Super Easy Baby Blanket
Every day at Purl at least one customer comes in looking for a really easy baby blanket pattern. It’s such a basic request, and, yet, my co-workers and I have a hard time offering a basic solution. The reason is that not many knit designers bother to make patterns for simple rectangles or squares, assuming that, because it would be so easy for them to figure out, it must be easy for everyone else to figure out too! I designed this blanket using Alchemy’s new yarn, Temple a super-wash, super-soft and super-beautiful hand dyed merino wool. HERE is a baby blanket that anyone who knows how to cast on, knit and cast off can make. No picking up stitches; no counting stitches; not even any purling! It’s everything people ask for, machine washable, soft, fast, and easy. You don’t need to be an expert knitter to make a beautiful heirloom blanket! I love garter stitch for a baby blanket because, besides being the same on both sides and lying flat, it is also very cushiony and cozy. My friend Roy really appreciated the cuddliness of garter stitch this weekend when the weather suddenly turned a bit chilly!- Whitney P.S. Happy first birthday to my model and buddy, Roy!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Update
Since making this pattern back in 2008, we no longer carry the Temple yarn we originally used, but we have knit Super Easy Blankets in many other yarns and sizes. In fact, Super Easy Blankets have become something of a Purl Soho institution! Explore some options…
We’ve even made a beautiful crocheted version, also Super Easy!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoSuperEasyBabyBlanket. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 7 skeins of Alchemy Yarns’ Temple, 100% superfine superwash merino wool yarn. These colors from the top are Lantern, Citrine, Silver, Moonstone, Platinum, Topaz, and Kai’s Goldfish.
- US 7 (4.5 mm), 24 or 32-inch circular needles
- A tapestry needle
Shop our wonderful collection of sport-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Gauge
20 stitches and 40 rows (20 ridges) = 4 inches in garter stitch
Size
Finished Dimensions: approximately 26 inches x 28 inches
Note
This yarn is superwash which means you can safely put it in the washer and dryer. However, if you’ve used any bright saturated colors (especially reds), you may want to add white distilled vinegar to your first wash in order to “set” the dyes. I read somewhere to add 3 cups; that seems like a lot, but it can’t hurt!
Pattern
With a US 7 needle (or size required by you to achieve the correct gauge) and the first color, loosely cast on 130 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Knit every row until you have knit the entire skein (which should be 18-22 garter stitch “ridges” [1 ridge = 2 rows]).
Switch to the second color at the beginning of the next row, and knit every row until you have knit the entire skein.
Repeat with each color, making sure to always switch colors on the same side.
After knitting the seventh color, loosely bind off.
Weave in the ends and you’re done! Super easy!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I have a 2 1/2 month old and would like to give him a security blanket…but it moght take me a while to finish this. How long do you think this would take and how old a baby is it for?
Gorgeous blanket, gorgeous boy. Beautiful picture!
so adorable! what are the colors used in the green combination above? I am loving the green one and the grey blue combo!
http://www.bellevett.typepad.com
Could you convert this blanket into a crochet project?
I love it. Colours are beautiful and seems like something quick to make when time is short.
I realy love it i will try to do it, thanks.
Love the blanket and we have twin grandchildren coming in November – a boy & a girl! Lots of knitting going on and this would be great for them! Thanks so much!
Oh my goodness this little colourful Baby Blanket is exactly what I can knit.
Is the yarn you used soft and cuddly for the little ones as their skin is quite senstitive. Wouldn't want the yarn to be harsh if you know what I mean.
I have Two Blankets to Knit soon. One for a little Boy who is the First Grandson for a dear lady friend. The other for my young neighbour. She is due in February. But we don't know if she's having a wee lad or lass as yet?
Now I must choose some colours for both the Blankets.. I love that the Blanket will be bright and cheery for the wee ones. Maybe their Blanket can be like their Security Blanke. If you recall the Snoopy cartoon characters. There was a little Boy who didn't go anywhere without his little Blanket..
Was it Linus – oh my can't remember at the moment.
Thank you so much for sharing it with us..
how did you piece this blanket together?
Hi Tina-
It's not pieced together, it's all knit in one piece! The full pattern is above.
Thank you!
Molly
Does this blanket need top be blocked once bound off?
Hi Liz,
The only real reason to block this blanket is if you have uneven stitches that might benefit from a little blocking. Otherwise, it's good to go!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi,
Im looking for the yarn for this and cant seem to match up the yarn names? Anyone know where in Australia (if possible okay if I have to order this from the US) a complany is that sells this yarn. I've had a look and cant seem to find this anywhere.
