I’m very excited about this post because I have been meaning to provide my knitting audience for a while now with a free baby blanket pattern.
The first knit blanket pattern for this year is a cable knit baby blanket. This blanket is classic in its style, perfect for an heirloom gift. To keep it unisex I used a creamy colour, but I think it would look stunning in any colour you choose. As well, since the pattern calls for a bulky weight yarn, it knits up faster than most baby blanket patterns out there.
For this pattern, I used 6 mm (size 10) knitting needles but if you’d like the stitch to be a bit looser (and the blanket will be slightly larger), 6.5 mm needles would be great too.
If you are new to cable knitting, review this article: Cable Knitting Resources which should help guide you into learning cables. Please don’t be intimidated by cable knitting, it’s much simpler than it seems – I promise!
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.
Tiny Ripples – Free Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern
What you will need
Here is what you will need to make this baby blanket:
- Straight 14-Inch 6mm (US10) Knitting Needles (circular needles would work too).
- Cable Needle
- Bulky weight yarn. I used 5 Skeins (680 yards) of Brava Bulky Weight Yarn in Cream.
- Scissors
- Yarn or tapestry needle to weave in the ends
Gauge
16 stitches, 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
Measurements:
24″ Wide X 29″ Long
Abbreviations:
K: Knit
P: Purl
C4B: Cable 4 Back (slip 2 stitches onto your cable needle to the back of your work, knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches off of the cable needle).
C4F: Cable 4 Front (slip 2 stitches onto your cable needle to the front of your work, knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches off of the cable needle).
Pattern
Cast on 110 stitches.
Bottom Border:
Row 1: *K1, P1, repeat to end of row.
Row 2: *P1, K1 repeat to end of row.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 three more times for a total of 8 rows. Continue to Body of Blanket.
Body of Blanket:
Row 1: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1; *K1, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1
Row 2: P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1; *P1, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1
Row 3: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1; *K1, C4B, K2, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1
Row 4: P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1; *P1, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1
Row 5: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1; *K1, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1
Row 6: P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1; *P1, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1
Row 7: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1; *K3, C4F, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1
Row 8: P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1; *P1, repeat from * to last 6 stitches; P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1
Repeat rows 1 to 8 until work measures 27.5 Inches. Continue to Top Border.
Top Border:
Row 1: *K1, P1, repeat to end of row.
Row 2: *P1, K1 repeat to end of row.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 three more times for a total of 8 rows.
Cast off your work.
Finishing:
Weave in all loose ends.
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Can cable blanket be made with thinner yarn ?
Yes, although it might end up a bit smaller.
Like the blanket pattern thanks so much
Yes, it can. I just recalculated to knit with Bernat Softee Baby yarn at 22 stitches to 4 inches on size 6 needles. To maintain size, I added 14 stitches, 2 cables. I did a 6″ by 8″ sample and it is lovely and dainty. I thought about adding stitches to edging but it is not necessary.
I love the simplicity of the pattern I have knitted forever and have done every pattern that was ever knitted I would love to be a follower of your patterns. Thank you Anna
Thanks Anna, I’m so glad to hear that! Enjoy the pattern 🙂
Hi ..would like to know if this can be done in both wool as well as in cotton? And also when we refer to size of knitting needles when given in mm then is it the US table or the Uk table of conversion.I live in India…most of the patterns give the size in mm and I get confused as to which no knitting needles to use as I have them in nos of 8 9 10 11 n 12…I dont know if they are US terms or Uk terms..pls advise..thanks
Hi Renu, Yes you can use wool, the blanket will just be warmer and heavier. The size conversion to mm is 6 mm.
ok, I’m new to knitting so it may be a dumb question, but do I need U.S. size 10 needles, or U.S. size 6?
US size 10. US size 10 is the same as 6mm in Canada.
I don’t think leelee answered your question, size 10 Us for bulky yarn size 6 us for lighter yarn, she used bernat softee . I hope I don’t come across as pushy, HAPPY KNITTING
Could not print free patterns. It would be nice to just be able to click on a “print pattern” link.
SMGCoupons8@gmail.com
Love this pattern is the yarn aran or chunky weight as I’m in England and not heard of bulky weight
Thanks Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
Bluky weight yarn is like a heavy aran. Hope that helps!
Alnaar
I just finished this blanket for my grandson. I found it so easy to knit and quickly learned the pattern. Thank you for posting it.
I would like to knit this blanket for my ‘coming’ grandson, I am going to do this in olive green, my intention is for him to use this more whilstt growing up, he can use it whenever. I love the pattern and I hope it will turn out just dandy. Thank you so much for sharing, hopefully all these blankets that are being knitted would become the child’s favorite comforter. Bless all the grandmothers and may the grandchildren be a great blessing to one and all. Go well….
