Forever Baby Blanket
I call this the Forever Baby Blanket because its design is so timeless and classic. You will never look at it and wonder, “What was I thinking?”, which is important when it comes to baby blankets because no one throws away a handknit baby blanket. It is, in fact, forever. It gets wrapped in tissue, surrounded by cedar, and tucked away until a new generation comes along and thanks you for having made such an enduringly beautiful blanket!
I was really excited to use Purl Soho’s latest addition to our line of Anzula yarn, For Better or Worsted. Like our beloved Squishy, For Better or Worsted is a superwash merino, cashmere and nylon blend in gorgeous hand dyed colors. It is the perfect baby blanket yarn, machine washable, super duper soft, and special enough for heirloom knitting.
Ever since making the Autumn Equinox Vest I’ve wanted to revisit the Cartridge Belt Rib. Its distinctive texture is characterized by deep valleys and high ridges, created by a simple slip stitch pattern. For a baby blanket, this rib is a wonderful choice because it provides a lofty coziness nothing short of what we want for our precious babies!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoForeverBabyBlanket. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 5 skeins of Anzula’s For Better or Worsted, 80% Superwash Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon. Approximately 1,000 yards required. This color is “Root Beer”.
- US 9 (5.5 mm), 32-inch circular needles
Gauge
30 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern, unstretched
Size
24 inches wide x 28 inches long
Pattern
NOTE: When this pattern says “sl 1 wyif”, it means to slip 1 with the yarn in front. So, bring your yarn forward as if to purl, slip the next stitch from the left needle to the right needle as if to purl, and then bring the yarn back into the knit position.
Cast on 179 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1: K3, *sl 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: K1, *sl 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, sl 1 wyif, k1.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 28 inches from the cast on edge. End with Row 2, ready to knit Row 1.
Bind Off Row: Bind off in a k3, p1 rib. (Here’s how: K2, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, *p1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, repeat from * to end of row.)
Cut the yarn and pull it through the remaining stitch.
Weave in the ends and you’re all done!
Would a cotton yarn work? I am making two striped throws for my grandchildren using cotton yarn and love the feel. Could the yarn work for this as well?
Hi Lilia,
Yes, absolutely! Blue Sky's Worsted Cotton would be a great choice, really soft and cuddly. You can find it right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Worsted-Cotton
If you want your blanket to be 24 x 28 inches, just make sure you get the same gauge with whatever yarn you choose!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi Kym,
We underwent some site construction and accidentally lost your question! Luckily, I had it saved somewhere else. For other readers, it was this…
Hi, I would like to make this as a throw for an adult (thinking maybe 45 X 60. Can you help with the conversion, i.e. how much to cast on and also using larger needles to make it a little chunkier, say size 11 or 13?
So, to finally answer you… You'll first need to make a gauge swatch in the stitch pattern (cast on a multiple of 4 plus 3; 19 stitches, for example). Multiply the number of stitches you get per inch by the width of your intended blanket (45) and cast on the number of stitches that is closest to that number but is also a multiple of 4 plus 3.
If you're confused by any of this, please let us know your gauge and we'll work it out for you. Here's our tutorial on knitting a gauge swatch, in case you need it: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/not-too-tight-tutorial/
Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Hello,
I've made the forever baby blanket and LOVED it! I am going to try making an infinity scarf with the same pattern, but as I go to knit it in the round, I'm having a hard time figuring the pattern out. Would I alternate every other row like this:
Row 1: K3, *sl 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: P1, *sl 1 wyib, p3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, sl 1 wyib, p1.
This is just my best guess at how to knit this pattern in the round. Can you verify if it's right or help me otherwise? Thank you so much!
Hi Jeanne,
To knit this stitch pattern flat you should cast on a multiple of 4 plus 3 stitches and then do almost exactly as you suggest, except for Row 2 you should…
K1, *sl 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, sl 1 wyib, k1.
Sounds beautiful! Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Hi,
I have loved this blanket since it was first posted — it truly feels timeless. I am expecting my first baby and finally have the opportunity to knit this blanket.
I typically use a long-tail cast on. Would this cast on be appropriate for the stitch pattern? Since the bind off edge is in the rib pattern is there another cast on method that would better match the bind off?
