Knitting a baby blanket for newborns: choosing yarn, step-by-step instructions

Moms who know how to knit, create original, unique things for children. Stroller, crib, walk, check-out, nap - a hand-knitted blanket will come in handy everywhere. This article will tell you what size it is made and how to choose threads, introduce you to simple patterns and patterns, and offer a master class on making it.

How to choose yarn for a knitted baby blanket

For children they choose everything natural. Cotton - does not cause allergies, breathes. It is easy to care for, but the product is quite heavy for a baby. Usually, mixed yarn is selected with the addition of bamboo or silk. Wool and mohair retain heat and remove excess moisture from the body, but can cause allergies and itching. Long lint gets into the mouth and nose. The thing loses its shape and stretches. Synthetic additives to them provide elasticity, lightness and retain heat. Acrylic is a bright, durable artificial material that can be added to natural fibers or used separately.

The inscription “children’s” is characterized by a mixed composition and undergone special heat treatment. The item will be distinguished by its softness, lightness, and cheerful shades. Recommendations for selection:

summer model – cotton and acrylic are present in equal proportions;
off-season - any wool and the same amount of acrylic;
warm option - alpaca, acrylic, but alpaca is twice as large.

The addition of synthetics increases strength, ensures the disappearance of deformation, and allows you to paint in bright colors. The item lasts longer, despite frequent washing.

Decoration

The last stage of creating a colorful and exclusive bedspread or blanket is its decor. Without it, the product will look too simple and uncomfortable. With unusual decorative elements, on the contrary, the model will become truly royal.

Decoration options:

Brushes at the corners of the same material
Fringe around the perimeter
Lace ruffles around the perimeter
Huge rhinestones with a diameter of 5-8 cm
Pompoms on canvas

Another unusual and non-standard decoration: yarn pompoms with lavender bags sewn into them. Such decor will be not only visual, but also aromatic. The aroma of lavender will create a wonderful relaxing atmosphere and calm any child. And such a blanket will relieve an elderly person from insomnia and anxiety.

It is not necessary to iron plush, since this material does not wrinkle and perfectly restores its original shape after washing.

What sizes are blankets for newborns?

The size of the product depends on its use; it is often prepared for a special event - for discharge to the maternity hospital. Children's height is about 55 cm, add 10-20 cm - you get the necessary data. The child is growing quickly, but for some time the blanket will serve as a blanket in the crib or on a walk. To extend its use, increase the sides to 90 cm.

Important! A simple blanket in the stroller covers the child, does not stick out or drag on the ground.

The basis is the size of a suitable diaper for a baby - a 75 cm square or a 90x75-80 cm rectangle. For winter, they make a larger one - 90x120 cm, to make it more convenient to wrap the baby.

Bedspread lining

To make the bedspread really warm, you can reinforce it with a lining. For lining, experts recommend:

cotton fleece or Italian anti-pilling fleece, which is highly wear-resistant;
good quality bike;
cotton jersey in interesting colors.

The purchased fabric needs to be washed and ironed so that it shrinks. Since you will have to sew on the lining manually, you need to fold and iron the fabric around the entire perimeter. Using a blind stitch, the lining is carefully sewn to the finished bedspread.

Knitting a baby blanket with patterns is a fun and useful activity. The baby will be warmed not only by the blanket, but also by your care.

Originally posted 2018-04-18 13:46:16.

The nuances of calculating the amount of yarn for knitting

In popular magazines on needlework, all the necessary information is indicated next to the model: weight, fiber thickness, tool number, density per 10 cm. Choosing another model - you will need to carry out this calculation yourself:

take similar fiber from your supplies or buy 1 skein;
knit a 10 cm square;
wash;
dry;
dissolve the sample;
measure length;
count how many such squares will fit in the area;
multiply the resulting number by the length of the thread;
add a margin of 10-20% - the calculation has been completed.

Important! The label from the skein is kept until the end of the work - it will help to buy an additional skein if the calculation is carried out incorrectly.

Approximate weight for a baby blanket with knitting needles: newborn – 700 g, stroller – from 500 g, crib – 800 g or more. The consumption depends on the chosen motif: “braids” will require additional thread consumption, an openwork , loose version will require less.

Note! Loose knitting looks good with fluffy yarn.

