There’s something incredibly special about creating a handmade gift for a new little life. Whether you’re preparing for your own bundle of joy, looking for the perfect baby shower present, or simply craving a soothing project full of love, this Gift of Love Knit Baby Blanket is here to wrap your heart (and your needles) in all the right ways.
Inspired by timeless textures and the softness of a caring touch, this blanket combines gentle repetition with playful structure, making it ideal for beginners ready to move beyond garter stitch—but without the stress of complex charts or stitch counts. It’s the kind of project that lets you cozy up with a cup of tea and simply knit your way through a peaceful afternoon.
The basketweave pattern creates a beautifully tactile texture that mimics the look of woven fabric while still being easy to memorize. It’s a delightful way to build confidence, hone your tension skills, and end up with a luxurious blanket that looks far more advanced than it is.
This project is not just for the baby in your life—it’s for you, too. For those quiet moments of reflection, that satisfying click-clack rhythm of progress, and the joy of knowing your stitches are forming something cherished.
Let’s dive into the details and get knitting.
Materials
Yarn: Caron® Jumbo™ (12 oz/340 g; 595 yds/544 m)
Color: Forget Me Not Var. (09014)
Quantity: 2 balls
Needles:
U.S. Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular knitting needle
36″ [91.5 cm] long, or size needed to obtain gauge
Gauge
15 stitches and 19 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stocking stitch (stockinette)
Finished Size
Approx. 36 x 42″ [91.5 x 106.5 cm]
Abbreviations
Approx = Approximately
Beg = Begin(ning)
Cont = Continue
K = Knit
P = Purl
Pat = Pattern
Rep = Repeat
RS = Right Side
WS = Wrong Side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Instructions – Gift of Love Baby Blanket
Note: You’ll be knitting back and forth in rows (not in the round). The first row is the Wrong Side (WS).
- Cast on 131 stitches.
- Knit 5 rows, noting that the first row is the WS.
- Begin Basketweave Pattern:
Repeat the following 8 rows throughout the blanket:
Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2: K8. P3, K5. Repeat from * to last 3 sts. K3
Row 3: K3. P5. K3, P5. Repeat from * to last 3 sts. K3
Row 4: Repeat Row 2
Row 5: Knit all stitches
Row 6: K4. P3. K5, P3. Repeat from * to last 4 sts. K4
Row 7: K3. P1, K3. P5, K3. Repeat from * to last 4 sts. P1, K3
Row 8: Repeat Row 6
Continue in pattern until work measures approximately 41″ [104 cm] from the beginning, ending on either Row 1 or Row 5 of the pattern.
Knit 4 additional rows.
Cast off on a Wrong Side row.
Finishing
No seaming required. Weave in loose ends. Light blocking is optional but will help even out your stitches and edges.
Tips for Beginners
Use a row counter or tally marks to help you keep track of the 8-row repeat.
Mark every 10–20 stitches with stitch markers to make counting and maintaining the pattern easier.
Don’t stress over small imperfections—this pattern has texture that hides them well, and blocking will smooth out the rest.
A Blanket to Wrap Your Love In
The Gift of Love Knit Baby Blanket isn’t just a project—it’s a gesture. A tactile, beautiful reminder that the best things in life are made stitch by stitch, with intention and heart. Whether gifted or kept, this blanket is sure to bring warmth, comfort, and smiles.
Settle into your favorite chair, pick up your yarn, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of creating something beautiful. This is the kind of project that reminds you why you fell in love with knitting in the first place.
