Super Easy Crib Blanket in Super Soft Merino’s Newest Colors
A baby blanket is one of knitting’s most satisfying projects: It’s almost always appreciated by the recipient and the recipient’s parents, and it’s almost never tossed aside for a store-bought version. But of course, the real satisfaction is the love you express for new life when you set about handcrafting a cuddly soft, spectacularly beautiful baby blanket. Our Super Easy Crib Blanket in Super Soft Merino is just such an expression!
Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino knits up at a chunky 2 3/4-stitches-to-the-inch, which is not only speedy, but also lush, cushiony, incredibly soft and just what a baby deserves!
The design of our Super Easy Crib Blanket couldn’t be simpler: just seven simple garter stitch stripes. But in the right colors, seven simple garter stitch stripes make a big impact! Our Super Soft Merino Bundles come in gorgeous colorways, including new ones that incorporate Super Soft Merino’s beautiful fall 2014 colors!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoSuperEasyCribBlanket, and #PurlSohoSuperSoftMerino. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino Bundle. Each bundle includes 7 skeins of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, 100% merino yarn. Each skein of this bulky weight yarn is 87 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 609 yards required.
- US 13 (9 mm), 24 or 32-inch circular needle
Gauge
2¾ stitches = 1 inch in garter stitch
Size
Finished Dimensions: approximately 30 inches x 32 inches
LEARN ABOUT SUPER SOFT MERINO + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
The best reason to use Super Soft Merino for this project is because it is the dreamiest, cuddliest, toastiest yarn you can imagine! A single ply of 100% merino wool, Super Soft Merino has a nice, loose spin that shows off the softness of its fiber and keeps it nice and lightweight. Its gauge ranges from a chunky/bulky-weight to super bulky-weight (2.75-3.25 stitches per inch), making it a great choice for quick (and beautiful!) hand-knit gifts. And more… Super Soft Merino comes in over 30 amazing colors, too!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our vast collection of (mostly free!) Super Soft Merino knitting patterns and cast on!
More Chunky/Bulky + Super Bulky-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of chunky/bulky weight yarns
- Shop our entire collection of super bulky-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop merino wool
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!
Great site. Please add me to your email.
do you have a washable yarn for this blanket?
Hi Debbi-
Unfortunately we don’t have any machine washable yarn that is this this thick. However you can easily hand wash our Super Soft Merino.
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Hi
Do these yarns bleed when washed for first time? Do you recommend washing the fibres before knitting?
Thanks
Susan
Hi Susan-
They should not bleed and we don’t recommend washing them before you knit with them. Please note that this yarn is not machine washable but it should handwash very nicely.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
How big is this blanket? I love the Macaron kit but want it for me, not a baby!
Hi Marla-
This blanket is approximately 30 X 32 inches, but it’s an easy pattern to size up! But keep in mind, if you’d like to make one that is twice as wide and twice as long you will need 4x the yarn.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
What if you want to add two inches to the width and three inches to the length to make a small throw? How much more yarn would it take!! Thank you!! By the way, I made a blanket like this two years ago just like this but the needle size was much smaller and it took a long time to make; it came out beautifully… It also was a kit! Thank you!
Hi Stephanie!
For this version, we used every bit of every skein. If I were going to make it any larger, I would probably just get at least 2 extra colors to add on the end, and just let each stripe be just a little shorter if you are adding width.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Can you convert the super easy crib blanket to a crochet stitch. If so, what size needle would you use to get a similar sized blanket?
Hi Kathleen!
To convert to a crochet hook, I usually go by the millimeter sizes – so the size 13 knitting needle is a 9mm size. Then in crochet, I typically round up just a little – meaning that I would probably use a 10mm hook for the super soft merino.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
This is a fun, easy project I’ve enjoyed working on as my “mindless” knitting in the car, etc.
Just a note re: the edge of the blanket when changing colors. I found that by knitting the last stitch of the current row with the NEW color, then turning and slipping that stitch you have a nice slipped stitch edge all the way down, avoiding the garter stitch “bump” that you get otherwise.
I just finished making this blanket & wish I would have done this.. I am saving this note for next time. Thank you Judy!
Does this blanket need to be blocked?
Hi Kathy-
This doesn’t need to be blocked but if, at the end of it, you have any tension issues blocking could be useful. It’s really up to you!
