Wow, we sure are living through a crazy time! I began designing this pattern when things started to get really scary due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The process of creating this design has kept me distracted from the fear and panic going on in the world. The repetitive motion of knitting row after row has helped me stay calm and remain hopeful for the people of this planet (especially those most at risk). I choose to believe that we will be better from this crisis. Instead of fear, I choose hope.
I hope this pattern brings you comfort during this stressful time.
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I have written out and posted the free pattern for the Hope Baby Blanket below on this page.
You may also purchase the ad-free instant download PDF file for easy printing and reading. Purchasing the PDF file helps to support this website and allows me to continue to share my patterns and inspiration with you.
Should you have any issues with the download, please email: info@leeleeknits.com for assistance.
You can Purchase the PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically after purchase) for $5 USD through Ravelry or by clicking the button below.
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Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. I use all of the products listed on this page and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything I have recommended!
Materials:
Here is what you will need to make this baby blanket:
- US Size 4 / 3.5 mm straight (14”) or circular (32”) knitting needles.
- 6 Skeins (738 yards) of Knit Picks CotLin DK weight yarn in Flamingo.
- Scissors.
- Tapestry/Yarn needle to weave in ends.
Size:
Finished blanket measures 28″ wide X 34″ long.
Gauge:
5 stitches, 5.5 rows = 1 Inch in stockinette stitch.
Abbreviations:
K: Knit.
P: Purl.
Pattern:
Cast on 140 stitches (or a multiple of 20 plus 8, plus 12 for border). Continue to Bottom Border.
Bottom Border:
Row 1: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: *P1, K1; repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 three more times (total of 8 rows) to create a seed stitch pattern for the bottom border. Continue to Body of Blanket.
Body of Blanket:
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1; *K9, P1, repeat from * to last 14 stitches; K9, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1.
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10: P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, *P9; K1, repeat from * to last 14 stitches; P9, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
Row 11: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 12: *P1, K1; repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat rows 1-12 until blanket measures just under 33 inches. Continue to Top Border.
Top Border:
Row 1: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: *P1, K1; repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat rows 1 and 2, two more times (there will be a total of 8 rows since rows 11 and 12 from body of blanket are in seed stitch) to create a seed stitch pattern for the top border. Continue to Finishing.
Finishing:
Cast off and weave in ends.
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I hope you enjoyed this free pattern and I am so grateful for your support! Don’t forget that you can purchase the ad-free PDF file. Purchasing the PDF file helps support this website and allows me to continue to share my patterns and inspiration with you guys!
Should you have any issues with the download, please email: info@leeleeknits.com for assistance.
You can Purchase the PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically after purchase) for $5 USD through Ravelry or by clicking the button below.
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21 Responses
Love your patters!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you for the Hope Baby Blanket pattern. It will be a reminder of the year 2020 the year of COVID! We have had 5 babies born to friends during this time and Im sure they will love their little “Hope” blankies. As I sit and knit at home , Im reminded how blessed we are.
You are most welcome Sharon! We sure are. It seems like this year is bringing up all of the issues humanity is struggling with! Hopefully it will bring about change in how we live our lives.
This is a sweet blanket…which method do you use for adding a new ball of yarn. I find cotton yarns really show the area where you add the new ball. I love the look of the yarn (cotton & linen) that you used. Thanks for any tips!
I agree. I try to join only at the beginning of a row and pull the knot pretty tight – seems to work pretty well!
Your creations are lovely, and so is your website. I admire your generous spirit.
Thank you so much for your kind words Bonnie! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy the patterns 🙂
Hi there,
What a beautiful blanket. I’m a beginner knitter but thought I’d give this a try. Could you suggest an option for a light wool? I’m finding it hard to locate the wool you suggest in my area and don’t want to pay the $ difference and taxes to have it shipped to Canada.
regards,
Sheila
Hi Sheila! I also live in Canada and order from Knit Picks since they have free shipping if you spend a certain amount – I think its $50 or $75. I highly recommend going with the yarn that I recommend if you want the blanket to have the same look and drape to it. If you would still prefer to shop locally for your yarn, look for a yarn that is the same weight (dk weight), and that is soft to the touch since the blanket is for a baby 🙂
Hi, thank you. I ordered the wool as your suggested and have just completed the blanket and am about to cast off. It is truly beautiful! I even ordered the same colour, such a pretty, soft pink. Thank you for your response!
Did you use the long-tail cast on method for this project?
Yes, long tail cast on is my go to method of casting on.
Perfect, done!
While reading this pattern the Hope baby blanket i got highly confused but as i read it over two or three times i think i understand it. Please correct me if still wrong.
It starts at the bottom border, then work the body of blanket and lastly the top border??? Its very simple as i have made one of ur blankets before but i was confused at first reading. thanks for making blankets so simple and easy. I am so what advance beginner or less. Great works.
Hi Beverly, yes you got it!
Made this blanket to give as a baby shower gift. I used the yarn suggested in the color Penneyroyal. It got lots of compliments from shower guest and the mom-to-be loved it. Thank you for the pattern.
You’re most welcome Sally!
Can you please advise as to where you would place stitch markers on both RS and WS of the blanket? For such a seemingly simple pattern, I have struggled with the repeats and the different amount of border stitches. I purchased the pattern and your blanket is beautiful. Any stitch marker placement advice would be greatly appreciated! 🙂
Hi Nancy, You could place markers as follows: After the first 6 border stitches, and then before the last 14 stitches and again before the last 6 border stitches. The pattern can also be read as follows:
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1; *K9, P1, repeat from * to last 14 stitches; K8, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1.
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10: P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, *P9; K1, repeat from * to last 14 stitches; P8, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1.
Row 11: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 12: *P1, K1; repeat from * to end of row.