Sincerely,
LB
Hi LB,
I almost always use a long tail cast on (including when I knit this blanket!). For ribs some knitters use what'scalled a tubular cast on. It bears some resemblance to a provisional cast on but is designed to look and feel like the rib pattern that follows it. It's a fairly challenging technique, and I'm not sure how it will work out with this particular stitch pattern, but you might care to look into it!
Thanks so much for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions. Congratulations, too, on your coming baby!
Whitney
This blanket is beautiful. I love this stitch. I am using Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Yarn" Ombre in Pastels. It is so soft and warm. I will be making more blankets with the pattern. Thank you so much!
Whitney – I notice that you've gone up several needle sizes (to a 9) over the sizes (4-7) usually recommended for "For Better or Worsted". Do you recommend doing this for other yarns we might use for this pattern as well? I'm using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Hi Janet,
Well, a few things… First, the needle recommendations on all yarn labels (and in all knitting patterns!) should always be taken with a grain of salt, both because everyone knits at his or her own tension and because the ideal gauge depends on the project. For blankets, I tend to use a bigger-than-normal needles because a bit looser means a bit softer and more drapey.
If I were using Debbie Bliss's Cashmerino Aran, I would probably use a US #9 needle like I did here. But you may want to experiment a little to find the needle size you like best with this stitch pattern for this project.
I hope this steers you in the right direction. Please let us know if you have any other question and thanks for this one!
Whitney
Hi there,
Like a previous poster I too would like to make a larger blanket, (the 45 X 60 sounds good). I purchased 11 balls of Spice Berry, Wasabi because of the softness and lovely combination of colors in it. The gauge says 12 sts X 16 rows = 4" with size 9 needle. Upon reading your comments I noted you said we need about 1000 yards of yarn for the baby blanket. It seems like I only have enough for the baby blanket size and will have to order more to make the larger blanket, but I'm not sure about needle size and quantity of yarn. Can you help? Thanks. It looks to be a beautiful blanket.
Hi Laila,
I'm not familiar with Wasabi yarn (and don't see it in the internet), but it sounds quite a bit thicker than the For Better Or Worsted, which is normally 4 1/2 to 5 stitches per inch on a US #4-7 needle. I used a bigger needle than suggested to have a nice loose and soft fabric.
So, you'll have to experiment with needles a little bit to see what you like with the Wasabi and the stitch pattern. Like us, you may want to go up a couple of needle sizes for your blanket!
And your blanket size is four times the size of ours, so you'll need 4000 yards, although probably less since your yarn is thicker!
Please let us know if you have any more questions; thanks for these; and good luck!
Whitney
Forgive me because I am a brand new knitter. I want to make this a little larger but I need some guidance please.
I can easily figure out to make it longer to simply keep knitting.
BUT, I need help to figure out how to increase the cast on for the width if I want it to be closer to say 36" wide instead of 24". Would you kindly help me please? It doesn't have to be exactly 36" wide but sort of closer to that than 24.
Thank you kindly.
Hi Diane-
I would cast on 271 stitches to get a 36-inch wide blanket. Just make sure you are getting the correct gauge before you start!
If you're interested in how I got the number 271 here's the math:
This stitch pattern will only work with a cast on that's a multiple of 4 plus 3.
You should be getting 7.5 stitches per inch in the pattern. 7.5 X 36 (the desired width) = 270. Round that down to the nearest multiple of 4, which is 268, and then add 3= 271.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hi,
I am a beginner knitter and this is my first time using a pattern, so far the only thing I have made is a scarf. I had a question about the pattern and apologize if my question is silly. When starting row 2 stitch pattern does it matter if you do it front or back?
Thank you for your help!
Hi Clorinda,
No questions are silly, but I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Are you asking about slipping with the yarn in front? Or are you wondering how to turn the work in order to start the next row? Or are you unsure of where the working yarn should be? Or is it something else?
If you're still wondering, please clarify a little bit and we'll be happy to help!
Thanks!
Whitney
Hi Whitney,
Sorry for the confusion. I am wondering how to turn the work in order to start Row 2. Also I am making this blanket for a baby that is about 2 months old, I figure it is going to take me awhile to make this blanket should I make it a little bigger.
Thank you for your help!