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Hello, I purchased grasshopper colourway and delighted. Decided to make a long scarf/wrap. The wool is a joy to knit with and knits up really quickly.
However my scarf is not long enough and think I need two more colours, I am on my last colour which is the almost black/dark green colour. Can you suggest what colours to use to complete.
Many thanks
CAROL
Hello Carol
That’s such a clever use of the Super Soft Merino kit! Since the Black Green is so dark, I would add a couple other neutrals to finish off the scarf you’ve created. I would use Toasted Charcoal and Dark Loam. If you want another pop of color to continue the blues and greens palate, I would incorporate Dragonfly Blue and Moody Green.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Alyson
Hi,
Regarding the Super Easy Crib Blanket. Do you have any yarn I could use for a spring/summer baby? The chunky merino is a bit heavy. Or any other similar pattern with a lighter yarn?
Also,
I love the Swan’s Island Bunkie Blanket but have a few questions: What is the difficulty level? Is it only large enough for an infant? Do you have any Swan’s Island yarn, or any other suggestion for yarn?
Love, love, love all your goodies!
Thanks and be well,
Nancy
Hello Nancy,
We’re so glad you wrote in! We do have this pattern in numerous different weights that would be better for warmer weather. This one is worked with sport weight yarn: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/08/18/new-super-easy-baby-blanket/ This is for worsted weight: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/22/super-easy-blankets/
We don’t carry Swan’s Island Yarns any longer, but you can definitely make the Bunkie Blanket with some of our other yarns. Purl Soho Worsted Twist would be wonderful, as would Anzula For Better or Worsted and Madeline Tosh Merino. The finished dimensions of this pattern should be about 28.75 x 38.5 inches. Its perfect for crib or an on-the-go cuddle!
Happy Knitting!
Alyson
I just wanted to say my Purl Soho Super Soft Merino came in the mail today and it is so beautiful and soft. I love it! It is my new favorite yarn. I will definitely be ordering more yarn from here. I can’t wait to finish my blanket! Thank y’all so much for being awesome!
Hi,
I’m just wondering if this blanket would work in the merino script yarn? If so, how much yarn would i need to make a blanket of a similar size to this one?
Many thanks,
Sarah
Hi Sarah-
Yes, you could do a version of this pattern with the Merino Script. But I would follow the pattern for our Worsted Twist version because the gauges are more similar:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/22/super-easy-blankets/
I would also use a size 9 needle and cast on a few less stitches. You will still need to get 7 different colors.
Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
If I use a 3 ply wool what size needle do you suggest I use? Thank you.
Hello Ann!
What is the recommended needle size and gauge of the yarn that you are thinking of using? Many yarn companies and countries use varying numbers and systems for their plies, so I don’t recommend relying solely on those distinctions! Since this is a blanket and doesn’t need to fit anyone, you can use pretty much any yarn you’d like. Just remember it will affect the size of the finished item.
Happy Knitting!
Alyson
Is there a PDF of this pattern. Thanks
Hi Regina,
Thank you for the comment! You can view the pattern here; https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/30/super-easy-crib-blanket-in-super-soft-merino/
You can download the PDF by clicking the print icon on the right hand side. Once it prompts you to print the pattern you can click the PDF icon which will download the pattern to your computer.
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi there,
I’m thinking of making a blanket that measures about 40″ x 70″. How many skeins of Super Soft Merino would I need and the number of stitches? If I used the Merino Script, how many? Does the yarn pill much? Would you recommend soaking before washing? Can it be put into the dryer? I’m a beginner and have so many questions before I even started the project! Sorry! And thank you! – Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for writing us today! To make this project with the 40″ x 70″ dimensions I would get about 20 skeins of the Super Soft Merino. If it were to be done in the Merino Script I think it would take about 10-12 skeins because the yardage is a lot more on those skeins but it is a finer gauge. I would follow the version of the Super Easy Crib Blanket pattern in Worsted Twist which you can view here; https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/22/super-easy-blankets/
The yarn’s do pill a little bit but that’s inevitable when working with all natural fibers. The yarn should not be put in the dryer because that will cause it to felt and shrink significantly. There is no need to pre-soak the yarns before use but just make sure to only hand wash and air dry the piece.
