Welcome a new arrival with this cuddly intarsia baby blanket by Monica Russel, taken from Simply Knitting issue 187. The intarsia colourwork technique is used to create big blocks of colour, and Monica's design, with its easy-to-follow geometric shapes and memorable pattern, is a great chance to try it out.
If you haven't encountered this method before, read our guide to intarsia knitting before you begin. Take the time to wind your bobbins at the start, so you don't get in a tangle, and remember to twist the different coloured yarns together to prevent holes appearing at the joins.
This baby blanket knitting pattern uses two basic stitches, with garter stitch borders around blocks of stocking stitch. Garter stitch is excellent at preventing fabrics from curling up at the edges, and helps your finished knit to lie flat. It also adds some lovely texture to the blanket – all the better for baby to snuggle up in!
To knit this baby blanket you will need:
- Sirdar Supersoft Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/236m), 2 balls of each: Yarn A Denim (870), Yarn B White (830), Yarn C Pretty Blue (844)
- Buy this yarn at The Knitting Network
- A pair of 5mm knitting needles
- Read our round-up of the best knitting needles
- 9 wool bobbins
Baby blanket knitting pattern
Tension
17 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm over st st using 5mm needles
Measurements
The finished baby blanket measures 81x120cm
Baby blanket
See our complete guide to knitting abbreviations for the terms used in this pattern.
Note Intarsia technique is used. Use bobbins to hold yarn for the garter stitch borders, edgings and the striped parts of the pattern.
Cast on 167 sts using 5mm needles and Yarn A.
Work in garter stitch for 10 rows.
Row 11 K7A, K25B, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25B, K7A.
Row 12 K7A, P25B, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25B, K7A.
Row 13 K7A, K25B, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25B, K7A.
Row 14 K7A, P25B, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25B, K7A.
Row 15 K7A, K25C, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25C, K7A.
Row 16 K7A, P25C, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25C, K7A.
Row 17 K7A, K25C, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25C, K7A.
Row 18 K7A, P25C, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25C, K7A.
Repeat Rows 11 to 18 three more times.
Rows 43 to 52 Knit using Yarn A.
Row 53 K7A, K25C, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25C, K7A, K25C, K7A.
Row 54 K7A, P25C, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25C, K7A, P25C, K7A.
Row 55 K7A, K25C, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25B, K7A, K25C, K7A.
Row 56 K7A, P25C, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25B, K7A, P25C, K7A.
Repeat Rows 53 to 56 seven more times.
Repeat the last 84 rows once more and then Rows 1 to 42 again.
Cut off Yarns B and C.
Knit 10 rows using Yarn A.
Cast off.
Finish your baby blanket
Sew in all loose ends. Block, following any care instructions on the ball band.
Download the baby blanket pattern
We also have this knitted blanket pattern available as a PDF.
Baby Blanket knitting pattern PDF
More knits for babies
Cast on one of our free baby knitting patterns and welcome a newborn with a special handmade gift. Try our Matinee coat pattern or knit for a super-tiny baby with our premature baby knitting pattern. You can also learn How to knit baby booties or cast on Animal baby hats or knit a baby sunhat to keep them cosy or cool, depending on the season.
