7 Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns for Beautiful Handmade Gifts

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.

✓ All 7 patterns in this collection are free

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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.

Before You Cast On

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.

Waffle Blanket - Free Pattern

Photo Projects © Ravelry 

Waffle Blanket by Alexis Layton is a free knitted afghan pattern that uses a simple repeating stitch pattern to create an attractive textured fabric.

Worked with Aran-weight yarn on 5 mm / US 8 needles, the finished blanket measures approximately 40 × 51 inches, making it a useful sofa throw or cozy everyday blanket.

Best of all, the original pattern remains available as a free Ravelry download.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Waffle Blanket by Alexis Layton is currently available as a free Ravelry download. Use the original pattern listing below for the complete knitting instructions.

Waffle Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Waffle Blanket

Designer: Alexis Layton

Published: January 2010

Category: Blanket / Throw / Afghan

Yarn Weight: Aran

Suggested Yarn: Bernat Super Value Solids (Vintage)

Needles: US 8 / 5 mm

Yardage: Approx. 764 yd / 699 m

Finished Size: Approx. 40 × 51 in / 102 × 130 cm

Features: Textured stitch pattern, eyelet details

Availability: Free Ravelry download

About the Waffle Blanket

Waffle Blanket is a knitted throw designed by Alexis Layton and first published in January 2010.

Its appeal comes from the combination of relatively straightforward knitting and a textured fabric that looks more elaborate than the construction might suggest.

The repeating pattern creates visual depth across the blanket while still allowing the project to function as a warm, practical afghan.

Finished Blanket Size

The published finished dimensions are approximately:

40 inches wide × 51 inches long

approximately 102 × 130 cm

This makes it a useful throw-sized blanket for a sofa, reading chair or an extra layer of warmth.

Yarn

The original pattern lists Bernat Super Value Solids (Vintage), an Aran-weight yarn.

The published yardage is approximately:

764 yards / 699 meters

Because the originally listed yarn is a vintage/discontinued entry, knitters today may prefer to substitute a currently available Aran-weight yarn.

When substituting, focus on producing a fabric with the right balance of texture, drape and warmth rather than trying to match the old yarn by name.

Needles

The published needle size is:

US 8 / 5 mm

For a blanket, many knitters find a long circular needle more comfortable than straight needles because the cable can support the weight of the growing project.

The blanket can still be worked back and forth even when using a circular needle.

The Waffle-Like Texture

The defining feature of this design is its textured stitch pattern.

Repetition across a large rectangular surface creates the visual rhythm that gives the blanket its distinctive appearance.

Texture can also make a single-color blanket visually interesting without requiring complicated color changes.

A Good Pattern for Showing Off Texture

If you want the stitch pattern to be the main feature, consider using a solid or gently tonal yarn.

Highly variegated yarns can be beautiful, but strong color changes may compete visually with a textured stitch pattern.

A lighter or medium shade can also make shadows within the textured fabric easier to see.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

Since the yarn listed with this older pattern is a vintage yarn entry, substitution is likely for many modern knitters.

Look for a suitable Aran-weight yarn and make a swatch before buying the full blanket quantity.

Your swatch can tell you several things:

• Whether you like the stitch definition
• Whether the fabric feels too stiff or too loose
• How the yarn behaves in the textured pattern
• Whether the finished fabric has enough drape
• How the yarn responds to washing or blocking

Gauge and Blanket Size

Ravelry lists the original pattern gauge as 18 stitches in stockinette stitch for the published gauge information.

For a blanket, a small gauge difference is generally less critical than it would be for a fitted sweater, but it will still affect the finished dimensions and yarn consumption.

If your gauge is significantly different, expect the blanket to become larger or smaller and plan your yarn quantity accordingly.

Keep Your Tension Consistent

Repeating textured patterns look their best when the tension remains reasonably consistent from one section to the next.

Try not to tighten your stitches when concentrating on a new part of the repeat.

Once you become familiar with the pattern rhythm, the knitting usually becomes much more relaxed.

Use Stitch Markers if Helpful

Long blanket rows can make it frustrating to discover a mistake only after reaching the end.

If the stitch repeat allows it, markers placed between logical repeat sections can help you identify an error much sooner.

They are especially useful during the first few repeats while you are learning how the stitch pattern should look.

Check the Pattern Visually

One advantage of a strong textured repeat is that the fabric itself eventually becomes a useful error detector.

Stop occasionally and look across the previous rows.

If one section suddenly stops aligning with the others, investigate it before knitting much farther.

Consider a Lifeline

If you are uncomfortable correcting mistakes in textured knitting, periodically inserting a lifeline through a known-correct row can be useful.

It provides a safe point to return to if an error is discovered several rows later.

Working a Large Blanket Comfortably

Blankets become progressively heavier as they grow.

If possible, allow the weight of the project to rest on your lap or a table rather than supporting the entire blanket with your wrists.

A long circular needle can also help distribute the weight more comfortably.

Blocking the Finished Blanket

Blocking can help settle the textured fabric and even out the edges.

Use a blocking method appropriate for your chosen fiber and follow the yarn manufacturer's washing instructions.

Avoid aggressively stretching the blanket if doing so would flatten the texture that gives the design its character.

Skills Used in This Project

Waffle Blanket is useful for practicing:

• Working long rows consistently
• Following a repeating stitch pattern
• Maintaining even tension
• Reading the knitted fabric
• Managing a large project on the needles
• Finishing and weaving in ends
• Blocking a textured blanket

Is Waffle Blanket Still Free?

Yes.

Waffle Blanket by Alexis Layton is currently listed on Ravelry as a free download.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Use the original pattern listing for the complete pattern.

Get the Free Waffle Blanket Pattern

Visit Ravelry for the original free pattern:

Get the Free Waffle Blanket Pattern →

More Free Blanket Knitting Patterns

If you enjoy textured blankets, you can continue with other free blanket patterns already verified in the Amazing Knitting archive.

Shivaree Throw by Berroco Design Team is another excellent choice, combining cables and double seed stitch in a free official pattern.

See the Free Shivaree Throw →

You can also explore:

• Free Blanket Knitting Patterns
• Textured Blanket Patterns
• Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Choose a suitable Aran-weight yarn, make a swatch and decide whether you like the way your yarn displays the textured stitch pattern.

Make sure you have enough yarn for the full blanket, especially if your gauge or planned dimensions differ from the original.

Finally, use Alexis Layton's current Ravelry download for the complete instructions rather than copied versions found elsewhere online.

Pattern credit: Waffle Blanket was designed by Alexis Layton and first published in January 2010. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Please preserve the existing photograph and its original credit on this page.

Brickstreet Blanket - Knitting Pattern

Photos above © anneleterme

Brickstreet by Stephen West is a striking textured knitted throw inspired by the appearance of brick-paved streets in European cities.

