Needlecrafts Knitting

Garter Stitch Striped Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

By
Sarah E. White
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Sarah E. White
Sarah E. White is a highly regarded knitting expert with over two decades of hands-on crafting and writing experience. She has authored three books on the subject, including "Quick and Easy Baby Knits," and was an editor for the website Love to Know Crafts.
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Updated on 01/26/20
Garter Stitch blanket
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This generously sized baby blanket is easy to knit and will be useful long after the baby has grown out of baby clothes. It is the ideal first blanket project for new knitters, and at almost four feet square, it can also be a small lap blanket for adults.

Knit with two strands of wool held together; the blanket is very warm. The stripes are a fun and easy decorative touch, and because it's in Garter Stitch, there's no need to add a border.

Materials Needed

  • Eight skeins each of two different colors of Lion Wool, or about 1,200 yards of two colors of medium weight, 100 percent wool yarn 
  • Size 13 US circular needles with the longest cable you can find
  • Scissors
  • Crochet hook or yarn needle

Pattern Gauge and Size

Gauge: 11 stitches and 21 rows in garter stitch with two strands held together.

Size: The finished size is about 45 inches square with some leftover yarn, so you could make it a little longer if you wanted.

Baby Blanket Pattern

This baby blanket is one of the easiest you can make and because it's in Garter Stitch, it's an ideal project for beginners. The only stitch you need to know is the basic knit stitch. It will also introduce you to knitting with two strands at once as well as simple striping.

Note: work with two strands of the same color throughout.

  1. Cast on 120 stitches in your first color, with two strands held together. 
  2. Knit 10 rows.
  3. Knit 10 rows in your second color (again, using two strands).
  4. Repeat in this manner until the piece measures 45 inches.
  5. Bind off in the same color as your last stripe.
  6. Cut excess yarn and weave in ends.

Don't Like to Knit With Wool?

Wool yarn is fantastic because it is warm and cozy, but it's not right for every knitter or person you might give the blanket to. You do have options and can knit this blanket in any yarn you like.

Blankets knit in wool do require special care, and they will felt if dried in the dryer. Be sure to tell the baby's mother this if you're giving it as a gift and do use wool. It would be nice to include a little card with care instructions as well.

If you want the feel and warmth of wool without the extra care, choose a yarn made with a wool-acrylic blend. Lion Brand's Wool-Ease is a perfect example, and it's an affordable, medium weight yarn (they do also make Wool-Ease Thick and Quick, which is a heavier weight).

It is a fabulous yarn that has the feel of wool but is machine washable and can go in the dryer, which is perfect for busy moms. It also wears nicely over the years, so it will create a tough blanket that will stand up to a baby, toddler, and beyond.

Also, be aware of wool allergies. Some babies may not be able to use even a wool blend. In this case, choose your favorite acrylic yarn that's soft but durable.