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| Photo above © Liz Chandler |
Rice Stitch Baby Blanket by Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels is a softly textured, reversible baby blanket designed around simple knit-and-purl techniques.
The finished blanket measures approximately 40 × 40 inches, making it a practical size for a crib, stroller, nursery or handmade baby gift.
One of the most interesting features of this design is that Liz Chandler explains two different ways to create the same finished texture: a rice-stitch method and a broken-rib method.
The complete pattern is still free to read on the official PurlsAndPixels website. An optional printable, ad-free PDF is also offered separately.
✓ Free Web Pattern Available
Liz Chandler continues to publish the complete Rice Stitch Baby Blanket pattern free on PurlsAndPixels. A separate printable/ad-free PDF option is available for knitters who prefer an offline version.
Rice Stitch Baby Blanket at a Glance
Pattern: Rice Stitch Baby Blanket
Designer: Liz Chandler
Publisher: PurlsAndPixels
Published: January 2017
Category: Baby Blanket
Finished Size: 40 × 40 in / approx. 102 × 102 cm
Original Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Yarn Weight: Worsted
Needles: US 8 / 5 mm
Main Techniques: Knit, purl, slipped stitches; optional knit-through-back-loop method
Availability: Free web pattern + optional paid PDF
About the Rice Stitch Baby Blanket
This is a simple square baby blanket with an all-over textured surface.
Rather than using cables, lace or complicated colorwork, the design gets its character from the way knit and purl stitches interact across the fabric.
The result has texture on both sides, which is especially useful for a blanket because there is no obvious plain "wrong side" that always needs to be hidden.
Two Ways to Make the Same Blanket
Liz Chandler's pattern is unusual in that it explains two ways to create the same finished blanket.
One version uses a broken-rib-style approach built from knit and purl stitches.
The other uses the rice-stitch method and introduces knitting through the back loop.
The designer notes that either method produces the same finished blanket, so you can choose the technique that best suits your experience.
Which Version Is Easier?
If you are still becoming comfortable with basic knitting, the knit-and-purl version may be the most approachable place to begin.
If you already know the basics and want to practice working stitches through the back loop, the rice-stitch version adds a useful technique without changing the final project.
Why This Is a Good Beginner Blanket
Baby blankets are excellent practice projects because they do not require garment shaping or precise body fit.
This particular design also contains a large amount of repetition, which gives new knitters time to develop more consistent tension.
At the same time, the texture keeps the project visually more interesting than plain stockinette.
Finished Size
The published baby blanket measures approximately:
40 × 40 inches
That is approximately:
102 × 102 cm
The square format works well for a baby gift and is large enough for many everyday nursery uses.
Original Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
The pattern was designed using Caron Simply Soft.
This is a worsted-weight yarn, and the original project demonstrates both solid-color and variegated possibilities.
A smooth solid shade emphasizes the stitch texture, while a variegated yarn adds color movement without requiring stranded colorwork or frequent yarn changes.
Can You Substitute the Yarn?
Yes.
The designer notes that many worsted-weight yarns can work successfully provided that you check the gauge and like the resulting fabric.
For a baby blanket, consider:
- Softness
- Washability
- Durability
- Gauge
- Fiber care
- Whether the yarn clearly shows the texture
Solid or Variegated Yarn?
Both can work well, but they create different effects.
A solid yarn gives the eye more opportunity to notice the small textured bumps created by the stitch pattern.
Variegated yarn adds visual movement and can make the simple repeat feel more colorful without adding technical difficulty.
Needles
The pattern is associated with:
US 8 / 5 mm needles
Treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
If your personal tension differs from the designer's, you may need a different needle size to create the intended fabric.
A Note About Gauge
Use the Current Designer Version
Older pattern listings and revised PurlsAndPixels documents do not all display the same historical stitch-gauge number. For the most reliable current information, use the gauge stated in the latest version provided directly by Liz Chandler when you begin your blanket.
Why Gauge Still Matters on a Blanket
A baby blanket does not need to fit a body, so gauge is more forgiving than it would be in a sweater.
However, gauge still affects:
- Finished width and length
- How much yarn you use
- How dense or drapey the fabric feels
- How clearly the texture appears
A small swatch can therefore save a surprising amount of time and yarn.
Understanding the Texture
The surface of the blanket contains small raised areas arranged in a regular grid-like texture.
On the opposite side, the stitch arrangement creates a broken-rib appearance.
This two-sided character is one of the reasons the pattern works so well for a blanket.
