How to Knit the “Wren” Baby Blanket [Free Video Tutorial & Written Pattern!]
Wren is another short repeat, just 10 rows. Using the simplicity of Stockinette Stitch peppered with a cute little floral-esq motif created using just knit and purl stitches. Once again, simplicity wins out over complexity for me – but I like to think its a winning formula, and most importantly it’s a simple, enjoyable knit suitable for anyone who can knit and purl.
yarn and sizing tips & tricks
The Wren 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 8+5 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 Wren 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 80-100cm is a perfect length)
- 400g of DK Yarn – I used Stylecraft Bellissima in Luscious Leaf
- 2 Stitch Markers
- Scissors & Tapestry Needle for sewing in ends
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 135 stitches (I like to use the Long Tail cast-on)
Knit 15 rows as follows: K until final stitch, sl1pwyf.
Main Pattern Repeat
Row 1 (rs): 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 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 4: k9, sm, p until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 5: k9, sm, k until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 6: k9, sm, p until 9 stitches remain, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 7: k9, sm, k until next marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 8: k9, sm, p6, k1, *p7, k1* repeat from *to* until 6 stitches before 2nd marker, p6, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 9: k9, sm, k5, *p1,k1,p1,k5* repeat from *to* until 2nd marker, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Row 10: k9, sm, p6, k1, *p7, k1* repeat from *to* until 6 stitches before the marker, p6, sm, k8, sl1pwyf.
Repeat Rows 1-10 (I worked 22 repeats in total) until project is slightly shorter than desired length (to allow for garter edging). Before starting the top Garter Stitch edge work rows 1-7 once more.
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 Wren just as much as I do! If you’re looking for more knitted baby blanket inspiration then why not take a look at Sasha, Stanley or Harvey.
video tutorial
Want to browse all of my free knitted baby blanket patterns and more? See them HERE!