I absolutely love this blanket, but would like to make it bigger, can you tell me how or what the multiples are? I was thinking of doubling the blanket body , not the borders and using thinner yarn, but as I’m not a long time knitter, I am not sure this would work. Can you help me please.
Linda, I am making mine bigger. I am increasing the number of stitches to 159 which is giving me 6 stitches on each end and 21 pattern repeats in the body. Not sure how many 8 row repeats I will need to do but I want the finished afghan to be about 36 inches x 48 inches. Once I am sure of my sizing I will let you know.
How much yarn did it take you for this larger size
I love this blanket, but I don’t see the cables in the pattern. Help please.
Oops! See it now!
I am thinking of making this pattern larger and in blue or a co-worker who is due in September. My thinking is if I increase the number of stitches to 159 that should give me about 36 inches across. My question now is how many 8 row repeats do you think I will need to do to get the finished blanket to be approximately 48 inches? Also I’m going to estimate I would need 1020 yards of yarn, agree? Hope to hear from you soon, I’m attending the I-91 Shop Hop on June 23rd which I am looking forward to doing with my daughter.
Did you finish the larger blanket? I will love to knit this for my next grandchild due this year!
Hey, did you manage to complete the blanket? could you please write down the measurements and number of eyes?
Just finished making this for my daughter who will be born any day, and it came out so beautiful! It was easy enough for me to do even though I don’t knit a lot but also came out looking really cool and intricate. Thanks for the great pattern!
So glad to hear Lindsay! Enjoy your new baby girl!
You said you used a size 6 needle for the baby blanket. However, the materials indicate a size 10 needle. Which is it? I want to make a baby receiving blanket size.
Thanks for catching that! I mean 6 mm (US size 10)
Alnaar
Do you turn after each row?
Is there no cable knitting for rows 4,5,6,and 8
Thank You
That is correct 🙂
our church ladies are knitting blankets for new moms in the area. Whether its their first or their third….just to welcome them and encourage them to come and check us out…this pattern is simple enough and fast enough for us to do just that….thank you…..
You are most welcome!
Beautiful blanket! Is this blanket reversible?
The back side looks like the back of a cable stitch, so it is different from the front. But in my opinion it looks nice from the back too!
I am planning on knitting this. I went to put it in as a project on Ravelrybut I do not see it there. I see a similar one (Waterfall baby blanket). But I wasn’t sure if you were going to add this one to Ravelry. Thank you for designing such a pretty blanket.
Thank you for pointing this out Leslie! I will add it to Ravelry (I must have somehow overlooked it!)
I want to knit a blanket that is the same on both sides. How can I tell from the pattern ?
Can I use Worsted Weight yarn? Would that be equivalent to Bulky?
Yes, but the blanket will be less dense and likely smaller.
If I use a super bulky yarn, will it still work? I am guessing the blanket might be bigger?
Yes, it will still work, but the blanket will be bigger.
I love this pattern, but would like to make it as a throw instead of a baby blanket. Can you help me with how many stitches (in multiples, I guess) to increase the size, but still maintain the pattern? Thanks.
Hi Gina, you will need to cast on a multiple of 7 plus 12 for the border.
Hey, did anyone manage to calculate the measurements (and number of stitches) for a larger blanket?
I’d like to knit a 40″x32″ blanket and got really confused, I guess I’ll have to cast on 131 stitches (12 border+119 pattern) is that correct?
Hey, did anyone manage to calculate the measurements (and number of stitches) for a larger blanket?
I’d like to knit a 40″x32″ blanket and got really confused, I guess I’ll have to cast on 131 stitches (12 border+119 pattern) is that correct?
LeeLee,
I have a quick question about the border. I CO 159 stitches as someone recommended above (due to yarn type). Is that going to mess up the border at all? I’m new(er) to knitting and can’t tell if that’s a ribbed border from the picture. I just hope I don’t need to frog it. ?
Hi Erin, it should be fine 🙂
Thank you so much for this pattern! I just finished making a blanket for my co-worker’s new baby. It turned out beautifully! I will definitely be checking out your other patterns. I have one other baby blanket to make and like some of the other posters stated, many would be perfect for a throw.
Thanks again!
You’re so welcome!
Quick question! I haven’t knitted in many years so I feel like I’m starting off pretty fresh and reading the pattern is a little confusing to me lol is there by chance a video of this pattern? I’m sure I can figure it out if not. Thank you!
I’m sorry Heather, no video at the moment.
Hello I would like to do this project I have lots of 8 ply yarn to use up what size needles and how many stitches do you think I will need it doesn’t matter if it’s bigger any suggestions please
Can you tell me what you mean by a skein? I’ve tried looking it up and I think it’s 200g ball?
Thank you & love your patterns!