Square Baby Blanket Tutorial – Color Panels & Braided Joins

This Square Baby Blanket or Lap Throw tutorial by Shelly is a fantastic project crafted using a 22-needle circular knitting machine. Designed to be versatile, it’s ideal as a cosy baby blanket, a comforting lap throw for seniors, or a compact travel blanket. Measuring 37″x 37″, this blanket emphasises usability without compromising aesthetics. Using clear instructions and creative colour combinations, Shelly guides viewers to create a beautiful, functional handmade piece that’s perfect for gifting or personal use.

Square Baby Blanket Tutorial

A standout feature of this tutorial is Shelly’s thoughtful use of colour-blocked panels. She incorporates four distinct yarn colours, adding a visually striking yet harmonious look to the blanket. Shelly provides an in-depth explanation of the braided seam technique, which creates decorative yet durable joins between the panels. Additionally, she addresses potential tension challenges, highlighting how to manage variations to ensure a polished result. Her practical tips, such as using jogless joins for colour transitions and suggestions on yarn selection, elevate the outcome for all skill levels.

Highlights

1. Jogless Joins Technique: Shelly demonstrates an easy way to transition colours seamlessly in circular knitting projects for a smooth, clean finish.
2. Tension Control Advice: Learn ways to manage yarn tension effectively to prevent uneven stitches and achieve professional-looking panels.

Credit Koala Knits and Knacks

Step-by-Step Pattern

Materials

To knit this square baby blanket, you’ll need the following materials:

• Yarn
  • 4colourss of yarn (referenced in the tutorial)
  • Suggested option: Bernat Premium Yarn in three complementary colours.
  • If using yellow, it’s recommended to avoid Loops and Threads Soft Classic, as it may cause tension issues in knitting machines. Opt instead for Bernat Premium Butter.
• Knitting Machine: 22-needle circular knitting machine.
• Waste yarn: For cast-on and cast-off sections (use a contrasting colour).
• Basic Tools:
  • Row counter
  • Crochet hook (4.5mm recommended for braided join)
  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers (or bobby pins for marking rows and sections)

Stitch Guide

1. The Drawstring Cast-On:

• Set up your knitting machine with waste yarn.
• Align the last white needle and first black needle with your yarn feeder.
• Alternate looping the yarn in front of one needle and behind the next. Continue this pattern all the way around the knitting machine.

Tips:

• Go slowly to ensure all loops are caught on their respective needles.
• Keep your tension light during the cast-on process to avoid stitches splitting.

2. Knit Stitches in Multiple Colours

• Once the cast-on is complete, begin knitting the tubes row by row.
• Change colours as needed (refer to “Pattern Instructions”), using the jogless join (one colour pulls over to align seamlessly).

3. Braided Join:

The braided join adds texture and a polished finish to the blanket. Use a crochet hook to interlock stitches from each tube without gaps or puckering.

Notes

Gauge Adjustments:

• Test your yarn on the 22-needle machine beforehand to ensure it suits the machine and doesn’t cause splitting or tension irregularities.
• Tension issues often arise due to yarn type, speed, or using overly tight yarn. Knit slowly at first to check consistency.

Customisation Ideas:

1. Colour Variation:
   • Choose your favourite yarn colours to create a custom design. Soft pastels work well for baby blankets, while bolder colours may suit lap blankets.
2. Size Adjustments:
   • The tutorial creates an approximately 37″ x 37″. Modify the panel length to adjust the tube width for larger or smaller squares.
3. Edging:
   • You can add fringe at the ends for a decorative look.

Pattern Instructions

To construct this blanket, follow these instructions step by step:

1. Create Panels (Tubes)

The blanket consists of 11 panels created on a 22-needle circular knitting machine.

Panel Structure Overview:

Each tube consists of:

• Waste yarn at both the beginning and end (7 rows per section).
• Knit stitches in designated colours and row counts.

Step-by-Step Panel Knitting:

Panel 1 & Panel 11

1. Begin with seven rows of waste yarn to cast on.
2. Knit 198 rows of colour A to form a tube of solid colour.
3. Cast off with seven rows of waste yarn.
4. Label the finished panel as 1 or 11 using paper or markers.

Panels 2 & 10

1. Cast on with waste yarn (7 rows).
2. Knit 18 rows of colour A.
3. Switch to colour B and tie the jogless join. Knit 162 rows.
4. Return to colour A for 18 rows.
5. Cast off with seven rows of waste yarn.

And Panels 3 & 9

1. Cast on using waste yarn.
2. Colour Rows:
   • Knit 18 rows in colour A.
   • 18 rows colour B.
   • 126 rows colourC.
   • 18 rows colour B.
   • 18 rows colourA.
3. Cast off with waste yarn.

Panels 4 & 8

These include 4fourbase colours and a white middle band:

1. Cast on using waste yarn.
2. Knitting Sequence:
   • 18 rows colour A.
   • 18 rows colour B.
   • 18 rows colour C.
   • 90 rows colour D (white).
   • 18 rows colourC.
   • 18 rows colour B.
   • 18 rows colourA.
3. Cast off with waste yarn after ensuring alignment.

Panels 5, 6, 7

1. Follow a structured colour sequence: Colour A through Colour D.
2. To create the central square, the middle tube (Panel 6) features a mirrored palette across rows.

For a detailed breakdown of each row pattern and visual guidance, refer to the YouTube tutorial at key timestamps.

2. Finishing the Panel Edges

1. Remove all waste yarn from the edges by unravelling, leaving the loops visible.
2. Use a crochet hook (4.5mm) to close the open stitches on each edge, creating flat edges.

3. Assembling the Blanket with a Braided Join

• Layout: Align the 11 panels in their intended order on a flat surface.
• Joining Tubes:
  1. Pair two panels together (start with Panel 1 and Panel 2).
  2. Work on the front-facing side of the blanket to ensure the braided detail appears correctly.
  3. Use a crochet hook, working one loop at a time to connect panels. Ensure no loops are skipped.
  4. Repeat until all tubes are joined.

4: Optional Fringe Edging

1. Cut leftover yarn into strips.
2. Using a crochet hook, pull sections of yarn through the blanket’s edge, then tie securely to form fringe.

Pattern Question

How do I ensure my blanket panels align perfectly when assembling

Answer: Always label your panel tubes and work with consistent row counts. Use the braided join method for alignment, starting from the same edge to maintain uniformity and prevent twisting.

Video Tutorial