To summarize the above

It would be a stretch to call such knitting difficult. At the same time, the resulting plush products, be it a blanket or even a simple scarf, come out very warm and, probably, cozy. You can't even say it any other way. It feels like you are falling into a soft and familiar embrace. A huge plus is the ability to unravel the finished product and knit something new. Considering that the cost of a blanket knitted with your own hands without a hook and knitting needles will be two (or even more) times cheaper than purchasing a new one, many will probably no longer have doubts about the answer to the question of whether it is worth knitting on their own.

We really hope that the information presented in today’s article was not only interesting, but also useful to our dear reader. Any questions on the topic, if any, you can ask in the discussions below. The Homius editors will definitely answer each of them in as much detail as possible. Have you ever done similar knitting of blankets or scarves without using a hook and knitting needles? Write about it, we will be very interested to know how many craftsmen there are among our readers. Did you like the article? Then don't forget to rate what you read. Every opinion is important to us.

Popular patterns for children's blankets

A blanket is a flat canvas on which a pattern or alternation of fragments looks great. With lace rapport, there is no need to create large arches so that the baby does not get his fingers into them and does not get confused.

Most often, they take the most common pattern - a shadow surface, which is decorated with openwork patterns, volumetric elements on any theme, or decorated with a large fragment on the outside. An original knitted blanket for a newborn is made using sectional dyeing and melange.

Additional Information! Crossed loops (“braid”, “harness”) reduce the width of the item.

A thick plush blanket is created by choosing the simplest patterns. There are various patterns created by alternating the basic types of loops. An experienced master comes up with them himself.

What should you pay attention to?

When making a blanket for a child, you should take note of a few tips:

a product that is too voluminous is not always convenient for babies (you should not put animals and toys on the blanket, which will increase its weight);
Do not overload the blanket with an abundance of patterns and decoration: it is ugly and deprives the product of its beauty and sense of style;
embroidery on knitted fabric flattens the texture of the material;

You should not decorate the edges of the blanket with a thin thread for knitting napkins: the pattern will not be visible if it is not starched;
It is preferable to choose a symmetrical drawing of the model: this way it will look harmonious and complete;
a pattern made from remnants of yarn of different textures can disrupt the integrity of the fabric texture, which will affect the appearance of the blanket;
a small contrasting pattern provokes the appearance of ripples in the eyes: this will become an irritating factor and can cause a negative attitude towards the product.

To turn a thin fabric into a full-fledged blanket, you can make a textile lining (for example, fleece). By combining with the fabric, the blanket becomes warmer and can be used as a full-fledged blanket.

Patterns and descriptions of knitting according to them

A few simple motifs for knitted blankets for newborns:

"Chess" includes squares of any size. Consider 6x6:

alternation of 6 persons. 6 purl;
five rows - in accordance with the resulting image;
change in order - the type of loops is changed to the opposite;
six rows - according to the drawing;
change to the opposite type.

The required number of loops for the set is calculated using the control sample - an integer number of squares plus 2 edge loops.

“Polish elastic band” is great for kids: the number dialed is divided by 4, 2 loops are added. Scheme:

rapport – 2 persons. 2 purl;
odd rows - purl, repeat repeat;
even rows – sequential execution of rapport.

“Wave”: the number of loops is divided by 11 plus the additional two outer loops. Description:

odd - together two for the lower part, k3. Yarn over, knit, yarn over, knit 3, knit 2 together for the top;
even, 11 and 13 – purl. loops;
12 and 14 – facial loops.

Simple drawing. You need to cast on a number of stitches that is a multiple of 17 plus 2.

odd - knit, purl;
even - purl, knit three.

Advantages

Besides the fact that you can be proud of your work and envelop your child in your warmth, a blanket has a number of advantages:

Decorate your baby's resting place.
During a walk it will serve as a good shelter from the cold wind.
You can also use a blanket to make your child’s resting place softer. It is necessary to mark it between the mattress and the diaper.
Increasingly, mothers began to take blankets for their newborn babies at discharge. This is a very original and individual solution.
When your baby has grown up and needs more and more space, the blanket can be laid on the floor for a comfortable pastime while exploring new places.
There are a large number of different diagrams and descriptions, thanks to which even a novice needlewoman can cope.

