Blankets in Hayfield Baby Blossom - 4676- Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky Blankets – Pattern 4676: Three Beginner Knitting Designs

This downloadable PDF pattern from Hayfield presents three beautifully distinct baby blankets, each knitted in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn. All three designs are rated Easy Knit, making this an ideal pattern for beginner knitters looking to create a soft, generous-sized baby blanket. Each finished blanket measures approximately 91 x 91 cm (36 x 36 inches), providing a wonderfully cosy wrap or cot blanket for a newborn or young baby. The wave pattern blanket is very slightly narrower at 89 x 91 cm (35 x 36 inches), though still a substantial and practical size.

One of the most charming features of Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky is its self-patterning nature. The yarn is specially designed so that knitted fabric reveals a floral motif — flowers appearing above leaves — as the colours sequence through the ball. To achieve this effect correctly, the pattern includes an important tip: before casting on, unwind a little yarn from the outside of the ball and check whether green spots or pink spots appear first. If green spots appear first, knit from the outside of the ball; if pink spots appear first, rewind and knit from the inside. This simple step ensures the floral design blooms correctly across your finished blanket.

The Three Blanket Designs

Blanket in Stocking Stitch

The first design is worked in classic stocking stitch, one of the most fundamental and widely recognised knitting stitches. Stocking stitch is created by alternating a knit row on the right side with a purl row on the wrong side, producing a smooth, flat fabric on the right side and a ridged texture on the reverse. This clean, even surface is perfect for showcasing the colour-changing floral design of Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky, allowing the self-patterning effect to display at its most vivid and defined.

• Yarn: Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky, shade 355, 5 x 100g balls
• Needles: 6½mm (UK3 / USA10.5) knitting needles
• Tension: 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch on 6½mm needles
• Technique: Worked flat, right side and wrong side rows

A secondary pair of 5½mm (UK5 / USA9) knitting needles is also required for the stocking stitch blanket, likely used for the border or edging sections. As with all knitting projects, checking tension before beginning is strongly recommended — if fewer stitches than stated are achieved, switch to a thinner needle; if more stitches appear, switch to a thicker needle.

Blanket in Garter Stitch

The second design uses garter stitch, the simplest of all knitting textures and an excellent choice for complete beginners. Garter stitch is produced by knitting every single row — there is no purling involved — which creates a thick, squishy, ridged fabric that lies flat naturally without curling at the edges. This makes it particularly practical for a baby blanket, as no additional border work is needed to keep the edges neat. The textured surface of garter stitch also adds a lovely tactile quality, ideal for a baby to snuggle against.

• Yarn: Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky, shade 353, 5 x 100g balls
• Needles: 5½mm (UK5 / USA9) knitting needles
• Tension: 13 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm over garter stitch on 5½mm needles
• Technique: Worked flat, knit every row

Note that garter stitch produces more rows per 10cm than stocking stitch, which is why the needle size differs between the two blankets. The denser row count contributes to the blanket's pleasing thickness and warmth.

Blanket in Wave Pattern

The third design introduces a wave pattern, adding gentle visual movement and a slightly more