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

Criss Cross Set – Free Baby Knitting Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Baby DK

The Criss Cross Set is a charming, coordinated collection of hand-knitted baby items from Paintbox Yarns, available as a free downloadable PDF. Designed at an intermediate difficulty level, this pattern brings together four beautifully matched pieces — a blanket, a cardigan, a hat, and booties — all united by a distinctive criss cross textured stitch pattern. Whether you are building a complete gift set for a newborn or adding individual pieces to a baby's wardrobe, this collection offers a satisfying and practical knitting project with a polished, professional finish.

Yarn and Materials

All four pieces in the Criss Cross Set are designed to be knitted in Paintbox Yarns Baby DK, a soft double knitting weight yarn ideally suited to delicate baby garments and accessories. The pattern sample shown on the cover uses Champagne White as the main colour (MC), giving the set a classic, timeless aesthetic. 3.75mm knitting needles (UK size 9 / US size 5) are recommended throughout the collection to achieve the correct tension. The tension (gauge) for the pattern is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the stitch pattern, and achieving this tension is important for ensuring the finished pieces come out at the correct dimensions. Buttons are also required for the cardigan, as the pattern incorporates a buttonhole technique.

Note: Paintbox Yarns advises that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements. The brand also notes that colour reproduction may vary slightly on screen, and that they cannot accept responsibility for finished items if a yarn other than the recommended yarn is used.

The Criss Cross Blanket

What Is Being Made

The Criss Cross Blanket is a generously sized baby blanket measuring approximately 59 cm (23¼ inches) wide and 85 cm (33½ inches) long. It is a substantial piece, ideal as a pram blanket, cot blanket, or a beautiful gift for a newborn. The finished dimensions make it practical for everyday use well into a baby's first year and beyond.

Techniques and Construction

The blanket is worked flat on a pair of straight knitting needles, making it accessible to knitters who are comfortable working back and forth in rows. The construction is seamed where required, consistent with the flat-worked approach used across the collection. The defining feature of the blanket is its criss cross stitch pattern, a textured design that creates visual interest and a tactile surface without requiring complex colourwork. This type of stitch pattern typically involves a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged to produce a woven or lattice-like effect, giving the fabric both structure and softness — ideal qualities for a baby blanket.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern is written using UK knitting terminology, with US terminology equivalents provided in italics within round brackets throughout the instructions. Repeat sequences are clearly indicated in round brackets with the number of repetitions stated, making the pattern straightforward to follow once the repeat is established. Instructions are given for the smallest size first, with changes for larger sizes noted in square brackets where applicable.

• Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Baby DK – 5 × 50g balls in Champagne White (MC)
• Needles: 3.75mm (UK 9 / US 5) knitting needles
• Tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm over pattern
• Finished size: 59 cm wide × 85 cm long
• Construction: Worked flat, seamed
• Difficulty: Intermediate

The Criss Cross Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Criss Cross Cardigan is a classic baby knitting project, designed to complement the blanket, hat, and booties within the same collection. Baby cardigans are perennial favourites among knitters, combining practicality with the opportunity to showcase beautiful stitch