Ocean Wave Hexagon Throw Free Crochet Pattern

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love blankets that look like they took forever to make but actually come together in a satisfying, almost meditative rhythm. This Ocean Wave Hexagon Throw gives you all that impressive visual impact with none of the complicated stitch work. Just hexagons, beautiful ocean blues, and the sweetest little starfish accents that make everyone ask where you bought it.

This crochet pattern captures everything I adore about ocean-themed projects. The gradient of blues flowing from deep navy to soft aqua mimics the way light plays through water at different depths. And those coral starfish scattered across the surface? They transform a lovely blanket into an actual conversation piece.

About This Ocean Wave Hexagon Throw Pattern

This throw blanket measures approximately 50 by 60 inches when finished, making it the perfect size for curling up on the couch or draping over a bed. The construction uses a join-as-you-go method with individual hexagon motifs, which means minimal sewing at the end.

The blanket consists of solid hexagon motifs worked in the round, joined with crisp white borders that create a honeycomb effect reminiscent of tide pools. The scattered starfish appliqués add dimensional interest and that pop of warm coral color that really makes the blues sing.

Skill Level: Intermediate

While the individual hexagons use basic stitches, managing the color placement and join-as-you-go technique requires some planning. If you can work in the round and follow a layout diagram, you can absolutely make this blanket.

Materials Needed

Yarn:

I recommend a good quality acrylic like Red Heart Super Saver or Caron Simply Soft for easy care and vibrant colors. This blanket will get washed, so choose something machine friendly.

Tools:

Gauge

One completed hexagon should measure approximately 5.5 inches from flat edge to flat edge using the H hook. Check your gauge after making your first hexagon. If yours is larger, try going down a hook size. If smaller, go up a hook size. Gauge matters here because it affects how your hexagons fit together.

Stitch Abbreviations and Definitions

Let me walk you through every stitch you will need for this project.

Ch = Chain. Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates your foundation and turning chains.

Sl st = Slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds.

Sc = Single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. A short, tight stitch.

Hdc = Half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Slightly taller than single crochet.

Dc = Double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain), yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. This is your main stitch for the hexagons.

Tr = Treble crochet. Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops three times. Tall stitch used in the starfish.

Magic ring = An adjustable starting ring. Wrap yarn around fingers to form a loop, insert hook through loop, pull up working yarn, chain to secure, then work stitches into the ring. Pull tail to close the center tight.

2dc cluster = Two double crochets worked into the same stitch or space, creating an increase.

Solid Hexagon Motif Pattern

You will make approximately 65 hexagons total. The exact number depends on your desired blanket size and layout preferences. I recommend making a few in each color first, then laying them out before committing to final numbers.

Round 1: Using your chosen blue color, create a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), work 11 dc into ring. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join. Pull magic ring closed. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st (first corner made). *Dc in next st, 2dc in next st.* Repeat from * around, ending with dc in last st. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (18 dc)

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same st. *Dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st.* Repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 2 sts. Sl st to join. (24 dc)

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same st. *Dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st.* Repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 3 sts. Sl st to join. (30 dc)

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in same st. *Dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st.* Repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 4 sts. Sl st to join. (36 dc)

Round 6: This round creates your hexagon corners. Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in same st again (corner cluster made). *Dc in next 5 sts, 3dc in next st (corner).* Repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 5 sts. Sl st to join. (42 dc, with 6 corner clusters)

Fasten off and weave in ends. Your hexagon should lay flat with six distinct sides.

Creating the Color Gradient

The magic of this blanket comes from thoughtful color placement. Here is how I approached it.

Center area: Use Colors E and F (lightest aquas) for the center hexagons, roughly 12 to 15 pieces.

Middle ring: Transition to Colors C and D (medium blues and turquoise), approximately 20 to 25 pieces scattered around the light center.

Outer area: Use Colors A and B (navy and royal blue) for the outer edges, roughly 25 to 30 pieces.

Do not stress about perfect placement. Real ocean water has variation and movement. Some color mixing between zones actually looks more natural. Lay out all your completed hexagons before joining to find an arrangement you love.

Joining the Hexagons

This is where it all comes together. You will join hexagons using white yarn (Color G) with a single crochet join method.

