How to Knit the “Willow” Baby Blanket [Free Video Tutorial & Written Pattern!]
***You can purchase an INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Ravelry HERE or Etsy HERE***
The Willow Baby Blanket pattern is another example of how combining a simple set of stitches can produce something unique and beautiful. I never get bored of the soothing repetition of knit and purl stitches. It still amazes me how using them in different patterns can produce a wealth of different designs and textures.
Willow is no exception, the design has my all time favourite garter stitch border (something about it’s simplicity just makes me happy every time I use it), and has a clean modern textured panel that adds pops of texture to stockinette stitch.
This blanket is not only the perfect knit for experienced knitters like myself who want a calm, easy knit to relax with. Its also perfect for any beginners who have mastered the basic knit and purl stitches and want to tackle their first bigger project.
yarn and sizing tips & tricks
The Willow 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 6+1 for the middle textured panel, and an additional 18 stitches (9 for each side) for the garter stitch edging.
Pin for later
Not ready to knit the Willow 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!
Materials Needed
- 4mm Circular Needs (to recreate this blanket 100cm is a perfect length)
- 400g of DK Yarn – I used King Cole Cherished in Kingfisher
- Scissors & Tapestry Needle for sewing in ends
- 2 Stitch Markers
pattern notes
- The blanket measures approximately 60cm x 80cm.
- Using different yarn and needles will change the size of the blanket.
- The blanket can be made wider or thinner using a pattern multiple of 6+1 for the middle textured panel and then adding 18 stitches for the border.
- The final stitch of every row is a selvedge stitch and is always worked as a sl1pwyf.
written pattern
Stitches Used
- k – knit
- p – purl
- sl1pwyf – slip one purlwise with yarn in front.
- Pm – place marker
- Sm – slip marker
Bottom Edge
Foundation Row: Cast on 133 stitches.
Knit 15 rows as follows: K until final stitch, sl1pwyf
Main Pattern Repeat
Row 1 (Setup Row): k9, pm, k until 9 stitches remain, pm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 2 (WS): k9, sm, p until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 3: k9, sm, k until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 4: k9, sm, p until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 5: k9, sm, k until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 6: k9, sm, p2, k3, *p3, k3* repeat from *to* until 2 stitches before marker, p2, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 7: k9, sm, k until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 8: k9, sm, p until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 9: k9, sm, k until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 10: k9, sm, p until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 11: k9, sm, k until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Row 12: k9, sm, p5, *k3,p3* repeat from *to* until 2 stitches before marker, p2, sm, k8, sl1pwyf
Repeat Rows 1 – 12 18 times in total (slipping markers on row 1 instead of placing them), and then work rows 1-11 once more before moving on to top border.
Top Edge
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 Willow just as much as I do! If you’re looking for more knitted baby blanket inspiration then why not take a look at Wren, Taylor or Emily.
video tutorial
Want to browse all of my free knitted baby blanket patterns and more? See them HERE!