Where the Wild Things Are Baby Blanket

Garter Stitch Baby Blanket

Skill Level: Beginner

Finished Size: 30 in wide × 36 in long (76 cm × 91.5 cm), after light blocking

Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4) yarn, approximately 900–1000 yd (823–914 m) total
Suggested palette inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are:

• MC (Main Color): Deep Forest Green – 500 yd (457 m)
• CC1: Midnight Blue – 250 yd (229 m)
• CC2: Soft Gold or Mustard – 150 yd (137 m)
  (Any worsted yarn with similar yardage works; solid or lightly heathered colors photograph beautifully.)

Gauge: 18 stitches and 36 rows (18 ridges) = 4 in (10 cm) in garter stitch, blocked
Take time to check gauge. Adjust needle size if needed to obtain gauge.

Needles: US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
(Circular needle 24–32 in / 60–80 cm recommended for comfort with the full width.)

Notions:

• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Optional: locking stitch markers to mark border stitches or stripe changes

Abbreviations (US):
k – knit
CO – cast on
BO – bind off
st(s) – stitch(es)
MC – main color
CC – contrasting color
RS – right side
WS – wrong side

Notes

• This is a simple garter stitch pattern (knit every row). For complex stitch patterns such as cables, lace, or pictorial motifs, request an intermediate or advanced difficulty blanket for full stitch pattern support with charts and detailed instructions.
• Garter stitch creates a squishy, reversible fabric that lies flat—perfect for a baby blanket.
• The “wild rumpus” look is achieved with easy color-block stripes. Feel free to rearrange stripe widths or keep the blanket solid in MC for maximum simplicity.
• Carry yarn loosely up the side when changing colors every few rows, or cut and weave in ends for cleaner edges.
• All measurements are given in inches first, with metric approximations in parentheses.

Pattern Instructions

Cast On
With MC, CO 135 sts.
(Validation: 135 sts ÷ 4.5 sts per in = 30 in width ✓)

Border (optional but recommended)
Rows 1–10: Knit every row (5 garter ridges).

Body
Continue in garter stitch (knit every row) following one of the two color plans below, or work solid MC for the entire blanket.

Color Plan A – Classic Wild Things (recommended)

• Work 80 rows MC (Deep Forest Green).
• Work 20 rows CC1 (Midnight Blue).
• Work 12 rows CC2 (Soft Gold).
• Work 20 rows CC1.
• Work 80 rows MC.
• Work 20 rows CC1.
• Work 12 rows CC2.
• Work 20 rows CC1.
• Work remaining rows in MC until piece measures approximately 34 in (86 cm) from cast-on edge (about 306 rows total from cast-on, including border).

Color Plan B – Simple Stripes
Alternate 20-row stripes of MC and CC1, inserting a 10-row CC2 stripe every 4th stripe, until length is reached.

Row count validation for 36 in total length:
36 in × 9 ridges per in = 324 rows total.
After optional 10-row border, work 314 more rows. Final border will bring total to 324 rows ✓.

Top Border (if using bottom border)
With MC (or color of choice), work 10 rows garter stitch.

Bind Off
BO all sts knitwise loosely.
(Tip: Use a needle one size larger for bind-off if your edge tends to pull in.)

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely on the WS using a tapestry needle. For baby items, weave ends in opposite directions or split the ply for extra security.
2. Block lightly: Soak in lukewarm water with mild wool wash, gently squeeze out water (do not wring), and lay flat on towels to measurements 30 × 36 in (76 × 91.5 cm). Pat into shape, aligning ridges. Allow to dry completely.
3. Optional: Add a simple single-crochet or blanket-stitch edging in CC2 for a finished look, or leave edges as-is—garter stitch is naturally tidy.

Care Instructions

Machine wash gentle cold or hand wash; lay flat to dry. Superwash yarns are ideal for baby items.

Designer Notes

This blanket is meant to be a cozy companion for little wild things everywhere—soft enough for snuggles, durable enough for everyday adventures. The garter ridges evoke gentle waves and forest textures from the story. Knit with love, and let the wild rumpus start!

© Pattern for personal use. Happy knitting!