How much yarn do I use to make a baby blanket?

Question

My aunt just adopted a baby boy and I want to knit a baby blanket for her. I've never knitted a blanket before. How much yarn will I be needing? Also, what's the best yarn to use for a baby blanket? Cheapest? Blankets can get expensive, ha!

Answer 1

Hooded Baby Wrap

Lion Brand® Nature's Choice Organic Cotton

GAUGE:

12 stitches = 4 in. (10 cm) in Garter stitch (knit every row). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

BLANKET

Blanket is knit diagonally. Beginning at one corner, stitches are increased, then decreased to make opposite corner. Wrapping the yarn over the needle creates a decorative edge on the Blanket.

Cast on 3 stitches.

Row 1: Knit 2, yarn over needle (wrap yarn counter-clockwise around needle, making a loop on right hand needle), knit to end of row.

Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 20 in. (51 cm) along one side.

Next Row: Knit 2, yarn over needle, knit next 2 stitches together twice, knit to end of row.

Repeat last row until 3 stitches remain.

Bind off.

Nature's Choice Organic Cotton Yarn : Almond  3 balls

Lion Brand Knitting Needles- Size 9 [5.5 mm]

or

Lion Cashmere Blend Yarn: Light Blue  4 balls

Lion Brand Knitting Needles - Size 10.5 [6.5 mm

Glamour-Baby's First Blankie

Lion Brand® Lion Cashmere Blend

GAUGE:

14 stitches across and 22 rows down should measure 4 in. [10cm] in Blankie pattern stitch (the Blankie pattern stitch is Rows 9-28). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

BLANKIE

Cast on 68 sts.

Rows 1-8 Knit every stitch on every row for a total of 8 rows to make the bottom border on the Blankie.

Row 9 Knit first 14 stitches, purl next 10 stitches, knit next 10 stitches, purl next 10 stitches, knit next 10 stitches, purl next 10 stitches, knit last 4 stitches.

Rows 10-18 Work just the same as Row 9.

Row 19 Knit first 4 stitches, purl next 10 stitches, knit next 10 stitches, purl next 10 stitches, knit next 10 stitches, purl next 10 stitches, knit last 14 stitches.

Rows 20-28 Work just the same as Row 19.

Rows 9-28 form the Blankie pattern stitch. After you finish Row 28, follow the instructions for Rows 9-28 five more times. (In other words, you will have worked Rows 9-28 a total of six times.)

NOTE

When you get close to using all the yarn in the first skein, you will need to join the second skein as follows: At the end of a row, cut the yarn from the first skein, leaving a long tail. Tie the yarn from the second skein to this tail, again leaving a tail of yarn. You will weave these tails in later. Attach third and fourth balls of yarn in the same way.

When you’ve finished Row 28 for the 6th time, knit 8 rows (knit every stitch on every row) to make the top border.

Bind off all stitches. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail into a large-eyed blunt needle, and use the needle to weave the tail through the Blankie. Trim end of tail. In the same way, weave in the tail from the beginning of your work and the tails from where the second, third, and fourth balls were joined.



HOOD

Cast on 3 stitches and work same as Wrap until straight edge of Hood measures about 10 in. (25.5 cm). Knit 2 more rows, then bind off.

FINISHING

Sew Hood to one corner of Blanket. Weave in ends.

Answer 2

It depends on how big you want the blanket to be.  I prefer the blankets I make to be a little bigger so the child doesn't out grow it as fast.  Two skeins of Lion Brand Pound of Love or Caron One Pound is more than enough for a larger than average baby blanket.  If you are using smaller skeins (such as something that is 5 or 6 ounces per skein), three or four skeins will be enough for a larger blanket.  As for the price, shop around.  You never know what sales a store is having, especially if it's a holiday!

Answer 3

I usually use One Pounder yarn to make a baby blanket. One skein should be enough and a lot of times they offer a free blanket pattern on the wrapper.