The design showcases bulky wool in two contrasting colors. The main rectangular section is worked back and forth, then stitches are picked up around the perimeter to create a contrasting garter-stitch frame.

Originally published in Westknits Book Two in 2011, Brickstreet is currently available as a paid PDF knitting pattern from Stephen West.

Pattern Availability Update

Brickstreet by Stephen West is currently a paid knitting pattern. It is available through Westknits and Ravelry. Amazing Knitting does not provide or reproduce the designer's copyrighted pattern instructions or chart.

Brickstreet Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Brickstreet

Designer: Stephen West

Published: February 2011

Original Publication: Westknits Book Two

Category: Blanket / Throw

Yarn Weight: Bulky

Suggested Yarn: Quince & Co. Puffin

Main Needle: US 15 / 10 mm circular

Finished Size: Approx. 40 × 48 in / 102 × 122 cm

Colors: Two

Construction: Textured center worked flat with picked-up border

Availability: Paid PDF pattern

About the Brickstreet Blanket

Brickstreet is a textured knitted throw designed by Stephen West.

The inspiration behind the pattern is visible immediately in the knitted fabric: repeating geometric texture creates an effect reminiscent of brick streets found in European cities.

The combination of large-scale texture, bulky wool and contrasting border gives the blanket a strong architectural appearance.

Finished Size

The published finished dimensions are approximately:

40 × 48 inches / 102 × 122 cm

This makes Brickstreet a throw-sized blanket rather than a large bedspread.

It is a practical size for a sofa, reading chair or an extra layer of warmth.

Bulky Yarn

The original pattern was designed to showcase bulky wool.

Stephen West's sample uses Quince & Co. Puffin, a 100% wool yarn.

Thick yarn helps emphasize the sculptural texture while also allowing a substantial blanket to grow relatively quickly compared with one worked at a much finer gauge.

Two-Color Design

Brickstreet uses two colors:

• Color A for the main textured blanket
• Color B for the contrasting frame

The original sample was shown in the colors Honey and Bark.

You do not need to reproduce those exact colors. A strong contrast can emphasize the frame, while two closer shades can create a quieter, more tonal result.

How Much Yarn?

The published yardage is approximately:

• Color A: 650 yd / 594 m
• Color B: 336 yd / 307 m

That gives a total of approximately:

986 yards / 901 meters

These quantities apply to the original dimensions and gauge. Changing the yarn weight, gauge or blanket size will change the amount required.

Needles

The original pattern calls for a:

40-inch US 15 / 10 mm circular needle

Although much of the blanket is worked back and forth, a long circular needle is practical because it can comfortably hold the large number of stitches involved in a blanket.

Two Published Gauges

The pattern gives separate gauge information for the textured pattern and garter stitch.

The textured pattern gauge is approximately:

13 stitches × 13 rows = 4 in / 10 cm

In garter stitch, the published gauge is:

10 stitches × 16 rows = 4 in / 10 cm

Checking gauge is useful if you want the finished blanket to remain close to the designer's published dimensions and yarn requirements.

How Brickstreet Is Constructed

One of the most interesting aspects of Brickstreet is its construction.

The main color is first worked back and forth to create the rectangular center.

After the center is complete, stitches are picked up around the perimeter in the contrasting color.

The outer section then creates the garter-stitch frame that gives the finished blanket its distinctive bordered appearance.

The Textured Center

Texture is the defining feature of the center panel.

Rather than relying on multiple colors to create the brick-like effect, the structure of the knitted fabric itself provides much of the visual interest.

Bulky yarn makes these raised and recessed areas particularly visible.

The Contrasting Garter-Stitch Frame

Once the main rectangle is complete, the contrasting border visually contains the textured center.

Garter stitch provides a simpler texture around the more complex center, creating a useful contrast between the two areas of the blanket.

The second color makes this structural change even more obvious.

Picking Up Stitches Around a Blanket

Picking up stitches evenly is important when adding a border around a large rectangular piece.

Too many picked-up stitches can cause the border to flare, while too few can pull the edges inward.

Follow the designer's pattern carefully for the required distribution rather than simply picking up one stitch from every visible edge stitch.

Useful Notions

In addition to yarn and needles, the original pattern lists:

• 8 stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Markers can make the large number of stitches easier to organize, especially when working around the perimeter.

Can You Use Another Yarn Weight?

Stephen West specifically notes that different yarn weights can be substituted to create different blanket sizes.

This gives the design considerable flexibility, but a different yarn weight should not be treated as a simple one-for-one substitution.

Changing yarn thickness changes gauge, dimensions, needle requirements and total yardage.

Make a swatch first and decide whether you like the scale and texture produced by the substitute yarn.

Choosing Colors

Because Brickstreet separates the main texture and outer frame into two colors, color selection can dramatically change its appearance.

High contrast emphasizes the geometry of the border.

Two related shades create a more subtle blanket where texture becomes the dominant feature.

Consider viewing your two yarns together in natural light before making a final decision.

Blocking a Textured Blanket

Blocking can help even out the finished fabric and settle the border, but avoid stretching the blanket so aggressively that the dimensional texture becomes flattened.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for the fiber in your chosen yarn.

Measure the blanket while blocking if maintaining the intended proportions is important to you.

Important Pattern Errata

Important Before You Knit

The designer's current pattern listing includes an errata note concerning the placement of the red repeat column in the chart. Work from the current official version and review the designer's errata before beginning the textured section.

This is one reason we recommend obtaining older knitting patterns directly from the designer whenever possible.

A saved or unofficial copy may not contain corrections that were added after the original publication.

Is Brickstreet a Free Pattern?

No, not currently.

Brickstreet by Stephen West is currently sold as a paid PDF knitting pattern.

If you encounter an old Pinterest pin, blog post or other page describing it differently, check the designer's current listing before downloading anything.

Amazing Knitting does not host or reproduce Stephen West's copyrighted instructions or chart.

Get the Official Brickstreet Pattern

The pattern is available directly from Stephen West / Westknits:

View Brickstreet at Westknits →

Looking for a Free Blanket Pattern?

If you would rather begin with a free knitting pattern, Amazing Knitting has several verified blanket patterns in the archive.

One good option is the Sunny Baby Blanket by Lucie Sinkler, which we have verified as a currently available free pattern.

See the Free Sunny Baby Blanket →

For more options:

• Free Blanket Knitting Patterns
• Textured Blanket Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Decide whether you want to reproduce the original bulky two-color look or experiment with a different yarn weight, then make a swatch to evaluate the texture and gauge.

Make sure you have enough yarn for both the center and the contrasting border, and read through the complete pattern before beginning.

Most importantly, use the current official pattern and review the published errata so that you are working from the designer's corrected information.

