Sampler Baby Blanket

Sampler Baby Blanket by Claire Topping

What is Being Made

The Sampler Baby Blanket is a knitted blanket designed for babies and dolls, available in three size options. This project showcases multiple knitting techniques and stitch patterns within a single blanket, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to expand their skill set. The blanket combines decorative elements like bobbles with classic stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture.

Size Options

• Small Blanket: 42 x 54cm
• Medium Blanket: 54 x 68cm
• Large Blanket: 60 x 76cm

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several fundamental and decorative knitting techniques. The blanket features bobble stitches, which are created by working multiple stitches into a single stitch, turning the work, and then decreasing back down to create a raised, textured element. The pattern also incorporates yarn overs for creating decorative openwork sections, and knit two stitches together with slip stitch decreases for shaping. Edge finishing is achieved through slipping the first stitch of every row and knitting into the back of the last stitch, techniques that create neat, professional-looking borders.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (G-st): A fundamental stitch created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric
• Stocking Stitch (St-st): An alternating knit and purl stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric surface
• Make Bobble (MB): A decorative technique involving working (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) into a single stitch, turning and working rows, then decreasing stitches back to one
• Yarn Twice Over (Y2on): A yarn over technique used for creating decorative openings in the fabric
• Knit Two Stitches Together (K2sso) and Pass Two Slipped Stitches Over (P2sso): Decrease techniques for shaping and stitch manipulation

Materials and Needle Requirements

The pattern is designed to work with three different yarn weights, each paired with appropriately sized needles:

• Small Blanket: 150g DK yarn (US: Light Worsted weight) with 6mm needles (UK 4, US 10)
• Medium Blanket: 200g Aran yarn (US: Worsted weight) with 4mm needles (UK 8, US 6)
• Large Blanket: 300g Chunky yarn (US: Bulky weight) with 5mm needles (UK 6, US 8)

The pattern accommodates knitters' yarn preferences and desired finished size, allowing flexibility in project planning. The relationship between yarn weight and needle size follows standard knitting conventions to ensure proper fabric drape and texture.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore textured techniques like bobbles and yarn overs. The sampler format provides an excellent learning opportunity for developing new skills within a practical, finished project.

Designer Information

This pattern is designed by Claire Topping from Baby & Doll Handknit Designs. Pattern H20 © Claire @ Baby & Doll Handknit Designs 2019.