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.

Lattice with Seed Stitch - Knitting Stitch Guide

Photos above © mgb

Lattice with Seed Stitch is a beautiful textured knitting pattern that combines the appearance of broad woven bands with a background of small seed-stitch texture.

Although the finished fabric can look surprisingly complex, the underlying idea is created primarily with basic knit and purl stitches.

This Amazing Knitting guide explains how the texture is constructed, how to recognize the different sections, where it works best, and what to watch for when using it in your own knitting projects.

About This Stitch Guide

Lattice with Seed Stitch is a textured knit-and-purl stitch concept rather than one specific garment pattern. Different stitch references may arrange or begin the repeat differently, so always follow one complete version consistently when knitting a project.

Lattice with Seed Stitch at a Glance

Type: Textured knitting stitch

Main Techniques: Knit and purl

Visual Style: Lattice / basketweave over seed-stitch texture

Common Repeat: 18-row texture sequence

Common Flat-Knitting Multiple: Multiple of 14 + 2 stitches

Skill Level: Advanced beginner / confident beginner

Good For: Blankets, scarves, cushions, panels and home accessories

What Is Lattice with Seed Stitch?

Lattice with Seed Stitch is a textured knitting pattern that creates the illusion of broad strips passing over and under one another.

Between these larger visual bands is a smaller, pebbled texture similar to seed stitch.

Together, these elements create a fabric that can resemble woven basketry even though the effect is produced with ordinary knitting stitches rather than actual weaving.

It Looks More Complicated Than It Is

One of the most appealing things about this texture is the difference between its appearance and its underlying technique.

At first glance, the broad lattice sections can look like cables or crossed stitches.

In common versions of the stitch, however, the effect is created mainly by carefully arranging knit and purl stitches.

This makes it an interesting next step for someone who already knows the basic stitches but wants to create a more sophisticated-looking fabric.

Understanding the Three Textures

It helps to stop thinking of the design as one complicated pattern and instead look for the simpler textures inside it.

1. Seed-Stitch Areas

The small alternating knit-and-purl sections create the pebbled background.

Seed-style texture visually separates the larger bands and gives the fabric additional depth.

2. Smooth Vertical Sections

Columns of smoother stitches help form part of the apparent lattice.

Because smooth stockinette-style areas reflect light differently from seed stitch, they appear to sit above or apart from the background.

3. Horizontal Ridges

Horizontal garter-like sections interrupt the vertical areas.

When these sections alternate across successive repeats, the eye begins to interpret them as strips weaving over and under each other.

Why It Resembles Basketweave

Basketweave knitting does not require actual strands to cross one another.

Instead, contrasting knit-and-purl surfaces create blocks that appear to change direction.

Lattice with Seed Stitch takes that visual idea further by combining the larger woven-looking structure with a finer seed-textured background.

No Cable Needle Is Required

Despite the interlaced appearance, common versions of this stitch do not require traditional cable crossings.

That means you can achieve a surprisingly architectural texture using skills you may already know.

The Repeat Structure

Widely published versions of Lattice with Seed Stitch use an 18-row repeat.

For flat knitting, a commonly published setup is:

Multiple of 14 stitches + 2

The additional stitches help frame the repeating lattice units when the fabric is worked flat.

Why We Are Not Reprinting 18 Rows Here

A Note About Stitch Variations

Published references do not all begin and arrange the 18-row sequence in exactly the same way. Rather than mixing instructions from several tutorials, choose one complete version and follow it consistently from beginning to end.

This is especially important when comparing online stitch dictionaries.

Two instructions may create essentially the same visual texture while numbering the beginning of the repeat differently.

Mixing the first half of one version with the second half of another can destroy the alignment of the lattice.

Is Lattice with Seed Stitch Reversible?

Treat this as a right-side texture.

The decorative lattice effect is intended to be viewed from the front, while the reverse side has a different appearance.

This does not prevent you from using it in scarves or blankets, but it is worth considering when both sides of a finished project will be visible.

What Yarn Works Best?

This stitch is not tied to one specific yarn weight.

You can experiment with different yarns as long as you use needles appropriate for the yarn and create a fabric with enough definition to display the texture.

Smooth yarns usually make the lattice easier to see.

Solid Colors Show the Texture Clearly

If the lattice effect is the main feature of your project, a solid or gently tonal yarn is often a good choice.

The shadows created by knit and purl stitches become part of the design.

Highly variegated yarn can still be attractive, but strong color changes may compete visually with the stitch texture.

Choose Needles for the Fabric You Want

There is no single universal needle size for Lattice with Seed Stitch.

Choose a needle appropriate for your yarn, then make a swatch.

If the fabric is too loose, the woven-looking structure may become less distinct.

If it is too tight, the fabric can become stiff and the knitting may be uncomfortable to work.

Swatching Is Especially Useful

A swatch lets you evaluate more than gauge.

Before committing to a large project, check:

• How clearly the lattice appears
• Whether the seed texture is visible
• How much the fabric curls or lies flat
• The drape
• The appearance of the wrong side
• How the yarn behaves after washing or blocking

Keep Track of the 18-Row Repeat

The individual stitches are straightforward, but an 18-row sequence is long enough to lose your place.

A row counter can make this stitch much easier to manage.