Pattern credit: Brickstreet was designed by Stephen West and first published in Westknits Book Two in February 2011. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to anneleterme. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted instructions or chart.

Jordan Baby Blanket - Free Pattern

Photo above © danelle1977

Looking for an easy free baby blanket knitting pattern with plenty of texture? The Jordan Baby Blanket by marianna mel is a sweet, adaptable design worked in DK-weight yarn using simple knit-and-purl texture.

The original pattern includes several blanket sizes, from a tiny 15-inch blanket through a 30-inch baby blanket, and the designer explains that the size can be adjusted further. This makes it an especially versatile project for baby gifts, premature babies, or dolls.

Jordan Baby Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Jordan Baby Blanket

Designer: marianna mel

Published: September 2018

Craft: Knitting

Category: Baby Blanket

Yarn Weight: DK

Needle Size: US 6 / 4.0 mm

Gauge: 24 stitches = 4 inches / 10 cm

Sizes: 15", 18", 24" and 30"

Adjustable: Yes

Pattern Availability: Free

About the Jordan Baby Blanket

Designed by marianna mel of Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days, the Jordan Baby Blanket is a textured knitted blanket with a simple, gender-neutral appearance.

Rather than relying on lace, cables, or multiple yarn colors, the visual interest comes from combinations of basic knit and purl stitches. The resulting texture gives the blanket more character than plain stockinette while keeping the techniques approachable.

A Simple Textured Blanket

One of the most appealing features of the Jordan Baby Blanket is its textured surface.

The design uses knit-and-purl combinations to create raised areas across the fabric. This makes it a useful project for knitters who are comfortable with the basic stitches and want to practice maintaining a repeating textured pattern over a larger piece.

A solid or lightly tonal yarn can be especially effective because it allows the stitch texture to remain visible without competing with strong color changes.

Four Sizes — and Easy to Adjust

The pattern provides stitch counts for four sizes:

• 15 inches
• 18 inches
• 24 inches
• 30 inches

The smallest 15 × 15 inch version was designed as a very small blanket suitable for a premature or angel baby, or as a doll blanket.

The designer also notes that the pattern is easy to adjust for larger sizes, giving knitters flexibility beyond the four sizes already provided.

Yarn Requirements

The original design uses DK-weight yarn. The smallest 15-inch version requires approximately:

70g of DK yarn

Naturally, the larger versions require more yarn. Check the designer's current instructions for the requirements of the exact blanket size you intend to make before purchasing your yarn.

For a baby blanket, you may also want to consider softness, washability, and durability when choosing a substitute yarn.

Needles and Gauge

The original pattern recommends:

US 6 / 4.0 mm knitting needles

The published gauge is:

24 stitches = 4 inches / 10 cm

If finished dimensions matter to you, make a swatch before beginning and adjust your needle size if necessary.

Knitting Skills Used

The Jordan Baby Blanket is built around fundamental knitting techniques. Helpful skills include:

• Casting on
• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Following repeating rows
• Maintaining consistent tension
• Binding off
• Weaving in yarn ends

Because the texture comes primarily from knit and purl stitches, the project can be a useful next step after practicing basic knitting.

Important Pattern Correction

The designer notes that an earlier version of the Jordan Baby Blanket contained an error in the purl rows. The instructions have since been corrected. If you saved or printed an older copy, check the current designer version before knitting.

A Useful Baby Gift Project

The adjustable sizing makes this pattern particularly useful when knitting for different purposes.

You can make the small version as a keepsake or doll blanket, choose one of the larger baby sizes, or use the designer's guidance to adapt the dimensions further.

Its simple texture also works with many color choices, making it easy to coordinate the blanket with a nursery or gift theme.

Is the Jordan Baby Blanket Pattern Free?

Yes. The Jordan Baby Blanket is currently listed as a free knitting pattern on Ravelry, with the free pattern linked to the designer's Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days website.

You may also encounter a paid downloadable PDF edition through other marketplaces. That does not change the availability of the designer's free web version linked from the Ravelry listing.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete row-by-row instructions. Use the original source for the current pattern and its corrected instructions.

Get the Free Jordan Baby Blanket Pattern

Visit the Ravelry pattern page to access the current free pattern information and the link to the designer's original instructions.

Get the Free Jordan Baby Blanket Pattern →

Pattern credit: Jordan Baby Blanket was designed by marianna mel and published through Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days. Pattern availability and technical information may change over time.

More Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns

If you enjoy simple textured blankets, explore more free baby blanket knitting patterns, textured baby blankets, and easy baby blanket knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

Open the designer's current pattern before casting on, especially if you previously saved an older version. Choose your blanket size, confirm the corresponding yarn requirement and stitch count, check the corrected instructions, and make a gauge swatch if finished dimensions are important.

Bramble Baby Blanket – Free Easy Textured Knitting Pattern

Bramble Baby Blanket designed and photographed © Rachael Tindale.

Bramble Baby Blanket by Rachael Tindale is a beautifully textured baby blanket that turns a simple repeating stitch pattern into soft clusters of raised texture.

The blanket uses Aran-weight yarn and a memorable bramble stitch pattern, making it an appealing project for knitters who want something more interesting than plain garter or stockinette without moving into complicated cables or lace.

Even better, the original Bramble Baby Blanket is still available as a free knitting pattern directly from Rachael Tindale through her Ravelry store.

Bramble Baby Blanket at a Glance

• Pattern: Bramble Baby Blanket
• Designer: Rachael Tindale
• Published: July 2018
• Category: Baby blanket
• Yarn weight: Aran
• Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
• Yardage: 600–630 yd (549–576 m)
• Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm
• Gauge: 10 stitches = 2 inches
• Construction: Worked flat
• Main feature: Bramble / berry stitch texture
• Pattern language: English
• Current availability: Free Ravelry download

What Makes the Bramble Baby Blanket Special?

The star of this blanket is its rich all-over texture.

Bramble stitch, sometimes associated with berry-like or cluster textures, creates small raised sections across the knitted fabric. These textured areas catch the light differently from smooth stockinette, giving the blanket depth even when it is worked in just one color.

The result looks decorative without requiring complicated colorwork.

An Easy Four-Row Repeat

One reason this pattern is so attractive for everyday knitting is its short four-row main stitch repeat.

Short repeats are useful in larger projects such as blankets because they become easier to recognize after you have worked them several times.

Instead of constantly checking a long sequence of different rows, you can begin to recognize the rhythm of the textured fabric as it develops.

What Is Bramble Stitch?

Bramble stitch is a dimensional knitting texture built by combining increases and decreases in a repeating arrangement.

These changes in stitch structure produce the characteristic clustered or berry-like surface.

Although the finished fabric can look intricate, the designer describes the stitch as easy to learn.

This makes the blanket an interesting next step for a knitter who is comfortable with basic knitting and purling and wants to explore a more decorative texture.