I hope this helps and don’t hesitate to respond if you have anymore questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi Jake,
I am also interested in doing this blanket with 40″x70″ dimensions in the super soft merino. How many stitches do I need to cast on? And would that make it 2 skeins for each “stripe”?
Thanks!
Dee
Hi Dee,
Thanks for reaching out! A blanket of 40 x 70 inches would require about 21 skeins or 3 of each color of the Super Soft Merino. Based on a gauge of 2 3/4 stitches per inch, I think that a good cast on number would be 110 stitches!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Cassy,
Thank you for this! I tried to do the math myself and I am pretty sure I am wrong! My gauge with a US13 needle is 2.5 stitches/1″ (5/2″) and I still want to do a 40 x 70″. How many stitches should I cast on?
Thank you!
Dee
Hi Dee,
Thanks for writing back! With a gauge of 2.5 stitches per inch, you would cast on 100 stitches (2.5 x 40 = 100) for a 40 inch wide blanket! I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you!
Dee
Thank you for a wonderful inspirational site. I enjoy receiving your newsletter.
Living in Europe, and being used to metric measurements, I hope you might consider adding metric measurements to your patterns. It would be very helpful for me.
Otherwise continue your creative work.
Best regards Charlotte
What are the colorways for the Sea Glass blanket? Kits not available.
I was wondering what colors are used in the Sea Glass colorway as the kit is nor available at this time.
Can you tell me what the colors are in the winterberry and the Geranium kits? Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Lori-
Please email customer service at purlsoho.com or call 212-420-8796 or 800 597 PURL and they be happy to tell you the colors in each kit.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi,
I am new to knitting and have just started this project. I have just changed colour and have a line of my new colour running through the last line of the old colour on one side. Is this normal when changing colour or have I done something wrong?
Many thanks,
Ellie
Hello Ellie,
Yes, unfortunately the color jog of the previous color is unavoidable. That’s why for this pattern we recommend switching colors and beginning each stripe on the same side of the blanket so that you will have one side without any visible jogs!
Welcome to the knitting world and best of luck! -Alyson
Hi,
I finally finished this blanket… Like 10 minutes ago! I started working on this blanket at the end of March and it took so long. I altered the pattern a little because of my yarn and I wanted more of an ombré effect. I used some acrylic yarn ( yes, I know ACRYLIC!) in 4 colors. Using 2 strands of yarn on each color block, I knitted 12 rows instead of 24 and then ‘made’ colors by taking one strand of one color and one strand if another color. And then back to 2 strands of a solid color and so on. It came out awesome- with a great gradient color effect! Thanks for inspiring, but now I have to make a hat! The baby this was for wasn’t born when I started, now he just turned 6 months old! This will be an excellent Christmas present!
Hello Hannah,
That color scheme sounds amazing! It reminds me of our Gradient Cowl! Great work and happy holidays! -Alyson
An update on this project, as I finished it 2 yrs ago. When my baby was born, I made this crib blanket for him using the Purl Soho Super Soft Merino. He has used it every single day since he was born, but the yarn is SO pilly that the blanket looks a complete mess. (Even though I don’t think I’ve washed it more than once.)
I am expecting #2 and trying to find another chunky weight yarn that won’t pill up so badly. Purl, I wonder if you have any other suggestions? It seems Superwash 128 also gets very pilly and can often get destroyed in the washing machine. I love the colorways and soft texture, and so does he – but I wish I could find a good alternative for these 2 yarns. Thanks for your help!
Hello, Jen!
Congratulations on baby #2! I am delighted to hear that your first baby’s blanket has been well loved, but, yes, the Super Soft Merino is a very fuzzy yarn! All natural fiber yarns are going to pill to a degree, that’s just the nature of wool and unfortunately, all of the chunky weight yarns that we carry tend toward the fuzzier side. I recommend getting a worsted weight yarn and holding that double to achieve the same gauge as a chunky weight. Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist (not machine washable, but very soft) – https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/worsted-twist.html or Anzula’s For Better or Worsted (This one is really great, it’s got a bit of nylon and cashmere so it’s strong and super soft!)-https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/for-better-or-worsted.html) are great options. If you have futher questions, please let us know! Happy knitting!
Best,
Kumeko
Can this blanket be knitted with the same success on straight needles?