How to knit a plain blanket for a newborn with your own hands: a step-by-step guide

To knit a plain baby blanket for newborns, a simple motif for a square of 80 cm will suit beginners. You will need 350 g.

It’s useful to know, read: – What ways can you wrap blankets as a gift?

Set of loops

You need to start with a set of 175 loops. The fiber is unwound from the skein, thrown over the index finger and thumb, forming a figure eight. Take both needles, insert them into the threads, make a loop and tighten it. The steps are repeated, after completing the set of loops, one needle is removed and the main part of the work begins.

Basics

The beginning consists of 10-11 rows - the edge, which is decorated using a scarf method. The first edge loop is done with a knit stitch, and the last one with a purl stitch. In the 10-11th row, yarn overs are formed, first after 11 loops, and then every 18 loops.

The first 7 and last 7 stitches are garter stitch. To design the canvas, a pattern of 24 rows in height is used:

1, 3, 9, 11,14, 16, 22, 24 – knit 9, purl 9, yarn over is knit crossed;
2, 4, 10, 12, 13, 15, 21, 23 – without double crochet, the progress is reversed;
5, 7, 17, 19 – k3, p3;
6, 8, 18, 20 – the previous version, the order of the loops is the opposite.

Having knitted the required height, reduce the width - connect two loops at a time: first after 11, and then every 18 loops. Garter knitting is similar to getting started.

Ending

The first and second loops are knitted separately, then holding the first with a needle and fabric, pull the second through it - one loop is formed from the two. The procedure is repeated along the entire length. The tip is carefully secured.

Read, it’s useful to know: – Descriptions and patterns of crocheting blankets for beginners.

Decoration

The finished product is washed, dried laid out on the surface, and given the correct shape. A dry bedspread is decorated by sewing ribbons or lace with a strong thread. Use a hook to decorate the outline along the edge.

Models for any age

For older people, you can use the large method and knitting elements. The thickness of the product can be denser and more voluminous.

Bedspread with braids and fringe

The pattern is simple to make - for a braid, type 6 L, and for a path between them - 6 I. Alternating motifs allows you to achieve a convex pattern and tight knitting. They knit 4 rows, intertwine the braids and knit another 4 rows. The alternation is repeated. The result is a voluminous and beautiful drawing.

Instead of embossed braids, choose a pattern. The back and front sides look equally beautiful. The size of the future product will be 121*161 cm. Cast on the knitting needles 144 P and knit in a pattern. At a height of 160 cm the hinges close. Knitting a blanket begins with alternating L and I. The first row is knitted 2 L and 2 I. Next, focus on the execution pattern. The third row is dialed 2 I, 2 L and repeat.

How to knit a colored blanket: master class

A colored blanket for a newborn can be knitted with knitting needles No. 5.5 from four skeins of 170 g each. Three stripes are made with the main pattern, and the edges and dividing stripes are made of pearl or rice. The blanket will turn out bright, cheerful, and festive. You will need four shades of yarn.

Step by step description:

cast on 129 loops;
six rows are knitted in “pearl” or rice, taking color No. 1: knit. purl;
Row 7 - like the sixth, four loops at the end - in reverse;
8-12, 14-18 rows – front;
Row 13 – repeat *K8. yarn over, cross two and knit*, at the end - 4 loops;
Row 19 – knit 4. repeat *yo, two crossed together, knit 6*, at the end knit 4. and five loops.
repeat from 8 to 19 twice;
repeat from 8-12;
separating “pearl” color No. 2;
lane No. 3 – as No. 1;
separating “pearl” color No. 2;
lane No. 4 – as No. 1;
6 rows “pearl” pattern;
closed in any way.

Note! The edge loop is first simply removed.

Peculiarities

With the birth of a child, a lot of new troubles appear in the lives of parents, so many manufacturers are coming up with ways to make their work easier, including by making blankets for different situations.

Let's take a closer look at the models of children's bedding that can be found on store shelves and online sites.

A regular blanket for a newborn. A classic square or rectangular bedspread that can be used as a blanket, bedding or sheet.
Envelope. This bedding is equipped with special fasteners (zippers, Velcro or buttons) that give the product the shape of an envelope. The model allows you to easily and quickly wrap your baby in a warm cloth - this allows parents to save energy and time.

A blanket envelope is great for leaving a maternity hospital or another occasion, because such products look aesthetically pleasing and festive.

