Learn how to do basketweave with corner to corner. With suitable yarn, this stitch is like paint strokes. I loved how this turned out. This creates the stitchwork to be thick as well.
You probably could get an excellent weighted blanket in a bigger blanket.

Tutorial
Try another concept for Corner to Corner
Try the crochet log cabin with c2c with no sewing. There's a tutorial to follow for this concept.

Leave me your thoughts...