Knot stitch baby blanket – free knitting pattern

Here’s to baby blankets! Something I can knit on straight needles. No complicated twisting stitches, no double points and intricate yarn juggling! No fuss.

Knot Stitch Blanket - Shortrounds Knitwear

Sometimes it pays to give yourself a break. Recently I was taking on quite a lot, some might argue a little too much. But a flurry of custom orders and making stock for my Etsy shop caused me to go into ‘knitting overload‘. I don’t normally like to double up on projects, but recently it seems that’s all I’ve been doing. I can’t complain, because it’s exactly what I love doing, but even knitters need a break from knitting sometimes!

I’m my own worst enemy however, because after just a few short days of ‘not knitting‘, I was itching to pick up the needles again! And from that little mini-break came this beauty of a pattern. After several garments and accessories, this flat knitted, easy-going baby blanket was a welcome change.

Knot Stitch Blanket - Shortrounds Knitwear

Before I say anything else, this 100% cotton baby blanket can be washed at 40°C. I say this first and foremost, because I know it’s important as a parent. If this blanket is going anywhere near a baby, it’s gonna get messy!

Being knitted in cotton makes for a light, flexible texture, but it’s also lovely and warm (perfect for a little one). Whether they’re catching some Z’s on the sofa or snuggled tightly into their pushchair, this blanket will be perfect to tuck them up with!

The Knot Stitch Baby Blanket is constructed using a repeating textured ‘knot’ pattern, complete with a non-rolling edged border. You can easily make this blanket as big or small as you need by increasing the number of ‘knot stitch’ repeats within the edging. Continue reading for the free pattern, or click here for the purchasable printer-friendly PDF.

Knot Stitch Blanket - Shortrounds Knitwear

Knot Stitch Baby Blanket

Yarn: Any aran weight yarn (be sure to check gauge with a knot stitch swatch) I used 10 balls of Drops Paris cotton in light grey (23)

Needles: 5.00mm circular needles

Gauge: 16 sts x 20 rows per 4″ in knot stitch pattern

Key:
K – knit
P – purl
Knot – Purl the next 3 stitches together, do not drop them from the needle. Knit the same 3 stitches together, then purl the same 3 stitches together. Drop the stitches from the left needle.

Pattern:

This pattern is knitted flat.

Begin by casting on a multiple of 6 + 5 stitches for your knot stitch repeating pattern, then add your preferred number of stitches for a non-rolling border edge like garter stitch.

For example I cast on 137 for the knot stitch repeat section, plus 10 extra stitches for the garter stitch border (five stitches either side of the knot stitch pattern). So a total of 147 stitches for me. But this is totally up to you, as long as you follow the repeating pattern below, you can add whatever border you like to whatever size you like. 

I knitted all stitches back and forth in knit stitch for 6 rows to begin with, to create a decent sized non-rolling border. Then started with the below repeating pattern, making sure to always knit the first and last 5 stitches to maintain the garter stitch border up the sides. Then, when I’d knitted enough knot stitch repeats to create a blanket the size I wanted, I finished off by knitting another 6 rows of garter stitch.

Knot Stitch Repeat:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: K1 *Make knot, K3* repeat from * to last 4 stitches, make knot, K1
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: K4 *Make knot, K3* repeat from * to last stitch, K1
Row 8: Purl

THIS PATTERN IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN A PURCHASABLE PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION HERE.

Happy knitting!

x

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58 thoughts on “Knot stitch baby blanket – free knitting pattern

    1. Hi Grace, couldn’t agree more! Cotton’s a firm favourite with me. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out! xx

  1. LOVE this pattern! It’s so simple and perfect! Quick question, did you go with the dark grey or light grey Drops Paris? Also, how many skeins did this end up needing with the CO you used?

    1. Hi Kelly,
      I’m so pleased you like it! I used the light grey (23) and I ended up using just under 10 balls. I’ve added this info into the pattern as it’s pretty important!! Thanks 🙂 x

  2. hi Beth ,
    just love this pattern but one simple problem
    it’s writtin in your pattern that you use a 5mm circular needle
    can you make this with straight needle and what size would be preferable

    my best regards
    Anna

    1. Hi Anna,
      Thanks, really glad you like it.
      This pattern is knitted flat, I only really used 5mm circulars because of the size I wanted the blanket to be, the extra slack between the needles really helps to hold all of the stitches nicely. You can definitely knit these on straight needles, but I’d recommend using long straight needles – such as 30-35cm in length.

