How to Knit a Baby Blanket

Got a baby on the way? Or maybe you just want to give away something more personal at your friends baby shower. This blanket is a great first project for the novice knitter and will make a great gift as well. There is no gauge to measure because the finished size is flexible--approximately 36 inches by 34 inches.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Knitting Needle Point Protectors
• Knitting Stitch Markers
• Knitting Baskets
• Size 10-11 Knitting Needles
• Yarns

1. Choose yarn in soft, pastel colors. At least 12 oz. of a light- to medium-weight acrylic yarn will work nicely.

2. Make sure you have size 10 and size 11 knitting needles on hand. Knit one or two practice squares and see which size gives you the look you want.

3. Have some knitting stitch markers on hand as well.

4. Cast on 120 stitches (see "How to Cast On in Knitting" in the Related eHows) and knit 10 rows to make the border of the blanket. See "How to Make a Knit Stitch" and "How to Knit Basic Stitches" for instructions.

5. Do the next rows 1 to 10 in this manner (K stands for knit, P for purl): Row 1: K7, then place a marker here to designate the side border, P to the last 7 stitches, place another marker, then K7. Row 2: K. Row 3: K7, P to marker, place another marker, K7. Row 4: K. Row 5: Same as Row 3 (K7, P to marker, place another marker, K7). Rows 6 to 10: K.

6. Repeat Step 5 a total of 14 times, but end with Row 5. Knit 10 rows as you did in Step 4 and then cast off your knitting. See "How to Cast Off in Knitting" for instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase more than 12 oz. of yarn if you want a larger blanket. Extra yarn is also helpful in case you make a mistake.

• Since K stands for knit, K7 means to make 7 knit stitches. P means purl, and the purl stitch should be made when you see this symbol (see "How to Purl").