How To Knit A Baby Blanket (Free And Easy For Beginners)

In this blog post, you will see how to knit a baby blanket and view a free and easy beginner pattern.

Create a simple knit baby blanket using DK yarn (light worsted) and (US 6) 4 mm needles using the corner-to-corner technique to create a 30″ x 30″ square.

This hand knit blanket would make a lovely gift for a new baby.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the ad-free printable PDF in my shop here.

Easy Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

Skill Level – Basic (A simple pattern for a new knitter)

Notes

Make a cozy hand-knit baby blanket that is super simple for beginner knitters.

This blanket is knit in large color block stripes using 5 different colors; alternatively, you could use a self-striping yarn.

You must know simple knit stitches and how to yarn over to create the garter stitch border.

Knit in baby yarn (any baby DK in the fiber of your choice – wool, cotton, or acrylic); this blanket is best knit on circular knitting needles to accommodate the number of stitches.

Grab your ad-free printable PDF pattern in my shop here.

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Gauge

• 10 x 10 cm/4 x 4 inches = 22 sts and 28 rows in garter stitch.
• Learn how to make a gauge swatch here – How to measure gauge in knitting.

Measurements/Sizes

• Length = 30 inches/76 cm
• Width of your blanket = 30 inches/76 cm
• Finished blanket size = Newborn blanket

The supplies you need…

Yarn

• Baby Yarn DK/Light (03) (50g/165m/179yds) in the following solid colors:
• Yarn A – 1 x Mint
• Yarn B – 1 x Lilac
• Yarn C – 2 x White
• Yarn D – 1 x Peach
• Yarn E – 1 x Yellow
• Total yards needed for the blanket = 1,074.
• Any baby-safe yarn – DK/Light Worsted/8-Ply yarn.

You could use scrap yarn for this project and experiment with yarn weights; for example, use a worsted weight yarn, an aran weight yarn, or a bulky yarn.

I used a budget-friendly DK baby yarn with 55% Polyamide and 45% acrylic yarn.

Yarn Suggestion: You could use cotton yarn, Lion Brand Mandala Baby, Lion Brand Babysoft, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, or any other yarn that you find to be suitable.

Needles

• 4 mm (US 6) 100 cm/40 inch circular knitting needles.
• You do not join in the round to work – the cable is to accommodate a large number of stitches.

Notions

• Scissors.
• Darning needle/yarn needle
• Tape measure.

Abbreviations

• CO – Cast on (long tail method)
• Cont – Continue
• K – Knit
• K2tog – Knit the next 2 stitches together
• P – Purl
• Rep – Repeat
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• YO – Yarn over

Pattern Instructions

• Yarn A – Mint
• Yarn B – Lilac
• Yarn C – White
• Yarn D – Peach
• Yarn E – Yellow

With Yarn A – CO 5 sts

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Knit 3, YO, Knit 2 – (6 sts)

Row 3: Knit 3, YO, Knit 3 – (7 sts)

Row 4: Knit 3, YO, Knit to the end of the row.

Tip – When counting the garter stitch rows, remember one garter stitch row is counted as two.

• Rep row 4 until around 118 rows have been knit with Yarn A, or you have run out of that color.
• Change to Yarn B and continue to rep row 4 until around 54 rows have been worked or you have run out of that color.
• Change to Yarn C and continue to rep row 4 until around 44 rows have been worked or you have run out of that color.

Video Tutorial

Take a look at the video tutorial below to help you along with this knitting project and how to do the color changes…

How Do You Count Garter Stitch Rows?

Counting garter stitch rows can be a bit tricky because each ridge in garter stitch is formed by two rows (one ridge is equal to two rows).

Here’s how you can count garter stitch rows:

1. Identify the Ridges: Look at the fabric of your garter stitch. Each ridge is the horizontal bump that runs across the fabric. Remember that each ridge represents two rows of knitting.
2. Count the Ridges: Run your finger along the fabric, feeling for the ridges. For every ridge you feel, count it as two rows. Keep track as you count each ridge.
3. Multiply the Number of Ridges: Once you have counted all the ridges, multiply the number of ridges by 2 to get the total number of rows.

For example, if you count 10 ridges in your garter stitch fabric, you have knit a total of 20 rows.

Counting garter stitch rows can take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier to track your progress and follow your knitting pattern.

What Is The Best Knitting Stitch For A Baby Blanket?

The best knitting stitch for a baby blanket often depends on personal preference, the desired level of warmth, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

However, some basic knitting stitches that are popular for baby blankets due to their softness, texture, and ease of knitting.