Transformer. The model is a classic blanket, which comes with a special belt. The product can be used as a classic blanket, or you can also wrap your baby in an envelope and secure it with an elastic belt.
Model with a hood. This blanket is used to wrap a newborn in an envelope, because the hood is located in the corner of the product. The blanket can be equipped with a clasp or complemented with an elastic belt.

If you choose the right bedding, they will protect the baby and make the parents’ work a little easier, because wrapping a newborn quickly and securely is not so easy.

Knitting a baby blanket from parts

The patchwork style looks original on kids, which is why it is often used. The simplest option is to prepare about 20-24 squares with a side of 16-17 cm, and then connect them together. It turns out: width 68 cm, height 85. They use different shades, a scarf motif. Connect with a regular or decorative seam or crochet. Processed - turn the outer side towards you, sweep the thread around the perimeter. Originality is not in the beauty of the image created by the threads, but in the chosen colors and the sequence of joining.

Important! The fibers on a knitted blanket for a newborn must be of the same thickness.

Design

Newborns are just getting to know the world, so even the smallest irritant can cause negative emotions in them. Kids show different reactions to the color of bedding, so you need to choose the shade and pattern very carefully.

First of all, observe the baby’s reaction to different colors, and only then how fashionable this shade of fabric is. The best choice for a newborn is a plain bedding set in pastel shades.

Suitable colors for a baby crib are white, beige, yellow, blue and light pink. For kids, you can buy blankets with simple designs that match the main fabric: for a boy, a product with images of airplanes or cars is suitable, and for a girl, one with flowers or butterflies. You can also choose a unisex bedspread if you don't yet know the gender of the baby - with hearts, animals or paw prints.

Bright colors can affect a child in different ways - red will arouse interest and interfere with sleep, purple and blue will upset, and dark shades can frighten. To make a newborn feel comfortable in the crib, it is better to choose blankets in light shades with a soft pattern or design.

Knitted openwork blanket for a child

A light openwork motif is made from acrylic yarn, knitting needle No. 4. Execution order:

cast on 15 loops;
front, back;
purl/p, l/p – reverse order;
from the third to the seventh row - like the previous row, changing the type of loops in a checkerboard pattern;
purl;

Important! In the main part, the first and last 6 loops are performed in a “tangle” everywhere.

persons, repeat 13 times, starting from the second line of the description;
the main description is performed 20 times in height;
7 rows - work as at the beginning;
last row - the loops are closed.

The result is a blanket with “holes” that the baby will enthusiastically study.

A knitted blanket for babies, created for a special event or for every day, is the work of one person. Various threads are suitable, but preference is given to “children’s” yarn. Pattern, color, thread thickness, needle numbers - everything affects the appearance of the resulting product. You can find the work procedure on the Internet or calculate it yourself.

Materials

Today, a huge variety of yarn is presented on the shelves of our stores. It varies in color, structure, thickness, quality and price.

Many craftswomen choose threads that contain acrylic, cotton or plush yarn for their work. Thanks to the Internet, you can see a large number of photos of blankets for newborn children.

Usually, Alize baby yarn is used for children's products; yarn for a blanket for a newborn is very comfortable and products are quickly made. Suitable for the simplest jobs. And the cost may pleasantly surprise you. Hypoallergenic material.

If you are sure that the winter will be cold, and your baby does not have allergies, then of course you should choose more natural yarn: wool, cotton.

Tool selection

All knitting needles vary in size and shape:

Single straight models.
Circular knitting needles, with fishing line.

Depending on the shape of the chosen blanket model, you should focus on the choice of knitting needles. The diameter of the knitting needle is also an indicator that depends on the thickness of the thread, the knitting method and the specifics of the pattern.

Beautiful examples

A variety of patterns and colors allows you to bring to life the most unexpected and daring ideas for making blankets. We invite you to consider several beautiful options for creating a blanket from Alize Puffy yarn.

Pattern "Marshmallow". The soft, plush yarn is very reminiscent to the touch of elastic marshmallows, the resemblance will become even stronger if you make a corresponding pattern.

Combination of pattern and binding. To give a small baby blanket a new life after the child has grown up, you can tie its edges with additional fabric from Alize Puffy.

Striped bedspread. Products made from two contrasting colors or several shades that are similar in tone look interesting.