Instructions for Knitting & Blocking a Baby Blanket
You don’t have to wait until you’re expecting a child, or a grand child to knit a baby blanket. There are a number of charities, like Project Linus, that distribute baby blankets to needy mothers and infants. They also make wonderful donations to silent auctions or craft sales. Or you can make a few for a hope chest.
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Things You'll Need
- 900 to 1,000 yards of machine-washable worsted-weight yarn
- 24-inch circular needles, U.S. size 9
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Washing machine
- Tape measure
Instructions
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Knitting the Blanket
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1
Cast on five stitches, knit three stitches, yarn over, knit to the end. Turn the work. Repeat this row until one leg of the triangle is about 35 inches.
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2
Knit two stitches, knit two stitches together, yarn over, and knit to the end. Repeat this row until you have five stitches left.
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3
Bind off and use the tapestry needle to weave in the ends.
Blocking the Blanket
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4
Wash the blanket in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle and mild soap.
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5
Remove the blanket from the washing machine, and spread it out to dry on a flat surface. Use the tape measure to stretch the blanket to its finished size of 35 inches square.
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6
Let the blanket dry.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Gauge is not important for this project.
Choose a washable yarn for a baby blanket. Also consider cotton yarn as some infants may be allergic to wool. Acrylic yarn is easy care, but it is not flame retardant.
If you want a looser fabric, use a larger needle. A smaller needle will make a tighter fabric.
To make the blanket bigger, just keep increasing until one leg of the triangle is the size you want.
Be creative with this pattern. Change colors every few rows to make stripes. Garter stitch looks good in variegated yarn too.
References
- Photo Credit Alert little newborn baby girl on a white blanket. image by Lisa Eastman from Fotolia.com
