Reading While Knitting the Crosswise
Stroller Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern
Can you read and knit at the same time? Started another Crosswise – just because it is the simplest, most mindless knitting project that I can knit with my eyes closed… or else reading a book.
I taught myself how to do this by knitting while watching TV and trying not to look, then knitting with my eyes closed… and then by reading on my kindle so I don’t have to hold a book. I learned how to feel the stitches with my fingertips so that I could knit without looking at the stitches.
This takes time and practice. I know that I read slower and knit slower when I knit and read at the same time. But that’s OK with me because I love the feeling of relaxation and euphoria I get when taking my time.
I love to read and I love to knit and now I do both at the same time. Happiness times 2. I literally feel the serotonin while reading and knitting!
This pattern makes a perfectly square and reversible blanket. This Crosswise Baby Blanket is 24″ x 24″.
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Yarn
Project shown with 500 yards of Hobby Lobby’s Aran Weight I Love This yarn in Tweed: Colorway Pastels
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How much yarn should I buy?
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
More Yarn Suggestions
Still have questions? Read this from Knitpicks about choosing the right yarn
Related Post → Jake’s Crosswise Knitting Pattern
Needles
Sunstruck Options Interchangeable Circular Set: Green Cables
Size 8 with a 24″ or 32″ cord with a gauge of 18 stitches per 4 inches
Knitpicks says it best: The Sunstruck Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set is the ultimate in knitting versatility! Mix and match knitting needle tips with cables to easily create the circular needle that you need for your next project.
Featuring smooth joins, perfectly tapered tips and flexible cables, this set includes 9 of our bestselling needle tips and 2 sizes of green cables – all of which are stored in a handy vinyl case. The smooth, burnished surface of Sunstruck needles is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of grip.
Knitpicks: What Needles are right for you?
Related Post → Sweetest Dreams Baby Blanket
The Crosswise Baby Blanket Pattern
With Size 8 circular needles:
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
For this Crosswise, I used 2 smaller skeins of yarn, 250 yards each skein, and the final measurement is 22 x 22
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.
Gift Ideas
I often knit baby blankets for shower gifts and like to include another little gift with it. Here are some of my favorite ideas lately:
Milestone Sign
Dock-A-Tot
Check out these darling outfits from Pureborn! Beautiful and different.
Related Post → Cuddly Soft Baby Blanket
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