Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

Baby Blanket in Plymouth Yarn Daisy

What is Being Made

This is a knitted baby blanket measuring 32 inches by 32 inches, designed by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio. The blanket is crafted from Plymouth Yarn Daisy yarn in a soft pink colorway (color 1008), making it an ideal heirloom piece for infants and young children. The finished blanket provides generous coverage for a crib, stroller, or lap while maintaining a lightweight, breathable construction suitable for delicate baby skin.

Techniques and Construction

The blanket employs a combination of foundational knitting techniques to create both structural integrity and decorative interest. The design begins and ends with garter stitch borders, which provide a neat, finished edge and prevent curling. The main body features a repeating four-row pattern that alternates between knit rows and purl rows, with strategic yarn overs and decreases creating an openwork lace motif.

The construction method uses strategic increases and decreases to shape the blanket. The pattern calls for decreasing 7 stitches during the initial garter stitch section, then increasing those same 7 stitches back during the final garter stitch section. This technique ensures the blanket maintains its square dimensions while allowing the central pattern to develop evenly across the width.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row, this stitch forms the 12-row borders at the top and bottom of the blanket, providing a textured, reversible fabric
• Stockinette Stitch: Formed by alternating knit and purl rows, this smooth stitch serves as the foundation gauge reference for the pattern
• Yarn Over (yo): An increase technique that creates decorative holes in the fabric, essential to the lace pattern
• Purl Three Together (p3tog): A decrease that combines three stitches into one, working in concert with yarn overs to maintain stitch count while forming the lace motif
• Knit and Purl Combinations: The repeating pattern alternates knit and purl stitches to create visual texture and the characteristic openwork design

Materials and Tools

The blanket requires 8 balls of Plymouth Yarn Daisy, each weighing 50 grams, in color 1008 Pink. Knitters will need US size 9 circular needles measuring 24 inches in length. Circular needles are recommended for this project to comfortably accommodate the 116 cast-on stitches and allow for even distribution of the fabric during knitting.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this blanket to reach its intended finished measurements. The pattern specifies a gauge of 3.5 stitches and 6 rows per inch in stockinette stitch on size 9 needles. For the lace pattern section, the gauge is 3.25 stitches per inch on the same needle size. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their tension matches these specifications, as gauge variations will affect the final blanket dimensions.

Pattern Characteristics

The repeating four-row pattern creates a delicate lace design that repeats across the blanket width. The pattern features symmetrical yarn overs and decreases that form small eyelet details, adding visual interest and airiness to the finished piece. The garter stitch borders frame this central lace section, creating a balanced, finished appearance that works well for a baby gift or keepsake blanket.