Here are a few options:

1. Garter Stitch: This is one of the simplest knitting stitches, involving knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a reversible fabric with a lovely texture and is great for beginners.
2. Stockinette Stitch: This stitch creates smooth, V-shaped columns on the right side of the fabric and bumpy ridges on the wrong side. It’s easy to knit but tends to curl at the edges, so adding a border may be necessary.
3. Seed Stitch: Seed stitch alternates between knit and purl stitches within the same row and across rows. It creates a textured fabric that is reversible and adds visual interest to the blanket.
4. Basketweave Stitch: Basketweave stitch creates a textured, woven-like pattern that’s cozy and visually appealing. It involves a combination of knit and purl stitches worked in blocks or panels.
5. Lace Stitch: Lace stitches can add a delicate and airy quality to a baby blanket. Simple lace patterns, such as yarn overs and decreases, create decorative motifs while still being relatively easy to knit.
6. Ribbing: Ribbing involves alternating knit and purl stitches in the same row. It creates a stretchy, reversible fabric that is great for borders or adding texture to the blanket.

When choosing a stitch for a baby blanket knit, consider the yarn’s softness, the ease of care (machine-washable yarns are often preferred for baby items), and any safety concerns (avoid stitches with large holes that tiny fingers could get caught in).

Ultimately, the best stitch for a baby blanket is one that you enjoy knitting, creating a cozy and beautiful finished product.

How Long Does It Take A Beginner To Knit A Baby Blanket?

The time it takes for a beginner to knit a baby blanket can vary widely depending on several factors:

1. Skill Level: A beginner who is just learning to knit may take longer to complete a baby blanket compared to someone with more experience.
2. Stitch Complexity: The complexity of the chosen stitch pattern can affect the time it takes to complete the blanket. Simple stitches like garter stitch or stockinette stitch may be quicker to knit than more intricate lace or cable patterns.
3. Yarn Weight and Needle Size: Using thicker yarn and larger needles typically results in faster progress compared to finer yarn and smaller needles.
4. Knitting Speed: Individual knitting speed varies from person to person. Some knitters may work more quickly, while others prefer a slower pace.
5. Amount of Time Spent Knitting: The amount of time a beginner can dedicate to knitting each day or week will impact how long it takes to finish the blanket.

As a rough estimate, a beginner knitter working on a simple baby blanket pattern with basic stitches might take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete a blanket, depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the time available for knitting.

It’s essential for beginners to be patient with themselves and enjoy the process of learning and creating something beautiful with each stitch.

With practice and dedication, knitting speed and proficiency will improve over time.

Can You Knit A Baby Blanket On Straight Needles?

Yes, you can absolutely knit a baby blanket on straight knitting needles.

Many knitters choose to use straight needles, especially if they’re more comfortable with them or if they prefer the simplicity of straight-needle knitting.

When knitting a baby blanket on straight needles, you’ll typically work back and forth in rows, turning your work at the end of each row.

You’ll need to be mindful of the width of your blanket in relation to the length of your needles.

If the blanket becomes too wide for your straight needles, you may find it difficult to accommodate all the stitches.

For wider blankets, you might need to use circular needles or knit the blanket in sections that you can later seam together.

Remember, the choice of needles often depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the project.

Whether you choose straight needles, circular needles, or double-pointed needles, the important thing is to use the method that works best for you and allows you to create a beautiful and cozy baby blanket.

How Big Should You Knit A Baby Blanket?

The size of a baby blanket can vary depending on personal preference, the intended use, and the baby’s age.

Here are some general guidelines for baby blanket sizes:

1. Receiving Blankets: These are small blankets typically used for swaddling newborns. They are usually around 30 inches by 30 inches (76 cm by 76 cm) or slightly larger. This size can also be used as a stroller blanket or car seat blanket.
2. Crib Blankets: Crib blankets are larger and are intended to cover a baby in a crib. They can range in size but are often around 36 inches by 52 inches (91 cm by 132 cm) or slightly larger.
3. Toddler Blankets: As babies grow into toddlers, they may still use blankets for napping or comfort. Toddler blankets can range in size but are generally larger than crib blankets, often around 40 inches by 60 inches (102 cm by 152 cm) or slightly larger.

Ultimately, the size of the baby blanket depends on your preference and the intended use.

If you’re unsure, a medium-sized blanket that can be used in the crib and as the baby grows into a toddler is a good option.

Remember to consider the knitting pattern you’re using, as some patterns may have specific dimensions or be easily adjustable to the desired size.

Additionally, remember that you can always customize the size of your baby blanket based on your needs and preferences.

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Could you share your work with us…

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I’d love to see your work.

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Happy knitting!