*GISELLE* baby blanket

GISELLE Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The GISELLE is a baby blanket designed by Susan J Ward, measuring approximately 32x32 inches (82x82 centimeters). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished blanket through a unique construction method: four separate triangular pieces are knitted individually and then sewn together using decorative loops formed at the beginning of each row, resulting in a cohesive square blanket.

Construction Technique

The GISELLE blanket employs a modular knitting approach, where the blanket is constructed from four identical triangular sections rather than as a single piece. Each triangle is worked from a small cast-on and increased gradually using yarn forward techniques to expand the piece. The triangles are then joined together by seaming them along their edges using the little loops intentionally created at the start of every row, which serve as both a design element and a practical joining mechanism. This technique allows for manageable piece sizes during the knitting process while creating visual interest through the seaming method.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The GISELLE pattern incorporates a variety of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the pattern, creating texture through alternating knit and purl columns
• Yarn Forward (YFD) and Yarn Round Needle (YRN) techniques create the decorative loops at the beginning of rows and provide increases throughout the pattern
• Slip Stitch (Sl) and Pass Slip Stitch Over (PSSO) are used for shaping and decreasing
• Knit Through Back Loop (KTBL) adds textural variation
• Make Bobble (MB) technique creates decorative bobble embellishments using the sequence: K1 P1 K1 P1 K1 all in next stitch, followed by turns and decreases to form a raised bobble
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) and Purl Two Together (P2tog) are used for decreasing during bobble construction

Materials Required

The GISELLE blanket is worked in baby DK weight yarn, requiring 300 grams total. This lightweight yarn weight is ideal for creating a soft, delicate blanket suitable for infants. The pattern calls for one pair of 4.5mm knitting needles, which is the appropriate needle size for DK yarn and allows for proper stitch definition and fabric drape. The combination of DK yarn and 4.5mm needles creates a fabric with excellent softness and breathability, making it perfect for baby blankets.