You can also keep a printed or handwritten repeat beside your work and mark each completed row.

Learn to Read the Fabric

As the pattern develops, try to identify the lattice sections visually instead of relying only on the row number.

Ask yourself whether the next section should continue a vertical band, create a horizontal interruption, or return to the seeded background.

Learning to read the fabric makes mistakes easier to spot before they continue through several rows.

Watch Your Knit-to-Purl Transitions

Because this texture frequently switches between knit and purl stitches, pay attention to the position of the working yarn.

Move the yarn between the needle tips when changing from knit to purl or purl to knit.

Accidentally taking the yarn over the needle can create an unwanted extra stitch.

Seed Stitch Can Reveal Tension Differences

Alternating knit and purl stitches can make uneven tension more visible than plain stockinette.

Try to keep your movements relaxed and consistent.

With practice, the small irregularities often become less noticeable, especially after appropriate blocking.

Good Projects for Lattice with Seed Stitch

This texture works particularly well when you want the knitted fabric itself to be the main decorative feature.

• Blankets and throws
• Cushion and pillow fronts
• Scarves
• Home-decor panels
• Bag panels
• Sampler blankets
• Textured garment panels

Using It for a Blanket

A blanket gives the lattice enough space to repeat several times across the fabric.

Before casting on a full-size blanket, knit a repeat swatch and measure its width after washing.

You can then use that measurement to estimate how many repeats are needed for your desired blanket width.

Using It for a Pillow

A cushion front is an excellent smaller project for experimenting with this texture.

The right side remains visible most of the time, so the non-reversible nature of the stitch is less important.

A simple stockinette or fabric back can keep the lattice as the main decorative feature.

Using It for a Scarf

Lattice with Seed Stitch can create an attractive textured scarf, but remember that the two sides look different.

If you want an identical appearance on both sides, choose a truly reversible stitch instead.

If you are happy with a decorative front and different reverse, the lattice can make a striking scarf fabric.

Is This a Beginner Stitch?

The individual techniques are beginner-friendly because the texture is based primarily on knit and purl stitches.

However, keeping track of a longer repeat requires more concentration than basic garter, stockinette or seed stitch.

For that reason, it is a particularly good project for a confident beginner or advanced beginner.

Skills to Know First

• Casting on
• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Moving yarn correctly between knit and purl
• Reading repeated instructions
• Counting stitches
• Binding off

Practice on a Small Swatch

There is no need to begin with an entire blanket.

Cast on enough stitches for a few repeats and work until you can clearly see the lattice forming.

A practice swatch gives you a chance to understand the structure before committing yarn to a larger project.

Blocking the Finished Texture

Gentle blocking can help even out the seed-stitch background and make the larger lattice sections look more consistent.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for the fiber content of your yarn.

Avoid overstretching the swatch, because excessive stretching can flatten the raised texture that gives the pattern its character.

Learn the Lattice Seed Stitch

For a complete current demonstration of this stitch, Studio Knit provides both written guidance and a video tutorial for flat knitting and knitting in the round.

View the Lattice Seed Stitch Tutorial →

More Knitting Stitches on Amazing Knitting

• Herringbone Stitch - Knitting Stitch Guide
• Twisted Rib Stitch - Knitting Tutorial
• Baby Honeycomb Pattern - Knitting Stitch Guide
• Rabbit Ears Knitting Stitch - Textured Stitch Guide

Explore More Stitch Tutorials

• Knitting Stitch Patterns
• Textured Knitting Stitches
• Knit and Purl Stitch Patterns
• Beginner Knitting Stitches

Before You Begin

Choose a smooth yarn that lets you see the texture clearly and make a small swatch before planning a larger project.

Keep track of your repeat carefully, pay particular attention when moving between knit and purl stitches, and periodically step back to check that the lattice sections remain aligned.

Most importantly, remember that online stitch references may begin the sequence at different points. Follow one complete version consistently rather than combining rows from several tutorials.

Editorial note: This Amazing Knitting page is an educational guide to the Lattice with Seed Stitch texture. Stitch dictionaries and tutorials may present variations or different starting points for similar lattice textures. Always follow the instructions for the specific version you choose.

Elephant Family Baby Blanket – Free Knitting Pattern

Elephant Family Blanket by Mathilde of Le Pavillon Créatif is a charming knitted baby blanket featuring a family of elephants walking across a simple stockinette background.

The blanket combines a classic seed-stitch border with an animal motif that can be added using several different colorwork methods, making the project adaptable to different levels of knitting experience.

The finished blanket measures approximately 87 × 80 cm (34 × 31 in) and is designed in Aran-weight yarn for a warm, substantial fabric suitable for a handmade baby gift.

Design and original pattern © Mathilde / Le Pavillon Créatif.

