The first thing I ever taught myself to knit was a baby blanket.
Actually, that’s not entirely true. The very first thing I knit was a scarf. It was 15 stitches across, and all I did was knit back and forth for what seemed like forever until it was long enough to suit me. I wore it all winter because I was so proud of myself for making it.
But the first thing I knit that required paying attention to was a baby blanket. I had to actually count my stitches and make sure every row lined up. I had to learn new terms, like “purl” and “yarn over.” Mostly, I had to be patient because it took me a very very long time to finish. I’m lucky the baby I was making it for was still a baby when I was done.
But once I finished that blanket, and held it up, and yelled, “Look, everyone – I MADE THIS!!!”…I was hooked. I loved the idea that a bunch of knots I made turned into wearable clothing and keepsakes and beautiful blankets. Do you get that thrill when you knit?
So even though I’ve moved on to knitting hats, then sweaters and skirts…I have to say I’m still partial to knitting baby blankets. They’re generally easy knitting patterns, but it’s fun to watch them develop as you knit up the blanket. And you don’t have to worry much about them fitting.
I actually began this one without a baby to knit it for. Certainly, there are none around here, nor will there be (ahem). But babies almost always show up somewhere, and if you have a present all knit up and ready for them beforehand, so much the better.
This is a simple stitch, repeated over and over, but I like the way it looks…kind of like popcorn. It’s a great beginner blanket, because once you’ve figured out the main stitch — that’s it. Just keep doing that.
Here’s how the pattern is worked:
Just those stitches over and over, with a nice, large border around the outside. I like big borders and I cannot lie…
The other reason I like this pattern so much is that once you start, it’s not too hard to remember. You don’t have to continually refer back to the pattern to make sure you’re getting things right. It’s repeated over just a few stitches, so once you get a few rows in, you’ll likely have the pattern memorized. Makes it so much easier to binge-watch Netflix while knitting when you don’t have to keep reading the pattern, you know?
So here’s the easy knitting pattern — I hope you like it!
You can download the free Popcorn Blanket pattern here —
Note: The pattern will automatically download when you sign up for the newsletter. Be sure to check your download folder, or look for your download by searching your computer for the name of the file – popcornblanket.pdf
And now, to find a baby to give this to…because if I don’t, I begin harassing siblings and cousins to go have some more of them. Surely a new blanket is as good a reason as any to have a baby? No?
If you’re looking for more knitting ideas, try these:
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- 10 Baby Blanket Patterns
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- Snowflake Blanket
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- The Posy Hat (a knitting pattern)
Grab your free Popcorn Blanket pattern!
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I can’t get the pattern downloaded. Could you please email it to me???
i cant find the download . can you email it to me. i think i got it the first time and my dog chewed it up.
i want to reprint but can access it . I love it and am working on one now but want to keep in my binder
thanks
Hi, Thank you for a sweet blanket. Could you let m know the shade of this green you are using. Thanks again.
yes! It’s the Lion Brand Pound of Love in Pastel Green…I just looked online and Joann’s and Michael’s both say they carry it…I love it because it’s a pretty color for a boy or a girl
I subscribed and received the pattern in seconds! Thank you!
Signed up and the download did not work
I signed up and there was no download either. I searched my PC for the file named popcornblanket.pdf and for anything named popcorn blanket…. nothing found.
After I finished looking on the PC, I looked in my email. There was an email to confirm my subscription…. when I confirmed it, the pattern was downloaded. I hope the others that had a problem were able to find this out too.
Just subscribed and can not get pattern
I also signed up and didn’t receive the pattern. BUMMER! (Tried it twice.)
I signed up and did not get the pattern!
You need to confirm your email subscription first. I had the same problem and then once I confirmed it, it was downloaded instantly. Hope this helps.
Where do you confirm your email subscription?
Got it!
I signed up and the pattern didn’t download. Please help.
Hi there! Tried to get this pattern when subscribing and was unable to! Would you be able to email it to me?
Is the right side of the pattern the popcorn side? I haven’t touched the blanket in a couple of months and trying to figure where I left off.
yes! Good luck!
Laura –
Do I really only need 1 Skein of the Yarn (per the pattern) or should I get more?
hi! This was one of those giant skeins — it has 1020 yards in it. If you’re going to use the standard sized skeins, you’ll need several (5, I think? however many it takes to make 1020 yards…)
Thank you so much for this amazing and truly easy pattern. The video made me really understand how to do it and now I’m finally done with my blanket. Baby is 5 months old and I can’t wait to close her with it.