First Hexagon Border:

Attach Color G to any corner cluster of your first hexagon. Ch 1, work 3 sc in corner, sc in each dc along one side (approximately 6 sc), 3 sc in next corner. Continue around entire hexagon. Sl st to first sc. (approximately 48 sc total around hexagon)

Joining Subsequent Hexagons:

Border the new hexagon with white, but when you reach a side that touches another hexagon, join as follows:

Work to the corner before the joining side. Work 1 sc in corner, sl st to corresponding corner of adjacent hexagon, sc in same corner of current hexagon. *Sc in next st of current hexagon, sl st to corresponding st of adjacent hexagon.* Repeat along shared edge. Continue bordering remaining sides normally.

This creates a flat, sturdy join with that beautiful white grid effect.

Tip for beginners: If join-as-you-go feels overwhelming, you can border all hexagons individually first, then whip stitch them together through back loops. It takes longer but gives you more control over placement.

Starfish Appliqué Pattern

These little cuties really make the ocean theme pop. Make 5 to 7 starfish depending on your preference.

Using Color H (coral) and the smaller G hook:

Round 1: Create a magic ring. Ch 1, work 5 sc into ring. Do not join, do not turn. Pull ring closed. (5 sc)

Arm 1: Ch 4, tr in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch. Sl st into next sc of center ring.

Arms 2 through 5: Repeat Arm 1 instructions four more times, working sl st into each remaining sc of the center ring.

After completing all five arms, sl st to base of first arm. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Your starfish should have five arms radiating from a tight center. The arms naturally curl slightly, which adds dimension.

Attaching the Starfish

Place your completed blanket flat. Arrange starfish across the surface, focusing on lighter colored areas where the coral will contrast beautifully. I positioned mine somewhat randomly, like starfish scattered on a beach.

Thread the long tail onto your tapestry needle. Whip stitch the center of each starfish securely to the blanket, catching the back loops of the hexagon stitches. Tack down each arm tip with a few small stitches to keep them from flopping.

Final Border

Once all hexagons are joined and starfish attached, add a finishing border around the entire blanket edge.

Round 1: Attach Color G to any outer corner. Ch 1, work sc evenly around entire blanket, placing 3 sc in each outer corner point. Sl st to first sc to join.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, with 3 sc in each corner. Sl st to join.

Round 3: Ch 1, work reverse single crochet (crab stitch) around entire edge. This creates a lovely corded finish. To work reverse sc, simply single crochet in the opposite direction, working from left to right instead of right to left.

Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends.

Blocking Your Finished Throw

Blocking helps your hexagons relax into their final shape. Wet block by soaking the blanket in cool water for 20 minutes, then roll in towels to remove excess water. Lay flat on blocking mats, gently shaping hexagons and straightening edges. Let dry completely.

If you prefer, steam blocking also works well with acrylic yarn. Hold your steam iron a few inches above the fabric and let the steam relax the stitches.

Customization Ideas

Size adjustments: Add more hexagon rounds for a larger blanket. An afghan-sized version might use 90 to 100 hexagons.

Color variations: Try sunset colors for a different coastal vibe. Coral, peach, gold, and pink create gorgeous results with the same pattern.

Different appliqués: Swap starfish for shells, sand dollars, or simple fish shapes.

Skip the appliqués: The hexagon blanket stands beautifully on its own if you prefer a cleaner look.

Care Instructions

Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry. Acrylic yarn softens beautifully with washing, so do not be afraid to use this blanket. It only gets cozier with time.

I really hope you love making this Ocean Wave Hexagon Throw as much as I enjoyed designing it. Those gradient blues flowing into each other create such a soothing, beachy atmosphere, and the starfish just make me smile every time.

If you make this blanket, I would absolutely love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in our Facebook group. Seeing your finished projects truly makes my day.

Go ahead and save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I love hearing which color combinations you choose and how your ocean throw turns out!

You Might Also Like

• Sage Green Summer Tote with Cream Tassels Free Crochet Pattern
• Pink Valentine Highland Cow Amigurumi Free Crochet Pattern
• Midnight Silver Lace Bucket Bag Free Crochet Pattern
• Terracotta Desert Shell Purse Free Crochet Pattern