A Single Color Lets the Texture Shine

Bramble Baby Blanket works beautifully in a solid color because the stitch pattern provides plenty of visual interest on its own.

Without stripes or complex color changes competing for attention, the raised texture becomes the focal point of the blanket.

Light and medium shades are particularly effective when you want the shadows between the textured stitches to remain easy to see.

Original Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

Rachael Tindale designed the blanket using Caron Simply Soft.

The yarn is an easy-care acrylic yarn commonly used for blankets, garments and accessories.

The original pattern uses approximately 600–630 yards (549–576 meters).

Can You Substitute the Yarn?

Yes. You do not necessarily need the exact original yarn to knit the blanket.

Look for an Aran-weight yarn that produces a comfortable fabric and gives good stitch definition.

Because the bramble texture is the main decorative feature, a very fuzzy yarn may hide some of the detail. A smoother yarn generally makes the raised pattern easier to see.

Choose a Baby-Friendly Yarn

When choosing yarn for a baby blanket, think beyond color.

Useful qualities include:

• Softness against sensitive skin
• Easy washing and drying
• Good stitch definition
• Durability for frequent use
• A comfortable finished weight

Always check the yarn manufacturer's care instructions before beginning so the finished blanket will be practical for the recipient.

How Much Yarn Will You Need?

The published pattern calls for approximately 600–630 yards of Aran-weight yarn.

The original project uses two balls of Caron Simply Soft.

If you substitute another yarn, check the yardage on the label rather than simply buying the same number of balls. Skein and ball sizes vary considerably between yarn brands.

Needle Size

The pattern specifies US 5 / 3.75 mm knitting needles.

The designer lists straight needles in the original materials, although some knitters prefer using a circular needle for blankets even when the project is worked back and forth.

A circular needle can hold a large number of stitches while allowing the growing weight of the blanket to rest more comfortably in your lap.

Changing the type of needle does not mean you need to knit the blanket in the round; you can still turn the work at the end of each row.

Gauge

The designer gives a gauge of approximately 10 stitches = 2 inches.

Gauge affects the dimensions of the finished blanket and the amount of yarn you use.

If your stitches are much larger than the designer's, your blanket may become wider and require more yarn. If your knitting is considerably tighter, the blanket may turn out smaller and denser.

Make a Bramble Stitch Swatch First

A small practice swatch is particularly worthwhile if you have never knitted bramble stitch before.

Use the swatch to become comfortable with the texture before managing an entire blanket-width row.

It will also show you how clearly your chosen yarn displays the raised pattern and whether you like the resulting fabric.

Worked Flat

Bramble Baby Blanket is worked flat.

You knit back and forth in rows rather than working continuously in the round.

This familiar construction makes the project accessible to knitters who have not yet learned circular knitting techniques.

Is Bramble Baby Blanket Beginner Friendly?

The designer describes the bramble stitch as easy to learn, but the project is more interesting than a blanket made entirely from basic knit stitches.

It is a good choice for an adventurous beginner or confident beginner who wants to practice maintaining a repeating texture across a larger project.

If you are completely new to knitting, practice the stitch pattern on a small swatch before casting on the full blanket.

Skills That Will Help

Useful skills for this project include:

• Casting on
• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Working increases
• Working decreases
• Following a repeating stitch pattern
• Counting stitches
• Keeping track of rows
• Binding off
• Weaving in yarn ends

Keep Track of the Four-Row Repeat

A short repeat becomes easier with practice, but it is still worth tracking your rows carefully.

Use a row counter, notebook, phone counter or simple four-row checklist.

Marking each completed row can prevent you from accidentally repeating or skipping part of the texture after putting the project down.

Count Your Stitches Regularly

Bramble-style textures involve changes in stitch structure, so an unnoticed mistake can affect the alignment of later repeats.

Count your stitches periodically rather than waiting until the texture visibly shifts.

Catching an extra or missing stitch early can save a great deal of unknitting later.

Learn to Read the Texture

As the blanket grows, spend some time looking at how each completed bramble section appears.

Once you recognize the structure of a correct repeat, the knitted fabric itself becomes an additional way to check your progress.

If one section suddenly looks different from the others, stop and check your work before continuing.

Do Not Pull the Textured Stitches Too Tight

Dimensional stitch patterns need enough room to form properly.

Try to maintain relaxed, consistent tension when working the increases and decreases that create the bramble effect.

Pulling certain stitches much tighter than others can make the texture look uneven.

Check Your Work Every Few Rows

Lay the knitting out occasionally and look across the entire width.

The texture should develop consistently from one section to another.

This simple habit is especially useful on a blanket because a small mistake can otherwise remain unnoticed for many long rows.

Why Textured Baby Blankets Make Great Gifts

A single-color textured blanket has a timeless look that works for many different nurseries and color schemes.

The bramble surface makes the project visually distinctive while the simple rectangular shape keeps construction straightforward.

Choose a washable yarn and the finished blanket can be both decorative and practical.

Try Neutral or Modern Colors

You do not have to use traditional pastel baby shades.

Cream, oatmeal, soft gray, sage, dusty blue and muted rose can all show off textured stitches beautifully.

A stronger color such as teal, mustard or deep blue can create a more contemporary look while preserving the classic texture.

Blocking the Finished Blanket

Gentle blocking can help the blanket settle into an even rectangular shape and improve the appearance of the stitches.

Do not aggressively flatten the fabric because the raised bramble texture is one of the defining features of the design.

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn when washing and blocking the finished blanket.

Why This Pattern Is Worth Knitting

Bramble Baby Blanket combines several qualities that make a satisfying knitting project: a short repeat, interesting texture, straightforward flat construction and a manageable amount of yarn.

It can help a newer knitter move beyond plain knitting while remaining repetitive enough for comfortable blanket knitting once the stitch rhythm becomes familiar.

And because the original designer still provides the pattern for free, knitters can continue to access the exact pattern featured here rather than relying on unofficial copies.

Free Bramble Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

Bramble Baby Blanket by Rachael Tindale is currently available as a free knitting pattern.

The original pattern is provided through Rachael Tindale's Ravelry Store as a free Ravelry download.

This is the exact pattern featured on this Amazing Knitting page: the Aran-weight textured baby blanket published by Rachael Tindale in 2018.

Pattern availability can change over time, so Amazing Knitting checks older pattern links and gives priority to a legitimate free source whenever the exact design remains officially available at no cost.

Get the Free Bramble Baby Blanket Pattern

Visit Rachael Tindale's pattern page for the complete original knitting instructions and free download.