I must be crazy but I can’t find the pattern I understand the stitch but not sure how to start how many rows if you start with p
I am almost finished with this Popcorn Blanket. I did knit it with #3 yarn and went up a size in needles. Just need to make sure it is not too loose so it doesn’t turn into a full size bed blanket. It looks great. I made a couple of mistakes that I missed while knitting, but that is what makes this project my own. Making it in a beautiful pink color and will put it away for a someday gift for my granddaughter. I think I will also make one in a color fitting a boy, this time I will use the #4 weight yarn, but I have to say, I am very please with how this has turned out.
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Hi!
Great site, especially for a beginner like me.
I would like to make the popcorn blanket you have posted. Unfortunately the yarn I will be using is DK, rather than worsted weight. Will using the DK yarn have a significant effect on the outcome of the blanket? Is there any techniques I can use to ensure the blanket turns out, even though I am using DK yarn? Or would you advise choosing a new pattern?
Cheers,
Leah
Thank you so much for the lovely pattern! I’m in the process of knitting one for my future nephew due in August. I am about 7″ completed on the pattern and made a mistake in row 4 (which I’m still on). In the middle of the row, instead of following the *p3tog, (K,P,K)*, I accidentally made (K,P,K,), (K,P,K), p3tog, (K,P,K) before I noticed my mistake. I worked back the first (K,P,K), but now I’m confused on how to take out the p3tog and (K,P,K). This is my first time increasing in a pattern, so it’s hard to visualize how the yarn should come off the needle to correct it. Is there a way you could talk me through this or give a video recommendation for this type of “fix”? I’m really hoping to avoid having to totally restart. Thanks for your help and consideration!
Dear Laura,
I would love to knit this popcorn pattern baby blanket for my first grandchild. Could I knit this in 100% cotton yarn? The recommended size needle is a 4mm. Would this work? What would you advise?
I would like to make this blanket in a #3 weight yarn. What do I have to do to adjust the pattern. Can I go up to size 8 needles?
Thank you for your reply.
I love this stitch pattern and want to make it as a gift for my niece.
I was just wondering the same thing! I am going to try it with size 6 needles (as is instructed on the yarn) but might increase the number of stitches. Seems pretty easy…the video was kind enough to do the math for us, and says that the popcorn section just needs to be multiples of 4.
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Please do the popcorn stitch more slowly on video, as I cannot follow it.
This is my first attempt at knitting. Thank you for the video, but could you please do the popcorn stitch in slow motion as I cannot follow or. Also you seem to have the thread in your left hand, I’ve always knitted with the thread in my right hand. Thank you.
Esther, from Cork Ireland.
Can you tell me what ‘worsted weight’ yarn is please? Is it double knitting or chunky knitting wool? Also how much do I need for this blanket? Thank you.
What is the beautiful color of yarn you used on this blanket? Is there a brand you recommend for it?
A year later and I’m almost done with baby girls popcorn blanket here!! My question is how do you recommend weaving the loose ends into a popcorn stitch? Thank you much!! Love this blanket so far. Definitely a labor of love 🙂
I’m just wondering if there should be increases in the pattern. I’m worried that with all the decreases and no increasing my blanket won’t look like a square.
There are increases. When you KPK into one stitch, you’re knitting it once, moving the yarn to the front and purling it once, them knitting the stitch once again. You’re making 3 stitches where there was only one. Then you purl the 3 stitches together and end up with the same number as before. Does that help?
Hi,
It’s increasing by one everytime you pearl three together though. When you KPK you make three stitches and then when you pearl three together you’re making one stitch. So that’s one additional stitch everytime. Or am I counting/doing it wrong?
Thanks!
I was wondering the same thing, then realized that the KPK turns one stitch into 3, and the P3TOG turns 3 stitches into one. You still end up with the same # of stitches (4) that you’d have had if you’d just knitted or purled them.
Hope this makes sense to you.
Hi!
I’m in the process of making a patchwork blanket. Can this be converted to make a 27cm square?
Thanks
Hello! Thanks so much for the pattern. I was wondering if the back looks different. I just started and am hoping that I’m doing it correctly. The popcorn bobbles are all on one side. Is that the right way to do it?