Regards,
Kendall
Hi Kendall-
We sell the yarn here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/4002-Alchemy-Temple
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Hi there,
I made this blanket for my sister-in-law's first baby and loved it so much, I'd like to make one for myself. Being a baby blanket, it's a little small for me. 🙂 Could you, essentially, “double” the pattern to make the blanket adult sized? The Alchemy Temple yarns are rather expensive and I didn't want to try to find out via trial and error.
Thanks!
Carianne
Hi Carianne-
This is a very easy pattern to size up. If you'd like to double it just cast on twice the stitches and knit each color until you have 40 ridges instead of 20. In order to make this twice and tall and twice as wide (52 X 56) you actually need four times the yarn since you're doubling both the hight and the width. So you would need 4 of each color.
If you need help with anything else please let us know.
Best-
Molly
Can this be made on circular needles, and if so (I'm new to knitting) is isn't still knit every stitch for the garter stitch? I think I remember reading that if you knit on circulars some stitch sequences are a little different. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer-
Yes this can be made with a circular needle, we actually recommend that you do so, but you will just use the circular needles as if they are two straight needles. The cable holding the circular needles together will be useful for holding the width of the blanket. You only need to worry about altering the pattern if you're are knitting in the round with circular needles. In this case you will be knitting straight so just follow the pattern as written.
Thank you!
Molly
Hi Jennifer,
I'm making this blanket for a second time. Due to the width of the blanket, you almost have to use circular needles to fit the whole thing. It should still be knit every stitch for the garter stitch. Hope that helps!
Happy knitting,
Carianne
I am currently in the process of making this but worried about washing it before I give it to my sister in law for her new baby – should it be washed in cold water and dried on low? I'm nervous it's going to shrink.
Thanks!
HI Sarah,
If you knit the blanket in Temple, then machine washing in cold on a gentle cycle will definitely not shrink your blanket! I would recommend laying it flat to dry (like you would for a sweater).
Thanks for question and I hope your sister-in-law loves her blanket!
Whitney
I am knitting this blanket right now for a very good friend who is having her first baby in March. I would love to add a fast and easy border to it – do you think the border for the 11th hour blanket would work?
Hi Sarah,
You could do an attached I-cord (which is what the 11th Hour Blanket's border is called). I wouldn't say it's the easiest option, mostly because it can take some fiddling to figure out how many stitches to pick up so that the edge isn't too taut (especially when it's coupled with ultra stretchy garter stitch).
The absolute simplest solution would be a crocheted slip stitch (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-basics/). That too will take a little experimentation to make sure it's not too tight, but at least it's super duper fast. It's a good choice if you're interested in just cleaning up the edges with a nice neat finish.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks!
Whitney
Silly question…since I am sl the 1st stich in every row, what do I do when changing colors? Not slip stitch that 1st row of color change? Thanks I am new to knitting.
Hi Nikki,
Yes, that's exactly what you do! Just knit the first stitch of the new color and then go back to slipping on the next row.
I'd say you're a natural! Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Does each stripe take the entire skein or will there be some leftover?
Hi Tori,
Each stripe does use pretty much the whole skein.
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
What specific colors are used in this baby blanket?
Hi Kim-
The full pattern is available is here, including the list of colors used:
http://purlbee.squarespace.com/super-easy-baby-blanket/
Thank you for writing in!
Molly
I love it – it's beautiful! Cushony and cozy. Here's mine (using sock yarn): http://bit.ly/VzIZOm
I am allergic to wool. Do you have another suggestion for yarn? The colors you have are so beautiful.
Hi Jeannine,
The coziest cotton I know of is definitely Blue Sky's Worsted Cotton: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Worsted-Cotton . It also comes in lots of beautiful colors!
Five stitches to the inch is probably a bit tight for the Worsted Cotton though, so you may want to adjust the needles and pattern so you end up with a drapey, soft blanket!
By the way, we do have a different striped baby blanket pattern that uses the Worsted Cotton. Instead of straight striping, it's a chevron pattern. It's right here: http://purlbee.squarespace.com/chevron-baby-blanket/2011/9/15/whits-knits-chevron-baby-blanket.html
Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
I would like to make the Funky Monkey one in cotton please. Can you suggest the colors in the cotton range please and the adjustments I should make to the needles and pattern. Also I would like to make it bigger about 39 by 45 so I would like to know how much yarn I should get for that size please.
