Whit's Knits: Forever Baby Blanket

I call this the Forever Baby Blanket because its design is so timeless and classic. You will never look at it and wonder, "What was I thinking?", which is important when it comes to baby blankets because no one throws away a handknit baby blanket. It is, in fact, forever. It gets wrapped in tissue, surrounded by cedar, and tucked away until a new generation comes along and thanks you for having made such an enduringly beautiful blanket!

I was really excited to use Purl Soho's latest addition to our line of Anzula yarn, For Better or Worsted. Like our beloved Squishy, For Better or Worsted is a superwash merino, cashmere and nylon blend in gorgeous hand dyed colors. It is the perfect baby blanket yarn, machine washable, super duper soft, and special enough for heirloom knitting.

Ever since making the Autumn Equinox Vest I've wanted to revisit the Cartridge Belt Rib. Its distinctive texture is characterised by deep valleys and high ridges, created by a simple slip stitch pattern. For a baby blanket this rib is a wonderful choice because it provides a lofty coziness nothing short of what we want for our precious babies!

The Materials

• 5 skeins of Anzula's For Better or Worsted, 80% Superwash Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon. This color is "Root Beer".
• A US #9, 32 inch circular needle.

The Pattern

Gauge

7 1/2 stitches = 1 inch in stitch pattern, unstretched

Finished Size

24 inches x 28 inches

Note: When this pattern says "sl 1 wyif", it means to slip 1 with the yarn in front. So, bring your yarn forward as if to purl, slip the next stitch from the left needle to the right needle as if to purl, and then bring the yarn back into the knit position.

Cast on 179 stitches.

Row 1: K3, *sl 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2: K1, *sl 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, sl 1 wyif, k1.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 28 inches from the cast on edge. End with Row 2, ready to knit Row 1.

Bind Off Row: Bind off in a k3, p1 rib. (Here's how: K2, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, *p1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, repeat from * to end of row.)

Cut the yarn and pull it through the remaining stitch.

Weave in the ends and you're all done!