Clorinda
Hi Whitney,
This might sound silly but why a circular needle? It would seem that this would Create a tube, rather than something flat. Maybe I'm thinking of the wrong kind of needle?
Thanks,
Melissa
Hi Melissa-
In this case you are using a circular needle but not knitting in a circle. You simply do not join to work in the round at the end of the first row. Instead, treat the two ends of the needle as separate needles, switching them in your hands after each row. It's no different than knitting with two separate needles except that the cord connecting the needles holds the width of the blanket as you go.
We actually use Addi Turbe circular needles for most of our projects because they are less bulky than straight needles and because they knit very smoothy.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Hi Clorinda,
Thanks for clarifying! To turn the work in order to start the next row, you simply put the end of the needle that was in your right hand into your left hand, and the needle that was in your left hand into your right. This turns the whole work so that the side that was facing away from you is now facing you, and the working yarn is coming from the left needle. When you insert the right needle into the first stitch and knit it, the working yarn will then be coming from the right needle, ready to work the rest of the row.
Since making the blanket bigger just takes longer, I would maybe stick with this size, but if you do want to add a couple of inches, cast on 187 stitches instead of 179.
I hope this gets you on the right path. Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for these!
Whitney
I love this pattern. Question… I am so new to pattern reading.
Row 1: K3, *sl 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to end of row.
This means:
Row 1: K3, *sl 1 wyif, k3, *sl 1 wyif, k3
I always get confused.
Hi Lindsay,
When a pattern says "repeat from * to end of row", you should repeat the instructions from the asterisk to the word "repeat" over and over until you reach the end of the row. In this case, you will repeat "sl 1 wyif, k3", starting with a k3, so k3, sl 1 wyif, k3, sl 1 wyif, k3, sl 1 wyif, k3, etc all the way to the end of the row. Note that, unless the pattern says otherwise, you should end the row exactly at the end of the instruction you are repeating, i.e. with a k3.
I hope this clears things up for you. Please let us know if you have any more questions and good luck!
Whitney
http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/stylecraft-special-aran-with-wool
I am thinking of knitting this blanket (in adult size) with this yarn, what size needles and how many skeins do you recommend?
Thanks in advance 🙂
ps I love your knitting! 😀
Hi Jana-
Thanks! We are not familiar with that yarn but it does seem like it's a fairly similar weight to the original yarn Whitney knit this in. The needle size depends on your personal gauge but the link you sent recommends a US 7 or 8 needle so I'd try that.
The amount of yarn you need will also depend on the gauge and the finished size you'd like. But, as a rough estimation, if you're getting the same gauge as the pattern recommends you will need approximately 1000 yards per every 4 square feet. So for a blanket that was 5 feet by 6 feet you would probably end up needing 7500 yards.
I hope this helps!
Molly
Hi, I would like to make a throw size of this pattern. I was thinking something like 60×60 – do you think this would look good in this size and how many skeins would I need. If you could explain how to calculate the number of skeins that would be great. From previous posts I get a cast on number of 447.
Thanks in advance
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Yes, I think this stitch would make an incredible throw! To calculate the number of skeins you'll need, you first figure out how many square inches this blanket is: 24 x 28 = 672 square inches. Then you figure out how many square inches one skein can knit: 672 / 5 (skeins) = 134 square inches. Then you calculate how many square inches your throw will be: 60 x 60 = 3600 square inches. And finally you divide that number by how many square inches 1 skein can make: 3600 / 134 = 27 skeins (which, by the way, is 5400 yards).
Please let us know if you need any more help with calculations. Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Whtney,
I am so impressed with your patient answers to everyone's questions. I worked a swatch of 19 like you suggested, and all went well. But when I tried 179 to make a baby blanket, I just could not get it to work. I tried for days. I really want to do this beautiful pattern. I am a beginner knitter so please help.
Kim
Hi Kim,
If you were able to figure out a 19-stitch swatch, then I know you'll be able to master the same pattern over 179 stitches. Don't despair!
Since it seems you understand the concept of the repeats and the way the pattern is written (again, since you made it work over 19 stitches), then my best guess is that you're losing count and making some small mistake somewhere along the way.
But to really diagnose the problem, I need to know what's happening. Do you end up with the wrong number of stitches at the end of the row? Which row? All of them? Or does the stitch pattern just not look right?
