My Favorite Baby Blanket Pattern . . . and Knitted Booties

It is definitely baby season in our family. A new one arrived seven weeks ago, and two more are on the way. It’s so very exciting. Not my own babies, of course, and not even grandchildren, but these great nieces and nephews are equally special to me. There is never a question as to the gift to make for these new arrivals. Babies can never have too many blankets and this pattern is one of my favorites.

Baby Warren is showing off the blanket for his new cousin.

This one has been around for awhile, but I think it is worth sharing again. It’s quick, easy, and oh so snuggly.

Here’s what you will need:

Two fabrics: 1-1/4 yd. for backing and border and 7/8 yd. for the front. I have made these using two different flannel fabrics, but today decided to use a flannel for the back and minkie for the front.

Cutting:

Backing fabric, cut to 40″ square.

Front, cut to 30″ square.

Construction: I used a walking foot on my machine to prevent slipping while working with the minkie.

1. Use pins to mark the centerpoints on the sides of each piece.

2. Work on one side at a time. With the front fabric on top and right sides together, match the centerpoints of the fabrics. Secure with additional pins. Note that there will be an extension of the backing fabric beyond the corner of the front fabric. Starting 1/4″ from the corner of the front fabric, stitch the two pieces together to within 1/4″ of the opposite end. Begin and end with a few backstitches to secure.

Begin and end 1/4″ from each end of the front fabric.

3. Repeat for the remaining three sides, leaving an opening along one side for turning right side out.

4. Working on one corner at a time, fold the fabric exactly as shown and mark a line that extends from the folded edge to the stitching line.

Mark a line on the wrong side of the backing fabric.

5. Stitch along the marked line, ending with a few backstitches to secure, and then cut the excess fabric 1/4″ away from the stitching line, as shown. Repeat for the remaining corners.

Cut 1/4″ away from the stitching line.

6. Carefully turn the blanket right side out. Press the seam in the direction of the backing/border fabric.

7. Use a straight or decorative stitch to hold the seam allowance flat. Additional stitching lines can be added if desired.

I like this serpentine stitch on my machine.

It’s just that easy. Make one or two as holiday gifts or for an upcoming baby shower.

If you are a knitter, you might consider adding a pair of booties to make a lovely gift package. There are many simple patterns available. The one shown where is from a pattern I found on Ravelry.com.