Get the Free Bramble Baby Blanket Pattern →

Bramble Baby Blanket is designed by Rachael Tindale. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted row-by-row instructions. The original pattern is currently offered as a free download by the designer. Availability may change, so please check the linked source for the latest information.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

Sunny Baby Blanket - Free Pattern

Photo above © Funktious

Looking for a simple and cheerful free baby blanket knitting pattern? The Sunny Baby Blanket by Lucie Sinkler combines easy knit-and-purl texture with a generous garter-stitch border to create a cozy, timeless baby blanket.

The original blanket looks especially bright and cheerful in sunny yellow, but the design works beautifully in almost any color. Its straightforward construction also makes it an appealing project for knitters who want a relaxing blanket without lace or complicated colorwork.

Sunny Baby Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Sunny Baby Blanket

Designer: Lucie Sinkler

Craft: Knitting

Category: Baby Blanket

Yarn Weight: Worsted

Suggested Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted

Yardage: About 800 yards / 732 meters

Needle Size: US 8 / 5.0 mm

Gauge: 17 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch

Finished Size: About 30½ × 34 inches / 77.5 × 86.5 cm

Construction: Worked flat

Pattern Availability: Free

About the Sunny Baby Blanket

The Sunny Baby Blanket is a classic textured baby blanket designed by Lucie Sinkler. It was first published in 2007 and has remained a popular choice for knitters looking for an uncomplicated baby blanket with more visual interest than plain garter stitch.

Rather than using cables, lace, or several yarn colors, the design creates its texture through simple combinations of knit and purl stitches.

This gives the blanket a clean geometric appearance while keeping the knitting process relatively straightforward.

A Simple Textured Design

The central area of the blanket alternates smooth and textured sections, creating a subtle block-like pattern across the fabric.

A generous garter-stitch border frames the design and gives the blanket a neat, finished appearance.

Because all of the visual interest comes from the stitches themselves, the pattern works particularly well in a single solid color.

Why Yellow Works So Well

The original pattern highlights bright yellow as a particularly cheerful choice for this blanket, which explains the "Sunny" name.

Yellow can make a lovely gender-neutral baby color, but there is no need to limit the project to the original shade.

Cream, white, sage, soft gray, blue, pink, lavender, or stronger modern colors can all give the same pattern a very different personality.

Yarn and Yardage

The pattern calls for approximately:

800 yards / 732 meters of worsted-weight yarn

The original suggested yarn is Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted, a machine-washable wool and acrylic blend.

Washability can be especially useful for a baby blanket, since blankets intended for regular use may need frequent cleaning.

If you substitute another worsted-weight yarn, make a gauge swatch before beginning so you can check the resulting fabric and finished dimensions.

Needles and Gauge

The original pattern recommends a:

US 8 / 5.0 mm circular knitting needle

A 29-inch circular needle is recommended to comfortably hold the large number of blanket stitches. The blanket itself is still worked flat rather than in the round.

The published gauge is:

17 stitches × 32 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch

Finished Blanket Size

The finished Sunny Baby Blanket measures approximately:

30½ × 34 inches / 77.5 × 86.5 cm

This creates a useful baby-size blanket suitable for the nursery, supervised cuddling, or taking along in a stroller.

Knitting Skills Used

One reason this pattern remains approachable is that the texture is created with fundamental knitting techniques. Depending on your experience, the project can provide useful practice with:

• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Garter stitch
• Following repeating rows
• Maintaining consistent tension
• Working a large number of stitches on a circular needle
• Simple finishing and weaving in ends

There is no need to manage multiple yarn colors to create the blanket's textured effect.

A Good First Baby Blanket Project

If you have already practiced basic knit and purl stitches and want to move on to a larger project, the Sunny Baby Blanket can be an appealing next step.

The repeating structure gives you something more interesting than plain knitting while avoiding many of the techniques found in more advanced lace or cable blankets.

A blanket is also useful for practicing consistent tension over a larger piece of fabric.

A Classic Handmade Baby Gift

A knitted baby blanket can make a thoughtful gift for a newborn or baby shower. The Sunny Baby Blanket is especially versatile because its simple geometric texture can suit many different nursery styles.

Choosing a washable yarn can make the finished blanket practical for everyday use as well as attractive enough to give as a handmade keepsake.

Is the Sunny Baby Blanket Pattern Free?

Yes. The Sunny Baby Blanket by Lucie Sinkler is currently available as a free knitting pattern.

The complete instructions are hosted externally by HowStuffWorks, and the pattern is also listed as free on Ravelry.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete knitting instructions. Please use the original pattern source for the full pattern.

Get the Free Sunny Baby Blanket Pattern

Visit the original pattern page for the complete knitting instructions, materials, gauge, and finishing information.

Get the Free Sunny Baby Blanket Pattern →

Pattern credit: Sunny Baby Blanket was designed by Lucie Sinkler and published through HowStuffWorks. Pattern availability and technical information may change over time.

More Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns

If you enjoy this project, explore more free baby blanket knitting patterns, textured baby blankets, and easy baby blanket knitting ideas from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

Check the original pattern before purchasing yarn. Confirm the current materials, gauge, finished measurements, and instructions, then make a gauge swatch if finished size is important to you.

Double Seed Stitch Blanket – Free Easy Blanket Knitting Pattern

Double Seed Stitch Blanket. Photo © Purl Soho

The Double Seed Stitch Blanket by Purl Soho is a wonderfully simple free blanket knitting pattern that turns basic knit and purl stitches into a rich, nubbly texture.

Originally designed in cozy bulky-weight merino, this reversible blanket is available in five sizes from Baby to Queen. The straightforward repeating stitch pattern makes it a relaxing project while still producing a beautifully textured finished blanket.

Best of all, the original pattern is still available free from Purl Soho.

Double Seed Stitch Blanket Pattern Details

• Designer: Purl Soho
• Originally published: January 2013
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Baby blanket, throw and bed blanket
• Pattern availability: Free
• Yarn weight: Bulky
• Original yarn: Purl Soho Super Soft Merino
• Needles: US 13 (9 mm) circular needles
• Gauge: 11 stitches = 4 inches in Double Seed Stitch
• Construction: One-piece rectangle worked flat
• Stitch pattern: Double Seed Stitch
• Texture: Reversible
• Sizes: Baby, Crib, Throw, Twin and Queen

Five Blanket Sizes

One of the most useful features of the original Double Seed Stitch Blanket pattern is its wide range of sizes.

The approximate finished dimensions are:

• Baby: 28 × 30 inches
• Crib: 45 × 60 inches
• Throw: 60 × 60 inches
• Twin: 66 × 90 inches
• Queen: 90 × 95 inches

This means you can use the same basic design for anything from a small baby blanket to a substantial bed-sized blanket.

What Is Double Seed Stitch?

Double Seed Stitch is a textured knitting pattern created entirely from knit and purl stitches.

Instead of alternating every stitch and every row exactly as you would in traditional seed stitch, the arrangement changes over a short repeating sequence.