Elephant Family Baby Blanket Pattern Overview

• Designer: Mathilde – Le Pavillon Créatif
• Pattern: Elephant Family Blanket
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Baby blanket
• Published: October 2017
• Finished size: Approximately 87 × 80 cm / 34 × 31 in
• Yarn: DROPS Nepal
• Yarn weight: Aran
• Fiber: 65% wool, 35% alpaca
• Needles: US 8 / 5 mm
• Gauge: 17 stitches × 24 rows = 10 × 10 cm / 4 × 4 in in stockinette stitch
• Construction: One-piece rectangular blanket
• Main stitches: Seed stitch and stockinette stitch
• Motif: Elephant family chart
• Motif chart size: 115 stitches × 38 rows
• Colorwork options: Duplicate stitch / embroidery, intarsia or stranded colorwork
• Languages: English and French

A Baby Blanket With an Elephant Family Motif

The feature that makes this blanket immediately recognizable is the row of elephants across the center of the design.

Rather than covering the entire blanket with complicated texture, the designer uses a simple background so the elephant silhouettes become the focal point. This gives the project a clean and modern look while still making it playful enough for a nursery.

The animal motif also makes this a versatile baby-gift project because the design is not tied to one particular color palette.

Three Ways to Add the Elephant Motif

One of the most useful features of the Elephant Family Blanket is that the elephant design can be worked using different techniques.

The designer explains three possible approaches:

• Duplicate stitch or embroidery: ideal if you prefer to knit the blanket first and add the elephants afterward.
• Intarsia: useful for knitting separate blocks of color directly into the fabric.
• Stranded / Jacquard colorwork: another option for knitters comfortable carrying multiple colors.

This flexibility allows knitters to choose the method that best matches their experience and personal preference.

The Beginner-Friendly Option: Duplicate Stitch

For knitters who are new to colorwork, the easiest approach is often to knit the main blanket in one color and add the elephant shapes afterward using duplicate stitch or embroidery.

This allows you to concentrate first on making an even stockinette fabric without managing several yarn colors at the same time.

Once the blanket is finished, the chart can be used as a guide for positioning the elephants over the existing stitches.

Using Intarsia Instead

More experienced knitters may prefer to incorporate the elephant shapes directly into the blanket using intarsia.

With intarsia, separate lengths or balls of yarn are used for individual color sections rather than carrying the contrasting yarn continuously across the entire row.

This method can create clean blocks of color and eliminates the need to embroider the design afterward.

Seed Stitch Border

The blanket uses seed stitch as part of its border design.

Seed stitch alternates knit and purl stitches to create a textured, pebbled-looking fabric. It gives the edge visual definition and contrasts nicely with the smoother stockinette center.

A textured border can also help a stockinette-based blanket lie more neatly than an entirely plain rectangle.

Stockinette Background

The main background of the blanket is worked in stockinette stitch.

This smooth surface is an excellent choice for the elephant motif because it does not compete visually with the animal shapes.

It also creates a regular grid of stitches that works naturally with the charted design.

Finished Size

The designer lists the finished dimensions as approximately:

87 cm × 80 cm / 34 in × 31 in.

This is a practical baby-blanket size for supervised cuddling, stroller use and other everyday situations.

Always compare the finished measurements with your intended use rather than relying only on the general label “baby blanket.”

Yarn for the Elephant Family Blanket

The original model uses DROPS Nepal, an Aran-weight yarn made from approximately 65% wool and 35% alpaca.

The designer specifies:

• 7 balls for the main background
• 3 balls for the border and elephant motifs

The referenced yarn contains approximately 75 meters / 82 yards per 50-gram ball.

That gives the original project enough yarn for both the main fabric and contrasting decorative sections.

Choosing a Yarn Substitute

You do not necessarily have to use the exact original yarn, but choose an Aran-weight substitute that can achieve the required gauge.

For an elephant chart, a relatively smooth yarn with good stitch definition is especially helpful because it keeps the edges of the motifs recognizable.

For a baby blanket, also consider softness, washability and how the yarn will hold up to regular use.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

17 stitches × 24 rows = 10 × 10 cm / 4 × 4 in in stockinette stitch.

Although a blanket does not require the same exact fit as a sweater, gauge still affects the final dimensions and total yarn consumption.

A looser gauge may produce a larger blanket and use more yarn, while a tighter gauge can make the blanket smaller and denser.

Needles

The original pattern specifies 5 mm / US 8 knitting needles.

For a blanket of this width, many knitters may find a long circular needle more comfortable than straight needles because the cable can hold the weight of the growing fabric.

The blanket can still be worked flat even when using a circular needle.

The Elephant Chart

The elephant motif chart covers approximately 115 stitches × 38 rows.

A chart like this represents the knitted fabric as a grid, with each square corresponding to a stitch.

Whether you use duplicate stitch, intarsia or another colorwork technique, checking the placement carefully before beginning the motif will help keep the elephants centered and aligned.

Skills You'll Use

• Casting on
• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Seed stitch
• Stockinette stitch
• Working flat
• Reading a colorwork chart
• Keeping an even gauge
• Duplicate stitch or embroidery
• Optional intarsia
• Optional stranded colorwork
• Binding off
• Weaving in ends

Is the Elephant Family Blanket Beginner Friendly?

The blanket can be approached by a confident beginner because the designer allows the elephant motif to be added after the main knitting is complete.

Using duplicate stitch means you can make the blanket mainly with basic knit and purl techniques, then treat the elephants as a separate finishing step.

Knitters who already have experience with colorwork can increase the challenge by using intarsia or stranded knitting instead.

This makes the same design suitable for more than one skill level.

Tips for a Neater Elephant Motif

Check the chart position before starting. Count carefully from the blanket edges so the motif remains centered.

