Soft 'n Simple Baby Blanket in Caron Simply Soft - Downloadable PDF

Soft 'n Simple Baby Blanket in Caron Simply Soft

What Is Being Made

The Soft 'n Simple Baby Blanket is a beginner-friendly knitted blanket designed by Donna Childs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished blanket measuring 30 inches by 36 inches (76cm x 91.5cm), making it an ideal size for a baby blanket or small throw. The design features a multi-color construction using contrasting yarn strands worked together to create visual interest and texture.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs a straightforward color-changing technique suitable for knitters new to the craft. The blanket is constructed by holding multiple strands of yarn together and strategically dropping and picking up different colored strands at designated intervals. This creates horizontal color blocks throughout the piece without requiring complex colorwork skills like intarsia or Fair Isle. The pattern specifically instructs to change colors on right-side rows for consistent, neat transitions between color sections.

Stitches Used

Garter Stitch is the sole stitch used in this blanket. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, resulting in a reversible fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides. This fundamental stitch is ideal for beginners because it requires no purling and creates a thick, spongy fabric with excellent drape and durability—perfect qualities for a baby blanket.

Materials and Gauge

The Soft 'n Simple Baby Blanket is worked in Caron Simply Soft, an aran-weight yarn. The pattern calls for three colors:

• Contrast A: White (9701) — 3 skeins
• Contrast B: Orchid (9717) — 2 skeins
• Contrast C: Light Country Peach (9737) — 2 skeins

Each skein of Simply Soft contains 170 grams (6 ounces) and 288 meters (315 yards). The pattern requires one pair of U.S. size 15 (10mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. The working gauge is 10 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in garter stitch.

Pattern Construction

The blanket begins with casting on 72 stitches using three strands of orchid held together. The color work progresses by holding multiple strands simultaneously—starting with three strands of one color, then transitioning to two strands of one color with one strand of another, and continuing this pattern throughout. The pattern notes recommend rolling each skein of orchid and peach into two separate balls before beginning to facilitate the multi-strand construction. This technique creates a cohesive, blended appearance where colors transition smoothly across the blanket's surface.

Skill Level

Classified as a beginner pattern, the Soft 'n Simple Baby Blanket requires only fundamental knitting knowledge. The exclusive use of garter stitch eliminates the need for purling or complex stitch techniques. The color changes, while requiring attention to the pattern instructions, are straightforward enough for knitters developing their foundational skills. This makes it an excellent first blanket project for someone learning to knit.