Guide & Inspiration: Knit a baby blanket

One knitted baby blanket (or a baby wrap) is one of the most used – and most loved – things in the child's early years. It is the blanket that lies in the pram, in the lift, on the sofa and in the arms when you need to create peace. Many also choose to knit a baby blanket as maternity gift or christening gift, because it is both practical and personal.

Read here in the blog post about choosing yarn for baby blankets and swaddles and get three examples of beautiful baby blankets, Mary Wrap, Winter child and Call. 

Choice of yarn for a baby blanket

When knitting for babies, the choice of yarn is absolutely crucial. The yarn must be soft against delicate skin, have good temperature regulation and be able to withstand use. We recommend choosing natural material, such as wool and cotton, and avoiding synthetics, as these often do not have the same temperature-regulating and breathable properties.

 

1. Merino and cashmere: The soft and warm choice

Merino wool and cashmere are two fine types of wool, which are known for their softness. This makes it a very good choice for delicate baby skin. Among our assortment, we can recommend the following:

Stick 3-3.5 mm: 

1. VIP (cashmere/merino) from Lana Gatto (50 g / 200 meters)
2. Perlata d'Australia (100% merino) from Lana Gatto (50 g / 233 meters)
3. Eco Soft Cashmere (100% cashmere) from Smuksak (25 g / 125 meters)

Stick 4-5 mm: 

1. Maxi VIP (cashmere/merino) from Lana Gatto (50 g / 100 meters)
2. Supersoft Extra Fine Merino (100% merino) from Lana Gatto (50 g / 125 meters)
3. Premium Merino (100% merino) from Lana Gatto (50 g / 125 meters)

 

2. Cotton and silk: the cool choice for the summer child

Silk, cotton and cotton blends are suitable for those hot days when baby needs an airy, light and cool blanket that doesn't feel too hot. For example when the child has to sleep for dinner on a warm summer day and still be protected from the breeze. Here, natural fibers such as cotton and silk are good, as they are breathable, sweat absorbent and at the same time soft.

Stick 3-3.5 mm:

1. Organic Cotton 100% from Smuksak (50 g / 165 meters)
2. True Silk (100% bourette silk) from Smuksak (50 g / 240 meters)

Stick 4-4.5 mm:

1. MerinoCot (merino/cotton) from Lana Gatto (50 g / 125 meters)

 

3. Pure wool: The robust and durable choice

Pure wool is also a great choice for baby blankets. It is more robust and durable and is thus resistant to wear and tear. However, you should be aware that pure wool is often not the softest choice. Blankets made of pure wool are thus usually not suitable for use directly against the skin, but can work fantastically as an extra layer on top of the baby's clothes. It warms well and is durable, while also being breathable. 

Stick 3-3.5 mm: 

1. Shetland Wool (100% Shetland wool) from Smuksak (50 g / 280 meters)

Stick 4-5 mm: 

1. Misina (100% pure new wool) from Lana Gatto (50 g / 100 meters)
2. Rustica (100% organic wool) from Smuksak (100 g / 350 meters)

Inspiration: 3 cute baby blankets

1. Mary Swaddle (Mary's Royal Baby Swaddle)

Mary's royal swaddling is an elegant and timeless baby blanket with a beautiful, classic look. The fine pattern gives the wrap an exclusive and almost ceremonial touch, which makes it an obvious christening gift or keepsake that can be kept for many years. 

It has the iconic, "royal" look and functions both as a wrap for the newborn and as a beautiful blanket that is often kept as a keepsake.

Our version is knitted in Lana Gatto VIP fv. 6039, which gives the carpet an unrivaled softness and beautiful fall. There goes approx. 8 keys VIP for the carpet. The recipe can be found for free online, e.g. at Familie Journalen. 

2. Winter child by Mille Fryd Knitwear

Winter child is a really nice offer for one knitted baby blanket, if you want something classic, simple and calm - but still with a fine expression. The pattern is made in garter stitch with increases and increases, which provides an easy but decorative process. This makes the recipe super suitable as beginner project in the sweet waiting time.

Winter child becomes extra delicious in VIP, because the softness of the yarn makes the blanket comfortable directly against baby - and at the same time it beautifully emphasizes the structure and lines. This version is knitted by @se.min.strik (via Instagram) in Lana Gatto VIP fv. A4953. You will find the recipe here.

3. Nickname of Mille Fryd Knitwear

Call is a classic baby blanket with lots of charm: waves and beadwork creates a beautiful expression, and the shape itself remains diamond shaped. This makes the carpet particularly suitable as baby wrap, because the ends become a little longer and can easily be wrapped around baby. At the same time, it is large enough to also function as pram blanket.

Our own version (left picture) is knitted in Lana Gatto Misina fv. 14044. When Kalle is knitted in pure wool, you get a rug with a nice, clear structure (especially in the pearl knit) and a result that is very suitable for a lot of use.