Simplicity is exactly what its name promises: a wonderful, uncomplicated baby blanket that lets soft yarn and clean garter stitch do all the work.

A great stash-buster too, since it can be knit in any weight yarn you have on hand.

The blanket is worked entirely in garter stitch with a bit of picking up stitches along the way, and it is completely seamless, so there is no finishing to fuss over.

It finishes at about 30.5 inches wide by 28 inches long, a generous size for swaddling, tummy time, or tucking into a stroller.

Skill level: Beginner

Techniques: worked flat, one piece, garter stitch, picking up stitches, seamless

As an early childhood educator, I have a real fondness for a first blanket. It is so often the very thing a baby is wrapped in, napped under, and later drags from room to room, and the steady rhythm of garter stitch makes this one as soothing to knit as it is to receive.