purlJam

# Simple Garter Stitch Baby Blanket

A cosy, squishy baby blanket worked entirely in garter stitch (knit every row). This is an ideal first blanket project — there is nothing to count but rows, and garter stitch lies beautifully flat with naturally tidy edges. Worked in soft worsted-weight yarn, it makes a lovely handmade gift.

**Difficulty:** Beginner

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## Finished Measurements

- **Width:** approx. 76 cm (30 in)
- **Length:** approx. 91 cm (36 in)

Standard baby blanket size — generous enough for a pram, cot, or playmat.

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted-weight (Aran/medium, weight #4) yarn in your favourite colour.
  - Approx. **550–650 m (600–710 yds)** total — roughly **300–350 g**.
  - A soft, machine-washable acrylic, cotton, or wool-blend fibre is ideal for babies.
- **Needles:** 4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7) straight or circular needles.
  - A long circular needle (60–80 cm) is recommended to comfortably hold all the stitches — you still work back and forth, not in the round.
- **Notions:** Tapestry/yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

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## Tension (Gauge)

**18 sts and 36 rows = 10 cm (4 in)** in garter stitch on 4.5 mm needles.

*Tension check:* Cast on about 22 stitches and knit roughly 40 rows to make a swatch. Measure the centre 10 cm. If you have too few stitches per 10 cm, try a smaller needle; too many, try a larger needle. Tension on a blanket is forgiving — a slight difference simply makes the blanket a little larger or smaller.

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## Abbreviations

- **k** – knit
- **st(s)** – stitch(es)
- **RS** – right side
- **WS** – wrong side

*(In garter stitch both sides look the same, so there is no "wrong" side to worry about.)*

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## Pattern Notes

- The entire blanket is **knit on every row** — this is what creates garter stitch.
- Garter stitch forms its own neat, non-curling border, so no separate edging is required. If you would like a slightly firmer edge, simply work the first and last stitch of every row a touch more snugly.
- Count your stitches occasionally to make sure you still have **137 sts** on the needle.

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## Instructions

### Cast On

Using 4.5 mm needles, **cast on 137 sts.**

*Maths check: 137 sts ÷ 18 sts per 10 cm × 10 = 76.1 cm wide ✓ (target 76 cm / 30 in).*

### Body

**Every row:** Knit all sts to the end. (137 sts)

Repeat this single row until the blanket measures **91 cm (36 in)** from the cast-on edge, ending after a completed row.

*Maths check: 91 cm requires approx. 328 rows (328 ÷ 36 rows per 10 cm × 10 = 91.1 cm ✓). You do not need to count every row — simply measure with a tape measure as you go and stop when you reach the length you want.*

### Cast Off

Knit-wise, cast off all 137 sts loosely. A loose cast-off keeps the top edge as relaxed and stretchy as the rest of the blanket. If your cast-off tends to be tight, use a needle one size larger (5 mm) for this step only.

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## Finishing

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 15 cm.
2. Using the tapestry needle, weave each end securely into the garter ridges on the back, working over several stitches. Trim neatly.
3. **Optional blocking:** Gently steam or wet-block the blanket to even out the stitches. Lay flat to the finished measurements (76 × 91 cm) and allow to dry fully. For acrylic yarns, use a cool steam held just above the fabric — do not press a hot iron directly onto acrylic.

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## Optional Simple Border

Garter stitch already gives a tidy edge, but if you'd like a contrast frame, you can pick up and knit stitches around the outer edge in a second colour and work 4–6 rounds/rows of garter stitch, casting off loosely. This is entirely optional and not required for a complete, finished blanket.

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## Tips for Success

- **Stitch markers** placed every 20 stitches across the cast-on can help you keep count, then be removed after the first few rows.
- **Even tension:** Garter stitch is very forgiving — relax and enjoy the rhythm of knitting every row.
- **Joining a new ball:** Join at the start of a row rather than mid-row for the neatest result, leaving tails to weave in later.

Enjoy making your blanket — happy knitting!