BEARS and BOWS BABY BLANKET

BEARS and BOWS BABY BLANKET by SUSAN J WARD

Project Overview

The BEARS and BOWS BABY BLANKET is an intermediate-level knitting project designed to create a charming patchwork blanket measuring approximately 22 x 20 inches (56 x 51 centimeters). This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer SUSAN J WARD provides instructions for constructing a decorative baby blanket composed of nine individual squares that are worked separately and then assembled together. The modular design allows crafters to easily customize the finished size by adding additional rows of three squares and repositioning the bear motif accordingly.

Construction Method and Design

The blanket is constructed using a patchwork approach, where each of the nine squares is knitted individually before being joined together. This technique offers flexibility for customization—crafters can expand the blanket to larger dimensions by incorporating additional squares in sets of three and adjusting the placement of the bear design element. The pattern also includes instructions for adding extra bows to complement any size modifications, making this a versatile design suitable for various finished dimensions.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its finished appearance:

• Stocking Stitch (St st)—the primary stitch used throughout, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to produce a smooth, classic fabric
• Increases (Inc)—created by knitting into both the front and back of the same stitch to add stitches where shaping is needed
• Decreases (Dec)—accomplished by knitting stitches together to reduce stitch count
• Slip Stitch (Sl 1)—moving a stitch from the left needle to the right needle without knitting it
• Pass Slipped Stitch Over (PSSO)—a decrease method where the left hand needle is inserted into a slipped stitch and lifted over the next stitch for a refined decrease line
• Bind-Off (B&T)—a finishing technique using a darning needle to thread through stitches on the needle and pull tight to secure the edge

Materials Required

The pattern calls for specific needles and yarns to achieve the intended result:

• Needles: One pair of 5.5mm needles and one pair of 4mm needles for working different sections of the blanket
• Main Yarn: 200 to 250 grams of baby soft Aran weight yarn (the designer used James C Brett brand for this project)
• Accent Yarns: Oddments of light brown and black double knit yarn or equivalent for creating the bear motif; textured yarn is noted as working particularly well for the bear details
• Embellishments: Beads and ribbon for decorative finishing touches

Design Features

The BEARS and BOWS BABY BLANKET incorporates a charming bear motif as a focal design element, complemented by bow details throughout the patchwork composition. The use of light brown and black accent yarns creates visual contrast against the main baby soft Aran base, while the suggested textured yarn for the bear adds dimensional interest and tactile appeal. The inclusion of beads and ribbon allows for personalized embellishment options, enabling crafters to customize the finished blanket to their preferences.

Skill Level and Suitability

Classified as an intermediate difficulty project, this blanket is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with multiple techniques including shaping, color work, and assembly. The patchwork construction method breaks the project into manageable squares, making it less intimidating than working a large blanket in one piece, while still providing the challenge of coordinating multiple elements and achieving consistent tension across separate components.