Use contrasting colors. The elephant shapes are easiest to see when the motif yarn clearly contrasts with the background.

Keep duplicate stitches relaxed. Pulling embroidery stitches too tightly can distort the stockinette fabric underneath.

Manage intarsia joins carefully. Twist the yarns correctly at color changes to avoid holes between sections.

Block gently. Blocking can help smooth the background and improve the final appearance of the charted motif.

Ideas for Color Combinations

The original style works beautifully with neutral shades, but there is no need to limit the blanket to gray elephants.

Possible combinations include:

• Cream background with soft gray elephants
• Pale blue with navy motifs
• Warm beige with brown elephants
• White with pastel pink or green
• Charcoal with a light contrasting motif

The simple silhouette means the design can work with both traditional nursery colors and more modern palettes.

Baby Blanket Safety

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

Always follow current infant safe-sleep guidance and avoid placing loose blankets in an infant sleep space when they are not recommended.

Is the Elephant Family Blanket Pattern Free?

A legitimate free English download is currently linked from Mathilde's original Le Pavillon Créatif page for the exact Elephant Family Blanket design.

The same pattern is also currently listed as a paid download in the designer's Ravelry store, but Amazing Knitting prioritizes the designer's own currently available free source when one exists.

View the Free Elephant Family Blanket Pattern →

On the designer's page, choose the link labeled “Click here for the download English version” for the English pattern.

Why This Baby Blanket Is Worth Knitting

Elephant Family Blanket combines a straightforward baby-blanket construction with a memorable animal motif.

Its greatest strength is flexibility: beginners can add the elephants after the knitting is finished, while experienced knitters can integrate the motif using intarsia or stranded colorwork.

The seed-stitch border, smooth central fabric and charming family of elephants give the finished blanket enough detail to feel special without requiring complicated lace or cable construction.

It is an especially appealing project for a handmade baby gift or nursery keepsake.

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 Elephant Family Blanket design, chart and knitting instructions remain the intellectual property of Mathilde / Le Pavillon Créatif. This guide does not reproduce the designer's complete row-by-row instructions or elephant chart.

Easy Knit Blanket Sweater - Free Pattern

Photo above © (Jessica) Mama in a stitch

Easy Knit Blanket Sweater by Jessica Reeves Potasz of Mama In A Stitch is a wonderfully simple idea: knit a large, cozy rectangle, fold and seam it strategically, and turn it into an oversized cocoon-style cardigan.

There is no complicated traditional sweater construction here. The main fabric uses stockinette stitch with seed-stitch edging, making this an approachable wearable project for knitters who are comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches.

The finished sweater is intentionally oversized, soft and blanket-like rather than fitted — perfect if you love relaxed layering pieces.

Best of all, the complete pattern is still available for free from Mama In A Stitch. Below you'll find the key project details, construction notes, yarn-substitution advice and a link to Jessica's current free pattern.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Easy Knit Blanket Sweater is currently available as a free knitting pattern on the designer's Mama In A Stitch website. An optional printable version may also be offered, but you can read the pattern for free on the official website.

Easy Knit Blanket Sweater at a Glance

Pattern: Easy Knit Blanket Sweater

Designer: Jessica Reeves Potasz

Source: Mama In A Stitch

First Published: October 2016

Category: Cardigan / Cocoon Sweater

Construction: Rectangle, worked flat, then folded and seamed

Main Stitch: Stockinette stitch

Edging: Seed stitch

Original Yarn: Lion Brand Woolspun (discontinued)

Original Yardage: Approx. 1,016 yards / 929 m

Needles: US 19 / 15 mm, 29-inch circular needle

Finished Measurement: Approx. 40.5 × 34 in

Style: Very oversized, loose and blanket-like

Availability: Free on Mama In A Stitch

About the Easy Knit Blanket Sweater

Jessica Reeves Potasz created the knitted Easy Knit Blanket Sweater after receiving requests for a knit version of her crocheted blanket sweater.

The concept is deliberately uncomplicated. Instead of shaping several separate sweater pieces, you create one large piece of knitted fabric and transform it into a wearable cocoon through folding and seaming.

The result looks much more involved than the actual construction.

It Really Is Almost a Knitted Blanket

The name “Blanket Sweater” is especially appropriate here.

The project is essentially a large knitted rectangle. Once the knitting is complete, the fabric is folded and seamed to create the cardigan shape and arm openings.

That makes it an interesting bridge between knitting a blanket and knitting your first wearable.

If traditional sweater shaping feels intimidating, this construction removes much of that complexity.

Beginner-Friendly Construction

You do not need to shape a neckline, calculate a raglan yoke or knit separate fronts, back and sleeves.

The important skills are much more familiar:

• Knitting
• Purling
• Stockinette stitch
• Seed stitch
• Working flat
• Basic seaming
• Weaving in ends

For a newer knitter who wants to make something wearable, that simplicity is one of the biggest attractions of the design.

Stockinette Body with Seed-Stitch Edging

Most of the sweater is worked in stockinette stitch, creating the smooth, classic knitted surface you see across the oversized body.

Seed stitch is used at the edges to add texture and provide a visual frame around the simpler stockinette section.

