Knitting the Leafy Delight Baby Blanket: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Updated at: 24/03/2025

Wrap your loved one in the comforting warmth and undeniable charm of the Leafy Delight Baby Blanket. This delightful blanket, crafted with soft, luxurious yarn, features a captivating leafy pattern that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to create. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new project or a beginner eager to tackle a beautiful and rewarding design, this pattern is perfectly suited for you. The intricate yet manageable design makes it a perfect gift for baby showers, welcoming new arrivals, or simply adding a touch of handmade love to a nursery.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly and easily you can bring this stunning creation to life! This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through each stage of the process, from casting on to binding off, ensuring even the most novice knitter can achieve a professional-looking result. Let's get started and knit our way to a Leafy Delight!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Yarn (Drops Muskat recommended)
  • Circular needles (4.5mm recommended, pointy tips preferred)
  • Double pointed needles (optional, easier for demonstration)
  • Row counter (optional)
  • Stitch markers
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise young children around knitting needles and yarn to prevent accidental injury. Keep needles and small parts out of reach.
  • Use yarn appropriate for babies – choose soft, hypoallergenic fibers, avoiding anything that could irritate delicate skin.
  • Before gifting, check the blanket carefully for loose ends or any potential hazards. Secure all yarn ends firmly to avoid choking hazards.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cast On

    • Cast on using the long tail cast-on method. Cast on enough stitches for one repeat of the leaf pattern.
    Cast on using the long tail cast-on method. Cast on enough stitches for one repeat of the leaf pattern.
    Cast On

  2. Garter Stitch Border

    • Knit 5 rows of garter stitch (knit every row).
    Knit 5 rows of garter stitch (knit every row).
    Garter Stitch Border

  3. Place Stitch Markers

    • one after the garter stitch border, one after each 14-stitch repeat (lace section), and one before and after the 2-purl-stitch section between lace repeats.
    Place stitch markers: one after the garter stitch border, one after each 14-stitch repeat (lace section), and one before and after the 2-purl-stitch section between lace repeats.Place stitch markers: one after the garter stitch border, one after each 14-stitch repeat (lace section), and one before and after the 2-purl-stitch section between lace repeats.
    Place Stitch Markers

  4. Knit Row 1 (Right Side)

    • Knit 5 (garter border), place marker, knit lace pattern according to instructions (knit 2, knit 8, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, place marker, repeat 10 times), purl 2, place marker before and after purl stitches, knit 5 (garter border).
    Row 1 (Right side): Knit 5 (garter border), place marker, knit lace pattern according to instructions (knit 2, knit 8, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, place marker, repeat 10 times), purl 2, place marker before and after purl stitches, knit 5 (garter border).Row 1 (Right side): Knit 5 (garter border), place marker, knit lace pattern according to instructions (knit 2, knit 8, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, place marker, repeat 10 times), purl 2, place marker before and after purl stitches, knit 5 (garter border).
    Knit Row 1 (Right Side)

  5. Knit Row 2 (Wrong Side) and subsequent wrong side rows

    • Knit 5 (garter border), slip marker, knit 2, slip marker, purl 12 (including yarn overs), knit 2, slip marker, repeat, knit 5 (garter border).
    Row 2 (Wrong side) and every other wrong-side row: Knit 5 (garter border), slip marker, knit 2, slip marker, purl 12 (including yarn overs), knit 2, slip marker, repeat, knit 5 (garter border).Row 2 (Wrong side) and every other wrong-side row: Knit 5 (garter border), slip marker, knit 2, slip marker, purl 12 (including yarn overs), knit 2, slip marker, repeat, knit 5 (garter border).
    Knit Row 2 (Wrong Side) and subsequent wrong side rows

  6. Knit Right Side Rows 3-19

    • Follow pattern instructions for each row. Note that the pattern alternates between lace patterns and simpler knit/purl sections.
    Rows 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 (Right side): Follow pattern instructions for each row. Note that the pattern alternates between lace patterns and simpler knit/purl sections.
    Knit Right Side Rows 3-19

  7. Repeat Pattern

    • Repeat rows 1-20 twelve times to complete the blanket.
    Repeat rows 1-20 twelve times to complete the blanket.
    Repeat Pattern

  8. Final Garter Stitch Border

    • Add Garter stitch border at the top.
    Add Garter stitch border at the top.
    Final Garter Stitch Border

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

Tips

  • Pointy needles make knitting the decreases (k3tog) easier.
  • Use stitch markers to easily track your progress and stay organized, especially when watching Netflix while knitting.
  • The pattern is written row-by-row in the downloadable PDF. The video demonstrates the process primarily using visual cues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the blanket results in a wavy or misshapen finished product.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension by knitting at a steady pace and using a tension square before beginning the main project.

2. Incorrectly Following the Pattern

Reason: Skipping rows, adding extra stitches, or misinterpreting the pattern instructions can lead to errors in the stitch pattern or overall shape of the blanket.
Solution: Carefully read and follow the written instructions and diagrams, double-checking each row before moving on.

3. Dropping Stitches

Reason: Dropped stitches create holes and disrupt the fabric's structure, affecting the blanket's appearance and potentially causing unraveling.
Solution: Use stitch markers to track your progress and regularly check your work for dropped stitches, carefully picking them up if necessary.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for the Leafy Delight Baby Blanket?
A superwash wool or a soft acrylic yarn in a worsted weight are both excellent choices. Superwash wool offers a luxurious feel and is machine washable, while acrylic is a more budget-friendly and easy-care option. Choose a yarn that's soft against baby's delicate skin.