SWEETIE Baby or Doll Blanket

SWEETIE Baby or Doll Blanket by Terry Liann Morris

What is Being Made

The SWEETIE is a versatile knitted blanket available in six different sizes, ranging from a small blanket suitable for large baby dolls and newborns to larger afghans appropriate for children and adults. This downloadable knitting pattern offers flexibility in finished dimensions, allowing crafters to select the size that best fits their intended recipient or purpose.

Design and Pattern Features

This blanket showcases the historic Old Shale lace pattern, also known as Feather & Fan, which creates an elegant, flowing visual effect characteristic of traditional lace knitting. The lace pattern is combined with a simple garter stitch border that frames the design and provides structure. The designer incorporated extra stitches on the side borders using short rows to ensure that the edges remain neat and straight throughout the knitting process, eliminating common edge distortion issues.

Construction Method

The blanket is knit flat, meaning it is worked back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round. This construction method makes the pattern accessible and straightforward to follow, with no complex circular knitting techniques required.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

• Old Shale Lace Pattern – A classic openwork design that creates a delicate, feathered appearance
• Feather & Fan motif – The traditional name for this lace pattern, featuring repeating curves and eyelets
• Garter Stitch – Used for the border, providing a textured, reversible finish
• Short Rows – Employed on the side borders to maintain straight, even edges

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating blankets with good drape and structure. The total yardage requirement is 780 yards per 15 ounces. The sample blanket featured in the pattern was knitted using 100% cotton yarn in the "Sugar Babies" line by Lily, which provides a soft, breathable fabric ideal for baby blankets. Cotton yarn offers excellent durability and is easily washable, making it practical for items intended for infants and dolls.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, reflecting the complexity of executing the Old Shale lace pattern and managing the short-row techniques required for the borders. Knitters should have solid experience with lace knitting, understanding yarn overs, decreases, and the ability to read lace charts or written instructions before beginning this project.

Pattern Format and Availability

The SWEETIE pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, designed by independent designer Terry Liann Morris (SailingKnitter). This format allows immediate access to the complete pattern instructions and any accompanying charts or schematics needed to complete the project.