Why I’m Knitting My Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket Again
Shown in Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn® Worsted Weight in Fruit Salad and Sunset
Every designer has that one pattern that started it all. For me, it’s the Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket.
This was the very first baby blanket I ever designed, and after all these years, I still enjoy knitting it as much as I did the first time. It has become one of those comforting projects I can pick up whenever I’m in the mood for relaxing, stress-free knitting.
Recently, I decided it was time to give the pattern a complete refresh. Over the years I’ve learned so much from designing new patterns and from the wonderful knitters who have shared their experiences with me. I updated the instructions, added clearer explanations, improved the sizing information, and polished all the little details that make a pattern easier to follow. My goal was to make it even more enjoyable for someone knitting it for the very first time.
As I cast on another blanket, I was reminded why this design has remained one of my favorites. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize, so after the first few repeats you can settle into a comfortable rhythm without constantly checking the pattern. It’s the kind of project that’s perfect for an evening in your favorite chair, watching a movie, chatting with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with your knitting.
Many of the rows in this blanket were knit while cheering at Little League games.
I think this blanket is especially well-suited for newer knitters who are ready to move beyond simple garter stitch, but it’s just as enjoyable for experienced knitters looking for a relaxing project between more complicated designs. It also makes a thoughtful gift for baby showers, new grandparents, charities, or anyone welcoming a little one into their lives.
If you’d like to knit one of your own, you can find the updated Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket pattern in my Etsy and Ravelry shops. I hope you enjoy knitting it as much as I still do.
Knitting the Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket Pattern
Skill Level → Easy
Yarn
I often choose acrylic yarn for my baby blankets because it’s made for real life. New parents don’t need another item that requires special care. A good baby blanket should be cuddled, dragged around the house, tucked into the stroller, and washed as often as needed. I especially love Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn” because it becomes even softer after repeated washing and drying while holding its shape and color beautifully. To me, a baby blanket should be used every day, not saved for special occasions.
This Cuddly was knit with Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn® Worsted Weight in Fruit Salad and Sunset
How much yarn do I need?
Yardage is approximate.
At a gauge of 18 stitches = 4 inches (4.5 stitches per inch),
- Stroller: 450 yards, 22.2″ × 28″
- Baby: 750 yards, 28″ × 36″
- Small: 1200 yards, 38″ × 42″
- Medium: 2000 yards, 48″ × 60″
- Large: 3600 yards, 60″ × 80″
Note: The yardage listed above is for a blanket knit in one color. The sample shown throughout this pattern was knit with two colors, so I used approximately half of the listed yardage from each color. For example, the Baby size requires about 750 yards total, so you’ll need approximately 375 yards of each color when knitting a two-color version.
💡 Candylou Tip
If you’re shopping for yarn in person, buy all the skeins you need at the same time and check that the dye lots match. Even similar shades can vary slightly from one dye lot to another.
A baby blanket you may enjoy → Candy Kisses
Needles
Knitpicks: Mosaic Options Interchangeable Circular Needles
Size US8 with a 24″ or 32″ cord with a gauge of 18 stitches per 4 inches
What if my gauge isn’t exactly the same?
Don’t worry if your gauge is off by a little. Unlike a sweater, a baby blanket doesn’t have to fit a particular size. A small difference in gauge will simply make your blanket slightly larger or smaller than the finished dimensions listed in the pattern.
Knitpicks: What Needles are right for you?
💡 Candylou Tip
As your blanket gets bigger, so does the number of stitches on your needle! A 42″ circular needle gives the larger sizes plenty of room, making your knitting more comfortable and helping the stitches move more smoothly along the cable.
Related Post → Tiny Kisses Baby Blanket
Is the Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket suitable for beginners?
Yes! If you know how to knit, purl, yarn over, and knit two together (K2tog), you can make this blanket. The pattern repeat is easy to memorize, and after a few repeats you’ll likely find yourself knitting with very little reference to the pattern. It’s a wonderful project for knitters who are ready to build their skills while creating a beautiful baby blanket.
Can I use different yarn?
Absolutely! This pattern was designed for Hobby Lobby worsted weight yarn which is a heavy worsted, but you can use any worsted weight yarn you love. Just be sure to knit a gauge swatch before you begin, as different yarns can vary in thickness and may affect the finished size of your blanket.
I’ve knit this blanket in acrylic, wool and cotton over the years, and each one has given it a unique look and feel. Choosing a different yarn is a wonderful way to make the blanket your own.
Can I make it larger?
Yes! The pattern includes five sizes, from a stroller blanket to a large throw. If you’d like to make it even larger or create a custom size, it’s easy to do.
To change the width, cast on a multiple of 4 stitches while keeping the 8-stitch garter border on each side. Then simply continue knitting until your blanket reaches the length you’d like. Whether you’re making a baby gift, a cozy lap blanket, or something big enough to snuggle under on the couch, it’s easy to create the perfect size.
🩷 Final Thoughts
The Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket will always be special to me because it was the very first blanket I designed. Updating the pattern and knitting it again reminded me why I’ve loved it from the beginning. It’s simple to knit, relaxing to work on, and the kind of project that lets you slow down and enjoy every stitch.
Whether you’re knitting your very first baby blanket or adding another handmade gift to your collection, I hope this pattern brings you as much joy as it has brought me.
Happy knitting!
Candylou
Let’s Knit Together
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Come say hello on Instagram at @candyloucreations. I can’t wait to see what you’re knitting!