This combination keeps the knitting repetitive enough to be relaxing without making the finished piece look completely plain.

The Sweater Is Intentionally Oversized

This is important to understand before beginning: Easy Knit Blanket Sweater is not designed as a fitted cardigan.

Jessica describes it as a heavy, blanket-like cocoon with a loose, drapey appearance.

The oversized dimensions are therefore part of the design rather than an indication that your sweater is turning out too large.

Finished Measurements

The published dimensions are approximately:

40.5 inches × 34 inches

Treat these measurements as especially useful information when deciding whether the original proportions will give you the amount of coverage and drape you want.

Fit Note

This is an intentionally oversized cocoon-style garment rather than a conventionally sized fitted sweater. Compare the published dimensions with a loose cardigan or wrap you already enjoy wearing before making major size modifications.

Original Yarn

The original sample used Lion Brand Woolspun.

The designer notes that the original Woolspun yarn has since been discontinued.

That does not mean the pattern is unavailable. The pattern itself remains free; only the original yarn needs to be substituted.

How Much Yarn?

The original project called for approximately:

1,016 yards / 929 meters

The original instructions used eight skeins of Woolspun at the specified skein yardage.

If you substitute another yarn, calculate by total yardage rather than assuming you will also need eight skeins. Skein sizes vary enormously between yarn brands.

Important Yarn Substitution Note

The Original Yarn Is Discontinued

Don't let that stop you from making the sweater. The pattern is still available, and this simple construction is well suited to yarn substitution. Focus on achieving a fabric and gauge similar to the designer's sample rather than searching indefinitely for discontinued Woolspun.

When choosing a substitute, consider:

• Gauge
• Finished fabric thickness
• Drape
• Total yardage
• Fiber weight
• How much the fabric stretches when worn

A very stiff substitute can dramatically change the character of this garment, because the original design depends on a loose, comfortable, blanket-like fabric.

Large Needles Make This an Interesting Quick-Knit Style

The original pattern calls for:

US 19 / 15 mm circular knitting needles

The designer specifies a 29-inch circular needle.

Although the sweater is worked flat rather than in the round, a circular needle is useful for comfortably holding the large piece of fabric.

Why Gauge Still Matters

A rectangle may seem more forgiving than a fitted sweater, but gauge still controls the dimensions of your finished garment.

Changing yarn thickness or needle size without checking the resulting fabric can make an already oversized design substantially larger or smaller.

This matters even more when substituting for a discontinued yarn.

Make a Swatch with Your Substitute Yarn

Before purchasing a large quantity of substitute yarn, make a generous stockinette swatch.

Check more than stitch count. Hold the swatch up and allow it to hang naturally.

Ask yourself:

• Does it drape comfortably?
• Is it too stiff?
• Is it becoming excessively heavy?
• Do you like the openness of the stitches?
• Will the fabric feel comfortable as an oversized cardigan?

Those questions are especially useful for a garment whose appeal comes from its relaxed drape.

From Rectangle to Cardigan

The transformation happens after the main rectangle is complete.

The fabric is folded according to the designer's assembly instructions and partially seamed to create openings for the arms.

This simple finishing step turns what looked like a blanket on the needles into a cocoon-style cardigan.

Follow Jessica's original assembly photographs and instructions rather than guessing where to seam, because seam placement affects both the arm openings and how the cardigan hangs.

Two Buttons Help Hold the Sweater in Place

Jessica added two buttons near the upper portion of the garment.

They are both decorative and practical, helping the oversized sweater remain comfortably positioned when worn.

Because the knitted fabric is very open, the designer notes that the buttons can pass through the stitches without separately knitted buttonholes.

Choosing Buttons

Large buttons suit the scale of this oversized design particularly well.

Before permanently attaching them, temporarily position the buttons and try on the finished sweater.

This lets you check whether their placement gives you the amount of closure and drape you prefer.

Be Patient with Stockinette Curl

Stockinette naturally wants to curl at unsupported edges.

The textured edging and final construction help control the shape, but do not be alarmed if the unfinished rectangle does not lie perfectly flat while you are knitting it.

Watch the Weight of the Fabric

This is a substantial garment.

As the rectangle grows, its own weight can stretch the stitches and affect how the fabric looks compared with when it is resting on a table.

When checking length, allow the fabric to relax naturally rather than aggressively stretching it.

Why This Can Be a Good First Wearable

Many first sweater projects introduce several new skills at once: shaping, sleeve construction, neckline shaping, multiple sizes and seaming several separate pieces.

Easy Knit Blanket Sweater takes a different route.

The knitter can concentrate on making a large, consistent piece of fabric and learning simple assembly at the end.

That makes the project especially appealing if you can knit a rectangle confidently but have not yet attempted a traditional cardigan.

Is the Easy Knit Blanket Sweater Pattern Still Free?

Yes.

Jessica Reeves Potasz currently provides the complete Easy Knit Blanket Sweater pattern free on Mama In A Stitch.

You may also encounter an optional paid printable version. That does not change the availability of the free web pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Jessica's complete copyrighted instructions. Use the official Mama In A Stitch article for the stitch counts, row-by-row instructions and assembly details.

