Quick and easy (ish) baby blanket knitting pattern?

[ItsAllGoodMan]

I'd really like to try knitting my first ever baby blanket, something with a nice pattern to it but that will knit up relatively quickly. Has anyone used a pattern that they were particularly pleased with? And any recommendations on yarns? Would like to use a nice cotton or maybe merino... Thanks!

How much knitting have you done to date? Do you have a view on whether you would want to knit squares and sew (or crochet) together, vs a whole blanket made in one piece?

To date I've mostly knitted hats! But I've also knitted a baby vest too. I get bored quite easily so not sure whether squares or knit whole would be better. Is crocheting squares together difficult? I've never crocheted...

Squares might give a bit more variety, depending on what you're knitting - and you could always make a smaller blanket if you get fed up after a few squares :) I'm doing this blanket at the moment but this is not for a beginner.

Something like the ten stitch blanket is fun for a complete blanket (you could do smaller squares in this style but too much faff I suspect). The really classic blanket made in squares is the Sirdar Leaf (you would have to find somewhere selling the pattern though, looks like Amazon have the less lacy version, and Wool Warehouse have the lacy one.

I'm waiting for a chance to do Tin Can Kits Bounce - their patterns are all really well described and illustrated and this looks great.

Their Vivid is also very popular. A very nice, simple design is the Garter Ripple Squish.

I find patterns with some sort of repeat best as you get a sense of progress as you are going. Rowan All Seasons cotton is a soft Aran weight yarn and will knit up quickly, maybe a plain blanket with a border like this

Ooh thank you both, I really like the squish, the vivid and hip to be square. Will look at them properly tomorrow and try to make a decision

I'm more of a crochet person now but before my daughter was born in made a blanket in feather and fan stitch and it turned out lovely.

wishingiwasknitting.blogspot.co.uk/2007/02/feather-and-fan-rainbow-baby-blanket.html?m=1

Late to the party I know, but I knitted a Debbie Bliss pattern from her book 'Essential Baby' the buggy blanket on p118. Has lasted 3 DC. I used the cashmerino Arran but in a brighter palette. Hope you have fun making the blanket.

Google "feather and fan" pattern - it's really very easy as all you need to be able to do is knit, purl, yarn over and knit two stitches together. It's very effective and can be made to any size.

I know I'm late to this parade (new to the forums though!), but I personally like this one because the colour changes keep me from getting bored - plus it's a free pattern download

Sorry for ridiculously late reply, I've only just got round to thinking about this again! I've ordered some yarn (debbie bliss cotton DK) and have narrowed it down to a Tin Can Knits blanket. Either:
Bounce
or Vivid

Has anyone made both or either of these blankets before? I prefer the look of the Bounce but Vivid looks like it will be easier because it's done in squares and I might be less likely to get bored!

Would be very grateful for any experience or advice :)