So if I knit a blanket in stocking stich with a moss stich border....

[Threelittlemoomins]

And then put a cotton backing onto it would that work?

I'm still a bit of a novice knitter so don't want to attempt anything too difficult!

That sounds gorgeous...if the blanket is for a small baby, perhaps you should fold a couple of centimetres of the cotton over the edge of the blanket to prevent "chewing" of the wool side??

I think it is more about the yarn you use than what you plan to do per se as some yarns are more likely to shrink than others and if the cotton backing doesn't shrink in the same way then it will look messy. And for a baby, you will need to be able to wash it!

Is it because you are worried about wool next to the skin? You could try knitting the blanket in cotton or baby bamboo or something like cashmere/merino mix so the risk of irritation isn't there and then you won't need the backing.

Blanket sounds lovely - it will look fab and I am now quite tempted to try one myself Do you have a pattern or are you just making it up as you go?