The crocheted blanket has been around for quite some time. It is difficult to trace its history or even the origin of crochet. The common term for a crocheted blanket is an Afghan. The origin of the art of crochet is found in several different countries. Many believe it started in China and the art found its way into different countries that traded good with China.

However, some believe that crochet originated in Arabia, and followed the trade routes to other Mediterranean countries. The first actual evidence of crochet appeared in a primitive South American village. As far as the afghan or crocheted blanket, there is no indication in history when women began using homespun wool yarn to create warm crocheted blankets. The granny square design for crocheted throws or blankets was a good way to use up small leftover skeins of yarn. Before World War II, the crocheted blankets were made for every bedroom in the house as a way of keeping warm and creating an item of beauty at the same time.

Crocheted blanket making died out during World War II when women had to leave the home and work in factories, leaving little time to crochet. The art of crochet, revived during the 1970's, and crocheted baby blankets and larger blankets began to appear again. New designs were created and crocheted blanket no longer are made using the single, double and triple crochet stitch. The designs range from solid single crochet to intricate lacey designs. The crocheted blanket or afghan has remained a popular item to crochet to this day.