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# Beginner Garter Stitch Baby Blanket

This simple garter stitch baby blanket is perfect for your first knitting project! The texture is cozy, and the all-garter stitch fabric creates a lovely, non-rolling edge without needing a separate border.

**Difficulty:** Beginner

**Finished Measurements:**
Approximately 30 inches (76 cm) wide x 36 inches (91.5 cm) long

**Yarn:**
Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn, approximately 900-1000 yards (823-914 meters).
*Recommended: A soft, machine-washable acrylic or wool blend for easy care.*

**Needles:**
US 8 / 5 mm 32-inch (80 cm) or longer circular knitting needle.
*(A circular needle is recommended to accommodate the large number of stitches, even though the blanket is worked flat.)*

**Gauge:**
4 stitches and 8 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Garter Stitch, after blocking.
*It's very important to check your gauge! If your gauge is different, your blanket will be a different size and you may run out of yarn or need more.*

**Abbreviations:**
*   **k** = knit
*   **sts** = stitches
*   **** = repeat instructions between asterisks

**Notes:**
*   This pattern is worked entirely in garter stitch, meaning you will knit every row.
*   The garter stitch fabric is reversible, making both sides of your blanket look beautiful.

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### **Instructions**

**Cast On:**
Using the long-tail cast-on method (or your preferred cast-on method), cast on 120 stitches.
*(Calculation check: 120 sts / 4 sts per inch = 30 inches wide)*

**Body:**
**Row 1:** K all sts.
Repeat Row 1 until your blanket measures approximately 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the cast-on edge, or your desired length.
*(Calculation check: 36 inches * 8 rows per inch = 288 rows)*

**Bind Off:**
Bind off all stitches loosely in pattern (knitwise).
*Tip: Binding off loosely will prevent the edge from being too tight and pulling in.*

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### **Finishing**

1.  Weave in any loose ends securely using a yarn needle.
2.  Gently block your blanket to the finished dimensions (30 x 36 inches / 76 x 91.5 cm). This will help even out your stitches and give the blanket a professional finish. For acrylic yarn, steam blocking is recommended; for wool, wet blocking. Follow yarn label instructions for care.

**Care Instructions:**
Refer to your yarn's ball band for specific washing and drying instructions. Most acrylic baby blankets can be machine washed and tumble dried on low.