Annular Baby Blanket in Malabrigo Merino Worsted Gradient Set - (Free)

Annular Baby Blanket in Malabrigo Merino Worsted Gradient Set

What is Being Made

The Annular Baby Blanket is a circular knitted baby blanket with a distinctive design worked in striped wedges. The finished blanket measures approximately 44 inches in diameter, making it an ideal size for a newborn or infant. The blanket features a modern, geometric aesthetic created through the strategic arrangement of color segments in a radial pattern.

Construction Method and Techniques

This blanket is constructed using a unique segmented approach, consisting of 4 segments containing 5 wedges each, for a total of 20 wedges. The design begins at the center and works outward in a circular fashion. The blanket utilizes short-row shaping to create the wedge sections, which produces small decorative holes at each turn point—though crafters have the option to eliminate these holes by wrapping stitches and picking up the wraps on subsequent right-side rows.

The cast-on and bound-off edges are sewn together during finishing to complete the circular form. Alternatively, crafters may use a provisional cast-on and graft the final row to the cast-on edge for a seamless join.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch throughout the blanket, created by knitting every row, which produces a textured, reversible fabric
• K2tog (knit two together) – a left-leaning decrease used in the center opening
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) – a right-leaning decrease used in the center opening
• Purl rounds – worked between decrease rounds at the center

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed specifically for the Malabrigo Merino Worsted Gradient Set, which consists of 5 hanks in the colorway #702 Paris Teal Set. Each hank weighs 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and contains approximately 210 yards (192 meters) of wool yarn. The gradient set provides five coordinating colors within the Paris Teal palette, allowing crafters to create beautiful color transitions across the wedges. The pattern recommends using approximately one-quarter of each color per wedge.

Needles and Notions

The blanket requires two types of needles: one size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) long, and one set of five size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles. Additional notions include stitch markers to denote the beginning of rounds during the center opening construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 14 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in garter stitch using the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished diameter of approximately 44 inches (112 centimeters). Crafters are advised to knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the project.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as beginner skill level, making it accessible to newer knitters. The straightforward garter stitch construction and simple decreases at the center opening do not require advanced techniques, though familiarity with working in the round and basic shaping is helpful.