Thank you
Anna
I'm quite new to knitting and thus attracted to the simplicity and beauty of this blanket 🙂 I'm a bit confused about the gauge and needle size and the suggested yarn. For the yarn a US 5 needle is recommended on your website, yet a US 7 needle is recommended in the pattern. When I bought yarn comparable to yours the store keeper insisted that a 7 needle would be much to big. Can you help me understand this? Thank you in advance!
Hi Anna,
We don't have a cotton yarn that comes in the exact same color palette, but you could get pretty close with either Blue Sky's Worsted Cotton:https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Worsted-Cotton or Cascade's Ultra Pima: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7117-Cascade-Yarns-Ultra-Pima.
In either case you would probably need three of each color to make the dimensions you describe. Depending on which yarn you choose and how tightly knit, you would use the needle size that gives you a pleasing garter stitch. And to know how many to cast on you will have to make a gauge swatch. Once you know how many stitches you knit per inch, you'll multiply that number by 39 and cast on that number. Then you'll knit each stripe for about 6 1/2 inches.
Please let me know if I can help you further! Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
HI Astrid,
The needle size on yarn labels is always just a recommendation, not a hard and fast rule. I used a bigger needle in this case so that the finished knit would be soft and drapey.
If you're using a different yarn, just make sure that you like the feeling of the stitch pattern with your needle size and your way of knitting. You may also need to make adjustments to the cast on number so that you don't end up with a blanket that is too small.
If you need help figuring out a new pattern, let me know how many stitches you're knitting per inch and I can help you out! Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Hi, there!
I am planning to make this as my first knitting project. Because of my inexperience, I plan to use an inexpensive, worsted weight, 50/50 blend of wool/acrylic that comes in similar bright colors.
Are there any changes in needle size or otherwise that you would recommend, given that I am not using the same wool you used?
The beautiful projects on this site have inspired me to learn to knit – THANKS!
Thanks!
Hi Debbie,
Welcome to knitting! First of all, you will probably need to use larger needles for your worsted weight yarn. You should experiment with a few sizes (starting with what the label recommends) until you get a swatch of garter stitch knitting whose look and feel you like.
Another consideration is that the yardage of your skeins and the amount of fabric they will knit up is most likely different than what the Temple yarn yields. This means that you may end up with a wide but not very long blanket. To hopefully avoid this fate, you'll want to cast on fewer stitches.
How many? Once you have a swatch of garter stitch that you like, you'll need to measure your gauge, i.e. how many stitches you're knitting per inch. Here's a helpful tutorial for that step: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/not-too-tight-tutorial/. Multiply the number of stitches you get per inch (for example, 4) by the desired width of the blanket (ours is 26 inches) and cast on that number (4 x 26 = 104). Hopefully your skeins are long enough to make big enough stripes to result in a longer-than-it-is-wide blanket.
I just threw a lot of information at you, but converting to different yarn does tend to bring up a host of issues! Don't be discouraged though, we're here to help!
Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Any tips on unraveling and knitting the other way?? I have made significant progress on my blanket but the first block of color is way shorter than the rest (due to my super tight gague when I first started the blanket). Is there any way that I can rip it out and knit in the other direction?
HI Sarah M.,
Yes, you can rip out and knit the other way. Actually, you cut out! To do this, first insert your needle into the every stitch of the row where you want to start knitting. Carefully cut off the knitting you're getting rid of a row or two below the needle. Unravel until you are left with just live stitches on the needle and a tail that's ready to go!
Let us know if you run into any snags and good luck!
Whitney
Hi! I am knitting this blanket in blue sky worsted cotton. I used size 10 needles and got 4 stitches per inch on my gauge swatch and it feels squishy and soft. So I think I should cast on 104…. but at 150 yards per skein, how do I know if I will have enough to make the 20 ridges per color, or if I need to add a color to get the 28 in length? Thanks!
Mary
Hi Mary,
Generally, this kind of situation is difficult to predict, but having a lot of experience with Blue Sky Worsted Cotton, I'm almost positive you'll be all set with 7 colors!
Great job figuring out the needle, gauge and cast on, by the way! And thanks for your question!
Whitney
Hi,
I'm very new to knitting (have only ever made a scarf in one colour before). I would love to make this blanket but have what is probably a stupid question- how do you switch to a new colour?
Thanks!
