Chevron Baby Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Chevron Baby Afghan in Lion Brand Mandala Baby

What Is Being Made

This is a chevron baby afghan, a decorative knitted blanket designed for infants and small children. The finished afghan measures approximately 32 x 34 inches (81.5 x 86.5 cm), making it an ideal size for a crib, stroller, or lap blanket. The project features a striking two-color chevron pattern that creates a dynamic visual effect through strategic color changes and stitch manipulation.

Craft and Skill Level

This pattern is classified as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent introduction to knitted blanket projects for new crafters. The design uses fundamental knitting techniques combined with a repeating stitch pattern that becomes intuitive once established. The pattern is worked in one continuous piece from cast-on to bind-off, eliminating the need for seaming or assembly.

Techniques Used

The chevron afghan employs several essential knitting techniques that build foundational skills:

• Increases using the M1 (make 1) method, which creates new stitches by lifting the horizontal strand between needles and knitting through the back loop
• Decreases using the ssk (slip, slip, knit) technique and k2tog (knit two together) to shape the chevron points
• Color changes worked mid-project to transition from one yarn color to another, creating distinct horizontal color blocks
• Slip stitch edge work to create finished edges along the sides of the blanket
• Flat knitting on circular needles, working back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which accommodates the large stitch count

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on basic knitting stitches executed in a repeating sequence:

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl stitch (p) – used selectively at edges for definition
• Slip stitch (sl) – worked at the beginning of rows for neat edge finishing
• M1 (make 1) – an increase stitch creating the expanding sections of the chevron
• ssk (slip, slip, knit) – a left-leaning decrease stitch
• k2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease stitch

These stitches are combined in a repeating row pattern: Row 1 features the chevron shaping with increases, decreases, and knit stitches; Row 2 is a simple knit row that allows the pattern to develop. The alternating rows create the characteristic V-shaped chevron design.

Materials and Tools

The afghan is created using Lion Brand Mandala Baby yarn (Art. #526), a yarn specifically formulated for baby projects. Two colors are used:

• 208 Pixie Hollow – 1 ball (Color A)
• 211 Atlantis – 1 ball (Color B)

The pattern calls for a circular knitting needle size 5 (3.75 mm), 36 inches (91.5 cm) long. Although circular, the needle is used to work flat, back and forth in rows, accommodating the 212 cast-on stitches. A Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle is recommended for finishing and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26.5 stitches and 40 rows equals approximately 4 inches (10 cm) when measured over Rows 1 and 2 of the pattern stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished afghan reaches the intended dimensions. The afghan is constructed in two distinct sections: the first half measures approximately 17 inches (43 cm) in Color A, followed by a color change to Color B for the remaining 17 inches (43 cm), creating a balanced two-tone design.