The Cloudberry Dune Baby Blanket Free Pattern – A Knitted Mosaic of Bubbles and Ridges

Wrap your little one in the Cloudberry Dune, a blanket that mimics the soft, rolling hills of a coastal dune with its alternating bubble and ridge textures. This knit pattern uses a clever combination of slipped stitches and yarn overs to create a plush, squishy fabric that's as delightful to make as it is to snuggle. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this heirloom-quality blanket is the perfect way to create something truly special.

The Cloudberry Dune features a stunning horizontal striped pattern in three soft, muted colors—a dusty pink (Cloudberry), a warm sandy beige (Dune), and a pale seafoam teal (Sea Glass). The main body is a rich tapestry of textured stitches: raised bubble-like bumps (created by slipped stitches) alternate with delicate eyelet holes (from yarn overs and decreases) that form a subtle diamond lattice pattern. The result is a surface that's plush and squishy, with a slightly undulating, ridged texture that catches the light beautifully.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, featuring a simple 12-stitch repeat, clear instructions, and a relaxing rhythm that makes it perfect for cozy evenings on the couch. The finished blanket measures approximately 30 inches wide x 36 inches long—ideal for stroller rides, tummy time, or cuddling in the nursery.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

Yarn

• Worsted weight superwash merino wool (e.g., Malabrigo Rios) in three colors:
  • Color A (Cloudberry Pink): 200g
  • Color B (Dune Sand): 200g
  • Color C (Sea Glass Teal): 200g
• Approximately 600g total yarn needed

Needles

• US 7 (4.5 mm) 32-inch circular knitting needle (for magic loop or working back and forth)

Additional Supplies

• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for marking the 12-stitch repeats)
• Scissors
• Wool wash for blocking

Gauge

• 18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking)

Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your own Cloudberry Dune Baby Blanket. The pattern is worked flat in one piece, with a garter stitch border on all sides.

Finished Size

Approximately 30 inches wide x 36 inches long (adjustable by adding multiples of 12 stitches).

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• sl1 = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (unless otherwise specified)
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• psso = pass slipped stitch over
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• wyib = with yarn in back
• wyif = with yarn in front

Pattern Notes

• The blanket is worked flat in one piece, with a garter stitch border on all sides.
• The main body uses a 12-stitch repeat pattern called 'Dune Bubbles'.
• Change colors every 6 rows (3 ridges) to create horizontal stripes.
• The border stitches (3 on each side) are always knit on both RS and WS rows.

Cast On

With Color A, cast on 96 stitches loosely (multiple of 12). Use a stretchy cast-on method if you prefer, such as the long-tail cast-on, to ensure the edge remains flexible.

Border Setup (Rows 1-6)

This creates a garter stitch border at the bottom of the blanket.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
• Rows 3-6: Repeat Rows 1-2 twice more. This creates a garter stitch border.

Main Body Pattern

The main body is worked over 90 stitches, with 3-stitch garter borders on each side. The 12-stitch repeat is worked 7 times across each row (7 × 12 = 84 stitches, plus 6 border stitches = 90 stitches).

Row 1 (RS, Color A): K3 (border), *k9, sl1 wyib, k2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3 (border).

Row 2 (WS, Color A): K3, *p9, sl1 wyif, p2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 3 (RS, Color A): K3, *k9, sl1 wyib, k2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 4 (WS, Color A): K3, *p9, sl1 wyif, p2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 5 (RS, Color A): K3, *k9, sl1 wyib, k2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 6 (WS, Color A): K3, *p9, sl1 wyif, p2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 7 (RS, Color B): K3, *k2, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k3, k2tog, yo, k2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3. (This creates the bubble holes)

Row 8 (WS, Color B): K3, *purl all stitches*, rep until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 9 (RS, Color B): K3, *k2, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 10 (WS, Color B): K3, *purl all stitches*, rep until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 11 (RS, Color B): K3, *k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 12 (WS, Color B): K3, *purl all stitches*, rep until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 13 (RS, Color C): K3, *k2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k2*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 14 (WS, Color C): K3, *purl all stitches*, rep until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 15 (RS, Color C): K3, *k1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 16 (WS, Color C): K3, *purl all stitches*, rep until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 17 (RS, Color C): K3, *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, sl1, k1, psso*, rep from * to * until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Row 18 (WS, Color C): K3, *purl all stitches*, rep until 3 stitches remain, k3.

Repeating the Pattern

Repeat Rows 1-18 for the main body, changing colors every 6 rows (Rows 1-6 in Color A, Rows 7-12 in Color B, Rows 13-18 in Color C). Continue until the blanket measures approximately 34 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a complete 18-row repeat.

Pro tip: Place a stitch marker after every 12-stitch repeat to help you keep track of your place, especially when working the lace sections.

Border Finish (Rows 1-6)

With Color A, knit 6 rows of garter stitch (all knit stitches) to match the bottom border.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
• Rows 3-6: Repeat Rows 1-2 twice more.

Bind Off

Bind off all stitches loosely. Use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method like Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off to ensure the edge remains flexible and doesn't pucker.

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off Instructions:

1. Knit the first stitch.
2. Yarn over (bring yarn to front, then over the right needle to the back).
3. Knit the next stitch.
4. Using the left needle, lift the first stitch (the yarn over) over the second stitch and off the right needle.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all stitches are bound off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Take care to weave in ends securely, especially at color changes, to prevent them from working loose over time.

Blocking: Block the blanket gently by soaking in lukewarm water with a drop of wool wash. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist). Lay flat on a clean towel, shaping to the desired dimensions (approximately 30 inches wide x 36 inches long). Pin the edges if needed to help open up the lace and even out the stitches. Allow to dry completely before using.

Blocking is an essential step that will transform your blanket—it opens up the eyelet holes, evens out the slipped stitches, and gives the fabric a beautiful, professional finish.

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension consistent: The slipped stitches create the bubble texture, so try not to pull the yarn too tightly when slipping.
• Count your stitches regularly: Especially after the lace rows (Rows 7-18), count your stitches to ensure you haven't accidentally dropped or added any.
• Use stitch markers: Place a marker after every 12-stitch repeat to help you keep track of your place, especially when working the lace sections.
• Take breaks: The repetitive nature of this pattern makes it perfect for mindless knitting, but always check your work at the end of each row.

The Cloudberry Dune Baby Blanket is more than just a knitting project—it's a labor of love that will be treasured for generations. The combination of soft, squishy textures and delicate lace details creates a blanket that's both visually stunning and incredibly cozy. Whether you're knitting it for your own little one or as a gift for a baby shower, this pattern is sure to become a favorite in your knitting repertoire.

Happy knitting, and enjoy watching your Cloudberry Dune come to life stitch by stitch!