Tapestry crochet can put a name directly into the fabric of a blanket, but the carried yarn needs attention. A loose carry can show through the background; a tight carry can pinch the row. The goal is a readable name and a blanket that still lies flat.
Use a chart with a clear colour key
Each chart square represents one stitch. Choose a letter colour and a background colour with enough contrast to read from a few steps away. Keep the chart beside the work and mark each finished row. A small arrow or coloured clip can show which side is the right side if the name should be readable from one face only.
Decide when to carry and when to use a bobbin
For short gaps between letter strokes, carrying the unused colour along the row can be practical. For a long uninterrupted background section, a separate small bobbin often keeps the back less bulky. There is no universal stitch count at which a bobbin is required; make a small sample and look at both sides before committing to a full name.
Trap the carried yarn without tightening it
Lay the unused strand along the top of the previous row and work over it at a relaxed tension. Stretch the completed stitches gently across the hook before continuing. If the row narrows, undo a short section and loosen the carry rather than adding random stitches at the edges.
Change colour before the last pull-through
Complete the final pull-through of the previous stitch with the new colour. This places the next stitch’s top loops in the correct colour and makes the letter edge cleaner. Practise the change at a simple two-colour square before starting a curved letter such as S or C.
Finish the back deliberately
A border can help contain yarn ends, but it cannot fix tight colour carries. Weave in true ends securely using a yarn needle; do not rely on the border alone. Check the blanket fabric after a gentle wash according to the yarn label.
Plan the exact lettering first in our name blanket letter chart. If you are new to changing colours, begin with our colour-change guide.