I think I’m knitting too loosely, but are there popcorns on both sides or does it look like a stripe?
How would I adjust the pattern if I want to make a blanket for the stroller/carriage? How much yarn,and how many multiples of the pattern stitch? Thank you:)
My first. 4 rows of popcorn stitch looked too loose–with larger openings surrounding the popcorn stitches–I went really slowly and made sure I was doing the knitting and purling in the same stitch correctly, and, that the purl together was done correctly. It just looks too ‘open’ between the stitches and not tight like yours looks–any ideas? I tore out those four rows and am starting over—
Was wondering how many stitches to cast on for a queen size blanket love the popcorn stitch pattern
Oh my gosh! Queen sized? Wow, you are hard core. You realize with popcorn stitch you’re using oodles of yarn? I thought this crib blanket was a “receiving blanket” and 1 1/2 years later and about $100 of yarn later I’m almost done 🙂 Kudos to you!!
Thank you for the video and new links. Appreciate them both!
How many balls of yarn do I need for your popcorn blanket – sorry if I’ve missed an instruction
Thank you
I LOVE it, Thanks!! I can’t wait to start it.
This may sound silly butt how do I create the Border around the whole blanket? Am I joining in the round on the needles?
The border is created by knitting the fist 15 rows and then knitting the first and last 10 stitches of the main body, and finally another 15 rows of knit for the end before binding off. No knitting in the round required.
I hate purling across. Wondering if I reversed it so
Row 1: knit across
Row 2: pkp in first, k3tog
Row 3: knit across
Row 4: k3tog, pkp
Would it have the same outcome?
Try it and let me know! I don’t mind purling but it is a tad more difficult. Post a pic if you try it!
Are the stitches supposed to be a little tight when you p3tog? I find that I have to jam the needle in. Should I purl looser in the 1st and 3rd rows?
NM to the issue. I switched from nickel to wood needles and it has made a huge difference.
I know I’m a little late to this pattern but I just started it for my second baby and have a question. The pattern says knit rows 1-15 then the pattern starts on the right side but wouldn’t row 16 be the wrong side? Thanks!
I just finished this blanket in a soft baby grey and LOVE IT! Thank you for such clear directions and such a pretty pattern. Now I hope my niece will like it as much as I do.
Hi there,
Lousy to say the pattern looks wrong, on the fourth row I needed up with not enough stitches to purl 3 together, so had to pinch two from my knit 10 row, thinking of adding two stitches at the end of row fourth make it right.
Thanks
Sorry not lousy, predictive text, meant to say think
Hi! I love this blanket but I am having difficulty when I get to the popcorn making 4 row stitches. When I start the 2nd row of k,p,k; p3tog I am on the right side not the wrong side..what am I doing wrong?? It makes it so hard to p3tog on the right side.
Hi Laura,
Started knitting this blanket yesterday, around 16 inches knitted by now and it’s coming up pretty niceley.
I just want to know how big does this blanket need to be, an aprox. measure in inches.
Thanks!
I’ve tried knitting this a couple of times and I’m up to about 3 inches long now but the blanket seems to be going slanted with the diagonal lines of the ‘kernels’, like a parallelogram. Also, when you look at your blanket the triangles of the ‘kernels’ look equilateral, like the bobble on the above row is directly between the two below, whereas mine are off to one side like a scalene triangle (hey, GCSE maths terms!). I did reduce the stitches to 108 and I’m on normal needles instead of circular but I don’t see how this is the cause. Maybe the middle stitches are too tight? Any ideas on what I’m doing wrong? Thanks 🙂
Ok, I’ve realised that I’ve been knitting rows 2 and 4 the same instead of reversing the k3tog and k,p,k – definitely should’ve read the pattern properly!
Hi, about how many skeins of the Lion Brand Yarn 920-143A Babysoft Yarn (the one you have as a link up there in your suggested yarns) does this blanket take?
Thanks!
Molly
Can u send me the directions to use popcorn stich In a pattern for a cardigan sweater for size 10 child’s sweater. Thanks
I saw your pattern for the popcorn blanket and I knit from the back so will doing that affect the way the kpk looks
Hi, I’m new to this site and this may sound like a stupid question but where is the pattern for this blanket? I don’t see a download button at all.
not a stupid question! I went back and hopefully made it a little easier to find. It should now say “Click this link to download the Popcorn Blanket pattern”. I hope you like it!
