Knitted blankets can be a big undertaking, but sometimes that’s just part of the fun! Not only does finishing a blanket feel like a major accomplishment, but there’s also something relaxing about returning to the same project day after day, losing yourself in the gentle rhythm of stitches.
In this article, we’ve gathered 25 free knit blanket patterns just for you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new project or a knitting newbie eager to take your skills to the next level, there’s something here for everyone. We’ll explore easy-to-follow patterns, helpful tips, and the essential supplies you’ll need to get started.
Easy Blanket Knitting Patterns
There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a homemade blanket, knowing you’ve poured your heart and soul into every stitch. Not only do handmade blankets add coziness to your home, but they’re also great for outdoor activities like sports games and bonfires.
And, of course, a knitted blanket makes a timeless heirloom gift for your loved ones. After all, who can resist the allure of a snuggly blanket?
Is a blanket a good project for beginners?
Yes, a blanket can be a great project for new knitters. If you can cast on, bind off, and make knit stitches and purl stitches, you’re well on your way to creating many beautiful blanket patterns. In the list below, you’ll find a bunch of easy blanket knitting patterns – many of which can be made with just these basic techniques.
One thing to consider, though. Blankets are big projects that require a decent amount of time to complete. If you want a project that works up more quickly, choose a chunky blanket pattern made with bulky or super-bulky yarn.
Brand new to knitting? If you’re just getting started knitting, then start with our Complete Guide on How to Knit for beginners.
25 Free Blanket Knitting Patterns
Check out these free blanket knitting patterns!
Mod Triangles Blanket
This free pattern features blanket squares that are then seamed together. When finished, you’ll have a perfect lap-size or baby blanket, measuring approximately 36” x 36”. The pattern includes diagrams for creating your triangle squares as well as arranging them.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Basix Worsted Solids
Garter Squish Pattern
This squishy and comfortable blanket is a perfect stash buster for your collection of extra worsted-weight yarn. Combine your favorite colors to make a pattern unique to you! This design is great for beginners.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted
Fall Cuddler Chunky Blanket
Use super bulky yarn to make this cozy blanket that you’ll have done in no time! This pattern uses a variety of easy stitches to add plenty of interest to your blanket. Snuggle up with this comfy lapghan in the fall or anytime!
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Moonstone Plaid Blanket
If you can cast on, knit, and bind off, you can make this blanket! After you’re finished knitting, this pattern also requires some weaving of long, vertical strands to achieve the plaid look. A video tutorial is included to show you how.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Super Easy Lap Blanket
This gorgeous blanket is made with seven patches of color that are knit together, so no sewing is required! All you need to know for this simple pattern is the knit stitch, making it a great choice for beginners or anyone looking to enjoy a simple, straightforward (yet beautiful!) project.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Manos del Uruguay Maxima
Big Good Blanket
Knit this blanket using two strands of bulky yarn held together to get this super squishy and comfortable blanket. It’s made using the seed stitch and knits up quickly due to the bulky yarn. This pattern is available as a small throw or large throw.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Big Good Wool
Nantucket Throw
This jumbo throw can be completed in just a few hours and might be the coziest blanket you have ever snuggled! This easy pattern is a good option for beginners and would make a great last-minute gift!
Yarn weight: Jumbo
Suggested yarn: Loopy Mango Big Loop
Super Nova Blanket | KnitPicks.com
This quick and easy blanket is knit up in four squares. This bulky lap blanket would be great for gift-giving or using as a knitted sofa throw for your own couch.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Wonderfluff Ombre
Rockwell Blanket
Here’s a modern blanket that’s inspired by the log cabin technique. It’s made with a beautiful patchwork of color and is a good project for beginners.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Log Cabin Throw | KnitPicks.com
This classic log cabin design is worked using the garter stitch. It’s knitted from the center out and is easy to customize based on your size preferences. This pattern is best for intermediate knitters.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Brava Bulky
Bernat Squishy Fisherman's Rib Knit Blanket
This easy pattern creates a squishy, ribbed blanket that will soon become an indispensable part of your winter evenings! Made with super bulky yarn, this project knits up relatively quickly. A video tutorial is included.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky
The Parker Throw
This waffle stitch blanket plus garter stitch border work together to create an eye-catching and cozy blanket design. The repeating pattern is perfect for knitting away while watching tv or chatting with a friend. If you’ve never tried the waffle stitch before, a video tutorial is included for easy learning.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love
Chevron Colour-Block Blanket
This intermediate-level chevron blanket is made using a repeating pattern. When finished, it measures approximately 48” x 60”, but it’s easy to size up or down according to your preferences.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Eco Cloud
Urban Grid Afghan
This super easy afghan would make a meaningful gift or a lovely addition to your own living room. It’s created in knit strips, which makes for less finishing work.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Fan & Feather Blanket
Create this blanket with a four-row repeating pattern called the fans & feathers stitch. This stitch makes a lacy, fan-like pattern that creates a unique and beautiful blanket. Though it looks complicated, this pattern is actually beginner friendly, using just a handful of simple knitting techniques.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Super Chunky Cable Blanket Knitting Pattern
