Blankiesaurus

Blankiesaurus by Cilla Webb

What is Being Made

The Blankiesaurus is a charming knitted baby blanket and companion toy designed by independent designer Cilla Webb. This project combines the functionality of a soft, washable blanket with the playful appeal of a textured toy, making it an ideal handmade gift for infants. The finished piece measures 23x23cm, providing a compact size perfect for a baby's comfort object or decorative throw.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project worked in the round using circular construction methods. The design demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skills, incorporating shaping techniques and stitch pattern variations throughout the construction. The blanket is built from the center outward using increases and strategic stitch manipulation to create its dimensional form.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Blankiesaurus employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive bobbly texture and structure:

• Yarn overs (yo) – Used strategically for shaping and creating textural interest
• Knit stitches (k) – The foundational stitch throughout the project
• Knit two together (k2tog) – Decreases used for shaping and pattern definition
• Drop stitches – A signature technique where stitches are deliberately dropped and unraveled multiple rows down, then picked up to create the characteristic bobbly, textured surface that gives the blanket its tactile appeal
• Stitch markers (sm) – Used to mark pattern repeats across the four-way symmetrical construction

The pattern includes color changes between rounds, alternating between a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) to enhance the visual texture created by the drop stitch technique.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Wendy Merino DK weight yarn in two colors – Fennel (main color) and Pacific (contrasting color). The yarn is 100% Merino wool with a yardage of 116 meters per 50-gram ball. One ball of each color is required to complete the project, making this an economical design.

Needles: The project uses 3.5mm needles in two configurations – 3.5mm straight needles for initial flat sections and 3.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) in a set of 5 for working in the round during later stages of construction.

Additional Supplies: A tapestry needle is needed for finishing and weaving in ends, and polyester stuffing is included to add dimension and body to the completed blanket toy.

Key Features and Construction Notes

The Blankiesaurus is designed with practicality in mind – it can be machine washed when needed, making it a durable and low-maintenance companion for babies. The bobbly texture created by the drop stitch technique provides sensory stimulation and visual interest, while the soft Merino wool ensures comfort against delicate baby skin. The pattern uses a four-way symmetrical repeat structure, as evidenced by the marker-based shaping that occurs four times per round, creating a balanced, dimensional form that stands up as a three-dimensional toy rather than a flat blanket.