Hi Katharine,
Not a stupid question! In this case, when you're switching colors at the beginning of the row, you simply cut the old yarn (leaving at least an 8-inch tail) and start knitting the next row with the new yarn. To do this, you insert the right needle into the first stitch as usual, then wrap the new yarn around the tip of the right needle just as you do for any knit stitch and go! Make sure that you also leave at least an 8-inch tail of the new yarn.
Note that there is no knot involved! Instead of tying the tails together, you will later weave them into your knitting. Here's a tutorial on how: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/weaving-in-ends-tutorial/2011/7/14/weaving-in-your-ends.html
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions and good luck!
Whitney
Hi. Is this blanket reversible, same on each side? When I added the second colorI I realize on the back side both colors are visible. Is there a way to add the new color in a way to make it reversible. Please let me know ASAP as I have a limited time to complete this gift. .Thank you
Hi SG,
No, the blanket is not identical on both sides. On one side you will inevitably see a two-colored row where the colors shift (you can see a few examples in the first photo).
There's really nothing to do about this without changing the stitch pattern. Having worked with garter stitch for so many years, my eye just accepts this limitation; hopefully, yours will too!
Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
Hi there,
I'm thinking about making this for a friend but was reading all of the posts and comments and tried the link you provided for the Chevron blanket pattern and it said "Page not found" was wondering if it still exists?
Also if I did do this one, in theory could you just switch between 2 colors like a blue and white instead of doing 7 different?
Thanks
Marcie
Hi Marcie-
Here is the new link to the Chevron Blanket: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2008/5/24/whits-knits-super-easy-baby-blanket.html
And yes, you could certainly use 2 colors instead of 7. You just need to buy 7 skeins all together.
Thank you!
Molly
Where in the process do you use the tapestry needle? Thanks!
Sharon-
You use the tapestry needle to weave in the ends at the end of the project.
Thank you!
Molly
Hi!
I just had a few questions for you. Im new to knitting and i would love to make this blanket in an adult size, something around 50×70 inches. Are the round needles still the best way to do this project on a bigger scale? And my other question is Can you recommend another maybe more generic yarn that is still soft and washable that is at a lower price?
Thanks lots!
Alli
Hi Alli,
Yes, circular needles become even more crucial the bigger your knitting is! Circular needles are able to hold the number of stitches you'll need, and they also help to distribute the weight of the fabric you're knitting. For a 50-inch blanket, you'll be fine with 32 or 40-inch needles.
And for less expensive, but still beautiful, machine washable yarns, check out:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8066-Cascade-Yarns-Cascade-220-Superwash-Sport
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6355-Cascade-Yarns-Superwash-128
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/817-Lornas-Laces-Shepherd-Worsted
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/5886-Spud-Chloe-Sweater
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Worsted-Cotton
Some of these options may appear to be the same price as the Temple, but be sure to take into account the yardage! Also, these are not all sportweight options because this blanket is also nice in worsted weight yarn (especially when you're increasing the size). You can see a worsted weight version here with our Super Easy Lap Blanket: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2013/1/6/whits-knits-super-easy-lap-blanket.html
Thank you for your questions and please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
does any one have areal easy baby blacket pattern to make that would not take so long
This blanket is beautiful! I would love to make it and use some of these colors. I am having trouble locating the Lantern, Platinum, and Silver. Do you still sells those colors in the merino wool? many thanks!
Hi Eleni-
Please email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com and they can answer this question for you.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hello! I've just finished my baby blanket but the Koigu Kersti version. It's more a square than a rectangle and (newbie question) I wondered whether blocking would help me 'mould' it into a rectangle? Cold water blocking? Steam blocking? Thanks! (I should've checked my gauge but I've made the blanket before on the same needles, same yarn, diff colours and ended up with a rectangle). Not quite sure what that's all about given it's so simple in design…maybe my knitting's whack! Ha!
Hi Kristen-
That is curious! Blocking won't help because you don't want to pull your stitches too much, and blocking is always temporary. So you can either just keep it a square or you can pull out the bind off and add another block of color to make it a rectangle.
Thanks for getting in touch and good luck with it!
Molly
I was wondering how you would suggest adapting this into an adult size blanket?? It's so cute I want to make it for myself!
Hi Megan,
We have a Super Easy Lap Blanket pattern, sized for adults, right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2013/1/6/whits-knits-super-easy-lap-blanket.html
Thanks so much for your question and please let us know if you have any others!
