Looking for a pattern for a baby blanket

[Primrose123]

I am looking for a nice, but quite simple pattern for a baby blanket.

I am reasonably good at crochet, and ok at knitting. I can do pretty patterns and stitches when knitting, but, if I go wrong, I cannot put it right! If I go wrong when crocheting, I can easily undo and redo it. Because of this, I may be better off crocheting rather than knitting.

I have already done one a bit like <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1333&bih=794&tbm=isch&tbnid=bAV-XSS6a-5cDM:&imgrefurl=lovetoknit.wordpress.com/2011/07/&docid=1-pB1TvCVhj65M&imgurl=lovetoknit.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/p7030294.jpg&w=3264&h=2448&ei=0Z5ZUemzJoax0AXMn4HgDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:4,s:0,i:94&iact=rc&dur=6715&page=1&tbnh=185&tbnw=252&start=0&ndsp=24&tx=66&ty=89" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">this and would like to do something different.

I did think about doing something similar to the woolly hugs, making six inch squares in different textures and sewing it together, but I'm not sure that I could sew it together nicely. I want to do it all in white.

I would like to do something that doesn't require looking at the pattern every two minutes, so that I can just pick it up and carry on.

The baby is due in June, so I need to get a move on!

Thanks for any ideas!

[SoupDreggon]

I love the Attic24 Ripple pattern

All made in one piece so no worry about neat sewing and once you've got the hang of it, no need for a pattern as it's really simple.

The texture does work well in one colour and I did one in two shades of white as an Angel Hug which looked nice too.

[Primrose123]

That looks nice, might give it a try. :)

[TheNinjaGooseIsOnAMission]

this blanket is quite an easy knit, I've done it in different colours for each change in pattern. Also have a look at ravelry, there's so much to choose from. It's hard to beat some of the attic 24 patterns though

[Primrose123]

I like that one too, but I'll have to buy a circular needle first. Thanks. :)

[fossil971]

This is one I'm working on. I made up the pattern because I couldn't find one I liked (I'm fussy!), it's in the project notes. if you don't see the link possibly you need to register on Ravelry but that is a good thing for any knitter .

[Primrose123]

Lovely, fossil971, I like the look of that, and will give it a try!

I have started Attic24's ripple pattern, so wish me luck! It was 115 stitches wide, and I'm not sure if it is wide enough!

I want to make another blanket for another baby who is due in October, so I will try one of the other patterns then.

[scarlet5tyger]

Fossil I LOVE your pattern! Just added it to my queue. I'm a foster carer and make a blanket for each child placed so the next one who arrives might be lucky enough to get one of yours!

Just a quick question though - I discovered fairly recently that I knit "wrong" - I always knit into the back of the stitch (just the way I was taught), so I'm not sure how I can avoid the holes. Do you have any tips?

[scarlet5tyger]

Primrose, the blankets I make are usually 120 stitches on 4mm needles and are large enough for a pram/stroller/Moses basket. I've just finished one that's 130 stitches and its big enough for a cot.

[fossil971]

scarlet avoiding holes: I think I would just experiment. The main thing is that you put a twist in the stitch so it doesn't leave a hole as it does in lace. Maybe you knit into the front of it! Alternatively work 4 increases in whatever way you normally would on the row before, instead of the YO's, then K plain 3 rows.

the best bit is of course choosing the colours

[Primrose123]

I have finished the blanket! Photos are here if you would like to see them. I did a small border down the two edges to finish off.

I need some more advice now. :)

I want to wash the blanket. The label on the wool says it is machine washable. I was going to put it on a delicates wash, but my mother thinks I should hand wash it. Any opinions? Should I use a special liquid, or is persil non-bio ok?

[BunnyValentine]

Personally I would handwash it. Not worth the heartache of putting in the washing machine. It will only need a little wash as it's not actually dirty. Persil non-bio should be fine unless you actually have some handwash liquid around. Don't wring it after rinsing, gently squeeze as much water out then lay it on top of a large flat towel, place another flat towel on top and roll it up into a sausage starting at the bottom. Carefully tread on the sausage. This squeezes almost all of the water out without stressing the fabric. Dry flat. Beautiful blanket btw!

[Primrose123]

Thanks Bunny. Perhaps I'll do that then. I just hate hand washing!

[SoupDragon]

Lovely blanket :)

If machine washing it, I would do it in a pillowcase to stop it getting stretched.

[TheNinjaGooseIsOnAMission]

ooh that's turned out lovely Personally I'd put it in the machine as soupy suggests and dry it as flat as possible. But then I can't remember the last time I hand washed anything so probably not helpful!