If you’re looking for an easy and rewarding baby blanket to knit, this beginner-friendly pattern is a great choice. It uses only basic stitches to create a beautifully textured, striped design. You’ll start with just 5 stitches and increase one stitch per row until the blanket reaches your desired size. Then, by decreasing one stitch per row, you’ll shape it right back down to a neat square—no need to pick up stitches or knit separate panels. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for knitters of all levels.
The Hugs ‘N Kisses Baby Blanket is available on Ravelry and Etsy
This project is baby size at 30″ x 30″
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Related Post → Crosswise Baby Blanket
Skill Level → Easy
Skills to know ↓
Here is a video on how I do my decreases on this blanket
Related Post → Tiny Kisses Baby Blanket
Yarn
To make your Hugs ‘N Kisses blanket extra cozy, the right yarn makes all the difference. I used Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn,” a soft, affordable worsted weight acrylic that’s perfect for baby blankets. It’s easy to care for, machine washable, and comes in a wide range of beautiful colors. For this 30 x 30 inch baby-sized blanket, I used about 1.3 skeins of Parcel and Bow (my main color) and less than one skein each of Cream, Menthe, and Cherry Blossoms for the stripes.
Sometimes I use a solid color for the main color, and other times I like to mix it up with a variegated yarn. For this project, I chose Parcel and Bow—a pretty, self-striping yarn that adds a soft, watercolor look without any extra effort. The result is a cheerful, textured blanket that’s as fun to knit as it is to gift.
How much yarn should I buy?
Assuming a gauge of 4.5 stitches to the inch:
- Stroller: 150 yards main color, 80 yards each of 3 more colors for 24 x 24
- Baby: 300 yards main color, 130 yards each of 3 more colors for 30 x 30
- Small: 400 yards of main color, 200 yards each of 3 more colors for 36 x 36
- Medium: 600 yards of main color, 240 yards each of 3 more colors for 42 x 42
- Large: 700 yards of main color, 375 yards each of 3 more colors 48 x 48
Needles
When it comes to needle size, US size 8 (5mm) circular needles are ideal for this pattern when using worsted weight yarn. They give the blanket just the right balance of drape and structure. That said, feel free to adjust—go up a size for a looser, more open stitch, or down a size for a tighter, denser fabric.
Even though you’re knitting back and forth, I recommend using circular needles to comfortably hold the growing number of stitches.
For my blankets, I often recommend Knit Picks needles. I especially love the Sunstruck Options Interchangeable Circular Set. The smooth joins and warm wood make them a joy to knit with—perfect for long, relaxing stretches of baby blanket knitting.
Pattern
After you have gathered your 3 colors and also the featured yarn and needles you will be ready to begin knitting.
The Hugs ‘N Kisses Baby Blanket is available on Ravelry and Etsy
I hope you enjoy knitting this Hugs ‘N Kisses blanket as much as I did. It’s the kind of project that’s easy to pick up, relaxing to work on, and always turns into something special. Whether you’re making it for a new baby, a grandchild, or as a heartfelt gift, there’s something truly satisfying about watching those stitches grow into a cozy, handmade keepsake.
If you knit one, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @candyloucreations so I can cheer you on and admire your beautiful work. Happy knitting!
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