Whitney
Good Evening,
Silly Question: I am using POUND OF LOVE yarn by LION BRAND ( MEDIUM, 1020 YARDS, 16 oz). I was wondering what Size needles I would use ( to make it go faster) and how many stitches?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Rita-
We are not familiar with that particular yarn but I would recommend doing a gauge swatch in garter stitch on the needles suggested on the yarn label. Once you figure out how many stitches you are getting per inch multiply that number by 26 (inches) to get the cast on number. For instance- if you are getting 4 stitches per inch 4 X 26= 104 stitches to cast on. Then knit each of the 7 colors for 4-inches each and you'll have a 26 X 28-inch blanket.
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Good Morning,
Sorry to bother you again. I know that you are NOT familiar with RED HEART REFLECTIVE YARN ( BULKY, SIZE 10 NEEDLES) but I wanted to make your blanket as a STROLLER BLANKET. I just do not know how many stitches to Cast On or what size Needles to use. She wants a Small STROLLER BLANKET. Is your Blanket Dense? Thank You.
Hello Rita!
This pattern is a stroller blanket and isn’t very dense since it uses Sport weight yarn. Since your yarn is much thicker and I’m assuming you don’t want a very dense blanket, I would recommend following these instructions: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/30/super-easy-crib-blanket-in-super-soft-merino/, just going down to a US #11 needle instead of #13 like the pattern suggests. That should give you a plush and flexible fabric perfect for cuddling in the stroller!
Hope this helps and happy knitting! -Alyson
My sister is making a baby blanket. She’s ready to quit because she totaled her stiches and it came to 85,000. Is this any where near correct? Thanks for the answer. – Leslie
Hi Leslie-
I’m not sure I understand your question. For this blanket you cast on 130 stitches and knit approximately 280 rows to finish the blanket. That’s approximately 36,000 stitches for the whole blanket. It sounds like maybe your sister is adding stitches as she goes, which is an easy mistake to make. If her blanket is getting wider as she goes she might want to take it into a local yarn store and they can probably tell her what she is doing wrong.
If I misunderstood your question please let me know!
Best-
Molly
hi!
Im new to knitting and wanted to make this for a dear friend for her baby. In a previous comment you mention that Cascade 220 superwash sport would be a substitution for the Temple yarn. Would I sub it exactly, like 7 skeins for 7 skeins? Ive never attempted a project this big before and want to make sure that I do it right! Thanks!
Hi Adriane-
No, it doesn’t sub out exactly like that but you will still need to buy 7 skeins. Then, instead of knitting to the end of the skein, knit each skein until you have 4-inches and then start the next skein.
Thanks for your question and good luck with the project!
Molly
If I was to do this pattern in a bulky yarn, would doing the same amount of stitches work? Or would I have to change it up a bit?
Hi Sara-
We actually wrote a version of this pattern for a chunky weight yarn which you can see here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/30/super-easy-crib-blanket-in-super-soft-merino/
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
I want to make this blanket with 100% cotton yarn. Can you recommend a yarn and what needle size to use for this pattern? Would it be the same needle size listed? I’d like the blanket to be as bulky and cozy as possible.
Hi Noelle-
We would recommend the Blue Sky Worsted Cotton. It comes in great colors and is super cozy. You may want to move up in needle size, especially if you are a tight knitter but but other than that it should be a fairly straightforward substitution. They final blanket will also be a tad longer because there is more yardage in a the Worsted Cotton, but that doesn’t seem like a bad thing!
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Can you knit a blanket with wool?
Hi Tooba-
Yes! We have a lot of wool blanket patterns, aside from this one, that you can see here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/home-projects-knit/blankets-decor-home-projects-knit/
Thank you for writing in!
Molly
Hi,
Can I make this blanket with the Manos yarn? which one would you recommend?
Hi Micheline-
Yes, you can do this with Manos Maxima yarn by following the Worsted Twist version of this pattern found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/22/super-easy-blankets/
Here is a link to the Maxima: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7529-Manos-Del-Uruguay-Maxima
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
Hello! I know this is a silly question, but exactly how big is the blanket in this pattern? Thank you
Hello Olivia,
Thanks for writing us! The blanket comes out to about 26″ by 28″. Since everyone knits a little differently the size may vary by an inch or so but if you are getting the correct gauge you should end up with a blanket at these dimensions!
