Shown in Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn® Worsted Weight in Parcel and Bow, with colorful leftover yarn for the accent colors.
Some blankets just make you smile, and this one did from the very first row.
The soft sprinkles of color reminded me of cotton candy at the county fair, so the name came naturally. It’s lighthearted, relaxing to knit, and one of those projects that makes you look forward to “just one more row.”
Even better, it lets you turn those little balls of leftover yarn into something beautiful.
This blanket is being knit with a worsted weight skein of “Parcel and Bow” by Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn” line. The plain colors are simply bits of leftovers used from other projects.
Why You’ll Love This Blanket
- Easy slip stitches create the look of colorwork without the complexity.
- Only one color is worked at a time.
- Perfect for using leftover yarn.
- A relaxing pattern that’s easy to memorize.
- Every blanket turns out completely unique depending on the colors you choose.
The blanket looks much harder than it is.
The textured color pattern looks much more complicated than it really is. Friends may think you mastered fancy colorwork, but the secret is simply slipping stitches while knitting with one color at a time.
If you’re like me, you probably have little balls of yarn tucked into baskets and project bags that are too pretty to throw away. Cotton Candy gives those leftovers a second life, adding cheerful pops of color throughout the blanket.
Perfect For
✔ Baby showers
✔ Charity knitting
✔ Relaxing evening knitting
✔ Using leftover yarn
✔ Beginner knitters ready to learn slip stitches
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.
How much yarn do I need?
Yardage is approximate.
Slip stitches create a wonderfully thick, cozy fabric and may require slightly more yarn than traditional stockinette stitch.
- Stroller: 450 yards 22” x 28”
- Baby: 750 yards 28” x 36″
- Small: 1200 yards 38” x 42”
- Medium: 2000 yards size 48″ x 60”
- Large: 3600 yards size 60″ x 80”
💡Candylou’s Tip
Don’t overthink the colors. Some of my favorite blankets happened because I reached into my yarn basket and simply started knitting. The surprises are often the best part.
Hobby Lobby “I Love This Yarn” in Parcel and Bow & Sea Blue
Hobby Lobby “I Love This Yarn” in Fuzzy slippers and leftover balls of yarn
Knitting the Cotton Candy Baby Blanket Pattern
Skill Level → Adventurous Beginner
Skills to know ↓
Cotton Candy Baby Blanket Free Knitting Pattern↓
Related Post → Hugs ‘N Kisses
Needles
Knitpicks: Mosaic Options Interchangeable Circular Needles
Size US8 with a 24″ or 32″ cord with a gauge of 20 stitches per 4 inches
Do I have to match gauge exactly?
Not necessarily. Since this is a blanket rather than a fitted garment, being slightly off won’t ruin your project. If your gauge differs, your blanket may simply end up a little larger or smaller. Matching gauge as closely as possible will help you achieve the finished sizes listed in the pattern.
Related Post → Tiny Kisses Baby Blanket
Is this blanket good for beginners?
This blanket is more appropriate for an adventurous beginner with some knitting under your belt. If you know how to knit, purl, and slip a stitch, you can make the Cotton Candy Blanket. The pattern uses simple slip stitches to create beautiful pops of color, but you only work with one color at a time. It’s a relaxing project that’s easy to memorize after a few repeats, making it perfect for confident newer knitters and experienced knitters alike.
Can I use different yarn?
Absolutely! While I designed this blanket using worsted weight yarn, it’s a wonderful pattern for experimenting with color. Choose soft pastels for a classic baby blanket, bright colors for a playful look, or even rich jewel tones for something completely different. The slip stitch design lets every color combination shine, so no two blankets are ever exactly alike.
Can I make it larger?
Yes! One of my favorite things about this pattern is how easy it is to customize. Simply cast on more stitches and continue the pattern until your blanket reaches the length you’d like. Whether you’re knitting a stroller blanket, a crib blanket, or a cozy throw, it’s easy to create the perfect size.
What can I do with leftover yarn?
Cotton Candy was practically made for leftover yarn! Those little balls you’ve been saving are perfect for adding cheerful pops of color throughout the blanket. It’s a fun way to use your stash, and every finished blanket becomes a unique creation that’s all your own.
🩷
I hope the Cotton Candy Blanket brings you as much joy to knit as it has brought me to design. Whether you choose soft pastels, bright pops of color, or something completely your own, every blanket tells a different story. That’s one of the things I love most about this pattern. If you make a Cotton Candy Blanket, I’d love to see it! Share your photos and tag me on Instagram @candyloucreations so we can inspire each other, one stitch at a time.
Hi CandyLou,
I cannot see the pattern for Cotton Candy
Much appreciated
Kerry
try this: https://www.candylou.com/wp-content/uploads/Cotton-Candy-Baby-Blanket.pdf