Get the Free Easy Knit Blanket Sweater Pattern

Visit Jessica's original Mama In A Stitch tutorial for the complete free pattern, photographs and assembly instructions:

Get the Free Easy Knit Blanket Sweater Pattern →

You can also view the Ravelry record for project examples and additional pattern information:

View Easy Knit Blanket Sweater on Ravelry →

More Free Sweater and Cardigan Patterns

Looking for another approachable cardigan? Explore these free patterns already verified in the Amazing Knitting archive:

• Harvest Cardigan - Free Pattern
• Autumn Leaves Sweater - Free Pattern
• Fuss Free Baby Cardigan - Free Pattern

Or browse:

• Free Cardigan Knitting Patterns
• Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns
• Beginner Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Remember that the original Woolspun yarn has been discontinued, but the pattern has not. There is no need to abandon this project simply because you cannot find the original yarn.

Choose a suitable substitute, make a swatch, and pay particular attention to drape and finished dimensions.

Then use the official Mama In A Stitch pattern for the exact stitch counts and assembly instructions.

If you are comfortable knitting a large rectangle, this project offers a clever way to turn those basic skills into a cozy wearable.

Pattern credit: Easy Knit Blanket Sweater was designed by Jessica Reeves Potasz of Mama In A Stitch. The existing photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Jessica / Mama In A Stitch. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

Shivaree Throw - Free Pattern

Photo above © sonomahead

Shivaree Throw by the Berroco Design Team is a richly textured knitted blanket featuring dramatic braided cables surrounded by classic double seed stitch.

Designed in Berroco Ultra Alpaca, the combination of cables and textured background gives this throw a timeless, substantial appearance. Best of all, the original Shivaree Throw knitting pattern is still available free directly from Berroco.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Good news: Shivaree Throw is still available as a free knitting pattern from Berroco. We have updated this guide to direct readers to the current official Berroco pattern page rather than relying on older third-party links.

Shivaree Throw at a Glance

Pattern: Shivaree Throw

Designer: Berroco Design Team

Craft: Knitting

Project Type: Throw / Home

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Size: Approximately 48 × 60 inches

Suggested Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Yarn Required: 13 hanks

Main Needle: US 8 / 5 mm circular needle

Notions: Cable needle

Main Textures: Braided cables and double seed stitch

Current Availability: Free official Berroco pattern

About the Shivaree Throw

Shivaree is a generously sized knitted throw built around a repeating combination of braided cables and double seed stitch.

The cables create strong vertical lines across the blanket, while the surrounding textured stitch provides contrast and helps the cable motifs stand out.

Unlike a blanket assembled from individual squares, Shivaree is worked as one large piece. This creates a continuous pattern across the entire throw and avoids the need to join multiple knitted blocks afterward.

Finished Size

Berroco gives the finished dimensions as approximately:

48 inches wide × 60 inches long

That makes Shivaree large enough to work as a substantial sofa throw or an extra layer for a bed or reading chair.

Berroco Ultra Alpaca

The original design uses Berroco Ultra Alpaca.

The official pattern calls for:

13 hanks of Berroco Ultra Alpaca

The photographed Berroco version was made in the colour Sweet Potato #6229.

If you substitute another yarn, matching the original gauge and creating a fabric with good cable definition are more important than simply choosing a similar colour.

Needles and Equipment

Berroco specifies a:

29-inch US 8 / 5 mm circular knitting needle

The circular needle is used to comfortably hold the large number of stitches in the blanket; the throw itself is worked flat rather than joined in the round.

You will also need a cable needle for the braided cable pattern.

Gauge

Because Shivaree combines two different textures, Berroco provides gauge information for both.

For the double seed stitch section:

20 stitches × 28 rows = 4 inches

For the cable pattern:

13 stitches = 2 inches and 28 rows = 4 inches

These measurements are based on the US 8 / 5 mm needle.

Berroco specifically recommends checking gauge before beginning. With a project this large, even a modest gauge difference can affect both the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn required.

Braided Cable Design

The cables are the visual centerpiece of Shivaree.

Rather than using a single simple rope cable, the pattern creates a more elaborate braided effect through a repeating cable sequence.

Each cable section is worked over 13 stitches, with the cable pattern repeating over eight rows.

The official Berroco pattern provides the complete cable instructions and stitch glossary, including the required front- and back-crossing techniques.

Double Seed Stitch Texture

Between the braided cables is a textured stitch pattern that Berroco identifies as Double Seed Stitch.

This creates a small-scale knit-and-purl texture that contrasts nicely with the larger flowing cable motifs.

The combination is particularly effective because the quieter background texture allows the braided cables to remain the dominant feature.

How the Throw Is Constructed

Shivaree is worked flat on a circular needle.

The pattern begins with a large cast-on and establishes alternating sections of double seed stitch and cable motifs across the row.

Once the stitch patterns are established, the knitter continues the repeating textures until the piece reaches the required length.

Use Berroco's original pattern for the exact cast-on count, cable crossings, stitch sequence and row-by-row instructions.

Why Use a Circular Needle for a Flat Blanket?

A circular needle does not necessarily mean a project is knitted in the round.

Large blankets can contain hundreds of stitches, making conventional straight needles uncomfortable or impractical. A circular needle allows the flexible cable between the needle tips to support much of the weight of the project.