The result is a dense field of small raised textures that gives the blanket its distinctive nubbly surface.

A Simple Knit-and-Purl Blanket

One of the biggest attractions of this design is that the texture looks more complicated than the techniques required to create it.

There are no cables, lace motifs or complicated colorwork sections. The visual interest comes from arranging basic knit and purl stitches into a consistent repeating pattern.

Once you become familiar with the sequence, the blanket can settle into a relaxing rhythm.

A Reversible Knitted Texture

Double Seed Stitch creates an attractive texture on both sides of the fabric.

This is particularly useful for blankets because there is no need to worry about keeping one specific side facing outward when the blanket is being used.

A reversible stitch also gives the finished project a clean, well-finished appearance from either direction.

Original Yarn: Super Soft Merino

The original Purl Soho version was designed using Super Soft Merino, a bulky-weight merino wool.

The original sample color was Oyster Gray, which emphasizes the stitch texture without distracting from it.

Bulky yarn also gives the blanket a substantial feel and allows the textured stitches to appear large and clearly defined.

How Much Yarn Do You Need?

The approximate yardage listed for the five original sizes is:

• Baby: 522 yards / 477 m
• Crib: 1,479 yards / 1,352 m
• Throw: 1,914 yards / 1,750 m
• Twin: 3,132 yards / 2,864 m
• Queen: 4,524 yards / 4,137 m

These amounts are based on the original bulky yarn and pattern gauge. Your actual requirement may change if you substitute yarn or alter the blanket dimensions.

Choosing Substitute Yarn

You do not have to use the original Purl Soho yarn to knit this blanket.

Look for a bulky-weight yarn that produces a pleasant fabric at the required gauge. A smooth yarn with good stitch definition will help show off the Double Seed Stitch texture.

For a blanket that will receive frequent use, also consider fiber care. Washable wool blends or other easy-care fibers may be practical choices, particularly for baby and family blankets.

Needles and Gauge

The original pattern uses US 13 (9 mm) circular needles.

The specified gauge is:

11 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm)
in Double Seed Stitch

Circular needles are useful even though the blanket is worked flat. Their flexible cable provides room to hold the large number of stitches, especially for the larger sizes.

Why Use Circular Needles for a Flat Blanket?

Circular needles are not only for knitting in the round.

When knitting a wide blanket flat, a long circular needle can distribute the weight of the project across the cable rather than forcing all the stitches onto a pair of long straight needles.

This becomes increasingly useful as the blanket grows heavier.

Is the Double Seed Stitch Blanket Beginner Friendly?

This is a very approachable project for knitters who already know the basic knit and purl stitches.

The construction is a simple rectangle, and the texture does not require complicated shaping.

The main skill is learning to recognize whether the next stitch should be knitted or purled and keeping your place in the repeating sequence.

A Good First Textured Blanket

If you have already knitted plain garter or stockinette projects and want to try something with more texture, Double Seed Stitch is a natural next step.

It demonstrates how dramatically a fabric can change simply by arranging knit and purl stitches in a different sequence.

Because the same texture continues throughout the blanket, you also get plenty of practice reading your knitting.

Learn to Read Your Knitting

A project like this becomes much easier once you can recognize knit and purl stitches visually.

Rather than relying entirely on counting every stitch from the beginning of each row, look at the texture directly below the stitch on your needle.

Learning to recognize the structure of the fabric can help you catch mistakes before they continue across several rows.

Use Stitch Markers on Larger Blankets

Although the original construction is straightforward, optional stitch markers can be helpful when working one of the larger sizes.

Dividing a very long row into manageable sections gives you convenient checkpoints for spotting mistakes.

Just remember that these markers are an optional organizational aid, not a required part of the original design.

Keep Your Tension Relaxed

Textured knit-and-purl patterns can become tight if the yarn is pulled firmly every time it moves between the front and back of the work.

Try to maintain an even, relaxed tension as you alternate between knit and purl stitches.

A consistent gauge will help the finished texture look regular across the entire blanket.

A Great Solid-Color Blanket

Double Seed Stitch is particularly effective in a single color because the shadows created by the raised texture provide plenty of visual interest on their own.

Neutral shades can create a timeless blanket, while brighter colors can transform the same simple stitch pattern into a cheerful baby or family throw.

Tonal yarns can also work beautifully as long as the color changes do not obscure the stitch definition.

Make It a Baby Blanket

The smallest original size measures approximately 28 × 30 inches, making it suitable as a compact baby blanket.

If knitting for a baby, consider choosing an easy-care yarn that is soft against the skin and appropriate for frequent washing.

Always follow current safe-sleep guidance when deciding how and where a handmade blanket should be used with an infant.

Make It a Cozy Throw

The original Throw size measures approximately 60 × 60 inches.

Combined with bulky yarn and the dense Double Seed Stitch texture, this creates a substantial blanket for a sofa or favorite chair.

It is also a good option when you want a simple pattern that allows the quality and color of the yarn to become the focus.

There Is Also a Cotton Pure Version

Purl Soho later published a separate Double Seed Stitch Blanket in Cotton Pure.

That version uses sport-weight cotton and smaller needles, creating a lighter and more delicate interpretation of the same reversible stitch pattern.

The Cotton Pure version includes Crib and Throw sizes and is also currently available free from Purl Soho.

Bulky Merino or Cotton?

Choose the original bulky version if you want a thick, warm blanket with bold stitch definition.

Consider the later Cotton Pure version if you prefer a lighter blanket, plant-based fiber or a fabric suitable for machine washing according to the yarn's care instructions.

Both designs use the same basic Double Seed Stitch idea, but the different yarn weights produce noticeably different fabrics.

Why Knit the Double Seed Stitch Blanket?

This pattern is a great example of simple knitting producing a polished result.

You need only basic knit-and-purl skills to create a rich reversible texture, while the five original sizes allow the same design to become anything from a baby blanket to a full-size bed blanket.

It is an especially appealing project when you want relaxing knitting without ending up with a completely plain fabric.

Get the Free Double Seed Stitch Blanket Pattern

Double Seed Stitch Blanket by Purl Soho is still available as a free knitting pattern from its original publisher.

Get the Free Pattern from Purl Soho →

Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete pattern; use the official Purl Soho page above for the original instructions.

Dimple Blanket – Free Scrap Yarn Blanket Knitting Pattern

Dimple Blanket. Design and photo © LizAnn Petch

Dimple Blanket by LizAnn Petch is a wonderfully creative free scrap yarn blanket knitting pattern designed to transform small amounts of leftover DK yarn into a colorful, textured throw.

Each raised “Dimple” uses only about 3 grams of DK yarn, making this an excellent stash-busting project. The dimples are shaped with short rows and joined as you knit, so the blanket grows as one piece without sewing hundreds of separate motifs together.