      Hope that helps, and let me know how you get on with the pattern!
      Thanks,
      Beth x

        1. Hi Anna,
          I used a 24 inch set of 5mm circulars. And I completely agree with what Kelly is saying in terms of needing a bit of length to comfortably hold the stitches, especially if you choose to work with cotton.
          Enjoy!
          x

    2. I just started in on this using these needles: http://nordicmart.com/needles-hooks/knitting-needles-by-brand/drops-design/drops-basic-16-inch-us-8-5mm/

      It’s perfectly manageable on a short circular, though I agree with Beth that it’s doable on straights, you just need long ones. If you’re using a cotton yarn, it’s not super scrunchy on the needles so you’ll need the space.

      That said, the pattern knits up beautifully, the drops Paris yarn is soft and pretty, and overall a really great knit. Enjoy!

      1. Hi Kelly, I’m thrilled to hear you’re getting on well with the pattern. I loved knitting with Drops Paris, it’s so easy to work with. Would be fantastic to see your finished piece! x

  3. I really wish this pattern it could be also in video version for us begginers…i really really love this pattern and it would be perfect for my baby wich i am waiting in december but i can not understand pattern…i am sure it is easy for you experts but i really wish it could be also video…but it is wonderful blanket…

    1. Hi Karol,
      You’re in luck. This knot stitch pattern is a standard knitting stitch and you can find tutorials for this all over youtube. I particularly like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ow72AWfRU8
      I really hope this helps show you how to do the repeating pattern, then you just need to add a garter stitch border, as my pattern describes.
      x

  4. This is truly a beautiful baby blanket, I will have to knit one for each of my grandchildren. Some are older but I thought I could easily double or triple the pattern.

    Thanks so much for the beautiful pattern.

    TerryLee

    1. Thank you so much! It is a really easy pattern to multiply in size. I’m trying to find the time to make a bedthrow. When you get round to making yours, let me know – I’d love to see your finished results!

      Beth

  5. Hi Beth
    i forgot to make the 5 garter stitch at each end of the rows .
    is there a way that i can re fix that just noticed it at the end of my project
    and it’s for a baby shower gift .

    thank
    waiting patiently for your answer
    best regards
    Anna

    1. Hi Anna,

      I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve done this with projects! Not to worry, as you could just pick up stitches along each edge and knit a garter stitch border for 5 or 6 rows. Then cast off in knit stitch. The stitches will just run vertically instead of horizontally, but it would have the same effect as having worked it along with the blanket. I hope that helps.

      Thanks
      Beth x

        1. what if i had cast off already .
          how do i do that ? tried so many ways
          can`t seem to find a solution
          even tried to cast back on and restart the garter stitch on the sides
          but didn`t work

          Anna xx

          1. Alternatively, you could knit the garter stitch ridges separately for both sides, then graft them to the body of the blanket using mattress stitch 🙂
            Beth xx

  6. Just finished this lovely little blanket and have a bit of the yarn left over. Was hoping to put together a very small sample for my baby grand daughter to have when the larger one is in the laundry. Sorry but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to reduce this to very small. Thank you for the pattern. It was so much fun!
    Cathy grandma to be

  7. Hi, I’d like to make this blanket but wondering if you could clarify the pattern please? 137 is not a multiple of 6 so the numbers don’t work out.

    1. Hi Laurie,

      The knot stitch repeat is made by casting on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 5 – so it’s 132 stitches (6 x 22), plus the extra 5 for the full repeating pattern – making 137. I then added 5 stitches of garter stitch either side to make it non-rolling. So all in all, it’s a total of 147 for my pattern. Hope that’s a little clearer now, but let me know if you have any more questions 🙂 x

  8. Hi there, really love this blanket. I have some DK ( 8ply) weight wool and size 4 mm needles. Do you think it would work ? Thank you.