You simply turn the work at the end of each row and knit back and forth as you would with straight needles.

Skill Level

Berroco classifies Shivaree as an Intermediate knitting pattern.

Useful skills include:

• Casting on a large number of stitches
• Knitting and purling
• Following repeating stitch patterns
• Working with a cable needle
• Crossing cable stitches to the front and back
• Maintaining several pattern sections across a long row
• Checking gauge
• Binding off evenly
• Blocking a large knitted project

A Good Project for Learning Cable Rhythm

Although Shivaree is not a small project, repeating cable designs can become easier to follow once their rhythm becomes familiar.

Stitch markers placed between major pattern sections may also help you notice mistakes earlier instead of discovering them several rows later.

If you are relatively new to cables, consider practicing the cable motif with spare yarn before casting on the full blanket.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

When substituting yarn for a cable blanket, look beyond yarn weight alone.

A yarn with good stitch definition can make the braided structure easier to see. Very fuzzy yarns may soften the appearance of the cables, while a smoother yarn can emphasize every crossing.

Also consider durability, warmth and washing requirements. A throw may receive considerably more everyday use than a decorative shawl or occasional garment.

Is Shivaree Throw Still Free?

Yes. Shivaree Throw remains available as a free knitting pattern directly from Berroco.

This is the best source to use because it comes from the company and design team responsible for the original pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Berroco's copyrighted row-by-row pattern instructions. Instead, we provide project information and direct knitters to the legitimate original source.

Get the Free Shivaree Throw Pattern

Berroco currently provides the complete free pattern on its official website.

Get the Free Shivaree Throw Pattern →

More Free Knitted Blankets

If you enjoy textured throws and cable knitting, continue exploring the Amazing Knitting archive for more free blanket patterns.

Explore Free Blanket Knitting Patterns →

You can also browse cable knit blankets, free knitted throws, and seed stitch blankets.

Before You Start

Download or open the current Berroco pattern first, then make a gauge swatch that includes the relevant textured stitches.

Because this is a large project using 13 hanks in the original version, make sure you have enough yarn before casting on. If possible, purchase the yarn for the complete blanket at the same time to reduce the chance of noticeable dye-lot differences.

Pattern credit: Shivaree Throw was designed by the Berroco Design Team. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to sonomahead. The knitting pattern remains the property of its respective rights holder. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Berroco's copyrighted row-by-row instructions.

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.

Baby Honeycomb Pattern - Tutorial

Photos above ©  Knitting Knife Crochet Paradise

Baby Honeycomb Stitch is a beautifully textured knitting pattern that creates a repeating surface inspired by small honeycomb cells.

It is especially attractive for baby blankets, cardigans, scarves and other projects where you want more depth and interest than plain stockinette or garter stitch.

This guide will help you understand the look of the stitch, how to practice it successfully, where it works best, and what to watch for before using it in a larger project.

The original Amazing Knitting post was inspired by a video tutorial from Knitting Knife Crochet Paradise. Rather than reproducing another creator's full instructions here, this updated page focuses on helping you understand and use the honeycomb texture with confidence.

About This Tutorial

This page is an Amazing Knitting educational guide to the Baby Honeycomb texture. It does not reproduce the complete instructions from the original video source.

Baby Honeycomb Stitch at a Glance

Type: Textured knitting stitch

Appearance: Repeating honeycomb / cell-like texture

Best For: Baby blankets, sweaters, cardigans, scarves and accessories

Fabric Character: Raised and dimensional

Recommended First Step: Practice on a swatch

Page Type: Educational stitch guide

What Does a Honeycomb Knitting Pattern Look Like?

Honeycomb knitting patterns use repeating stitches to create raised sections that resemble the cells of a honeycomb.

Depending on the exact technique, the shapes may appear as small hexagons, diamonds or softly rounded cells.

What makes the texture attractive is the combination of recessed and raised areas. Light catches the surface differently across the fabric, giving even a single-color yarn much more visual depth.

Why It Works So Well for Baby Knits

Textured stitches are especially popular in baby knitting because they can make a simple project feel special without relying on complicated colorwork.

A honeycomb texture can be used to add interest to:

• Baby blankets
• Cardigans
• Pullovers
• Hats
• Scarves
• Blanket borders
• Decorative panels

Even a narrow section of honeycomb texture can become the focal point of an otherwise simple garment.

Start with a Swatch

Before using any textured stitch in a large project, make a generous practice swatch.

This is particularly useful with honeycomb patterns because the texture can change the width and elasticity of the fabric compared with plain stockinette.

A swatch lets you check:

• Whether you like the texture in your chosen yarn
• How much the fabric contracts
• Whether the stitch definition is clear
• How the fabric behaves after washing
• Whether your needle size gives the drape you want

Choose Yarn with Good Stitch Definition

Honeycomb textures tend to look best when the individual stitches remain easy to see.

Very fuzzy yarn can soften the raised structure and make the honeycomb effect less obvious.

Smooth yarns often show the pattern particularly well, although the best choice depends on the project you plan to make.

Solid Colors Can Show the Texture Beautifully

You do not need complicated color changes to make this stitch interesting.

A single solid or lightly heathered shade often allows the raised honeycomb structure to stand out more clearly than a highly variegated yarn.

