Knotty Set - Free Knitting Pattern for Babies in Paintbox Yarns Baby DK - Free Downloadable PDF

Knotty Set – Free Baby Knitting Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Baby DK

The Knotty Set is a charming collection of coordinating baby knits designed by Paintbox Yarns and available as a free downloadable PDF. The collection brings together a blanket, cardigan, hat, and shorts, all united by a striking cable motif that gives the set its playful name. Each piece is rated intermediate in difficulty, making this an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to explore more textured, structured techniques. The cohesive aesthetic makes the full set a wonderful handmade gift for a new baby or a rewarding wardrobe-building project.

Knotty Blanket

What Is Being Made

The Knotty Blanket is a square baby blanket with a finished actual measurement of 60 cm (23½ in) square. It is designed to be a cosy, tactile piece featuring bold cable detailing that gives it both visual interest and a satisfying weight and texture. As a square format, it works equally well as a pram blanket, a playmat layer, or a crib covering.

Techniques Used

• Cables – The defining technique of the entire Knotty Collection, cables are created by temporarily placing stitches onto a cable needle, knitting stitches from the main needle, then knitting the held stitches. This crossing action produces the characteristic rope-like or knotted twists that give the blanket its texture and name.
• Worked flat – The blanket is knitted flat on a pair of straight needles, working back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which keeps the construction straightforward and accessible.

Stitches Used

• Cable pattern – The primary stitch pattern, worked over a set number of stitches to produce the knotted rope effect across the blanket's surface.
• Supporting knit and purl stitches are used to frame and set off the cable panels, creating contrast between raised cables and recessed background sections.

Materials

• Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Baby DK, sold in 50g balls. The blanket requires 4 balls of Main Colour (MC), available in shades such as Pillar Red or Midnight Blue as shown on the pattern cover.
• Needles: A pair of 3.75mm (UK 9 / US 5) knitting needles and a pair of 4mm (UK 8 / US 6) knitting needles are required, along with a cable needle for working the cable crossings.
• Tension (Gauge): 27 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over pattern. Achieving the correct tension is important for reaching the stated finished dimensions.

Additional Notes

The pattern is written using UK knitting terminology, with US terminology given in italics within round brackets throughout, making it accessible to knitters on both sides of the Atlantic. Instructions for any sizing variations are given for the smallest size first, with larger sizes following in square brackets. Paintbox Yarns notes that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, and that colour reproduction on screen may vary slightly from the physical yarn. The brand also advises that using a yarn other than the recommended Paintbox Yarns Baby DK may affect the finished result.

As part of the broader Knotty Collection, the blanket pairs beautifully with the matching hat, cardigan, and shorts, all of which share the same cable aesthetic and yarn base, allowing knitters to work the full coordinated set from a single pattern download.