Please let us know so we can help straighten you out!
Whitney
Hi Whitney,
I love this blanket and would like to make a couple for my granddaughters to use as a throw while theyre growing up. I want to make it with Cascade Superwash 128 (so soft)! Can you tell me how many stitches to bind on using a #9 circular needle so it would be about 45 wide and around 60 long? I cannot ever figure these things out and feel so dumb! Also, is it thick enough, or should I double the yarn? I want to make it yummy for them to love forever.
Thanks for any help you can offer…it just looks beautiful!
Hi Nancy,
First of all, since the Cascade 128 is a really soft, chunky weight yarn, your blanket will be super cuddly using just one strand.
Then, as far as how many stitches to cast on, you will have to first figure out your gauge. To make a gauge swatch, cast on 23 stitches and follow the pattern instructions for about 4 inches. Measure how many stitches per inch you're getting, then multiply that number by the width you want (45). Find the closest number that is also a multiple of 4 plus 3. That is your cast on number!
If this sounds confusing or overwhelming, please feel free to write in with your gauge and we'll help you figure out how many stitches to cast on!
Thanks so much for your questions and good luck!
Whitney
Hi,
I need some help, originally I wanted to make this baby blanket for my cousin before she had her baby. I never had the time. Now the baby is 8 months and I figure by the time I finish he will be 1. What size blanket do I make and can I still make this one. I already bought the US #9, 32 inch circular needle needed.
Thank you for the help!
Clorinda
Hi Clorinda,
To make the blanket bigger, you will, of course, need to cast on more stitches. For this stitch pattern, the number of cast on stitches has to be a multiple of 4 plus 3. For example, 4 x 44 = 176 + 3 = 179.
A good size to shoot for might be 30 x 36 inches. So in that case, you'd cast on 30 x 7.5 (the gauge) = 225; then you figure out that the nearest number that is a multiple of 4 plus 3 is 227, and that's your cast on number. You then follow the pattern as it's written.
If you need more help, please let us know. We'd be happy to get you on the right path! Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Hi there! I am planning on knitting this as you described above (30×36 inches). How many skeins of the recommended yarn would I need?
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend buying an extra 2 or 3 skeins to be safe, I would leave 1 or 2 of them unwound in the event you don’t end up using all of it you can exchange the yarn for store credit within 6 months!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Lovely pattern – made a scarf for my boyfriend in a lovely dark grey which looks great. I have a question about working this in the round (I'm a big fan of cowls!) and not sure if this question has already been asked. For working in the round, would it be a case of simply repeating Row 1 until the required height is reached?
Thanks in advance.
Hello,
If I am getting two columns of garter stitch(or some stitch!) in between each V column, what am I doing incorrectly?
In my pattern, the V columns are more spaced out than your pattern. Not sure where I am misreading the pattern.
Hi Jana,
You should end up with three columns between your columns of "v"s: two garter stitch columns on either side of the wrong side of a "v" column. As you knit, the rib pulls in a little and the three columns scrunch together, not looking so wide. So, it could be that you're not doing anything wrong!
However, if you still think you are, I think the most likely place to go awry is with slipping the stitch, so be sure to double check the Note at the beginning of the pattern that explains how to slip with the yarn in front.
Please let us know if you still have doubts and we'll get you on the right path!
Whitney
Hi Gemma,
No, it wouldn't be quite so easy, but it's not hard either! Here's what you'd do…
Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.
Round 1: *K3, sl 1 wyif, repeat from * to end of row.
Round 2: P1, *sl 1 with yarn in back, p3, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, sl 1 wyib, p2.
Please let us know if you run into any problems and thanks so much for your question!
Whitney
I have always loved the patterns and the look of your yarns, a friend visited your shop last year and I think she had to bring home an extra suitcase for the yarns and other wonderful items she found. I was excited to pick out 2 lovely skeins that turned into a soft and warm scarf/wrap for my Mom.
Now, I am unfortunately not able to purchase the required skeins of Anzula to make this blanket for my great nephew that will join our family in December, but I am hoping that you might suggest a different brand or type of yarn that would work with this pattern. I am an advanced beginner but after reading all the comments I believe that this won’t be out of my experience range.
