Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern – Panda with Heart | Textured Stitch | Baby Shower Gift | Beginner Friendly

Meet your next favorite knitting project!

This sweet baby blanket features an adorable panda holding a heart, framed by rows of hearts above and below — all worked in one colour using texture alone. With just simple knit and purl stitches, you'll create a beautiful raised design that's easy to follow and lovely to make. The finished blanket looks impressive and feels wonderfully soft.

Skill Level: Beginner / Easy
This pattern uses only knit and purl stitches, making it ideal for beginners while remaining a satisfying project for more experienced knitters. It is suitable for those who are comfortable with basic knitting techniques.

Techniques Used:
• Cast-on (Long Tail Cast-On recommended)
• Bind-off
• Knit stitch (K)
• Purl stitch (P)

Language & Terminology:
Pattern is written in English using US knitting conventions.
Design:
The blanket is worked in classic stockinette stitch with a neat garter stitch border all around. At its centre sits a charming panda cradling a heart, created using reverse stockinette on a stockinette background. Rows of hearts frame the motif above and below. This gives the design a soft, tactile quality that's as lovely to touch as it is to look at.

Size:
75 × 90 cm (29.5 × 35.5 in) — perfect for a stroller or newborn

This pattern is perfect for you if:
• You know your knit from your purl
• You're ready to try your first textured motif
• You want a handmade gift that looks like it took serious skill (it didn't — promise!)

What's Included:
• Row-by-row written instructions
• Full chart for the panda & hearts motif (9 pages)
• Abbreviations guide
• Yarn substitution notes

Yarn & Materials
Yarn: DROPS Merino Extra Fine (or any DK weight Superwash Merino)
US alternative: KnitPicks Swish DK

Weight: DK / 8-ply
Gauge: 21 sts × 28 rows = 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Care: Machine wash 40°C / Dry flat — see care note below
Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class I (safe for newborns)
Yardage: 50 g = 105 m (115 yds)

Amount needed: approx. 550 g / 11 skeins
Note: Always buy one extra skein to account for gauge differences.
Needles: Circular needles 4 mm (EU) / size 8 (UK) / size 6 (US), 60 cm (24 in) cable length recommended

Additional Materials:
• Stitch markers × 2
• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
• Scissors
• Row counter (recommended)

Copyright Notice
This pattern is © KnitWithOlive. All rights reserved.
This pattern is for personal use only. You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but please credit the designer. Do not reproduce, distribute, or sell this pattern in whole or in part without written permission.