Plymouth Yarn P Baby Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn P Baby Afghan in Sizes

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn creates a classic baby afghan available in three finished sizes: 29 x 32 inches, 34 x 38 inches, or 40 x 46 inches. The design uses a two-color approach with Encore Worsted yarn, combining complementary colorways to create visual interest in a versatile blanket suitable for nurseries and baby gifts.

What Is Being Made

A rectangular baby afghan or throw blanket worked in a straightforward flat construction. The pattern accommodates growing families with three distinct size options, making it adaptable for different spaces and preferences. The finished piece is a practical, heirloom-quality blanket that works well as a decorative throw or functional baby covering.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs seamless, worked-flat construction, meaning the entire afghan is created in one piece from cast-on to bind-off without requiring seaming. The straightforward flat-knitting approach makes this project accessible to knitters of various skill levels while producing a professional-looking finished product. The two-color yarn technique—holding one strand of each color together throughout—creates subtle color blending and visual depth without the complexity of color-work techniques like stranding or intarsia.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch creating the smooth stockinette sections
• Purl (p) – used to create textural contrast in the pattern stitch
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – smooth knit rows alternating with purl rows, used for gauge measurement
• Ribbed pattern stitch – a repeating four-row sequence combining knit-purl combinations (k2, p2) with plain knit and purl rows, creating a subtle textured surface that adds visual interest while maintaining the blanket's drape

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted, a durable worsted-weight yarn. The pattern requires 2 colors in the following quantities:

• Small (29 x 32"): 2 balls each color
• Medium (34 x 38"): 3 balls each color
• Large (40 x 46"): 4 balls each color

The sample shown uses Encore Worsted Colorspun #7064 and Encore Worsted Colorspun #7065, demonstrating how complementary colorways work together.

Needles: One pair of US size 13 needles. The pattern is worked flat, requiring standard straight needles or circular needles used in flat mode.

Gauge: 10 stitches equals 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch using US size 13 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions.

Pattern Construction Details

The afghan begins with a loose cast-on of 76 (88, 104) stitches depending on size selection. The pattern stitch—a four-row repeat combining ribbed texture with stockinette sections—is worked continuously until the yarn is nearly exhausted, ending on row 2 of the pattern. This approach allows for flexible sizing based on available yardage. The piece concludes with a standard bind-off, and all ends are woven in for a finished appearance.

Designer: JoAnne Turcotte. Copyright: © 2002 Plymouth Yarn Company.