Found it, thanks. This looks like a perfect first Grandchild project.
I want to make this for a summer grandbaby in DK3 weight. How should I adjust the pattern? It’s just so lovely and simple. Can’t wait to get started.
Thank you Laura for your beautiful pattern! I’m about half way through knitting this blanket and I’m loving the results! Keeps me counting so I don’t forget a (kpk in the same stitch) but so much fun to knit up! I love the video! Very helpful:) alright who else is having a baby…. So I can knit this up!!!!
Hi there Laura
Can I use double knitting wool. I don’t know what worsted is.
oh, thank you! I’m so glad you like it
Hi there! I love your website and this blanket! I would love to make a blanket but the links aren’t working! Could you email it to me as well? My email is: mct003@aol.com.
Thank you!
Try looking it up on your PC… Doesn’t work on my iPhone but my Pc was just fine.
Thank you, Tami! I think I figured out the problem, and it should be able to be viewed on mobile devices now, too…
Hi Hope you don’t mind me tagging on the end of your conversation I can’t seem to find where to download the pattern . Can you help please
many thanks
Jo
sure! If you check above, it says “Popcorn Blanket” in green — click on that and it should take you straight to the pattern. I hope you like it!
Hi Laura!
I haven’t been able to access the pattern from the link either! Would you please email it to me at allyw406@gmail.com, I would love to make this blanket for a friend of mine who is having a baby! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Laura!
I am absolutely loving this pattern but unfortunately I can not access the posted URL. Is it possible to get an email sent to me? Thanks in advanced!!!
I think I fixed it! Can you let me know if you still have trouble viewing it? Thank you!
Hi Laura! I am dying to try this pet term but I am having a little trouble accessing it. The link in your post doesn’t seem to be working and your link in ravelry leads me back to your blog post! Any chance you could email it to me? Bwolf9@kent.edu
Thanks! Happy knitting
I’m sorry you had trouble! I sent you an email…hope you like it!
This is called ‘blackberry stitch’ in England. Laura is holding the thread in her left hand but knitting the same as a right handed person. Hopes this helps the previous commenter.
Oh, I love that name for that stitch! Thank you for clarifying how I knit…it’s one of those things I’ve always done but I never looked closely at how other people knit, so I had no idea I was doing it differently!
I have tried the link here and in Ravelry but I am not able to get the pattern. I would love to make this blanket as a gift. Could you send the pattern to me via email? I would so apprciate it!
Thanks,
Everythingisrosie on Ravelry
Hi Laura are you left handed by any chance? Watching your video didn’t look like how I knit?
hmmm — no, I’m not! How funny…
I’m not left-handed either. I started holding with my right and found it was cumbersome – I hold it with my left when I crochet”, so I switched and found it was quicker for me. I then learned there are two different methods English and continental – to each his own. That’s for sharing this stitch with us.
I’m loving this pattern but I’ve found that somehow I’m losing stitches. I’ve done 8 rows of the pattern so far but somehow I’m down to 149 stitches. I think last time I checked before that it was 151, and I know I started with casting on 156. I’ve been pretty careful- do you have any idea if it’s easy to make a mistake with the pattern or am I probably just dropping stitches? The pattern itself looks pretty good so far so I am stumped. Thanks 🙂
When you knit, purl, knit into one stitch, are you keeping that stitch on your needle until the last “knit”? That’s the only way I can think you might be losing them…
I am not getting the 4″ for every 24 rows. Its more like 3″. What about increasing the needle size? I am already using a size 9 circular. Would taking it up to a size 10″ cause a problem. I am using the Lion’s Brand Pound of Love yarn.
The pattern might be a little looser, but I don’t think it will make too much of a difference.
I’ve followed your video exactly, but when I’m doing the knit purl knit in one, it doesn’t come off as just one loop! What am I doing wrong?
When you kpk in the one stitch you create 2 extra stitchs, and when you k3tog you lose 2 stitches. So the number of stitches should work out. I’m working on this blanket as well 🙂
thank you!! I was trying to figure out exactly what was happening and I think you got it!
Hi I just started this pattern and I cast on 156 stitches as stated, but for some reason after doing the four rows, I have been left with 11 stitches on the end, rather than 10. I have been carefully keeping count, but just counted after the fourth row and I only have 153 stitches now! I knitted in the extra one twice because I thought I somehow added one. Not sure why it isn’t working correctly! Any advice?
