, but we suggest you join the event page on Facebook to share photos of your progress, ask questions, and connect with others in the challenge. The page will be open during the entire challenge.

Join the Facebook Event Here

Remember, it’s not necessary to be part of the Facebook group to finish the challenge, but it’s definitely a fun way to be involved!

Yarn Information

The pattern was created and tested using Lion Brand Ice Cream Yarn. For the most dependable results, it’s recommended to use this yarn if you can.

Why This Yarn?

This yarn was chosen for a few reasons. It’s easy to find because it’s available in many places, so participants can get it no matter where they are. It’s also a great value when you think about the cost per yard, making it more doable to create a bigger project. The colors are really nice, and it’s simple to work with too.

Color Requirements

For the blanket I made to send to Warm Up America, I used two colors (coffee and mint), which really makes it pop!

You can use the same colors, but you don’t have to unless that’s the blanket you want to create!

I just want this to be a fun and creative experience for you, so feel free to add your own style and creativity with the colors you pick.

There are no color requirements – use one color, two colors, ten colors….follow the same color pattern as mine, or come up with something completely different…. whatever you want to do!

Our only requirement is that you follow the rest of the pattern so every blanket is the same size, and uses the same pattern.

Where to Buy Lion Brand Ice Cream Yarn

I ended up ordering all of my yarn directly from Amazon which meant shipping was incredibly fast. Other online retailers can take more time for shipping so it’s important that if you plan to order yarn online, you get your order in as quickly as possible.

If you want to order from Amazon, here are the links.

• Order Lion Brand Ice Cream Yarn on Amazon (affiliate link)

Order from Lion Brand

You can also order directly from Lion Brand if you prefer:

• Order Ice Cream Yarn from Lion Brand

Buying In Stores

Lion Brand Ice Cream yarn is often available in craft stores like Joann and Michaels, so you might have some good luck finding them there too!

Yarn Substitution

As much as we think Ice Cream yarn is a great fit, I understand that a project this big might mean you want to use up the yarn you already have. That’s totally fine! Even if you don’t have this specific yarn, feel free to substitute with a different one.

For the best results, choose a lightweight (#3) yarn that’s similar to Lion Brand Ice Cream Yarn. Mandala Baby, and Bernat Softee Baby…are a coupl good substitute options that come to mind. Warm Up America also asks that the yarn be 100% acrylic (to avoid any potential allergies) and washable (so the recipients can easily care for their gift).

Although it’s perfectly acceptable to use a different lightweight yarn to complete your challenge blanket, keep in mind that substituting yarn might mean you use a bit more or a bit less yarn overall. Consider that when checking the yardage requirements below. If you substitute, you might need a little more or a little less yarn.

Yardage Required

This blanket requires 1,576 yards of yarn in total. So, you’ll require 4 skeins of Lion Brand Ice Cream yarn in the standard 394 yd skein size, or 2 skeins of the Lion Brand Ice Cream “Big Scoop” skeins which have 1,117 yds each.

It’s a pretty precise amount of yarn, but keep in mind that it might be a little more or less if you use a different yarn. Variations in yarn weight and thickness, and even subtle differences in tension can cause you to need more or less yarn.

If you want to replicate my color pattern you will need the following:

• Color A = Lion Brand Ice Cream, Coffee = 788 yds (2 standard sized skeins)
• Color B = Lion Brand Ice Cream, Mint = 788 yds (2 standard sized skeins)

Please note that yardage requirements are dependent on you matching the pattern gauge. Yarn substitutions may also result in using more or less yarn.

Hook & Notions

• 6 mm Standard Crochet Hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Pattern Notes

This blanket was inspired by the traditional entrelac crochet technique where each block is crocheted one at a time. However, to avoid extra ends to weave in, and to make it a little more fun and interesting, we’ll use a corner to corner technique as well. So you’ll start this blanket by crocheting the first corner block, flip it, and add two blocks on the next row as you would do for a classic corner to corner crochet project. It’s loads of fun!

It’s important to check your gauge so your blanket doesn’t end up too big or too small. Adjust the hook size if you need, to obtain gauge.

