Knitting baby blanket?
Monday, August 30th, 2010 at
10:52 pm
I am a beginning knitter. I have done some scarves and decided to knit a baby blanket as a gift for soon to be parents in the family. I have already checked out lionbrand.com and some of the usual pattern websites and can’t find anything that jumps out at me. If you know of any sites that may be of some help I’d appreciate it. Also, which do you think is easier, knitting the blanket on straight needles or circular? Thanks!!!!
Filed under: Baby Clothes
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Definatly on circular needles. I have a lot of younger cousins and I’ve made each one a blanket. What I usually do is garter (just knitting) stitch border around the edge so first knit like 4" in garter. then I make the center either ribbed (k2 p2) or stockinet(k a row, p a row) while continuing the garter stitch around the edge. I then knit another 4" and then cast-off. If you take your blanket to a fabric store, you can have them put a satin over the garter stitch so the baby can chew on the blanket but still have it be soft.
I suggest Debbie Bliss Cashmerino because it’s chunky (meaning you knit less) and it’s machine washable.
Def on circs, straight needles aren’t long enough and you’ll end up having to make it pieces and then sewing it together.
Bernat.com has some nice free knit patterns for blankets. You have to become a member, but it’s free.
Adding: For blankets I prefer to crochet them, there are nicer patterns and crochet doesn’t take as long as knitting.
I would just keep searching the internet for good patterns. I found a pattern from Lion Brand called the Blue Lagoon Blanket. I chose my own colors. Actually, I used that pattern as a launching point and made my own blanket. I did a random amount of rows for each color to make stripes. It turned out very cute. Also, for a blanket I decided to use circular needles. It was really nice not to have all that weight on the needles when trying to knit.
Good luck.
I found circular needles a bit daunting. I used longer length needles. I scrolled the internet for sizing and stitch numbers try http://www.FreeKnittingLibrary.org, and just changed the design of the pattern to suit my needs. Just combining knitting and purling looks great, then spruce up with silk roses/ bows or lace edging.
I also pinched the designs from cardigans, matineecoats and dresses and used them.
My favorite place for patterns is to go to Bev’s Country Cottage. She has both knit and Crochet and most have pictures. I would definately use circular needles to handle the bulk. Also you can’t drop a needle…lol