A soft and cuddly baby blanket is just the thing for a newborn. Knit it yourself using this pattern and give it as a gift to a new mom. 

The Dakota Baby Blanket is a simple, easy-to-knit pattern, and it makes a beautiful gift that is sure to become a treasured heirloom. Baby blankets are a joy to knit and, unlike clothing, they aren’t quickly outgrown. Whether at bedtime, in a stroller or at the park, the Dakota Baby Blanket is the perfect companion. (For another lovely baby blanket knitting pattern, check out the Audrey Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern.)

The design is unisex and there are lots of options for customizing the colour and texture through the choice of yarn. The recommended yarn is washable and comfortable in all seasons. A soft yarn is best for babies’ sensitive skin. No matter what yarn you choose, the pattern uses stocking stitch to create a blanket with a smooth texture that babies and moms will love to touch. 

Skill Level
Easy 

Techniques Used
Knit, purl

Materials

• 8 Balls of Americo Bebe (60% Pima Cotton, 40% Viscose) 50g / 109 yards (100 m)
• 3mm (US 2) 24 or 32 inch  circular needles
• Yarn needle or crochet hook

Gauge
26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch using 3mm (US 2) size needles or size needed to achieve gauge.

Abbreviations and Terminology 

RS Right side, for instance the outside of a sweater. Stated to indicate which side is suppose to face you when carrying out instructions; also the RIGHT SIDE of the garment or piece (opposite to left side).

WS Wrong side, for instance the inside of the sweater. Stated to indicate which side is supposed to face you when carrying out instructions.

K, k knit
P, p purl

Measurements
Finished size is approximately 25.5 inches (65cm) wide by approximately 30 inches (76 cm) long; 5 blocks wide by 6 blocks long.

Blocks Pattern Stitch
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: K3, P30

Instructions
Using 3mm (US 2) size needles, cast on 168 stitches.  
Rows 1 to 6: Knit all rows (you will have 3 garter stitch ridges)
Row 7 (RS): Knit
Row 8 (WS):  K3,( P30, K3), to end of row
Repeat rows 7 and 8, 18 times more for a total of 38 rows (the blanket will be 5 blocks wide, 30 stitches by 38 rows per block)
Rows 45 to 50: Knit all rows
Repeat rows 7 to 50 four more times ( the blanket will now be 5 blocks long)
Repeat rows 7 and 8 nineteen more times (the blanket will now be 6 blocks long)
Repeat rows 1 to 6.  Cast off

Finishing
Sew in all loose ends.