    1. Hi Michelle,

      Thanks I’m glad you love it 🙂 I’d maybe suggest a slightly larger needle, like size 5 or 6mm for DK yarn – otherwise depending on your gauge you could end up with quite a dense knit. Definitely knit a swatch before you start your main blanket, as you’ll find you’ll need to add a few more stitch repeats to make your DK yarn blanket to the size I got mine to with aran yarn. Let me know how you get on! xx

  9. Hi Beth,
    I’m afraid I’m lost on row 3.
    “…to last 4 stitches, make knot, knit 1.”
    Should it not read “knit 3”?

    Thanks you.

    1. Hi Kimberly, no to worry! Sorry, it’s not clear. You use three of those last four stitches to make your knot (by purling, knitting and purling again into those three stitches held together) then you should have one stitch left to knit.

      Hope that helps!
      Beth x

  10. Hi Beth. I just finished making your awesome blanket using koigu doubled on a size 7 circular needle. It came out amazing! This is my new favorite baby blanket. I was wondering if you ever wrote a pattern for a matching hat?
    I like to give away the blankets as gifts and I’d love to include a little hat.
    Thanks,
    Stacey

    1. What a brilliant idea! I haven’t, but when I get some time I’ll certainly look into it. That stitch would make a lovely hat pattern. And I’m so pleased you love your blanket too. x

  11. Hi Beth,
    Love the pattern,but it not clear that when I cast 137 +10 (5 on each side) will give me what size blanket knit on 5mm needles.
    Would appreciate your prompt reply.
    Deshi

    1. Hi Deshi, Thanks for your lovely comment. I’ve replied to you in detail over on Ravelry! Let me know if you have any further questions. x

  12. This is a lovely pattern! I’m trying to find a baby blanket pattern where the 2 sides of the blanket look the same. Could you tell me if that is true with this pattern? Thanks!

    1. Thanks Denise! Sadly this blanket stitch is not reversible, as you have stockinette with knotted bumps throughout (so knit stitches on one side and purls on the reverse). Good luck in your search! x

  13. Hi Beth! Thank you for this wonderful pattern – I’m so excited as a new knitter to try it (only made twisted cowls from ravelry previously). I have done the non-rolling border garter stitch, ready to start in on the knit/purl/knot pattern. Im having a bit of trouble starting on the knit stitch row, every video i watch, says the knit stitch is the exact same knit as the garter stitch, but i see in your photos, your blanket inside stitch looks distinctly different than the border. Would you happen to have any clue what I am missing? Thank you so much, I look forward to connecting, and learning all your beautiful experienced knitting wisdom.

    1. Hi Natalie,
      Thanks for your lovely comments! I’m so glad you’ve cast on. I’m sorry it’s taken a while to respond, and you may have sorted out your problem by now. Garter stitch is created by knitting all stitches on the odd and even rows – this creates the ridges of garter stitch. Stockinette stitch is created by knitting the odd rows and purling the even rows. The knot stitch sits on a stockinette stitch. So after the knit row you follow it with a purl row, and you’ll see it all flows on quite nicely from there 🙂 if you have any other questions, please get in touch! x

      1. Hi Joann, sorry for the late reply, I’ve been having some trouble with my website. If you’re still interested in making this blanket it uses around 800 yards 🙂

    1. Hi Cynthia, sorry for the late reply – I’ve been having some trouble with my website! Absolutely you could use this yarn. My blanket used about 800 yards of aran weight cotton. Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton is the same weight as I used, so it would work perfectly. 🙂

  14. I’m confused about the knot row, where it says to repeat—*the knot part listed here*. I understand the last 4 stitches, but after making the knots, are there knit or putts between the knots? I’m a fairly new knitter and am excited to make this blanket! I look forward to any helpful feedback

    1. Hi Catherine, sorry for the late reply – I had some trouble with my website! If you’re still interested in making this blanket, there are 3 knit stitches between each knot stitch. So you make the knot by knitting and purling into the same stitch, then you knit 3 stitches, before making another knot and so on. I hope that helps! Happy knitting 🙂

    1. Thank you so much! It’s all about the tension, keeping it nice and even. And using blocking wires when blocking your final piece. Blocking can hide a multitude of things 😉

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