Soft cream, gray, pastel blue, blush, sage and warm neutral shades can all work beautifully for baby projects.

Watch Your Tension

Textured stitches can expose differences in tension more clearly than basic garter stitch.

Try to keep your working yarn relaxed and consistent throughout the repeat.

If some honeycomb cells look noticeably tighter or larger than others, check whether you are pulling certain stitches more firmly than the rest.

Do Not Judge the Texture Too Early

Many dimensional knitting stitches look slightly uneven during the first few rows.

Give the pattern enough vertical repeats to develop before deciding whether the stitch is working correctly.

The honeycomb effect often becomes much easier to recognize after several complete repeats.

Use a Light-Colored Practice Yarn

If you are learning the technique for the first time, a medium or light solid color makes it easier to see where each stitch belongs.

Very dark yarn can make the structure harder to read, particularly when you are trying to identify mistakes.

Count Your Stitches Regularly

Textured patterns often depend on maintaining an exact stitch repeat.

If you accidentally add or lose a stitch, the honeycomb cells can begin to shift out of alignment.

Count the stitches at the end of a repeat section rather than waiting until the fabric looks obviously wrong.

Use Stitch Markers for Wide Projects

If you adapt the stitch for a wide baby blanket, markers can help divide the row into smaller repeat sections.

That makes it easier to identify exactly where a mistake occurred instead of recounting an entire blanket-width row.

Honeycomb as an All-Over Pattern

One way to use the texture is across an entire project.

An all-over honeycomb baby blanket can look rich and detailed even when knitted in only one color.

If you choose this approach, consider adding a simpler border so the textured center remains the main visual feature.

Honeycomb as a Decorative Panel

You can also use the texture more selectively.

A central honeycomb panel surrounded by stockinette or garter stitch can add interest without making the whole project heavily textured.

This approach works particularly well on sweaters and cardigans.

Using Honeycomb in a Baby Blanket

If you want to design a simple blanket around a honeycomb stitch, begin by deciding the finished width and making a swatch.

Measure how many stitches your swatch produces per inch or centimeter, then use that measurement to estimate the number of repeats needed for your blanket.

Add border stitches separately if you want a garter, seed-stitch or ribbed frame.

Remember That Texture Changes Gauge

Do not assume the gauge from stockinette will be the same in the honeycomb pattern.

Raised and crossed structures can pull the fabric inward, sometimes producing a narrower piece than expected.

Measure the actual textured swatch rather than using the yarn-label gauge alone.

Blocking the Honeycomb Texture

Blocking can help even out the fabric after knitting, but avoid stretching the piece so aggressively that you flatten the texture.

The goal is to relax the stitches and straighten the edges while preserving the raised honeycomb structure.

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

Choosing Yarn for Baby Projects

If you plan to use the honeycomb stitch for a baby item, consider the practical qualities of the yarn as well as its appearance.

• Soft against sensitive skin
• Easy to wash
• Durable enough for repeated use
• Good stitch definition
• Comfortable drape
• Suitable care instructions for the recipient

Simple Borders Pair Well with Honeycomb

Because the center texture already provides plenty of visual detail, simple borders often work best.

Garter stitch, seed stitch or a basic rib can frame the honeycomb without competing with it.

Common Problems to Watch For

If your honeycomb fabric does not look as expected, check these common causes:

• A missed stitch in the repeat
• Uneven tension
• Beginning the next repeat in the wrong place
• Working the wrong-side row incorrectly
• Losing track of the row number
• Using yarn that hides too much stitch definition

Keep Track of Rows

A row counter or simple paper checklist can be extremely helpful.

Textured stitch patterns usually become easy once the rhythm is familiar, but losing your place halfway through a repeat is one of the easiest ways to distort the pattern.

Is Baby Honeycomb a Specific Garment Pattern?

No. The original Amazing Knitting page is best understood as a stitch tutorial, not as a complete baby sweater or blanket pattern with fixed sizing and yardage.

That is actually useful because the stitch can be adapted to many different knitting projects.

Looking for a Complete Baby Project?

If you like textured knitting but would rather follow a complete published baby pattern with established sizing and yarn requirements, these free patterns already verified in the Amazing Knitting archive are good places to continue:

• Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket - Free Pattern
• French Macaroon Baby Sweater - Free Pattern
• Fuss Free Baby Cardigan - Free Pattern
• Seed Stitch Baby Jacket - Free Pattern

Explore More Knitting Stitches

If stitch patterns are what brought you here, continue exploring Amazing Knitting:

• Twisted Rib Stitch Tutorial
• Knitting Stitch Tutorials
• Textured Knitting Stitches
• Baby Knitting Patterns

Before You Use This Stitch in a Project

Knit a swatch first and allow several complete repeats to develop.

Measure the fabric in the actual honeycomb texture rather than relying on stockinette gauge, and wash or block the swatch the same way you plan to treat the finished project.

Once you are happy with the stitch definition, drape and dimensions, you can confidently adapt the texture to a blanket, scarf, cardigan panel or another project of your choice.

Source note: The original 2019 Amazing Knitting post credited its reference image and video inspiration to Knitting Knife Crochet Paradise. This updated Amazing Knitting article is an independent educational guide and does not reproduce another creator's complete video 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.