Knitting a baby blanket is a lovely first project: it’s small enough to finish fairly quickly, and forgiving if your tension isn’t perfect. This guide walks you through everything a beginner needs — materials, sizing, simple patterns, finishing and care — in a clear, minimal way.
Materials (starter kit)
- Yarn: Baby-friendly (soft, low-sheen, machine-washable). Worsted or DK weight are great starters.
- Needles: US size 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm) for worsted; US 6–8 (4–5 mm) for DK. Use needle length appropriate for the blanket width (long circulars if preferred).
- Extras: yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), measuring tape.
Typical Baby Blanket Sizes (pick one)
- Receiving / cuddle: ~30” × 30”
- Stroller / pram: ~30” × 36”
- Crib / cot: ~36” × 52” (larger)
Gauge & How to Calculate Cast-On (simple method)
- Knit a swatch 4” × 4” in the stitch you’ll use, then measure stitches per inch (stitches ÷ width).
- Multiply stitches per inch × desired blanket width (in inches) to get cast-on stitches.
Example (digit-by-digit):
If your swatch gives 4 stitches per inch and you want a 30-inch wide blanket:
4 × 30 = 120 stitches.
If your swatch shows 5 rows per inch and you want a 36-inch long blanket:
5 × 36 = 180 rows (5 × 36 = (5 × 30) + (5 × 6) = 150 + 30 = 180).
Tip: Always round to a stitch count that works with your stitch pattern (some patterns need multiples — see below).
Pattern 1 —
Fastest: Garter Stitch Blanket
(knit every row)
Perfect for absolute beginners.
Cast on: calculated stitches (no multiples required).
Row: Knit every stitch across.
Repeat until blanket reaches desired length.
Bind off loosely, weave in ends, block/shape if needed.
Why it works: garter stitch lies flat and is totally forgiving.
Pattern 2 —
Simple 2×2 Rib Blanket
(nicely stretchy, cosy)
Good for beginners who want texture.
Cast on: a multiple of 4 stitches (for 2×2 rib).
Row 1: K2, P2 repeat to end.
Row 2: Repeat Row 1 (same on both sides when worked flat).
Repeat until desired length.
Bind off in pattern (work the first few sts as they appear to keep edge neat.
Pattern 3 —
Seed Stitch Blanket
(nicely textured, reversible)
Soft, bumpy texture that hides small errors.
Cast on: an even number of stitches.
Row 1: K1, P1 across.
Row 2: P1, K1 across.
Repeat Rows 1–2 until length needed.
Bind off in pattern, weave in ends.
Pattern 4 —
Garter Border + Stockinette Center
(neat minimal look)
A simple, modern finish.
Cast on: desired width + border stitches (e.g., 6 garter sts at each edge).
Setup rows: Knit the first 6 stitches every row for border.
Body rows: Knit first 6 sts (border), work stockinette (K on RS, P on WS) for center, knit last 6 sts (border).
Repeat until length, then bind off, weave ends, block.
Finishing (simple steps that make a difference)
- Bind off loosely so the edge isn’t tight.
- Weave in ends neatly with a yarn needle; bury ends into the fabric.
- Block or shape: wash according to yarn instructions and lay flat to dry, gently shaping edges. This evens stitches and relaxes the fabric.
- Label or tuck a care note (optional) — helpful for gift receivers.
Yarn & Care Tips
- Choose machine-washable yarn for baby items unless you specify hand-wash only.
- Avoid fuzzy yarns that shed (mohair, loose boucle) for baby items.
- Check care label: if the yarn says machine wash cold, tumble low or lay flat to dry, follow those instructions to keep the blanket soft.
- Keep color in mind: neutrals and pastels are timeless; include a washer-friendly contrast if you add trims.
Troubleshooting (quick fixes)
- Blanket ruffling at edges: check tension — switch needle size if needed; garter borders help.
- Width wrong: measure your swatch again — recalculate cast-on with your real stitches/inch.
- Uneven edges: try slipping first stitch each row or add a garter stitch border.
Quick Project Checklist Before You Start
- Choose blanket size and yarn weight.
- Knit a 4” swatch and measure stitches/inch.
- Calculate cast-on using stitches/inch × width (in”).
- Pick your pattern and cast on!
Mentally Knitting 
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