Dimple Blanket Pattern Details

• Designer: LizAnn Petch
• Published: May 2020
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Throw / Afghan / Blanket
• Pattern availability: Free download
• Finished size: Approximately 130 × 150 cm (51 × 59 inches)
• Yarn weight: DK / 8 ply
• Total yardage: Approximately 3,828–4,374 yards (3,500–4,000 m)
• Contrast yarn: Approximately 100 g DK yarn for stripes and border
• Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7)
• Gauge: 20 stitches × 29 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
• Construction: Worked flat as one continuous blanket
• Technique: Short-row shaping
• Finishing: Dimples are joined as you go — no motif seaming
• Language: English

A Perfect Scrap Yarn Blanket

If your yarn stash contains lots of small balls of leftover DK yarn, Dimple Blanket gives you a practical way to turn them into something substantial.

Each individual Dimple requires only about 3 grams of DK yarn. That means even relatively small leftovers from sweaters, hats, baby garments and other projects can become part of the finished blanket.

You can coordinate your colors carefully for a planned palette or take a true scrap-blanket approach and let each leftover yarn determine the next section.

324 Colorful Dimples

LizAnn Petch's original blanket consists of 36 rows of 9 Dimples.

That creates a total of 324 individual textured Dimples across the finished throw.

Because each one can be knitted from a small amount of yarn, the design provides plenty of opportunities to introduce different colors while retaining a consistent overall structure.

How Are the Dimples Made?

The distinctive three-dimensional shapes are created using short-row shaping.

Instead of knitting every row all the way across a section, short rows allow the fabric to be shaped locally. In Dimple Blanket, this technique produces the raised textured forms that give the design its name.

The shapes are arranged so that the Dimples fit into one another in consecutive sections, creating the unusual geometric surface of the blanket.

No Sewing Hundreds of Motifs Together

One of the best features of this design is that the Dimples do not need to be knitted as hundreds of independent pieces and sewn together at the end.

Instead, the blanket is constructed as one piece, joining the sections as you knit.

This gives you the visual appeal of a modular scrap blanket without a huge pile of separate motifs waiting to be assembled.

The designer does offer one particularly useful piece of finishing advice: weave in your yarn ends as you knit. With hundreds of color sections, leaving every end until the end of the project could create a very large finishing job.

DK Yarn Makes It Easy to Use Your Stash

Dimple Blanket is designed for DK-weight yarn. You don't need every Dimple to come from the same yarn brand.

This is exactly what makes the project so useful for leftovers: compatible DK yarns from different projects can be combined into one blanket.

When mixing yarns, consider fiber content and washing requirements as well as yarn weight. A blanket is easier to care for when the yarns you combine have reasonably compatible care instructions.

How Much Yarn Does the Dimple Blanket Need?

Although each Dimple uses only a tiny amount of yarn, the complete blanket is a substantial project.

The original pattern lists approximately 3,828–4,374 yards (3,500–4,000 metres) of DK yarn for the full-size blanket.

Think of this less as yarn you need to purchase all at once and more as an opportunity to gradually transform a large collection of DK leftovers into one finished project.

Contrast Yarn for the Stripes and Border

In addition to the yarn used for the colorful Dimples, the original design requires approximately 100 grams of contrasting DK yarn.

This contrast color is used for the garter-stitch stripes separating the Dimples and for the border.

Using one consistent contrast color is a clever way to visually connect a wide variety of scrap colors and make the finished blanket look intentional rather than random.

Finished Blanket Size

LizAnn Petch's sample blanket measures approximately 130 × 150 cm, or about 51 × 59 inches.

This creates a useful throw or afghan size for a sofa, chair or bed.

However, you don't have to make exactly the same dimensions. The designer includes information in the free pattern explaining how the size can be adjusted.

Make the Blanket Smaller or Larger

The modular nature of the design makes Dimple Blanket particularly adaptable.

The free pattern includes information about adjusting the blanket size, allowing you to use the basic Dimple construction for dimensions that better suit your project or available yarn.

This can be especially useful if you want to create a smaller lap blanket or if you have enough leftover yarn to continue beyond the dimensions of the original throw.

More Than Just a Blanket

LizAnn Petch also notes that the Dimple design can be adapted for other knitted items.

Once you understand how the short-row shapes are constructed and joined, the same textured idea can potentially become the basis for smaller accessories or other creative projects.

The full free pattern provides the designer's guidance for adapting the concept.

Needles and Gauge

The original blanket uses 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles.

The specified gauge is: 20 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Gauge can become particularly important when combining scraps from several different yarns. Two yarns may both be labelled DK but still produce noticeably different fabrics.

Try to choose scraps that work together at a reasonably consistent gauge so that the Dimples maintain a harmonious size and texture.

Skills Used in the Dimple Blanket

Useful techniques for this project include:

• Knitting and purling
• Working flat
• Garter stitch
• Stockinette stitch
• Short-row shaping
• Joining sections as you knit
• Changing colors
• Picking up stitches
• Weaving in yarn ends as you work

A Portable Long-Term Knitting Project

Large blankets can become physically cumbersome long before they are finished. The repeating Dimple sections, however, give this project natural milestones as you work through your collection of colors.

Rather than thinking about thousands of metres of yarn at once, you can concentrate on the next small Dimple and watch the blanket gradually grow.

It could make a particularly satisfying long-term project for gradually using DK scraps accumulated from other knitting.

Color Ideas for Your Dimple Blanket

There are many ways to approach the color layout.

For a true stash-buster, use scraps in the order you find them and allow the blanket to become a record of previous knitting projects.

For a more coordinated look, sort your leftovers into a limited palette, such as warm colors, cool colors, pastels or neutrals.

Whichever approach you choose, a consistent contrast color for the separating garter stripes and border can help bring the entire design together.

Why Knit the Dimple Blanket?

Dimple Blanket solves one of the most common problems for knitters: what to do with all those small amounts of good yarn that are too useful to throw away but too small for another full project.

Its combination of 3-gram scrap sections, short-row shaping, join-as-you-go construction and adjustable sizing makes it especially well suited to stash busting.

Instead of hiding leftover DK yarn in a box, you can gradually turn it into a colorful, textured blanket with a story behind every section.

Get the Free Dimple Blanket Knitting Pattern

The complete Dimple Blanket by LizAnn Petch is currently available as a free downloadable knitting pattern from the designer's Ravelry store.

Get the Free Dimple Blanket Knitting Pattern

Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability on external websites may change over time.

Oden Baby Blanket – Free Easy Chevron Knitting Pattern

The Oden Baby Blanket by Gena Shaffer is a beautifully simple textured baby blanket built around a repeating chevron-style stitch pattern. The design creates rows of gentle zigzags without requiring complicated cables, lace charts or colorwork.