Finished Size: 39″ x 39″

Gauge:
Each block measures about 2″ wide

To check your gauge, follow the pattern to crochet the first block and measure it. It should be about 2” wide. If it measures smaller, start over with a larger crochet hook. If it measures larger, start over with a smaller crochet hook. Usually adjusting by one hook size is enough to match the gauge.

Unlike regular crochet stitch patterns, one Tunisian crochet row, and round is made up of a forward pass and a return pass.

During the forward pass, you collect stitches on the hook. In the return pass, you work those stitches off the hook. For each row, you’ll see instructions for both the forward and return passes. You’ll also need to bind off the last row to finish it neatly and match the rest of the fabric.

Abbreviations

This pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology.

• Ch Chain
• Cont Continue
• Hk Hook
• Fwd Forward
• Rem Remaining
• Rep Repeat
• Rtn Return
• Sc Single Crochet
• Sk Skip
• Slst Slip Stitch
• St(s) Stitch(es)
• Tss Tunisian Simple Stitch**
• YO Yarn Over

Challenge Blanket Pattern

Increase Level 1: First Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Ch 8. Insert hk in 2nd ch from hk. YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in the next ch, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * to end of row (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row.

Row 2 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next level.

If you’re having trouble understanding the written instructions, try watching the tutorial instead! This pattern looks more complicated in writing than it actually is. You can watch the full step-by-step tutorial below. Clicking here will take you straight to it!

Increase Level 2: First Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Ch 7, and turn. Insert hk in the 2nd ch from hk. YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in next ch, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all 7 ch. Then insert hk in the next st of block 1, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row. Then insert hk in the next st of block 1, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 2 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Then slst to the last st of block 1. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next block.

Increase Level 2: Second Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Insert hk in the next st of level 1, block 1, YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in the next st, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all sts of level 1, block 1, including the ch on the edge (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row.

Row 2 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next level.

Increase Level 3: First Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Ch 7 and turn. Insert hk in 2nd ch from hk. YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in next ch, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all 7 ch. Then insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row. Then insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 2 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Then slst to the last st of the adjacent block. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next block.

Increase Level 3: Middle Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in the next st, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all sts of the adjacent block (7 loops on hk). Then insert hk in the next st of the next adjacent block, YO, and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row. Then insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 2 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Then slst to the last st of the adjacent block. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next block.

Increase Level 3: Last Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in the next st, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all sts of the adjacent block, including the ch on the edge (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row.

Row 2 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next level.

Increase Repeat:

Each new increase level consists of a “first block”, which follows the first block pattern of level 3, “middle blocks”, which follows the middle block pattern of level 3, and a “last block”, which follows the last block pattern of level 3.

You should continue with level 4 by repeating the level 3, first block pattern. Then follow the middle block pattern of level 3 for all middle blocks. And finish the new level by following the level 3, last block pattern.

Every time you add a new level, you increase by one middle block.

As you continue adding more levels, you should follow the first block pattern first, then the middle block pattern for all middle blocks, and finally, the last block pattern last.

Continue in this manner until you have a total of 21 blocks along the bottom edge. Then continue to the decrease levels.

Decrease Level 1: First Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Turn the work, and slst in the next 7 sts (the bind off sts from the last block). Insert hk in the next st of the same block, YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in the next st, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all sts of the block (7 loops on hk). Then insert hk in the next st of the next adjacent block, YO, and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row. Then insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 2 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Then slst to the last st of the adjacent block. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next block.

Decrease Level 1: Middle Block & Last Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in the next st, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all sts of the adjacent block (7 loops on hk). Then insert hk in the next st of the next adjacent block, YO, and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row. Then insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 2 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Then slst to the last st of the adjacent block. Don’t fasten off. Continue to the next block.

Decrease Repeat:

Each new decrease level is made up of a “first block”, which follows the first block pattern of decrease level 1, as well as middle blocks and end blocks, which both follow the decrease level 1, middle block & last block pattern.

You should continue adding decrease levels by repeating these block patterns. Every time you add a new decrease level, you’ll decrease the total number of blocks by 1.

Continue in this manner until you have one block remaining. Then continue to the final block pattern.

Final Block Pattern

Row 1 Forward Pass: Turn the work, and slst in the next 7 sts (the bind off sts from the last block). Insert hk in the next st of the same block, YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in the next st, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * for all sts of the block (7 loops on hk). Then insert hk in the next st of the next adjacent block, YO, and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 1 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Tss in each st to the end of the row. Then insert hk in the next st of the adjacent block, YO and pull up a loop (8 loops on hk).