What Is Broken Rib?
Broken rib combines knit-and-purl texture with rows that interrupt a conventional rib pattern.
The effect resembles ribbing but does not behave exactly like ordinary continuous 1×1 or 2×2 rib.
In this blanket, the technique contributes to the reversible textured fabric.
What Does Knit Through the Back Loop Mean?
Knitting through the back loop changes the orientation of the stitch.
Instead of inserting the needle through the usual front leg, you enter through the back leg.
This creates a twisted stitch and is one of the techniques used in the alternate rice-stitch method.
Practice Twisted and Untwisted Stitches
Liz Chandler specifically presents the alternate method as an opportunity to practice twisting and untwisting stitches.
This makes the blanket more than a repetitive project: it can also serve as a controlled practice piece for understanding stitch orientation.
Keep Your Tension Relaxed
Long repetitive blankets can expose small changes in tension.
Try not to tighten your working yarn as the project becomes familiar. Maintaining a relaxed rhythm usually creates a more even fabric.
If your hands become tired, taking a short break is often better than continuing while gripping the yarn too tightly.
Use Row Counters or Progress Markers
Repetitive stitch patterns can make it easy to lose your place.
A row counter, removable marker or simple written tally can help you keep track of progress without repeatedly recounting the entire blanket.
Check the Width as You Work
Measure the blanket occasionally rather than waiting until the end.
This helps you catch major tension changes early and gives you a better idea of how your actual fabric compares with the intended finished size.
Skills Used in This Project
- Casting on
- Knit stitch
- Purl stitch
- Turning the work
- Slipping stitches
- Binding off
- Weaving in ends
- Optional knitting through the back loop
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
Yes, particularly if you choose the method based mainly on basic knit and purl stitches.
The designer describes the pattern as an easy project for someone who is becoming familiar with knitting.
More experienced knitters may also enjoy it as a relaxing, repetitive project.
A Good Baby-Shower Gift
A 40-inch square blanket is a substantial handmade gift without requiring garment measurements or size decisions.
Using a neutral solid color can give the project a classic heirloom look, while brighter or variegated yarn can make it more playful.
Washability Matters
Baby blankets are likely to be washed frequently.
If you substitute yarn, check the manufacturer's care label before you begin and choose a fiber that suits the recipient's lifestyle.
The original PurlsAndPixels care guidance notes that a blanket made with the recommended materials can be machine washed on a gentle cold cycle, with low-heat tumble drying or flat drying.
Keep It Away from Velcro
Liz Chandler gives one especially practical care warning: knitted yarn can snag badly on Velcro.
Be careful around baby jackets, toys, bags or accessories that have exposed hook-and-loop fasteners.
Blocking
Blocking is optional but can help even the fabric and square the edges.
Use a blocking method appropriate for the fiber you chose and avoid overstretching the blanket.
Want a Larger Version?
PurlsAndPixels also publishes a larger Rice Stitch Afghan based on the same general textured concept.
The larger throw is a useful next project if you enjoy the baby blanket and want a version intended for a sofa or adult-sized lap blanket.
Free Online Pattern vs Printable PDF
Free Pattern + Optional PDF
The complete Rice Stitch Baby Blanket instructions remain free to read on PurlsAndPixels. Liz Chandler also offers an optional clean, ad-free PDF for knitters who prefer to print or save the pattern offline. You do not need to purchase the PDF to access the free web version.
Is the Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Still Free?
Yes.
The complete pattern is currently available free on Liz Chandler's official PurlsAndPixels website.
Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the creator's complete row-by-row instructions. Use the official page for the current full pattern.
Get the Free Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern
Visit PurlsAndPixels for the complete current pattern and designer notes:
Get the Free Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern →
Pattern Details on Ravelry
You can also view the pattern record and projects made by other knitters:
View Rice Stitch Baby Blanket on Ravelry →
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Before You Cast On
Choose whether you want to follow the basic knit-and-purl approach or the alternate version that practices knitting through the back loop.
Select a soft worsted-weight yarn, make a swatch, and use the current gauge information shown in Liz Chandler's latest official pattern version.
Most importantly, use PurlsAndPixels for the complete instructions so you are following the designer's current revision rather than an older copied version circulating elsewhere online.
Pattern credit: Rice Stitch Baby Blanket was designed by Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels. Amazing Knitting provides an independent editorial guide and does not reproduce the complete copyrighted pattern instructions. Preserve the existing photo credit: Photo above © Liz Chandler.