Looking for a beautiful baby blanket to knit for a new arrival? These 7 free baby blanket knitting patterns include simple stripes, textured hearts, classic heirloom designs and cozy stitch patterns that make wonderful handmade gifts.
Every pattern in this collection links to an updated Amazing Knitting guide where you can find the current pattern details and the original free source.
Click any photo, title or pattern link below to visit the corresponding Amazing Knitting guide.
1. Easy Striped Baby Blanket
Photos © Jamey - Dabbles and Babbles
Easy Striped Baby Blanket by Jamey of Dabbles & Babbles is a lovely choice for newer knitters. Soft three-color stripes are framed by a textured seed-stitch border, giving the blanket a clean, modern finish.
It is worked flat in DK yarn and measures approximately 34 × 33 inches after blocking.
View the Free Easy Striped Baby Blanket Pattern →
2. Heart Baby Blanket
Photo © katalysis
Heart Baby Blanket by Ann Saglimbene uses knit-and-purl texture to create repeating heart motifs directly in the fabric.
There is no stranded colorwork or intarsia involved, which makes the design especially attractive for knitters who want a decorative single-color blanket.
Our updated guide also explains why knitters should use the designer's corrected March 2024 version rather than an older copy.
View the Free Heart Baby Blanket Pattern →
3. Jordan Baby Blanket
Photo © danelle1977
Jordan Baby Blanket by marianna mel is a beautiful textured design made with basic knit and purl stitches.
The raised stitch pattern gives the blanket plenty of visual interest without relying on lace or multiple yarn colors, making it a strong choice for a classic handmade baby gift.
The pattern also comes in several sizes and can be adjusted depending on the project you want to make.
View the Free Jordan Baby Blanket Pattern →
4. Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket
Design © Lion Brand
Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket is a classic corner-to-corner design with alternating garter and eyelet sections.
The diagonal construction gives the blanket an elegant traditional appearance while allowing the entire project to be worked as one piece.
It is a particularly nice option if you want a baby blanket that feels more like a keepsake than an everyday basic.
View the Free Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket Pattern →
5. Rice Stitch Baby Blanket
Photo © Liz Chandler / PurlsAndPixels
Rice Stitch Baby Blanket by Liz Chandler is a practical textured blanket that works beautifully when you want visual interest without complicated lace or colorwork.
The pattern includes two approaches to creating the textured fabric and is a useful project for practicing knit-and-purl combinations.
The finished blanket measures approximately 40 × 40 inches and is worked in worsted-weight yarn.
View the Free Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern →
6. Waffle Blanket
Waffle Blanket by Alexis Layton is all about texture. Its repeating stitch pattern creates a deeply raised surface that gives the finished blanket a cozy, substantial appearance.
The original pattern is worked in Aran-weight yarn and measures approximately 40 × 51 inches.
It can work well as a larger baby blanket, stroller blanket or small family throw.
View the Free Waffle Blanket Pattern →
7. Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket
Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket by Marlaine DesChamps combines cable and lace panels for a more decorative, traditional baby-blanket look.
The original design measures approximately 35 × 46 inches and was designed for Caron Simply Soft worsted-weight yarn.
This is a lovely option when you want a handmade baby gift with a more detailed heirloom-style finish.
View the Free Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket Pattern →
Which Free Baby Blanket Should You Knit?
If you want something simple and modern, start with the Easy Striped Baby Blanket.
For textured knitting, the Jordan Baby Blanket, Rice Stitch Baby Blanket and Waffle Blanket are especially good choices.
If you are knitting for a baby shower or keepsake gift, the Heart Baby Blanket, Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket and Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket have a more decorative, traditional feel.
Tips for Choosing a Baby Blanket Yarn
Baby blankets are used and washed often, so softness and easy care are both important. Check the original pattern's recommended yarn weight before substituting another yarn, and make a gauge swatch when the finished dimensions matter.
Smooth yarns also tend to show textured stitches, hearts, cables and lace more clearly than very fuzzy yarns.
Pattern availability can change over time. Amazing Knitting reviews the projects featured in our collections and links each one to an updated guide with the current pattern information and original designer or publisher source.
More Free Knitting Patterns
Amazing Knitting is gradually reviewing and updating its pattern archive so that older favorites are easier to identify and their current availability is clearer.
Save this collection for your next baby shower or handmade gift and explore the individual guides above to find the blanket that best matches your yarn, skill level and knitting style.
Editorial note: The knitting patterns featured in this collection belong to their respective designers and publishers. Amazing Knitting provides independent pattern guides and links to authorized sources rather than reproducing complete copyrighted pattern instructions.