Things You'll Need
3 150-yard skeins chunky weight yarn, in 3 different colors
US 11 12-inch straight needles
Scissors
Yarn needle
Baby blankets are an essential gift item. They are destined to be snuggled with, carried around, used as mini-tents, and treasured for generations to come. This pattern provides a beginner knitter with some new techniques, and is perfect for those who have been knitting squares and rectangles for a while, but want to try branching out a bit.
Step 1
This blanket requires 3 150-yard skeins, each in a different color. It's knit on large needles using chunky yarn, so it will go quickly for a blanket. Please see the last slide for an itemized list of tools and materials.
Step 2
Designate each of your three colors your Main Color, your Contrast Color 1, and Contrast Color 2.
Using Main Color, cast on 80 stitches.
Knit 6 rows.
Step 3
Cut Main Color, leaving a 6-inch tail. Attach Contrast Color 1.
*Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. Repeat from * 5 times more.
Step 4
Cut Contrast Color 1, leaving a 6-inch tail. Attach Contrast Color 2.
*Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. Repeat from * 2 times more.
Step 5
Cut Contrast Color 2, leaving a 6-inch tail. Attach Main Color.
*Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. Repeat from * 3 times more.
Step 6
Cut Main Color, leaving a 6-inch tail. Attach Contrast Color 2.
*Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. Repeat from * 2 times more.
Step 7
Repeat this stripe pattern from Step 3 through Step 6 twice more.
Cut Contrast Color 2, leaving a 6-inch tail. Attach Contrast Color 1.
*Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. Repeat from * 5 times more.
Step 8
Cut Contrast Color 1, leaving a 6-inch tail. Attach Main Color.
Knit 7 rows. Cast off all stitches.
Step 9
Turn the blanket sideways, with the knit side facing you. Pick up stitches along the side of the blanket by inserting the tip of your left-hand needle into the row between the first and second columns of stitches at the edge. Lift up a bar of yarn between that first and second stitch. Using your right-hand needle, knit the bar from the left-hand needle as if it were a stitch. Insert your left-hand needle into the next row down and pick up another bar. Using your right-hand needle, knit the bar from the left-hand needle. Continue picking up 70 stitches in this fashion along the length of the blanket until you reach the end.
Step 10
Knit 6 rows. Cast off all stitches.
Turn blanket so the opposite side is facing you, and pick up 70 more stitches on that side.
Knit 6 rows. Cast off all stitches.
Weave in ends using your yarn needle.
Tip
Once you're comfortable changing yarns, you can alter the stripe pattern however you like--get creative!