Hi Leanne,
Thank you for your question! Unfortunately it would be very difficult to fit all the stitches for a blanket of this size on straight needles. You will be knitting in rows just as you are used to, they will just be connected at the other end. The trick to getting used to this is to make sure that after each row you swap needles between your hands (put the needle in your right hand in your left and vice-a-versa).
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Could you please provide the colors used in the Anemone palette? The kit doesn’t appear to be available in this color scheme anymore.
Hi Ellie,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the greatly delayed reply. The colors in the Anemone palette are as follows:
Heirloom White
Oyster Gray
Artemisia Green
Desert Blue
Pink Grapefruit
Timeless Navy
Peacock Blue
Happy knitting!
Cassy
if I wanted to make this blanket 48 x 60, how many stitches do I cast on and how many skeins do I need? Would 40 circulars be okay or should I use 47s?
Hi Yael,
Great question! To make a blanket that is 48 x 60 (which is roughly twice as long and 40% wider than the version here), you would need roughly 20 skeins of Super Soft Merino. Additionally, I would recommend a circular needle at least 47 inches long but a 60 inch circular would be even better. The longer needle would ensure that your stitches would not fall off of the needle when resting between rows.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I’ve made this blanket a few times and its always a favourite! I’m wondering about using Gentle Giant to make the same pattern – could you help me determine the number of stitches to cast on to get the same size baby blanket? thanks!
Hi Stephanie!
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we can’t currently customize patterns, but if you do a small gauge swatch you could multiply the stitches per inch by your desired width. We’ll keep your request in mind for future patterns! Good luck and happy knitting!
Best,
Adam
Could you tell me the colors of the Lollipop bundle? I’d like to purchase that one but don’t see it available as a bundle anymore.
Thank you!
Hi Jaime,
Thanks for writing in! Some of the colors in the Lollipop bundle are discontinued. The colors in this bundle are super pink, clementine orange, extra green, pistachio green, peacock blue and dragonfly blue. You still might be able to find some of the discontinued colors on sale on the website!
-Adam
What size straight needle should I use. I’m using Bernat baby sport. I am making your super crib blanket..
Hi Rosilda,
Thanks for writing in! I am not familiar with Bernat Baby Sport but I did have a look at the specifications for it and would suggest using a US 6 for this project. As to using straight needles for this project you certainly can. 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!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi
I’m using a different kind of yarn with a smaller needle which seems to be working ok
I too wanted to gift this simple to knit blanket in a washable yarn. The parents requested a color in the tumeric range and so I went with Cascade Superwash Merino. I’m doubling worsted weight and it is soft and lofty. Because I’m using a single color, I wanted the edges and joins to be the best possible, so I’ve learned a couple of new things on this project that I will definitely use again–slipping the first stitch purlwise, which has given an even braided edge, and the Russian join, which is invisible, strong and doesn’t waste any yarn.
Hi
Are the skeins 100 gm
Thank you
Hello!
Yes, The Super Soft Merino is in 100 gram skeins!
Happy knitting!
Carly
Thinking of making this with Himalaya Dolphin Baby yarn, which has the following gauge:
10 to 14 rows of stitches 10x10cm (4″/4″)
Takes a 10.5 needle, and each skein is 131 yards (3.5 oz.)
Any advice re: how many stitches I’ll need to cast on to get the correct size, and how many balls of yarn I’ll need? Wish I were more expert at figuring this stuff out, but I love this pattern! Thank you.
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for writing in! With the gauge of your yarn, I would recommend a cast on of 75 stitches. You should need 7 skeins as we used here but it is possible that you may need an additional skein. Figuring out the amount of yarn that you will need is always a touch harder as your personal gauge could affect how much yarn you use.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
These are all just perfect!
I somehow ordered one too many skeins for this, and now have the correct needles and one skein of super soft merino leftover. Any suggestions for what to make next?
Hi Jillian,
We’re so excited you completed your blanket and can definitely recommend some patterns that can be knit with one skein of Super Soft Merino! I’d recommend the following:
Beginner’s Cable Hat
Traveling Cable Hat in Super Soft Merino, for Kids!
Super Soft Merino Hats for Everyone!
Monogrammed Hats for Everyone (in case you’d like to try out some duplicate stitch!)
I hope this helps, and please let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Cat