Easy Baby Blanket Knitting Tutorial: The Broken Rib Stitch

Updated at: 18/05/2025

Knitting a baby blanket is a cherished project for many, a way to create a warm and loving gift imbued with personal touch. While intricate patterns can be beautiful, sometimes simplicity is key, especially when you're aiming for a quick and satisfying project. This tutorial focuses on knitting a wonderfully soft and textured baby blanket using the deceptively easy Broken Rib stitch. This stitch offers a delightful visual appeal without requiring complex knitting skills, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced knitters looking for a straightforward yet charming pattern. The result is a delightfully chunky and cuddly blanket, perfect for snuggling.

The Broken Rib stitch, with its alternating knit and purl stitches, creates a beautiful, subtly textured fabric that’s both visually appealing and surprisingly easy to master. Ready to get started on your own cozy creation? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and learn how to knit this beautiful and practical baby blanket.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 200g of wool
  • 4.5mm (US 6) knitting needles
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use safe, non-toxic yarn, especially if the blanket will be used by a baby who might mouth it.
  • Ensure your needles are the appropriate size for your chosen yarn weight to avoid loose stitches that could pose a choking hazard.
  • Check your finished blanket carefully for any loose ends or dropped stitches before giving it to a baby. Securely fasten off all yarn ends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • Cast on an even number of stitches.
    • Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length is reached. A gauge swatch is recommended before starting the blanket.
    Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length is reached. A gauge swatch is recommended before starting the blanket.Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length is reached. A gauge swatch is recommended before starting the blanket.
    Preparation

  2. Lower Edge

    • Cast on 181 stitches and knit in garter stitch (knit every row) for 36 rows to create the lower edge.
    Cast on 181 stitches and knit in garter stitch (knit every row) for 36 rows to create the lower edge.
    Lower Edge

  3. Broken Rib Stitch Pattern

    • Knit the broken rib stitch (detailed below).
    • *knit 1, purl 1*; repeat from * to *. Knit through the back loop only on this first row to avoid a large stitch.
    • Purl where you see a knit bump (purl stitch), knit where you see a V (knit stitch). Repeat purl 1, knit 1.
    • Same as the first row (*knit 1, purl 1*).
    Third row: Same as the first row (*knit 1, purl 1*).Third row: Same as the first row (*knit 1, purl 1*).Third row: Same as the first row (*knit 1, purl 1*).Third row: Same as the first row (*knit 1, purl 1*).
    Broken Rib Stitch Pattern
    • Knit every stitch.
    • knit 28 stitches, then knit 1, purl 1, for 125 stitches, then knit 28 stitches.
    • Continue knitting the broken rib stitch pattern (rows 1-4) for 160 rows, maintaining the 28-stitch edges.
    Continue knitting the broken rib stitch pattern (rows 1-4) for 160 rows, maintaining the 28-stitch edges.Continue knitting the broken rib stitch pattern (rows 1-4) for 160 rows, maintaining the 28-stitch edges.Continue knitting the broken rib stitch pattern (rows 1-4) for 160 rows, maintaining the 28-stitch edges.
    Broken Rib Stitch Pattern

  4. Upper Edge

    • Knit 36 rows in garter stitch to create the upper edge.
    Knit 36 rows in garter stitch to create the upper edge.
    Upper Edge

  5. Finishing

    • Bind off all stitches.
    • soak, gently squeeze excess water, lay flat on a towel, and air dry.
    Block the blanket: soak, gently squeeze excess water, lay flat on a towel, and air dry.Block the blanket: soak, gently squeeze excess water, lay flat on a towel, and air dry.
    Finishing

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • Check your gauge (21 stitches = 10cm or 4 inches) before starting.
  • Practice the broken rib stitch on a gauge swatch to familiarize yourself with the pattern.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the knitting creates a wavy or bumpy blanket, rather than a neat, consistent stitch.
Solution: Practice maintaining even tension by knitting at a consistent speed and pressure.

2. Incorrectly Counting Rows/Stitches

Reason: Losing count of rows or stitches leads to an uneven number of increases and decreases or an incorrect pattern repeat, causing an irregular shape or pattern.
Solution: Use stitch markers to mark pattern repeats and count rows carefully using a row counter.

FAQs

What yarn weight is best for a Broken Rib stitch baby blanket?
A worsted weight yarn (medium weight) is ideal for a Broken Rib baby blanket. It creates a good balance of drape and texture without being too bulky or too thin.