The stitch pattern uses an easy 8-stitch, 4-row repeat, making this a particularly appealing project for knitters who enjoy rhythmic, easy-to-memorize patterns.

The blanket is worked flat in one piece with Aran-weight yarn, and the complete pattern is still available as a free download from the designer's Ravelry store.

Design and original pattern © Gena Shaffer.

Oden Baby Blanket Pattern Overview

• Designer: Gena Shaffer
• Pattern: The Oden Baby Blanket
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Baby blanket
• Published: July 2018
• Construction: One piece, worked flat
• Direction: Bottom up
• Stitch pattern: Textured chevron / zigzag
• Repeat: 8 stitches and 4 rows
• Yarn weight: Aran
• Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
• Yardage: Approximately 750–790 yd / 686–722 m
• Needles: US 8 / 5 mm
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm
• Language: English
• Pattern format: Written instructions
• Pattern availability: Free Ravelry download

A Simple Textured Chevron Baby Blanket

The main feature of the Oden Baby Blanket is its repeating zigzag texture.

Instead of creating the chevrons through several yarn colors, the design uses stitch texture to produce the visual effect directly in the knitted fabric. This gives the blanket plenty of interest while allowing it to remain a single-color project if you prefer.

The result is clean and modern, with horizontal rows of raised texture that travel across the blanket.

An Easy 4-Row Repeat

One of the strongest features of this pattern is its short repeat. The textured design is based on only four rows, with an eight-stitch repeat across the width.

Short repeating patterns can be especially enjoyable for larger projects because you spend less time constantly checking complicated charts or long instruction sequences.

Once you become familiar with the rhythm of the four rows, it becomes easier to recognize where you are in the pattern simply by looking at the developing fabric.

Worked Flat in One Piece

The Oden Baby Blanket is knitted flat as one continuous piece.

There are no separate squares or panels to sew together afterward, which keeps the construction straightforward.

This style is particularly convenient for knitters who prefer traditional back-and-forth knitting on straight or circular needles rather than working large projects in the round.

Bottom-Up Construction

The blanket begins along the lower edge and grows upward as you continue the repeating texture.

A bottom-up construction works especially well for this type of design because the chevron pattern gradually builds into horizontal bands across the entire blanket.

As the project grows, the repeating stitch structure makes it easy to see whether the pattern remains correctly aligned.

Yarn for the Oden Baby Blanket

The original pattern recommends Caron Simply Soft, an Aran-weight acrylic yarn.

The published yardage is approximately 750–790 yards / 686–722 meters.

Caron Simply Soft is commonly used for blankets because it creates a soft, washable fabric while still giving textured stitches enough definition to remain visible.

You can substitute another suitable Aran-weight yarn if desired, but always check that your chosen yarn produces a fabric you like at the required gauge.

Choosing a Yarn Substitute

For a textured blanket like this, a relatively smooth yarn is often the best choice.

Very fuzzy yarns can hide the raised chevron texture, while a smooth yarn allows the knit-and-purl structure to remain more visible.

For a baby project, also consider washability and durability. A blanket that can tolerate regular gentle washing is generally more practical for everyday use.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm.

Gauge is less critical for a blanket than for a fitted garment, but it still affects the final dimensions, texture and amount of yarn required.

If your stitches are significantly larger than the published gauge, the blanket will become larger and may require additional yarn. A tighter gauge will create a smaller, denser blanket.

Needles

The pattern recommends US 8 / 5 mm knitting needles.

A long circular needle can be especially convenient for baby blankets even though the project is worked flat. The flexible cable can support the growing weight of the blanket more comfortably than shorter straight needles.

Use the listed needle size as a starting point and adjust if necessary to achieve the intended gauge and fabric.

Skills You'll Use

• Casting on
• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Working flat
• Following a 4-row repeat
• Maintaining an 8-stitch pattern repeat
• Reading your knitting
• Keeping even tension
• Binding off
• Weaving in yarn ends

Is the Oden Baby Blanket Beginner Friendly?

The short repeating structure makes the Oden Baby Blanket a good choice for a knitter who already knows the basic knit and purl stitches and wants to move beyond plain garter or stockinette fabric.

There is no stranded colorwork, intarsia or complicated cable construction to manage.

The main challenge is simply keeping track of the stitch repeat and making sure the textured chevrons remain correctly aligned across the rows.

That makes this a useful advanced-beginner blanket project.

Tips for a Neater Oden Baby Blanket

Use stitch markers between repeats if needed. When first learning the pattern, markers can help divide the eight-stitch sections and make mistakes easier to locate.

Count your stitches regularly. A missed stitch can shift the chevron alignment several rows later.

Learn to read the texture. Once several repeats are complete, use the existing V shapes as a visual guide instead of relying only on row numbers.

Keep your tension consistent. Uneven tension is especially noticeable in repeating textured patterns.

Check your yarn supply before starting. The published requirement is roughly 750–790 yards, and a larger gauge or wider customized blanket may use more.

Can You Make the Blanket Larger?

The design is based on an eight-stitch repeating motif, so the structure is naturally suited to width adjustments.

However, changing the cast-on count or final dimensions also changes the total yarn requirement.

If you want to adapt the blanket beyond the designer's published version, first make a swatch and calculate your desired width from the repeat and gauge. Always preserve any edge stitches required by the original pattern.

Baby Blanket Safety

A handmade knitted blanket can be useful for supervised cuddling, stroller use, floor time and other age-appropriate situations.

Always follow current infant safe-sleep recommendations and do not place loose blankets in an infant sleep space when they are not recommended.

Is the Oden Baby Blanket a Free Knitting Pattern?

Yes. The Oden Baby Blanket by Gena Shaffer is currently available as a free knitting pattern.

The designer's Ravelry store currently provides the exact pattern as a free download.

This is the legitimate publication source for the design, so Amazing Knitting links directly to that page rather than to copied PDFs or unofficial pattern websites.

Get the Free Oden Baby Blanket Pattern →

Why This Baby Blanket Is Worth Knitting

The Oden Baby Blanket offers a useful balance between simplicity and visual interest.

The four-row repeat is short enough to become familiar quickly, while the raised zigzag pattern prevents the finished blanket from looking plain.

It is also a practical project for knitters who prefer single-color blankets: the texture creates the design, so there is no need to manage multiple yarn colors or large numbers of loose ends.

With Aran-weight yarn and 5 mm needles, the fabric can also build relatively quickly compared with finer-weight baby blankets.

Pattern Availability

Amazing Knitting links readers to legitimate designer or publisher sources whenever possible. Pattern prices, download locations and availability can change after an article is published.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. The Oden Baby Blanket design and knitting pattern remain the intellectual property of Gena Shaffer. This guide does not reproduce the designer's complete row-by-row pattern instructions.