Love your site and your yarns are wonderful, I am not good with a sewing machine, but after seeing your patterns I may have to learn, LOL. An advanced thank you for your help!
Hi Marianne-
This pattern will work with any worsted weight yarn! Right now we have a very soft superwash wool on sale that would work very well: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/817-Lornas-Laces-Shepherd-Worsted
Or you can check out all of our worsted weight yarns here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=6
Thank you so much for your kind words about the site! Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Hi! Just wondering how many skeins of Lorna’s Laces I would need for this pattern. To obtain the correct gauge of 7 1/2 sts/inch, I think I would need to use a needle smaller than size 7 with this yarn?
Thanks!
Hi Karen,
I’d go for 4 skeins of the Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted. Four skeins would be 100 yards shorter than 5 skeins of For Better or Worsted, but I don’t think I used every last drop of the For Better or Worsted. If you’re worried about it, you can buy an extra skein and make the blanket a little bigger if you want!
Thanks so much for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
Hi Whitney,
I see the gauge is different between the Lorna’s Laces and the Anzul . . . would I use a size 7 needle with the Lorna’s Laces?
Sorry, I always get confused!
Thanks!
Hi Karen,
The gauges are actually the same. They are both 4 1/2 stitches to the inch on a US #7 needle, but this guideline should always be considered a suggestion, both because people knit at very tensions and because sometimes you may want to knit tighter, i.e. use a smaller needle (for a hat, for instance) and sometimes you may want to knit looser, i.e. use a bigger needle (for a scarf, maybe).
In the end, the best answer to your question is to knit a gauge swatch using a US #7 needle and see if you’re getting the pattern’s gauge, which in this case is 7 1/2 inches to the inch in the stitch pattern (unstretched).
I hope this gets you on the right path and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
I would love to make this for my granddaughter as she heads off to college next year. Any suggestions about size,number of cast on stitches….Thanks again for another beautiful pattern.
Hi Patricia,
Maybe something the size of our Super Easy Lap Blanket would be good! It’s 36 x 44 inches (you can see it here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/01/06/whits-knits-super-easy-lap-blanket/ ), so for this pattern you would cast on 271 stitches, assuming you’re getting the same gauge we did (7 1/2 stitches to the inch in the stitch pattern). A good thing to keep in mind if you decide you’d like to try a different size is that this stitch pattern works over a multiple of 4 + 3 (for example 67 x 4 = 268 + 3 = 271).
And if you’re using the For Better or Worsted yarn, you’ll probably need about 12 skeins.
Thanks for your question and please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
i am wanting to knit a baby blanket, and this pattern seems achievable. can i use worsted twist yarn?? and would i need the same size needle. i’m not a great knitter and need lots of guidance!!
Hi Lisa-
Yes, you could use Worsted Twist for this! You would need to get 7 skeins since it’s a little shorter than the original yarn. It also won’t be machine washable and the finished blanket will have to be washed by hand.
You could probably use the same size needle but everyone knits differently so the important thing is that you use whatever size need you need to get the correct gauge. The needle size listed in a pattern is always just a suggestion.
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Which yarns would be machine washable and, also, be able to put in the dryer. New mothers aren’t going to want to have to worry about laying out to dry.
Thanks
Hi Marcia-
The original yarn that this was made with (Anzula’s For Better or Worsted) is totally machine washable and dryable!
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Do think this blanket would be as nice in a DK weight yarn? If so, can you recommend a yarn, needle size, and yardage amounts for same?
Thanks very much!
Karen
Hi Karen!
I’m sure it would be lovely in DK weight! The same company as the original yarn used carries a Sport/DK weight yarn called Cricket. I can’t be sure of which needle size and yardage would be best for you on this blanket though. I’d suggest you do some swatching or experimenting, and see what you like best!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi. I like blankets to have an edge/boarder. I was wondering if I wanted an edge on this, would you suggest a garter edge on the beginning and end, and on the ends of the rows, essentially giving the blanket a boarder?
How would you suggest to do this? How many knit StS to get a nice boarder.
Hi Yaya!
You can certainly add a border if you like! I usually go with garter or seed stitch for borders, and I usually estimate approximately 1 inch of border.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi,
I need help with two issues. I cannot figure out how many stitches to cast on in order to make this large enough enough to be a throw, like 55 x 65 ~ and in addition, I don’t know the yardage required for that.