Good luck and let us know if you have anymore questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I am very excited to make this blanket, but I have never cast on with circular needles before. I just bought 7 skeins of Bernat Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell and the recommended US size 8 (5mm, 74 cm) circular needles. Will I need to unroll the skein and roll the yarn in a ball beforehand? Is there a helpful tutorial video out there to show me how to properly cast on? Hopefully it isn’t too difficult as I really want to get started. Thanks in advance! -Sam
Hi Sam,
Thank you for the comment! When yarn comes in skein form it is one large loop that needs to be wound into a ball or else it becomes a tangled headache. Here’s a tutorial on how to do that; http://www.instructables.com/id/Hand-Wind-a-Ball-of-Yarn/
Here’s a great tutorial from our blog for a basic cast on that works great with this pattern called a long tail cast on; https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/09/29/long-tail-cast-on/
Also if you’d prefer a video version there are a lot of great ones on youtube!
I hope these references help and feel free to respond if you have any future questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi there, I’m a beginner at knitting and would love to knit a blanket for my nephew. So I apologise if this sounds silly but I have never used circular needles and If I was to use straight needles to make this blanket would it be the same size needle as the circular needles and also same number of stitches?
Hi Collette-
Although we used circular needles for this project, we knit the blanket flat, meaning back in forth in rows, turning the work at the end of each row. The reason we sometimes use circular needles for flat knitting is to accommodate a lot of stitches. Cramming a blanket’s worth of stitches onto long straight needles can be pretty cumbersome and sometimes even, impossible. To use circular needles for knitting flat you simply finish a row, turn the work so the other side is facing you and put the needle that was in your right hand into your left hand and the needle that was in your left hand into your right hand, ready to go on the next row!
By the way, once you get the hang of it, you may find that you never use straight needles again, even for projects without so many stitches. Circular needles are just easier to keep track of (no losing one in the cushions of your couch!), and they never poke the person sitting next to you!
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Loving cotton classic many years ago I bought a skein every time I went into a yarn store. Thus, I have many skeins of cotton yarn. Could this yarn be used for this blanket?
Hi, Karna!
Thank you for your question! It looks like the Tahki Cotton Classic is a similar gauge to the Alchemy Temple that we used in our original pattern so you can totally use it to make the Super Easy Baby Blanket. I recommend making a test swatch to see what your knitting gauge is with the Tahki Cotton Classic and if your gauge is different you might want to make a needle adjustment (if you want your blanket to fit the same dimensions as ours). Also, the yardage of the Tahki Cotton Classic is 108yds whereas the Temple is about 128yds so your blanket might end up being slightly shorter. If you are uncomfortable with that you could add an 8th stripe. Again, thank you so much for writing in, if you have further questions, please let us know!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
How many yards are in a skein? And how do you knit something flat with a circular needle?
Hello Heather,
Thank you for your question. We no longer carry the yarn this blanket was originally knit in but we have re-done the pattern in various other yarns. If you have a specific yarn in mind let me know and I can let you know the yardage. If you are looking at yarn on our website it will tell you the yardage per skein in the “product Details” section.
As for knitting something straight on circular needles it is very easy: simply turn the work as you would if you were working with straight needles and work the other side.
I hope that helps. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Happy knitting!
Allison
How many skeins of yarn would I need to make a blanket 36×36 in I am not using the garter stich I am not shure what the stitch’s name that I am using but I knit 1 purl 1 for a row and then the next row I knit the entire row
Hello Heather,
Thank you for your question. What yarn are you using to knit the baby blanket? Also, how many stitches per inch are you getting when you are knitting. This information will help me be able to give you a rough estimate.
Thanks so much!
Allison
Hi everyone,
since i stumble upon one of this blankets almost every time I´m on pinterest I´d really like to know, which yarn you used for the blue, whitw, yellow, orange one. And also if it could be delivered to Germany.
Thanks
Hi Tiffy,
Thanks for your kind words! We do deliver internationally and definitely to Germany! The version of the Super Easy Baby Blanket that you are referring to is made with Koigu Kersti. The pattern and the list of colors can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/08/18/new-super-easy-baby-blanket/
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I have never used circular needles. How does one cast on circular needles?
Hello Karen,
Thanks for writing us! Using circular needles is easy. Just cast on to the needle and let the cord hold all your cast on stitches. When you have cast on the correct amount, turn your work as if you were working with one really long flat needle and use the other end of the circular needle to start knitting your live stitches. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Best,
Adam
My yarn is just regular wool that would need to be hand washed. Would it be a bad idea to use this yarn for a blanket for my toddler? Or is it better to get the machine washable wool? I am just afraid it wont be as cozy as the wool yarn I already have will be.
