Materials:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight machine-washable yarn, approximately 350-400 yards (about 150-200 grams).
- Needles: Appropriate needle size (or one size larger) for the chosen yarn.
- Gauge: Gauge is not crucial for this project, but select a needle size that produces a pleasing fabric in garter stitch.
- Size: Baby blanket: Approximately 36” x 38” unblocked.
- Optional: Digital scale, preferably one that can weigh in grams.
Instructions:
Cast On (CO): Cast on 120 stitches.
Bottom Border: Knit 10 rows (equivalent to 5 ridges).
Tip #1: Measure the length of knitting at this point to determine the length of the bottom border, ensuring the top border will be of the same size.
Tip #2: Weigh the yarn before casting on. After completing the bottom border, weigh the yarn again to determine the amount used. Optionally, add 10% for a safety margin. This weight is the amount needed for the top border. To use all the yarn, knit the body until the remaining yarn matches this weight, then knit the top border.
Body:
Setup Row 1: Slip 1, knit 4, place marker (pm), knit to the last 5 stitches, pm, knit to the end.
Setup Row 2: Slip 1, knit 4, purl to the next marker, knit 5.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 once more.
Row 1 (Right Side): Pass slip (ps) 1, knit 4; knit 2 together (k2tog) 3 times; [(yarn over (yo), knit 1) 6 times, k2tog 6 times] 4 times; (yo, knit 1) 6 times, k2tog 3 times; knit 5.
Rows 2 and 3: Ps 1, knit across.
Row 4 (Wrong Side): Slip 1, knit 4, purl to marker, knit 5.
Repeat Rows 1-4 an additional 27 times or until the blanket is the desired length, excluding the length of the border. Ensure you finish on a Row 4.
Top Border: Knit 9 rows.
Bind Off: Bind off all stitches.