Row 2 Return Pass: *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep the last row forward and return pass, four more times. Then continue to the bind off step.

Bind off Block: Insert hk in next bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Then slst to the last st of the adjacent block.

Don’t fasten off. Continue to the border instructions.

Blanket Border Pattern

Round 1: Make 1 sc in each st to the first corner st. In the corner st, make 3 sc, placing a marker in the middle of those sts. *Then make 1 sc in each st to the next corner. In the corner st, make 3 sc, placing a marker in the middle of those sts. Rep from * two more times. Then make 1 sc in the rem sts. Slst to the first sc to join the round.

Round 2: *Make 1 sc in each st to the next marked st. In the marked st, make 3 sc. Remove the marker. Rep from * three more times. Then make 1 sc in the rem sts. Slst to the first sc to join the round.

Round 3: *Slst in the next st, then ch 1. Rep from * to the end of the round. Slst to the first slst to join the round. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Watch the Right-Handed Tutorial Here

Watch the Left-Handed Tutorial Here

Tutorial Time Stamps

• Blanket Overview – 1:37
• First Block – 3:15
• Level Two Blocks – 15:57
• Level Three Blocks – 27:38
• Level Four Blocks – 42:05
• Increase Repeat – 46:53
• Changing Colors on Increse Levels – 48:23
• First Decresing Level – 50:07
• Changing Colors on Decrease Levels – 56:21
• Decrease Repeat – 57:01
• Final Block – 58:38
• Border – 59:48
• Challenge Details – 1:09:46

What’s Next?

If you want to take part in our annual Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America this year, go ahead and get your yarn to complete your challenge blanket, and have it all ready when the pattern releases on March 3rd.

You’ll find the pattern right here on this page starting March 3rd, 2025 at 11:00 am EDT. The pattern will remain on this page until the challenge concludes on April 14th, 2025.

In previous challenges, we’ve included a printable PDF of the pattern that participants can download for free, and we’ll likely do that again this year. The pattern on this page, and the tutorial are really all you’ll need. It’s one of the easiest patterns to memorize!

As straightforward as I try to keep these challenges, I understand you may have some questions. Especially if this is your first year!

Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer you need here, please don’t hesitate to ask on the Challenge Facebook Event page!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the challenge begin? The challenge officially kicks off on March 3rd at 11:00 am EDT with the release of the blanket pattern and tutorials. You will have until April 14th to complete and send your donation to Warm Up America at the address provided on this page.
2. What do I do to join? You do not need to sign up to join the challenge. Simply make the blanket and send it to Warm Up America before the deadline. It’s that simple!
3. When is my blanket supposed to be finished? The challenge comes to a close on April 14th, 2025. You should finish your blanket by this day, and ship it to Warm Up America before the end of the business day in your area.
4. Can I use a different yarn? The pattern was written and tested for Lion Brand Ice Cream Yarn. I encourage you to use this yarn if possible, but if you’re comfortable making yarn substitutions, you may do so. Substitutions must be lightweight, and achieve the same gauge and size. Warm Up America asks that you select an acrylic yarn that is easy to care for.
5. Can I donate my blanket to another organization? Absolutely. If you live outside the US and would like to participate, I encourage you to find your local foster care, or hospital and donate your items.
6. What do I do now? Order the yarn, get your supplies, and sit tight for the pattern release on March 3rd 2025. Join the Facebook Event Page, and strike up a conversation with your fellow yarn heroes!
7. Who is Warm Up America? Warm Up America is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 by a courageous yarn hero named Evie. When her vision expanded beyond her capabilities, the Craft Yarn Council stepped in to continue her mission. I encourage you to read more about WUA! Foundation here.
8. What if I can’t get the blanket finished before the deadline? Making a blanket is a big commitment, and life happens! I completely understand. If you’re not able to finish your challenge blanket and mail it in by the deadline, that’s perfectly okay. There are no sign-ups or commitments, and it’s not our intent for you to feel like you have to finish it if you simply can’t. You can always finish it on your own terms, and send it to Warm Up America at a later date.