Hello Zoe,
While superwash wool is very practical, something about the process takes away some of the natural softness from the yarn. I think that you could use the yarn you already have for this blanket, but you should consider hand washing it. IF you’d like another alternative I’d look at Anzula – For Better or Worsted. This yarn is a work horse and perfect for baby blankets. It is superwash, has cashmere for softness and does not pill very much at all. Even more, the colors are magnificent! Your toddler will love it!
-Adam
Am I able to purchase the sea glass kit for the super easy crib blanket. Having trouble getting it online. Thanks pat
Hello Pat,
Thanks for writing in! Most of those colors in Super Soft Merino have unfortunately been discontinued. However, if you are still interested, you could look for some of those colors in our sale section. We might still have a few!
Best,
Adam
Can you give details on how to make the finished edge. Thanks
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for writing in! We did nothing special here to finish the edges. The blanket is knit just as we described with no additional edging. If you tend to get garter edges that are a little messier than you would like, you could slip the first stitch of every row knitwise with the yarn in back. When you’re changing colors, knit the first stitch instead of slipping it. This tends to neaten up the edges if you are not finding them to your liking. If you have already completed the blanket, you could add an attached icord using a single color to give the blanket a more polished look.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi!
I love the blanket. Where can I buy this yarn..? Thank you for your wonderful pictures, designs and beautiful things in webshop.
Thanks.
Hi Borgny,
Thank you for the kind comment! We have made this blanket in many yarns and don’t sell the Alchemy Temple anymore. Click here for some options that you can purchase online. Thanks again!
Adam
Beautiful ! It looks like the edges are done differently or edges, or something Could you please tell me what method was used ? Thanks!
Hi Debby,
Thanks for the question. In some of our Super Easy Baby Blanket samples we have slipped the first stitch knit-wise with yarn in back. This is why some of the edges look different than the others.
All the best,
Adam
Hi! This blanket is beautiful! I’m new to knitting, and this is probably dumb, but how do you join the different colors together? Thank you!
Hi Gwen,
Thanks for writing in! To join a new ball of yarn stop knitting with the old ball when there are at least 8 inches of yarn remaining. To begin the new ball, put the right needle into the next stitch. Leaving an 8-inch tail of the new yarn, begin knitting with the new yarn as usual. Do not tie a knot.
This leaves two tails. It also leaves stitches that seem loose and a small hole in your knitting, but never fear! You will fix this at the end of the project when you weave in the ends. At that point, you will cross the tails so that you weave the right tail to the left of the hole and the left tail to the right.
It’s a good idea to add new balls of yarn a few stitches from the beginning or end of a row, rather than in the middle of the row. This way your woven ends will be near the edge of the knitting rather than conspicuously in the middle.
Best,
Cassy
I love the blanket, but I’m confused. The directions say to CO 130 stitches, If the gauge is 4″ and the blanket measures 26×28, wouldn’t that be 104″? That’s a big difference and I don’t want to start the blanket until I have the CO right. Thank you!
Hi Diana,
Thanks for writing in. The gauge for lovely project is 20 stitches and 20 ridges = 4 inches in garter stitch which is 5 stitches per inch. The cast on of 130 stitches per inch divided by 5 will give you a length of 26″.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi!
I just made this blanket, it is so lovely and such fun to make–thank you! Next time, I think I’ll do it with a two-stitch icord edge. I’d love a prettier edge.
Thanks!
Hi, I am currently knitting the blanket. I have made 3 previously and strangely don’t remember having to use the circular needles? Anyway, my question is, I am knitting every row but am getting a garter stitch one row and the arrow style stitch the next row…how do I correct this?
Hello Natalie,
Thank you for writing in! The reason we suggest circular needles is because of the width of the blanket. It just makes things a bit easier, and transportable, but technically you could knit it on long straight needles. If you are knitting every row it will come out as Garter stitch, if you alternate knitting and purling every row you will get stockinette stitch. If this is still confusing, feel free to send us a photo of your blanket at [email protected] and we can take a look.
I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
i’m interested in a color block baby blanket, but i want a yarn that is machine washable. i can’t imagine new parents wanting to hand wash a baby blanket. what would you suggest since temple is no longer available?
gee, i just saw an answer to my question in an earlier post.
sorry.
i’d like to take back my take back in my second message. i found that some of those links are no longer live.
what are some machine washable/superwash yarns for this blanket?
thanks
Hi Jean,
Thanks for writing in! For a washable alternative, I would suggest Anzula For Better or Worsted!
