A SPECIAL GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

AND A TREAT FOR THE KNITTER
I PROMISE THAT YOU WILL NOT ONLY MAKE ONE

I originally designed the sampler baby blanket while awaiting the birth of my first grandchild.
Since then hundreds of prospective moms, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone else excited about a new baby have knit this personalized heirloom baby blanket.

I knit six squares in a strip and, replicated a bind-off and pick-up between the squares to look very similar to the single crochet, that is used to join the five strips together.

This is a very portable project. At its longest each strip is approximately 36 inches-(91.4 cm) long to 38 inches-(96.5 cm) wide.

A BONUS VERSION FOR ADULTS - After many requests for an adult size and version (sophisticated, not babyish), I changed a few squares and using the same pattern in a heavier, but still soft yarn. The results is beautiful. I believe as many people have knit the adult version as the baby version.

One knitter made the adult blanket in an off white color and worked pattern squares 1 and 27, both in stockinette stitch as for the baby blanket. She brought the blanket to a professional embrodiery shop where she picked the size and style of a font she desired. She chose a shiny, pure white thread. In square one she had the bride and groom’s names. In square 27 she had the wedding date. It was subtle and magnificent.

DESIGN DETAILS
-30 different patterns stitches
-Options for Contrasting color trim
-Five separate strips with six different patterns in each
-A baby and an adult version
-Four appropriate substitute patterns for the adult version
-Allows for creativity in so many ways
PATTERN DETAILS - The easy to follow pattern includes:
-Six squares are knit in a strip with a faux single crochet between each square, eliminating the need to crochet all the squares together and cleaning up many ends. The five strips are then joined with a single crochet.
-This is a very portable project, because each strip is separate
-A link for substitute yarn
-Schematic with sequence of patterns and strips
-Diagrams and full explanations for techniques, many with links to selected videos
-Contrasting color is worked after the baby blanket is completed

For help with one of our patterns, email your questions to knitinscotts@cox.net. Please include your name, email address, the name of the pattern, page number, and a description of what you would like help with.

TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS DESIGN
There are many techniques used in this pattern. Most are supported with illustrations or links to selected videos.
I look for videos as close as possible to the instructions I have written. Sometimes the video will start with a different number of stitches before and after the repeat . I want the extra stitches at both edges for a neater look after crocheting the strips together, but the repeat is the same between. They may be other slight differences, but still very helpful.

BABY BLANKET
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
-White, with two shades of pink trim, blanket: approximately 35 inches-(88.9.cm) wide x 36 inches-(91.4 cm) long
-Gray, with white trim, blanket: approximately 37 inches-(93.9 cm) wide x 39 inches-(99 cm) long
YARNS USED FOR BABY BLANKET
-White blanket
-10 balls Plymouth Yarns - dk merino superwash two shades of pink or desired contrasting color superwash dk weight
-100% extra fine merino
-1.75 ounces-(50 grams)
-130 yards-(119 meters) each
-Gray blanket
-6 skeins Hobby Lobby - Love This Yarn-sport weight - one skein of white for trim
-100% acrylic
-2 ounces-(57 grams)
-184 yards-(168 meters) each
FOR A SUBSTITUTE YARN
For Plymouth dk merino superwash
For Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn-sport weight
SUGGESTED NEEDLE SIZES
For white or gray blanket:
-Size 6-4 mm or size needles to obtain the correct gauge
-Cable needle
-Size G-4 mm crochet hook
NOTIONS
-Gauge guide
-Tapestry needle
-A schematic to show the order of strips – included in pattern
GAUGE
-White, blanket: 22 sts and 32 rows = 4 inches 10 cm in stockinette stitch on size 6 needles
-Gray, blanke 21 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches 10 cm in stockinette stitch on size 6 needles

ADULT AFGHAN
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
-Approximately 48 inches-(121.9 cm) wide x 50 inches-(127 cm) long before fringing
YARN USED FOR ADULT BLANKET SAMPLE
-30 (33 with fringe) balls Plymouth Yarns - Baby Alpaca dk (2 strands held together)
-100% baby alpaca
-1.75 ounces-(50 grams) - 125 yards-(114 meters) each ball
FOR A SUBSTITUTE YARN
SUGGESTED NEEDLE SIZES
-Size 10 (6 mm) or size needles to obtain the correct gauge
-Cable-needle
-Size H-(5 mm) crochet hook for blanket edge
-Size J (6 mm) crochet hook for optional fringe
NOTIONS
-Gauge guide
-Tapestry needle
-A schematic to show the order of strips – included in pattern
GAUGE
-16 stitches and 23 rows = 4 inches-(10 cm) in stockinette stitch on size 10-(6 mm) needles