The Crosswise Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern
The Crosswise Baby Blanket is one of those patterns that’s as fun to knit as it is to gift. It starts with just 5 stitches and grows steadily—one stitch added every row—until it’s as wide as you want it. Then, just as gradually, it narrows back down with k2tog decreases each row. A yarn over at each edge adds a hint of lace that makes a soft little lace border.
It’s knit entirely in garter stitch, so the texture is thick, squishy, and incredibly cozy. I’ve been taking this one with me everywhere—especially to little league games—knitting non stop. For this version, I played with bold colors and paired them with my favorite speckled white yarn called “Fruit Salad.” It turned out cheerful, soft, and full of good memories.
This pattern makes a perfectly square blanket. This Crosswise Baby Blanket is 26″ x 26″.
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Knitting the Crosswise Baby Blanket Pattern
This is the kind of project you can settle into—rhythmic, soothing, and easy to pick up and put down. It uses just a few simple skills, and I’ve included a video to show you exactly how I do the decreases. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a calming knit with a pretty finish.
Skill Level → Beginner
Skills to know ↓
Here is a video on how I do my decreases on this blanket
Yarn
I used Hobby Lobby’s worsted weight yarn for this blanket—it’s 100% acrylic, easy to work with, and gets softer every time you wash it. And yes, it’s machine washable and dryable, which makes it perfect for baby blankets. No fuss, just cuddly results.
For this project I used Fruit Salad, Jellybean, Red and Yellow.
How much yarn do I need?
Assuming a gauge of 4.5 stitches to the inch:
- Stroller: 400 yards for 24 x 24
- Baby: 700 yards for 30 x 30
- Small: 1000 yards for 36 x 36
- Medium: 1300 yards for 42 x 42
- Large: 1600 yards 48 x 48
Still have questions? Read this from Knitpicks about choosing the right yarn
Related Post → Three Wishes Baby Blanket Pattern
Needles
Knitpicks: Mosaic Options Interchangeable Circular Needles
Size US 8 (5mm) with a 24″ or 32″ cord and a gauge of 18 stitches per 4 inches
Knitpicks says it best: Combining Radiant’s bright, bold and warm boisterousness, the sea-inspired colors of Caspian’s oceanic hues, and the luxurious jewel tones of dignified Majestic, Mosaic gives you the usual strong and smooth layers of laminated birch in every color you could want. And the distinct sequence of colors will make finding the right needle size easier than ever.
Knitpicks: What Needles are right for you?
Related Post → Candy Kisses Baby Blanket
The Crosswise Free Baby Blanket Pattern
With Size US8 circular needles and a 24″ or 32″ cord:
Cast on 5 stitches. Knit 1 row.
Next row Knit 4, yo, knit to end.
Repeat this row until the 2 sides (not the diagonal) are 24″ (30″, 36″, 42″, 48″) wide
Begin Decreases
Next Decrease Row Knit 3, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end.
Here is a video I posted on Instagram illustrating the decreases
Repeat this row until there are 9 stitches on needle.
Then: k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k1
Bind off 5 stitches.
Find lots of color combinations here
Related Post → Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket
Need a go-to gift knit? Cuddly Soft lives up to its name—easy to make, irresistibly snuggly.
