How to Knit a Baby Afghan

The gift of a baby afghan, whether for your own baby, family or friend can provide not only the practicality of warmth, privacy for a nursing mother, but a wonderful heirloom for a keepsake and to pass on to the next generation.The following pattern, appropriate for an intermediate level beginner or above, will make a baby afghan that measures approximately 35" by 42."

Things You'll Need

• Sport Weight Yarn
• 15 oz. Acrylic
• Size 5 Knitting Needles
• Size 6 Knitting Needles

Instructions

1. Gather all the materials indicated "things you'll need" section. Gauge how much material you truly need. 25 stitches = 4 1/4" 14 rows of shell panel repeat = 2" of the afghan

2. Make seven Shell Panels. See the tips section for exact meaning of the abbreviations if you are unfamiliar with these knitting terms and abbreviations.With larger needles, cast on 25 stitches.Row 1 (right sides): Knit (k) 3, purl (p) 4, k1, p4, k1, p4, k1, p4, k3.Row 2 and all even rows: Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they face you.Row 3: K2, yarn over (yo), k1, p2, p2 together (tog), k1, p4, k1, p4, k1, p 2 tog, p2, k1, yo, k2.Row 5: K3, yo, k1, p3, k1, p2, p 2 tog, k1, p2 tog, p2, k1, p3, k1, yo, k3.Row 7: K4, yo, k1, p1, p 2 tog, k1, p3, k1, p3, k1, p 2 tog, p1, k1, yo, k4.Row 9: K5, yo, k1 ,p2, k1, p1, p 2 tog, k1, p 2 tog, p1, k1, p2, k1, yo, k5.Row 11: K6, yo, k1, p 2 tog, k1, p2, k1, p2, k1, p 2 tog, k1, yo, k6.Row 13: K7, yo, k1, p1, k1, p 2 tog, k1, p 2 tog, k1, p1, k1, yo, k7.Row 14: repeat Row 2. Repeat Rows 1-14 for pattern until piece measures 40", end with a Row 14. Bind off.

3. Sew 7 panels together.

4. Lace EdgingWith smaller needles, cast on 9 stitches.Row 1 (right side): Slip (sl) 1, p2, yo, sl 1, k1, pass slip stitch over (psso), yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k2 -- 10 stitches (yarn over counts as a stitch.Row 2 and all Even Rows: purl.Row 3: Sl 1, p3, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k2 -- 11 stitches.Row 5: Sl 1, p4, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k2 -- 12 stitches.Row 7: Sl 1, p5, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k2 -- 13 stitches.Row 9: Sl 1, p6, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k2 -- 14 stitches.Row 11: Sl 1, p4, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, k1 --13 stitches.Row 13: Sl 1, p3, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, k1 -- 12 stitches.Row 15: Sl 1, p2, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, k1 -- 11 stitches.Row 17: Sl 1, p1, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, k1 -- 10 stitches.Row 19: Sl 2, k1,pass second slip stitch over, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, yo, k 2 tog, k1 -- 9 stitches.Row 20: Repeat Row 2. Repeat Rows 1 through 20 for pattern until piece measures length to fit around 3 sides of blanket (about 3 yards), end with a Row 20.

5. Bind off.

6. Sew edging to 3 sides of blanket, easing in edging to lay flat at corners.

Tips & Warnings

• K = knit

• P = purl

• Yo = yarn over: wrap the yarn around right needle

• sl aka s = slip a stitch. Slip the stitch purl-wise....Unless you are decreasing: then, slip it knit-wise on the knit rows, and purl-wise on the purl rows. (According to Vogue Knitting)

• psso = pass the slipped stitch over (as in slip 1, knit 1, psso)

• Never leave needs lying around the house. Someone could get hurt if you do!

Resources

• Knitting Help site