There are no exact dates listed that give a definitive timeline on the history of crocheted blankets. Some articles credit the Chinese with the early use of crochet to make afghans and blankets. Other researchers suggest that this art was perfected in England and France in the 16th century.

In the early days of crochet, the work was done with homespun materials that were difficult to work with and the patterns were limited. Today, all kinds of yarns from wools to polyesters are sold in varying colors and sizes. Crochet hooks have also come a long way from the hand carved bone to the manufactured light weight aluminum hooks found in your local craft store. Patterns are now available with very simple patterns that were used in the earlier centuries to the very intricate design that have since evolved.

Most of the very early blankets that were crocheted were either a single or double crochet throughout the blanket. Very little variation was made. The decorations of the earlier crocheting was done by embroidering names or flowers on to the crocheting or by sewing appliqués into the yarn. As materials become more readily available, then the experimenting started and people learned to crochet flowers, stems and leaves to incorporate the designs into the crocheted blankets. Mixing the many crochet stitches into the projects made the blankets and afghans more interesting and intricate.

Many women crochet throws in order to donate them to hospitals, orphans and to sick and disabled children. Children with cancer seem to find crocheted blankets have a calming effect.