What is a Virus Blanket? + 5 Free Virus Crochet Patterns
Learn how the infamous virus blanket got its name! Plus, 5 free crochet patterns for virus shawls and blankets.
Whether you're an avid crocheter or just a hobby hooker, you have probably come across a virus blanket or virus shawl pattern. They're all over Pinterest, crochet blogs, Youtube, and shared constantly in Facebook groups (like ours).
These charming patterns are easy to work up and have a unique look. Still, you might still be asking yourself, what exactly makes a crochet pattern a "virus" crochet pattern.
The answer is pretty simple. Virus crochet patterns are simply named after the technique used when creating them.
Where they come from and why they're named after a virus is a little more complicated. Check out our full article below to learn what a virus blanket is and where this silly name comes from. The answer will probably surprise you.
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What Is a Virus Blanket?
A virus blanket (or sometimes a shawl) is a crochet pattern that is created by continuing stitching around a center square, constantly building on itself. These patterns can be as large or as small as you like. Often worked up in 2 to 3 colors of yarn, these patterns are popular with crocheters looking for a simple project that has a big impact.
Project Image Below Courtesy of: Sandra Peters
Why is it Called a "Virus" Blanket?
While the final result of a virus crochet pattern can be stunning and lovely, the name certainly turns a few heads. A virus, after all, is a pretty icky thing to name a crochet pattern after. Truth be told, a general consensus as to WHY these pretty patterns are named after something so yucky does not exist. There's actually a "few" explanations for this:
Explanation One: They're Constantly Growing
Many crocheters believe that these patterns are named after a virus due to the fact that they are constantly growing. Like a virus, these patterns get bigger and bigger as you crochet and have seemingly no end. There's not really a natural stopping point for the project after it attaches itself to the center square or round.
Project Image Below Courtesy of: Janet Calandrielleo Victoria
Explanation Two: They Eat Up Yarn
Another explanation, similar to the one above, is that these patterns are named after viruses because they eat up yarn quickly. Like a virus, once you begin the pattern, it grows on itself and reproduces rows over and over again.
Photos Below Courtesy of: Christina Tates Blaine, Wendy Tschetter, Carolyn Robinson, & Natalie Lewis
Explanation Three: It's a Mistranslation
Several members of our Facebook group, as well as at least one designer, believe that this pattern is not originally named after a virus, at all. Instead, the name may have been improperly translated. This type of pattern might have been wildly popular with non-English crochet speakers and gone "viral".
So, when it was first translated into an English pattern it was called a "virus" blanket due to its popularity. Rumors around this attribute it to Romanian and Russian crochet designers.
Where Did Virus Patterns Come From?
After doing some digging, it looks like virus crochet patterns or variations of the stitching process have been around for quite some time. Some patterns date back to the early 2000s.
Recent popularity appears to have sprung from the popularity of a single pattern from crochet designer, Joanna Martinez. Her original pattern and Youtube video (see below) are from 2015 and have been growing in popularity ever since.
Her original pattern likely gained notoriety due to the fact that it was free to download. This pattern is no longer free on her site and can be purchased for a small fee. Several copycat patterns have sprung up since then.
Free Virus Crochet Patterns: Blankets & Shawls!
Unlike some other free crochet patterns, virus shawls and virus blanket patterns are not that easy to come by! Since these patterns are basically the repetition of the same stitch over and over again, Youtube is actually the best source for these types of projects.
Check out our list of free virus crochet patterns and videos below.
1. Modified Virus Blanket - While not a tried and true virus pattern, this simple blanket pattern mimics the lovely dual pattern of a virus blanket. It begins with a simple square pattern and works in several stitches from there.
2. 5-Sided Star Virus Afghan Pattern - This stunning little crochet star blanket is a unique pattern! Using the virus crochet technique, this pattern is built around a central star, creating an unusual blanket shape. This pattern would be perfect for a baby blanket.
3. Virus Shawl Crochet Pattern - One of the more traditional patterns on your list, this virus shawl is a lovely example of this popular crochet technique. Worked around a central triangle, you can make a simple and small shawl or work your way up to a super shawl.
Watch part one of the video tutorial right below and then visit this YouTube link to view the chart and watch the rest.
4. Virus Crochet Shawl Written Instructions - Check out this full tutorial on how to crochet a virus shawl. This simple pattern is "translated" from UK crochet terms to US terms.
5. Crochet Virus Granny Shawl - This stunning crochet shawl pattern combines granny square and virus crochet techniques for one stunning final product. You'll love wearing this textured and truly elegant shawl out and about.
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What do you think of virus blankets?
Let us know below!
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littleinsect 98118 50
Aug 21, 2020
'After doing some digging, it looks like virus crochet patterns or variations of the stitching process have been around for quite some time. Some patterns date back to the early 2000s.' Really? I was making blankets and shawls from this sort of continuous square pattern back in the 50s. The name 'virus' may date back to the 2000s, but my grandmother was probably making them back at the turn of the last century
Cheryl
Oct 18, 2019
I made the Virus Poncho for my mother then adjusted the pattern to make a Virus cowl Neck Scarf. I love this pattern and will be starting the blanket
Delphine Bryant
Jul 13, 2018
Very interesting name for such a beautiful creation. After reading the "rational" it is really a fitting name but not very appealing to the senses. However, you will not likely forget the name of this project any time soon because of the name alone. Thanks for the history lesson.
Morehouse17
Jun 30, 2018
As usual, I stumbled upon this link and I am happy that I did. While surfing for a new project I ran across an item that was really stunning to look at but the name was a little weird to say the least. After a few more clicks I found this link to explain the reason for the name "virus" blanket. Thanks for the explanation.
Cheryl Y
Jun 23, 2018
I have been working the pattern for the Modified Virus Blanket and I'm on round 10. It will not lay flat but the directions do say it should flatten out as you go, so I'm going to keep repeating the rounds and see what happens. I love the look of this one, just hoping it works out. I enjoyed reading the story behind the virus blanket. Thank you for sharing this ..
Hippie Chick
Jun 21, 2018
I have often heard people talk about virus blankets, but I never really knew what they were and I never did any research to find out. I just assumed they were blankets you made for people that were sick. LOL This article does a very good job explaining the meaning of a virus blanket and where the name came from.
JaneEK
Jun 18, 2018
These are all interesting explanations for where the term virus originated, and to be honest, Im leaning toward the mistranslation version. Ive heard enough native English speakers mispronounce things! As far as the continuous pattern worked around a central square, isnt what the Granny Square is all about? Granted, these virus stitch patterns are much more elaborate, but the principal is the same.
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