I Wanna Knit A Blankie in Lion Brand - L90129 - Downloadable PDF

I Wanna Knit A Blankie by Lion Brand – Free Beginner Knitting Pattern (L90129)

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn Company produces a cozy, square throw blanket measuring approximately 42 x 42 inches (106.5 x 106.5 cm). Designed specifically for beginners, pattern number L90129 is part of the I Wanna Make A Blankie collection and delivers an impressive, snuggly finished object with minimal knitting experience required.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a generously sized square blanket — often called a "blankie" — suitable for use as a lap throw, baby blanket, or decorative accent. Its substantial 42-inch dimensions make it versatile enough for a variety of uses, from snuggling on the sofa to gifting as a handmade keepsake. Because gauge is not essential for this project, knitters can work at their own natural tension without worrying about precise measurements.

Construction Technique

One of the most appealing aspects of this pattern is its clever corner-to-corner construction. Rather than casting on the full width of the blanket and working straight rows, the blanket is knitted in a single piece beginning at one corner. The first half of the blanket is worked by increasing on every right-side row, gradually building the fabric outward until the widest point is reached. The second half then mirrors this by decreasing back down to a single corner point. This diagonal approach creates a visually interesting fabric and means the knitter never has to manage an unwieldy number of stitches on the needle all at once — the stitch count grows and shrinks naturally as the work progresses.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch: The entire blanket is worked in garter stitch, meaning every row is knitted. There is no purling involved, making this an ideal pattern for true beginners who are just learning to knit. Garter stitch produces a squishy, ridged fabric with excellent drape and natural elasticity — perfect for a soft blanket.
• Yarn Over (Yo): This simple increase stitch is used during the growing phase of the blanket. A yarn over is worked by bringing the yarn to the front between the needles, then taking it to the back over the right-hand needle, creating a new stitch. In addition to adding stitches, the yarn over creates a small decorative hole, or eyelet, in the fabric, adding a subtle decorative detail to the blanket's construction.
• Increases and Decreases: The corner-to-corner method relies on systematic increases in the first half and corresponding decreases in the second half to shape the square. This technique teaches beginners fundamental shaping skills in a low-pressure, forgiving context.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Lion Brand® I Wanna Make A Blankie (Art. #532) in colorway #207 Zinnia — just 1 cake is needed for the entire project. This yarn is a super chunky weight, which means it knits up quickly and produces a thick, warm fabric ideal for a cozy blanket.
• Needles: A circular knitting needle, size 13 (9 mm), with a 36-inch (91.5 cm) cable length is required. The long circular needle is used here not for working in the round, but to accommodate the large number of stitches at the widest point of the diagonal construction — all stitches are still worked back and forth in flat rows.
• Finishing Tool: A Lion Brand® large-eyed blunt needle is recommended for weaving in ends upon completion.

Difficulty and Suitability

Rated as a beginner skill level, this pattern is an excellent first project for anyone new to knitting. The exclusive use of knit stitches means there is no need to master the purl stitch, and the super chunky yarn works up rapidly on large needles, providing satisfying progress and quick gratification. The self-contained single-cake format also simplifies the knitting experience — there are no yarn joins or color changes to manage. The corner-to-corner method introduces basic shaping in a gentle, approachable way, making this pattern a wonderful stepping stone toward more complex projects.

Pattern Format