I ran into this as well. I believe that in the extra stitch that is left at the end you need to kpk in the one stitch. That will give you the stitches you are missing, and the 10 at the end to do the boarder.
Hi Laura, I would like to knit a blanket for my five yr. old grandaughter. How many stitches would I put on for that. Do you have a knit pattern for that. How do I get the pattern for popcorn stitch blanket that is larger than baby blanket. Thank you for any help.
I’m a very new knitter so if this is a stupid question feel free to tell me. If I wanted to do this stitch in the round say on a hat (because I think that would be adorable), how would I need to change the pattern? It would have to be different because there isn’t a wrong side, correct?
What size yarn do you use for this pattern?
Beautiful baby blanket, but is it reversible?
not really — the back does have a uniform pattern and it looks ok, but in my opinion it isn’t nearly as cool-looking as the front!
How do I get this pattern?
Here’s the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SMgPIbvdtNNaSlEHkefNXoYgbBrWyja8y6cxOSZ9IMk/edit
Have fun!
Hi Laura,
In your pattern for the popcorn blanket, you say that row 1 of the popcorn pattern is the rs. This first row is the 16th of the blanket and as such it is the ws. Why do you say rs?
Thank you,
Marie
I am making this blanket for my daughter. I love the pattern, it is very easy once you get the hang of the stitches. However, I am noticing that the corners are pulling up at the sides. It is not a tension issue. Is this normal with this pattern? Have about 5 inches of the pattern to go. Wondering if washing and sizing will help with this.
Hmmm — I haven’t noticed that when I knit it. I’ll see what I can find out…
Could I make the blanket bigger and if so what is the equation for adding stitches?
Sorry, Renee — I don’t know why I didn’t see this comment earlier! You can make it bigger — the pattern is in multiples of 4 stitches. So 10 garter stitches on each side (20 total), and multiples of 4 for the pattern.
Is it possible to make the blanket bigger and if so what would be the equation to add?
hi, I can’t seem to find the pattern. Help? Thanks.
Here you go! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SMgPIbvdtNNaSlEHkefNXoYgbBrWyja8y6cxOSZ9IMk/edit Hope you like it!
Is it necessary to do this on circular needles or could you use the long straight needles?
For rows 1-4 when making the pipcorn stitch you use the right side for row 1 and the wring side for row 2. Do you use rhe right side for 3 and the wrong side for 3?
The right side would be row 3 and the wrong side will be row 4. The purling will always be on the RS and the stitches will be on the wrong side. I also added a video above — I hope it helps!
How much yarn will I need to make this pattern?? My sister is having a baby and I am excited to get started ASAP!
Lindsay — you’ll use about 1020 yards of yarn. Hope you have fun!
Same problem as noted by other comments, there doesn’t seem to be any instructions to add stitches so the blanket is reducing at an alarming rate. Has anyone found how to correct this?
Hi guys! I was having the same issue! Watch this YouTube link. It explains it 🙂 you have to k,p,k in one stitch which ends up giving you 3 new loops for the 3 that you take away from the ps3! Hope this helps! http://youtu.be/xoWPtoaG1T4
hi, everyone! I finally added a video that I hope helps explain the popcorn stitch. Please let me know if you have any questions!
I love this blanket and am so excited to make it! However I am having trouble. The pattern is decreasing dramatically with every p3tog. Help! I really want to make this blanket. What am i missing?
thanks for the pattern,and the beautiful blog.
I am a little confused…where is says kpk all in the same stitch. Do I knit one, pearl one, knit one…or something different. I some how started with 152 stitches and 8 rows in I have lost over half of them! I think I am misunderstanding some where! Please help!
This blanket has me totally confused. The pattern is not working out. P3tog is a decrease stitch. Where do we add the stitches back? PLEASE help a fellow knitter out.
I added a video that I hope helps with any trouble you’re having! Let me know if you still have questions…
I still can’t get the pattern
This is beautiful! My nephew & his wife are expecting a boy, so hopefully I can make one for them!
Love the Popcorn Baby blanket, but I need clarification. Instructions say, knit rows 1-15; then goes on to give specific (and totally different) instructions for rows: 11, 12, 13 and 14. Can you explain to me?
Pat — I’ve updated the original pattern and fixed that part! I hope it helps…sorry about that!