Best,
Cassy
thanks
About how long does it take to make this blanket?
Hi Erika,
Thanks for writing in! It is hard to say just how long it will take to knit a project because it is very dependent on the individual knitter’s speed and experience. However, garter stitch is probably just about the easiest, fastest stitch to knit for all skill levels! If you are looking for an even speedier version, we also have a Super Easy Crib Blanket in Super Soft Merino which is very similar but is worked with larger needles and yarn.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi, Did this pattern use to include a cool colour change trick where you alternate the colours as you are starting a new block? I am almost positive I made this for my first baby two years ago and want to make the same for baby number two. I appreciate the help!
Hi Karen,
Hmmm, that is a tough one! Although some of our newer blanket patterns, such as the Nature’s Palette and Muhuroosa blankets, use a series of stripes to change colors, they were released within the last year and all of our older blankets are simply color blocked. You could always try browsing through all of our blankets to see if any of them ring a bell!
Best of luck!
Julianna
Hi. I am keen to have a go at the Super Easy Baby blanket.
I had instructions to use 7 balls of 8 ply Avalon with a 4.50mm circular needle with 132 stitches.
I would like to use neutral colors- beiges, light greys, cream.
Can you advise on what to order with the pattern for the blanket.
Regards Anne
Hi Anne,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately I’m not familiar with the yarn you are planning on using, but we used a worsted weight yarn, which is equivalent to a 10-ply weight yarn, on a US 7 or 4.5 mm needle. The yarn in this original blanket has been discontinued, but for our most recent Super Easy Baby Blanket we used our Worsted Twist, which comes in many lovely neutrals!
Best,
Julianna
Hello, love the colour combos you’ve created! For the crochet version, can you please confirm what the stitch is?
It looks like single crochet but just wanted to check.
Thank you
Hi Amelia,
Thanks for reaching out! You are correct – our Crocheted Super Easy Baby Blanket is just easy peasy single crochet!
Happy stitching!
Julianna
Can I make a super easy baby blanket using Cotton Pure yarn? I am allergic to wool.
Hi Jessica,
Great question! Yes, with a bit of modification, Cotton Pure would be absolutely lovely for a Super Easy Baby Blanket! Cotton Pure is a bit lighter weight than the yarn we used here, so I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch in garter stitch on a US 4 or 5 needle. You can then multiply your stitches per inch by 26 inches or the desired width of your blanket to determine how many stitches to cast on. Because Cotton Pure has more yardage than Temple, one skein each of seven colors should be more than enough yarn for a blanket this size, even at the smaller gauge!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi, I bought some yarn that seems bulkier than the one in the picture. The needle size for it is 7 or 8 US size and I am using 8. I live overseas so the brand I bought is “Alize Superlana Maxi” and says its made in Turkey. Would I need to cast on more stitches or change anything else in this pattern?
Thanks in advance!
Dee
Hi Dee,
Thanks for reaching out! If the yarn uses a US 7 or 8 it should be a worsted weight like we used in the pattern, so you should be good to go! I would recommend working a gauge swatch first and comparing that to the gauge of the pattern, you can then make any adjustments to the cast on if necessary from there!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello again! I have finished my first stripe in this blanket and I would like to switch colors. I am slipping every first stitch purlwise of every row so when I switch colors do I knit the first stitch or purl it? And do I switch colors on the first stitch right?
Thank you in advance
Dee
Hi Dee,
Thanks for reaching out again! To start your next color, you can slip the first stitch purlwise to maintain the boarder, and then begin knitting with the new color! Then when you work the 2nd row (working back across the row) you will then knit the last stitch that was previously slipped to bring the new color to the end of the row!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello! So I have a finished baby blanket (garter stitch), and I casted off so its basically finished. But I noticed I dropped a stitch and never noticed it when I was knitting. Is there any way to fix the dropped stitch even though I ended the blanket?
Thanks so much again 🙂
Hi Dee,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately, there is not a great way to fix a dropped stitch once the knitting is finished. I would recommend taking out your cast off and placing the stitches back on the needles. You can then use the drop-down method to go down to the dropped stitch, and using a crochet hook to work the stitch back up the row!
I hope this helps!
Gianna