The other thing to take into account, I always add 2 additional stitches for the selvedge edge because I slip the last stitch, (as opposed to the first stitch,) and then I knit the first stitch immediately afterwards. Those 2 stitches don’t get into the fabric but just into the edge. It’s just my personal preference. I like this edge much better.
Can I still work this pattern while doing this? I really love this blanket and would love to knit it for my daughter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Marjorie!
First of all, as far as yardage requirement goes, your blanket is over 5 times as big as the original in area. That means you’ll need somewhere between 27 and 30 skeins for your size.
For your cast-on, this pattern requires a multiple of 4 plus 3 extra stitches. If you are successful in obtaining 7.5 stitches per inch you would need 451 stitches wide.
Structurally, it doesn’t matter whether you slip the first stitch or the last (as long as the working yarn is held appropriately in front if that stitch is a knit on the alternate rows). It is entirely okay for you to do whichever you prefer. If you add 2 extra stitches for this selvedge, you would need to cast-on approximately 453 stitches (or 449 would work too), again assuming that you have achieved the correct gauge.
Thanks for your question! Happy Knitting!
-Thomas
What does it mean, “End with Row 2, ready to knit Row 1.?”
Hi again!
This just means that when you finish your length of the blanket, you will stop repeating after having finished row 2. Then the bind-off directions will work perfectly!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi, I am thinking or using Chroma worsted yarn for making a baby blanket. Would this yarn work ? I also want it to be bigger and so be able to be used longer. This blanket is for my daughter who lost a baby before this one. It needs to be special and she loves greys and am am having trouble finding mixed yarn with soft grey tones.
Thanks
Chris
Hello Chris,
We’re so sorry to hear about your daughter’s loss. This blanket should be special and will be one of a kind! The Chroma worsted would work very well for this pattern!
For another idea, try Madeline Tosh’s Merino in Charcoal. This yarn is machine washable and hand dyed, so no two skeins are alike! Here’s the link:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8234-Madelinetosh-Tosh-Merino
Per Whitney’s suggestions, you should start by knitting a gauge swatch and determining your desired size blanket. Just keep in mind you’ll need to cast on a multiple of 4 plus 3, for example: 219 stitches for a 30 in blanket. Let us know if you need more help calculating and happy knitting!
Alyson
I would like to use your pattern for a baby blanket and have bought 3 large balls of a #6 weight yard. How many stitches would I cast on using a #8 needle.
Hi Cathy-
To determine how many stitches to cast on you’ll need to make a gauge swatch in the stitch pattern (cast on a multiple of 4 plus 3; 19 stitches, for example). Multiply the number of stitches you get per inch by the width of your intended blanket (24) and cast on the number of stitches that is closest to that number but is also a multiple of 4 plus 3.
Please let us know if you need any more help and thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
I am getting ready to start knitting the Forever Baby Blanket – I thought you had a recommendation for casting on. If so please pass it on, if not, maybe it came from another source.
Thank you
Hi Katie,
Thank you for the comment! I recommend using a long tail cast on for this project. There have been some comments about using a tubular cast on, which would work, although that is usually used for 1×1 or 2×2 ribs so this stitch pattern isn’t the most logical use of it. If you want to use it I would do a the tubular cast on for 2×2 ribs.
I hope this answers your question and feel free to write back if you have any future questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi there! I’m hoping to make this for a toddler (1.5yrs old) to use, but am a beginning knitter. I see that previously 30″ across was suggested as a good width to use for a toddler – would I simply stitch on to closest to 30″ that’s a multiple of 4×3 and then use that as my cast on amount? (I’m not hugely familiar with gauges). Would you think 7 skeins would be sufficient for a larger size? Cheers!
Hello Laura,
Since this stitch pattern will only work with a cast on that’s a multiple of 4 plus 3, here’s how I got the math: You should be getting 7.5 stitches per inch in the pattern (make sure to check your gauge!). 7.5 X 30 (the desired width) = 225. Round that down to the nearest multiple of 4, which is 228, and then add 3= 231.
1400 yards should be about right for this sized blanket as long as your gauge is correct. I would always err on the side of caution and get an extra to be safe, especially if you’re working with handmade yarn! Happy knitting! -Alyson