How to Knit the “Emma” Baby Blanket [Free Video Tutorial & Written Pattern!]

***You can purchase an INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Ravelry HERE or Etsy HERE***

Sometimes it’s not the stitch pattern in a knitting project that pushes you out of your comfort zone. Often it can be something as simple as colour. If you’re familiar with my work, you’ll know that I’m drawn to bright, bold, more modern shades, and that means that historically I’ve shied away from using more traditional pastel shades.

I think it’s good to push yourself out of your comfort zone every once in a while, so when I knitted my sample “Emma” blanket I settled on this lovely soft baby pink to contrast the more angular lines of the pattern repeat. I like to think it’s turned out really well, and I’ve actually really enjoyed working with the softer, gentler colour on this occasion – maybe you’ll even see more pastel blankets from me as we move through the summer!

yarn and sizing tips & tricks

The Arlo baby blanket pattern is knitted all in one piece, from bottom to top. In order to accommodate all your stitches, I recommend using a set of circular needles (at least 100cm long) as straight needles just won’t be long enough to fit your stitches on comfortably.

I’ve chosen DK (aka Double Knitting, Light Worsted, 3 Weight) yarn for this project, but don’t let that stop you from knitting it in your own preferred weight of yarn.

My instructions produce a baby blanket approximately 60cm x 80cm, perfect for using as a cot, pram or travel blanket. But don’t let that stop you from knitting this blanket in any size you want! I think it would look great scaled up as a Sofa Throw, Quilt or Bedspread!

I’ve deliberately designed this knitting pattern to be super easy for you to adjust the size of your blanket to whatever size you want/need.

To make the blanket longer, you’ll need to work more repeats of the Middle Section (the top and bottom border are worked the same regardless of the size of blanket you knit).

To adjust the width of your blanket you’ll need to cast on more (or indeed less) stitches, it can easily be done using the pattern multiple of 14+6 for the middle textured panel, and an additional 18 stitches (9 for each side) for the garter stitch edging.

Materials Needed

• 4mm Circular Needs (to recreate this blanket 100cm is a perfect length)
• 400g of DK Yarn – I used Stylecraft Bambino in Soft Pink
• Scissors & Tapestry Needle for sewing in ends
• 2 Stitch Markers

pin for later

Not ready to knit the Emma baby blanket just yet? Why not pin this image to your Pinterest so you can find it easily when you’re ready to sit down and cast on!

written pattern

Stitches Used

• k – knit
• p – purl
• sl1pwyf – slip one purlwise with yarn in front.
• Pm – place marker
• Sm – slip marker

bottom garter border

Foundation Row: Cast on 136 Stitches.

Knit 15 rows as follows: K until final stitch, sl1pwyf

main pattern repeat

Row 1: k9, pm, k until 9 stitches remain, pm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 2: k9, sm, p6, *k1, p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 3: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 4: k9, sm, p6, *k1, p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 5: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 6: k9, sm, p6, *k1, p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 7: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 8: k9, sm, p6, *k8,p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 9: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 10: k9, sm, p6, *k8,p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 11: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 12: k9, sm, p6, *k1, p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 13: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 14: k9, sm, p6, *k1, p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 15: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 16: k9, sm, p6, *k1, p6* repeat from *to* until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 17: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 18: k9, sm, k7, p6, *k8,p6* repeat from *to* until 7 stitches before marker, k7, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 19: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Row 20: k9, sm, k7, p6, *k8,p6* repeat from *to* until 7 stitches before marker, k7, sm, k8, sl1pwyif

Repeat Rows 1-20 a total of 11 times (or until project is 10cm shorter than desired length).

Before beginning top edging, work rows 1-17 from the pattern repeat and then move on to top edge instructions.

top garter border

Knit 15 rows as follows: K until final stitch, sl1pwyf.

Final row (Row 16): Cast off knit wise with right side facing.

I hope you love Emma just as much as I do! If you’re looking for more knitted baby blanket inspiration then why not take a look at Harvey, Taylor or Noah.

video tutorial

Want to browse all of my free knitted baby blanket patterns and more? See them HERE!