Whit's Knits: Bulky Baby Blankets

I love thick and squishy baby blankets. They keep babies cozy in cold weather, of course, and they're fast to knit, which is always a welcome bonus; but, best of all, they are perfect floor mats for young babies who haven't yet discovered their locomotive skills. I'm always reaching for the plushest blankets I have so I can set Bear down wherever I need to be. I get to keep an eye on him, and he gets to experience new vantage points from his luxurious travelling rugs.

Spud & Chloe's Outer is the ultimate yarn for this purpose. A blend of superwash wool and organic cotton, it is honestly soft enough for sensitive baby skin. It makes a bulky blanket with wonderful loft and padding, as well as rustic beauty.

The borders are made out of Spud & Chloe's Sweater yarn doubled. Also a superwash wool/cotton blend, I used it because it comes in lots of great, kicky colors and gives a nice neat finish to the edges.

Materials

Garter Stitch Version

• 4 skeins of Spud & Chloe's Outer, 65% superwash wool, 35% organic cotton (This color is "Flannel".)

• 2 skeins of Spud & Chloe's Sweater, 55% superwash wool, 45% organic cotton (This is "Watermelon".)

Seed Stitch Version

• 4 skeins of Spud & Chloe's Outer, 65% superwash wool, 35% organic cotton (This color is "Soapstone".)

• 2 skeins of Spud & Chloe's Sweater, 55% superwash wool, 45% organic cotton (This is "Pollen".)

Both Versions

• A 24 or 32 inch, US #15 circular needle

• A 40 inch, US #13 circular needle

• 4 jumbo stitch markers

The Pattern

Gauge

2 1/4 stitches = 1 inch in garter stitch or seed stitch, using the Main Yarn

2 3/4 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch, using the Contrast Yarn DOUBLED

Finished Size

26 inches x 26 inches

Seed Stitch Version

Using the Main Color and US #15 needles, cast on 51 stitches.

*K1, p1, repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat this row until you have used all 4 skeins of yarn, leaving enough to bind off.

Bind off in k1, p1 pattern, and weave in the ends.

Garter Stitch Version

Using the Main Color and US #15 needles, cast on 53 stitches.

Knit every row until you have used all 4 skeins of yarn, leaving enough to bind off.

Bind off  and weave in the ends.

The Border (for Both Versions)

Note: For the Border, use the Contrast Yarn DOUBLED. You can either pull from the inside and the outside of one ball of yarn, or pull one strand from each of two balls.

With the Contrast Yarn and a 40 inch, US #13 needles, begin the border at any corner:

*Pick up 60 stitches to the next corner, place a marker, repeat from * until you have returned to the beginning corner. For the last marker, use a different color in order to indicate the beginning of the round. (240 stitches)

The border is knit in the round. Join the round by knitting into the first stitch you picked up.

Round 1: Knit.

Round 2: *K1, make 1 right, knit to the next marker, make 1 left, slip the marker, repeat from * to the end of the round. (8 stitches increased)

Rounds 3 and 4: Repeat Rounds 1 and 2.

Round 5: Knit.

Round 6: Purl.

Round 7: Knit.

Round 8: *K1, k2tog, knit to 2 stitches before the next marker, ssk, slip the marker, repeat from * to end of round. (8 stitches decreased)

Rounds 9 and 10: Repeat Rounds 7 and 8.

Now is a good time to weave in any ends.

To finish the border, fold it over so the purl sides are facing each other and:

1. Pick up the purl bump (from the pick up round) that is directly in line with the first stitch on the left needle.

2. Slip the purl bump onto the left needle.

3. Knit two together (the purl bump and the first "regular" stitch).

(At the beginning of the round, repeat these three steps one more time so that you are able to do the next step.)

4. Slip the second stitch on the right needle over the first (just like binding off).

Repeat these 4 steps all the way around the border. (Tip: Check frequently that the stitch you're picking up is still in line with the first stitch on the left needle, otherwise the border will start to skew.)

Weave in the ends and you're done!