Introduction
This might just be the world’s easiest blanket.
She’s stretchy, colorful, and a little bit chaotic — and best of all, she’s a mindless knitting project for anyone who has a hard time following instructions.
If you’re a knitter who loves the idea of making something beautiful but instantly zones out when a pattern says “repeat rows 3–14,” this one’s for you. This easy garter stitch blanket is beginner-friendly, relaxing, and totally customizable.
Why I Made This Blanket
About a year ago, I decided to knit a blanket for each of my daughters. Both of them requested rainbow blankets, and while I loved the idea, I did not love the idea of tracking dozens of color changes in a formal pattern.
So I grabbed my needles, bought a bunch of yarn, and decided to wing it.
I started with eight skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in every color I could find, knit a chunk of the blanket, and then put it away for almost a year. (It happens to the best of us.)
A few weeks ago, I picked it back up and finally finished it — and now I can confidently say this is the easiest blanket knitting pattern you’ll ever try.
Why Garter Stitch is Perfect for Beginners
This blanket is made entirely in garter stitch, which simply means you knit every row. That’s it.
No purling, no counting, no keeping track of where you left off. The fabric it creates is soft, squishy, and lays flat — no curling edges like stockinette.
If you’re wondering how to knit a blanket as a beginner, this is the perfect project to start with. You can knit while watching TV, listening to a podcast, or chatting with friends — it’s that effortless.
Materials and Tools
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this blanket:
🧶 Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick – super bulky (weight 6)
🪡 Needles: 9 mm (US 13) wooden circular needles
📏 Cast on: 117 stitches
↕️ Rows: 210 rows total
🧵 Total yarn used: 14 skeins
📐 Finished size: Approx. throw blanket (perfect for kids or couch snuggling)
Note: I used circular needles only because they hold a large number of stitches comfortably. You’ll still be knitting flat, back and forth.
Step-by-Step: How to Knit This Easy Blanket
Cast On
Cast on 117 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method (or your favorite).
Knit Every Row
Work entirely in garter stitch — knit across every row.
That’s it. No pattern repeats, no stitch counting.
Change Colors as You Go
I changed colors whenever I felt like it. There’s no rule here — that’s what makes it fun.
You can tie new colors in and weave the ends later, or carry yarn up the side if the colors are close.
Keep Going Until It Feels Big Enough
Mine ended up at about 210 rows, but you can make yours shorter or longer.
Bind Off
Once it’s the length you want, bind off loosely to keep the edge stretchy.
Weave in Ends
Yes, there are a lot of them — but it’s the perfect excuse to catch up on your favorite podcast.
Block (Optional)
I skipped blocking because I like the rustic, squishy look, but you can lightly steam-block if you prefer clean edges.
My Colorful Chaos Approach
When I finally returned to finish this blanket, I couldn’t find all the same yarn colors I started with. Instead of trying to match them, I just embraced it — and it turned out even better.
The newer colors blended into the old ones, creating this unintentional gradient effect. It’s mismatched and magical, and I love that it tells the story of when I started versus when I finished.
So don’t worry about perfection. Mix colors, use leftovers, or go full rainbow. This blanket was made to be playful.
Customizing Your Blanket
This project is endlessly adaptable. You can:
Cast on fewer stitches for a baby blanket
Double it for a bed-size throw
Stick with one solid color for a minimalist look
Use scraps of yarn for a fun, stash-busting project
The garter stitch texture makes it forgiving and cozy no matter what yarn or color combination you use.
Final Thoughts
The finished blanket has a thick, cozy weight that feels like a hug. It’s warm, it’s squishy, and it’s the kind of project that reminds you why you love knitting in the first place.
Try to make this blanket and not fall in love with it. Impossible.
If you make one, tag me — I’d love to see your version!
And if you enjoy simple, creative projects like this, subscribe to The Modern Maker Co YouTube Channel for more knitting, crochet, and craft tutorials that don’t take themselves too seriously.
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