Ready to try cable knitting? This is a great pattern to start! If it’s your first-time cable knitting, check out the included video to help you out. This pattern is available in six different sizes.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Vica Afghan
This bulky afghan is full of comforting shades and warmth! This pattern provides lots of variety with texture, color, and design.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Raising the Bar Blanket
Enjoy this modern pattern with its simple, striped design. This all-around blanket is easy to knit and makes a good beginner project.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
Ribbed Temperature Blanket
A temperature blanket is created by knitting one row per day for a year, using a color that corresponds to each day’s temperature. It’s a meaningful keepsake that will help you remember the ups and downs of the year. Check out this post for instructions on how to create your own temperature blanket!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
Infinite Rainbow Throw
This blanket is knit in squares and then sewn together, creating a pattern that’s similar to a log cabin design. The colorful hues placed on a dark background create a pop of color that makes this blanket a delight to add to any room.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Wool of the Andes
Knit Squares Blanket Seamless Quilt
You get the best of both worlds with these knitting squares that don’t require seaming - this blanket is knit flat and in one piece! This relaxing and beautiful pattern is best for crafters with some knitting experience.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Harvest Throw
Enjoy all the cozy fall vibes with this harvest blanket. This textured and fringed design is perfect for draping just about anywhere. It’s made with a repeating pattern that’s suitable for beginners but is still interesting and fun for intermediate and advanced crafters.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Terra Blanket
This buffalo plaid blanket is knit in rows with no seaming involved. It’s made by knitting with two strands held together and using the seed stitch. Enjoy this cozy pattern!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Nature's Palette Blanket
This blanket is packed with a variety of soothing, natural colors that almost seem to melt together. The flowing color changes are achieved by holding two strands together and creating a few rows of alternating colors each time a change approaches.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Linen Quill
Bernat Parquet Knit Blanket
This textured blanket has a comfy, basketweave effect. It’s easy to make and would be perfect for gifting as a throw or sizing down to make it as a baby blanket. A video tutorial is included.
Yarn weight: Chunky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec
Choosing a Size for Knit Blanket Patterns
Now, before you get started, let’s talk about the size of your knitted blanket.
What is a good size for a knitted blanket?
To determine the best size, consider how you plan to use your blanket. Will it be a bed covering? A throw blanket for the back of your couch? A lap blanket for keeping your legs cozy? A baby blanket?
To help you decide, take a peek at our handy chart below:
Blanket size chart
Here are some of the most common knit blanket sizes:
Baby – 36” x 36”
Lapghan – 36” x 48”
Throw – 52” x 64”
Twin – 60” x 90”
Full – 90” x 90”
Queen – 96” x 108”
King – 108” x 108”
What if the pattern doesn’t come in the size that you need? Not a problem! Most knitted blankets are very easy to customize by adding or subtracting rows or blocks from the pattern to change the finished size.
Supplies for Knitting Blankets
Before you dive into your project, let’s double-check you have everything you need. Take a look at your chosen blanket pattern to identify the required supplies. Typically, you’ll need the following tools and supplies:
- Yarn
- Knitting needles
- Notions (scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers, etc.)
What yarn is best for blankets?
Speaking of yarn, let’s discuss the best options for your next blanket project. Wool, wool-blend, and acrylic yarns are the most popular choices for knitting blankets. When choosing which yarn to use, consider the care instructions of the particular fiber and whether or not the intended recipient has any wool allergies.
Some of our favorite blanket yarns include:
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
- Caron Simply Soft
- Wool of the Andes (available in Superwash)
- Lion Brand Heartland
- Bernat Blanket Yarn
Choosing straight needles vs. circular needles
For most knit blanket patterns, you’ll benefit from using a pair of circular needles. Unlike straight needles, circular needles can hold many stitches at once, evenly distributing the weight of the fabric.
However, if you’re making a patchwork-style blanket with lots of squares that will be seamed together, long straight needles should be just fine.
Tips for Knitting Blankets
Now that you know the essentials, here are a few tips to ensure your next knit blanket is a success.
Choose the right yarn.
Because making a blanket is a big undertaking, choosing the right yarn is extra important. Wool and acrylic yarns are generally good choices for warm, knitted blankets. Cotton yarn is an option as well, but it can be heavy. Consider using an easy-care superwash yarn, especially if the blanket is for a baby or will be used outside often.
Make a swatch to test your gauge.
If the blanket size is important, you’ll want to knit a gauge swatch before starting your blanket. This small test piece will help determine if your stitches and rows match the pattern’s specifications. Adjust your needle size accordingly, either up or down. After all, it’s no fun to spend hours knitting a blanket only to realize it’s the wrong size for its intended purpose.
Use stitch markers to count stitches.
Because blankets are generally made with lots of repeated rows, using stitch markers will put your mind at ease and help ensure that you’re knitting the correct number of stitches and rows.
Add a border to help the blanket lay flat.
Knit blankets can sometimes curl at the edges, especially when made in stockinette stitch. Adding a border is a wonderful way to keep your blanket flat. It’s a simple yet effective technique to prevent excessive curling.
More Knitting Patterns
If you love knitting, here are some more free patterns to take a look at.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free Loom Knitting Patterns for All Skill Levels
- 25 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free & Easy Knit Hat Patterns
- 25 Free & Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
What’s Next?
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