Knitting a baby blanket

Thinking about knitting a baby blanket? What a great idea! Whether it’s for your little one or as a gift, a handmade blanket is a warm and touching project. It’s a perfect project for beginners, but also offers plenty of creative possibilities for seasoned knitters. Here's everything you need to get started!

Baby Blanket Sizes

Before you start, you need to choose the size of the blanket. Here are the most common sizes:

• Cradle Blanket (approx 60cm x 80cm): Perfect for a cradle or stroller, this size is handy for keeping baby warm without being buried under a large blanket.
• Playpen Blanket (approx 75cm x 100cm): Ideal for the playpen or to lay on the floor when baby starts to crawl. It is also a versatile size for rocking baby.
• Baby Crib Blanket (approx. 90cm x 120cm): A larger size that can cover a baby bed and last until the child is grown!

If the dimensions of the blanket you want to knit do not match those suggested above, use our yarn calculator to help you calculate the correct quantities needed for your project!

The Essential Equipment

1. Yarn : For a baby blanket, we recommend a yarn that is soft, hypoallergenic, and easy to care for. Cotton, bamboo, or natural fiber blends are great choices. If you want to go for wool, washable merino is a good option since it is soft on the skin and easy to care for. See the bottom of this page for the most recommended yarns for baby blankets.

2. Knitting Needles : Straight or circular needles work well for this project, depending on your preference. Needle size depends on the yarn you are using, but generally, 4mm to 6mm needles will work with DK or Worsted weight yarn.

3. Blanket Pattern : There are a multitude of patterns for knitting a baby blanket, from the simplest to the most elaborate. Whether you opt for a simple garter stitch (a big favorite here!) or for a more complex pattern, it can only be beautiful. If you have a stitch book , choose the one you like and repeat it the number of times required to reach the desired size. The most common patterns are garter stitch (of course!), stockinette stitch with an added border (to prevent it from rolling!) or moss stitch.

4. Tape Measure : Essential for measuring your progress and ensuring the blanket is the right size.

5. Stitch Markers : If your pattern includes stitch repeats, stitch markers will be your best friends to help you find your way around your knitting.

Some Tips for Success

• Choose an Easy-to-Wash Yarn : Babies can be a little messy, so opt for a yarn that can be machine washed without any hassle to please parents.

• Avoid hairy wires : Babies drool and put everything in their mouths. Hairy yarns will be unpleasant to chew on (and can be a choking hazard) so they should be avoided.

• Adjust the Size : Depending on how you plan to use the blanket, feel free to adjust the size. A small blanket is perfect for outings, while a larger one will be ideal for home.

• Make a swatch!: The best way to get the size you want is to make a swatch with the yarn, needles and stitch you plan to use. With a little rule of 3 , you will be sure to get the perfect size.

• Take Your Time : Knitting a blanket takes time, but it's a project where you can really relax and enjoy each stitch.

• Add a Personal Touch : Why not add a little crochet border or embroider the baby's initials onto the blanket? This will make it even more special.

Knitting a baby blanket is not only a practical and beautiful piece, but it’s also a loving gesture that will wrap your baby in softness. Stop by our store to choose your yarn and discuss your pattern options – we’re here to help you every step of the way!