This is the Crosswise Baby Blanket and it just makes me smile. Instead of knitting straight across like most blankets, this one grows corner to corner. I used up scraps for this blanket, using skeins from past baby blankets that I knit. The stripes fall in the prettiest way and every few rows you get the fun of a new color showing up. It is the kind of project you can take to the porch, the ballgame, or curl up with on the couch. Easy stitches, happy colors, and before you know it you have a cozy little blanket ready for a baby snuggle. And best of all, you don’t need to pay for this pattern!
The Crosswise is available for free
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Knitting the Crosswise Baby Blanket Pattern
If you can knit, purl, and count to two, you can make this blanket. You’ll practice increases and decreases, but nothing complicated—just the kind that flow easily once you see them. The stitches repeat in a gentle rhythm, and before you know it, you’ll be watching your blanket grow diagonally across your needles. I’ve added a video for the decreases so you can follow along right with me. Simple skills, soothing knitting, and a pretty finish every time.
Skill Level → Beginner
Skills to know ↓
Here is a video on Instagram 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 several small leftover skeins of yarn that came from baby blankets knit in the past.
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 →Lionhearted Baby Blanket
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?
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.
The Crosswise is available for free – pdf copy
Find lots of color combinations here
Related Post → Candy Kisses Baby Blanket
