Basic Garter Stitch Baby Blanket

(Note on Chevron Request)

Skill Level: Beginner

Note: This is a simple garter stitch pattern. For basic knit chevron and other complex stitch patterns, request an intermediate or advanced difficulty blanket for full stitch pattern support with charts and detailed instructions.

A soft, squishy all-garter-stitch baby blanket in a standard 30 x 36 inch size. Perfect first project—knit every row. Optional simple border included.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (CYC #4), approx. 900–1000 yards (820–915 m). Soft acrylic, cotton, or washable wool blend recommended.
• US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (32" / 80 cm circular comfortable for the width)
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends
• Scissors
• Optional: stitch markers, blocking mats/pins

Gauge

18 stitches and 36 rows = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch (knit every row), after blocking.

Check your gauge. Swatch at least 6 x 6" (15 x 15 cm), wash/block as you will the finished blanket, and measure center 4". Adjust needle size if needed to match gauge.

Finished Size

30" wide x 36" long (76 x 91.5 cm), after blocking.

Abbreviations (US)

• k: knit
• st(s): stitch(es)
• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Notes

• Blanket is worked flat in garter stitch (knit every row). Both sides look the same.
• For neat edges, slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with yarn in front, then bring yarn back to knit the rest of the row (optional but recommended).
• Inline validation examples appear as (calculation ✓).

Instructions

Cast On

Using long-tail (or preferred) method, CO 135 sts. (135 sts ÷ 4.5 sts per inch = 30" width ✓)

Body

Row 1 (RS): Knit all sts. Row 2 (WS): Knit all sts. Repeat Rows 1–2 (i.e., knit every row) until piece measures 36" (91.5 cm) from cast-on edge, or approximately 324 rows total. (36" × 9 rows per inch = 324 rows ✓)

End after a WS row so RS faces for bind-off if desired (garter is reversible).

Bind Off

BO all sts knitwise. Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail, and pull through final loop to secure.

Optional Simple Border (Applied After)

If you prefer a framed look:

1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 135 sts along cast-on edge.
2. Knit 6 rows (3 garter ridges). BO knitwise.
3. Repeat for bind-off edge.
4. For side edges: pick up approx. 162 sts along each long side (roughly 9 sts per 2" / 5 cm). Knit 6 rows. BO knitwise. Weave in ends as you go. This adds ~1" (2.5 cm) total to each dimension; block to final measurements if needed.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely with tapestry needle on WS.
2. Block gently: soak in lukewarm water with mild wool wash if using natural fiber, roll in towel to remove excess water, pin to 30 x 36" (76 x 91.5 cm) measurements on blocking mats, and allow to dry fully. For acrylic, steam-block carefully or wet-block per yarn label.
3. Check dimensions after blocking and adjust pins if needed for true rectangle.

Care

Follow yarn label. Most worsted baby yarns are machine-wash gentle, tumble low or lay flat to dry.

Enjoy your handmade garter stitch baby blanket!