Needlecrafts Knitting Knitting Patterns

Knitting Pattern for Beginners: Bias Garter Doll Blanket

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 07/28/21
Woolen burgundy yarn knitting on wooden table

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This cute little bias knit doll blanket is the perfect thing to keep your favorite doll or stuffed animal warm. It's also an easy way for new knitters to get lots of experience knitting increases and decreases.

The pattern is knit with a simple garter stitch on a bias and you can adapt it to fit any size or use you have for a simple and comfy blanket. Beyond dolls, it can be made larger for babies, as a lap blanket, or many squares can be sewn together for a comfy afghan. It seems that even a few pets prefer the doll-sized version as a bed!

Materials Needed

  • About 130 yards of a bulky acrylic yarn such as Lion Brand Homespun
  • Size 10 US knitting needles (6 mm)
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Crochet hook or yarn needle

Pattern Gauge and Size

  • Gauge: 13 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches in bias garter stitch. Gauge is not critical.
  • Size: Finished size is 16 inches square.

Pattern

This blanket is knit on a bias in garter stitch, which means that you're working on a diagonal rather than knitting a straight square or rectangle. That is why you will cast on only three stitches. The additional stitches are formed as you work increases in every row:

  1. Cast on three stitches.
  2. Knit every row, but increase one stitch each row by knitting into the front and back (KFB) of the first stitch on each row.
  3. Continue in this way until piece measures 14 inches down one edge.
  4. Continue to knit every row, now decreasing each row by knitting two together (K2Tog) at the beginning of each row.
  5. Continue until three stitches remain.
  6. Bind off. Cut yarn.
  7. Weave in ends. Blocking using the wet blocking method will help even out the edges.

Customize

Just because this project is designed to be a doll blanket, that doesn't mean you can't adapt it to fit other needs. There are many ways to change up the pattern and make it your own:

  • Bulkier yarn and bigger needles: Add bulk to this blanket by switching to an even bulkier yarn and bigger needles. Your blanket will naturally be a bit larger and it's an easy way to take the pattern from doll-size to baby blanket.
  • Add more stitches: If the 16 inches isn't large enough for you, keep knitting the increase rows until the first two sides are the length you want. When it's time to decrease, just continue the knit two together rows until you get back down to three stitches.
  • Sew blocks together: This is such an easy pattern and it makes a fabulous two-sided block afghan. Knit up as many 16-inch squares as you need for the final blanket size you want and use the garter stitch seam to sew them all together. Add a border if you like or knit blocks in various and complementary colors to add a decorative touch.