Knitting your first blanket feels like a big step, but it does not have to be hard. Most easy knit blankets are just a big rectangle in a simple stitch, and you work them flat on a long circular needle. The hardest part is picking your colors.
We opened and checked each of these 10 free knit blanket patterns. You will find all-garter throws for brand new knitters, simple textures that only use knits and purls, and a few color block designs for when you want something that looks modern on the couch.
Easy Knit Blanket Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- 32- to 40-inch circular knitting needles (to hold all those stitches)
- Worsted or bulky acrylic or wool-blend yarn
- Large-eye tapestry needle
- Locking stitch markers
- Sharp yarn scissors
- Retractable measuring tape
- Project bag big enough for a blanket in progress
1. Free & Easy Blanket Knitting Pattern
Photo: Jennifer / Brome Fields
This is about as simple as a blanket gets: cast on, knit every row, bind off. The result is squishy, reversible garter stitch. The pattern includes a beginner version and an advanced beginner version with a cleaner edge, and seven sizes from a receiving blanket to a queen.
- Designer: Jennifer / Brome Fields
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: US 10 (6 mm), 40″ circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Garter Squish
Photo: Stephen West / Westknits
Garter Squish is a big, relaxing garter stitch blanket worked with two strands of worsted yarn held together, finished with a tidy i-cord edge. It is a great stash buster and a true TV knit. The finished blanket is about 48 by 66 inches, and the size is easy to customize.
- Designer: Stephen West / Westknits
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), held double
- Needle size: US 15 (10 mm), 32″ circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Raising the Bar Blanket (Knit)
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
This beginner blanket from Lion Brand uses worsted yarn held double, so it grows faster than you would expect. It finishes at about 38 by 44 inches, a nice size for a lap blanket or a baby on the floor. A solid choice for a first big project.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), held double
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Rockwell Blanket
Photo: Alexandra Tavel / Two of Wands
Rockwell is a mid-century inspired throw with bold blocks of color. It is mostly garter stitch, built in a half log cabin style where each new block is picked up from the last. You only need the knit stitch and picking up stitches. It finishes at about 42 by 58 inches.
- Designer: Alexandra Tavel / Two of Wands
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm), 40″ or longer circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. The Parker Throw
Photo: Meghan Ballmer / Meghan Makes Do
The Parker Throw is a big, warm rust-colored blanket in a textured waffle stitch, with a garter border that keeps it flat. It uses only knits and purls, and the designer calls it perfect for beginners. At about 68 by 73 inches, it is large enough to share on the couch.
- Designer: Meghan Ballmer / Meghan Makes Do
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: see pattern (sample uses Lion Brand Pound of Love)
- Needle size: US 10.5 (6.5 mm), 36″ circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Free Ribbed Temperature Blanket (or Scarf)
Photo: Gabrielle Vézina
A temperature blanket is a year-long project: you knit one row a day in a color that matches that day’s temperature. This one is 2×2 rib with 1×1 rib edges, so it is reversible and lies flat. The designer says even beginners can enjoy it. You can also make the same idea as a scarf.
- Designer: Gabrielle Vézina
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 8 (5 mm), long circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Mod Triangles Blanket
This cheerful blanket is made from small garter stitch squares in many colors, knit one at a time and seamed together. Each square is about 6 inches, so it is a very portable project you can carry in your purse. The finished blanket is 36 by 36 inches, perfect for a baby or a lap.
- Designer: Premier Yarns
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 9 (5.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Bernat Parquet Knit Blanket
The Parquet Blanket has a basketweave-style texture that looks like a wood floor. It is designed for Bernat Maker Home Dec, a chunky, tubular yarn that shows off the texture. It is rated easy and finishes at about 43 by 55 inches.
- Designer: Yarnspirations / Bernat
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Bernat Maker Home Dec)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Knit Squares Blanket Seamless Quilt
Photo: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
This blanket looks like a patchwork quilt, but it is knit in one piece from the top down with no seaming. Three simple stitches create textured squares. The designer calls it easy enough for adventurous beginners, and it finishes about 46 inches square.
- Designer: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
- Skill level: Easy (adventurous beginners)
- Yarn: Chunky (#5)
- Needle size: US 15 (10 mm), 36″ or longer circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Chevron Colour-Block Blanket
Photo: Espace Tricot
This throw uses four shades of a merino and alpaca yarn in a chevron color block design adapted from the designer’s Missoni-inspired scarf. It is easy to size up or down. It takes a little more focus than plain garter, so save it for your second or third blanket.
- Designer: Espace Tricot
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Aran (#4)
- Needle size: 7 mm (US 10.75)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First blanket ever? Start with #1 Free & Easy Blanket. It is only the knit stitch.
- Want to use up stash? #2 Garter Squish holds two strands together and eats leftover worsted.
- Love color? #4 Rockwell or #7 Mod Triangles give you a modern color block look.
- Want texture without stress? #5 Parker Throw uses just knits and purls in a waffle stitch.
- Looking for a year-long project? #6 Temperature Blanket is one row a day.
FAQ
How many stitches do I cast on for a knit blanket?
It depends on your yarn and how wide you want the blanket. Knit a small swatch, count how many stitches you get per inch, then multiply by the width you want. For example, 3 stitches per inch times 40 inches is 120 stitches. Your pattern will give the exact number.
How much yarn do I need for a knit throw blanket?
A 50 by 60 inch throw usually needs about 1,500–2,200 yards of worsted yarn or 900–1,300 yards of bulky yarn. Thicker stitches and textures use more. Buy all your yarn at once from the same dye lot so the colors match.
Can I knit a blanket on straight needles?
Small baby blankets can fit on long straight needles, but most throws have too many stitches. A long circular needle (32 to 40 inches) holds the stitches and lets the weight rest in your lap. You still knit back and forth in rows.
Pick the blanket that fits your skill and your style, and you will have a cozy heirloom on the couch by the time the weather turns cold.
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