Jordan Baby Blanket – Free Pattern

There is something deeply satisfying about making a baby blanket from scratch. It is one of those projects that feels meaningful from the first stitch to the last, whether you are crafting it for your own little one, a friend’s new arrival, or a baby shower gift. The Jordan Baby Blanket is a pattern that has captured the hearts of knitters and crocheters alike — and today, I am sharing the full free pattern along with everything you need to know to make it beautifully.

This blanket is soft, classic, and just the right size to wrap a newborn snugly or drape over a sleeping baby in a stroller. The stitch pattern creates a lovely texture that looks intricate but is actually beginner-friendly once you get into the rhythm. Whether you are new to yarn crafts or have been making blankets for years, the Jordan Baby Blanket is a joy to work up and an even greater joy to give away.

Let’s dive in.

Why the Jordan Baby Blanket Is Worth Making

Before we get into the pattern itself, I want to talk about why this particular blanket has become such a beloved project in the handmade community.

First, the construction is approachable. You do not need advanced skills or specialty tools. The stitch repeat is simple enough to memorize after a few rows, which means you can work on it while watching television, chatting with friends, or sitting in the waiting room at an appointment. Projects like this are sometimes called “mindless knitting” or “mindless crochet,” and that is meant as the highest compliment. A project you can pick up and put down without losing your place is a project you will actually finish.

Second, the finished result is genuinely beautiful. The texture created by the stitch pattern has a soft, almost quilted appearance that photographs wonderfully and feels luxurious against a baby’s delicate skin. It does not look like a beginner blanket. It looks like something you would find in a boutique baby shop, which makes it a particularly impressive handmade gift.

Third, the Jordan Baby Blanket is versatile. By choosing different colors or yarn weights, you can make it feel completely different each time. A soft ivory or cream gives it an heirloom quality. A bold teal or coral makes it modern and playful. A classic pale yellow or mint green feels timeless. The pattern works with whatever your heart desires.

Materials You Will Need

To make the Jordan Baby Blanket, gather the following supplies before you cast on or make your foundation chain. Having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother.

Yarn: You will need approximately 800 to 1,000 yards of worsted weight yarn, depending on your gauge and your desired finished size. Choose a yarn that is soft, washable, and baby-safe. Cotton blends, bamboo blends, and superwash merino wool are all excellent choices. Brands like Lion Brand Pound of Love, Paintbox Simply DK, Paintbox Cotton Aran, Red Heart Soft, Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn, and Cascade 220 Superwash are all popular choices for baby projects. Always check that the yarn can be machine washed and dried, because parents of newborns do not have time to hand wash anything.

Hook or Needles: For crochet, a US size J (6.0mm) hook works well with worsted weight yarn, though you should always check your gauge and adjust accordingly. For knitting, US size 8 (5.0mm) needles are a good starting point. Circular needles are recommended even if you are knitting flat, simply because they can hold more stitches comfortably.

Notions: You will need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers if you find them helpful for tracking your repeats. A ruler or measuring tape is essential for checking gauge.

Gauge: Approximately 14 stitches and 20 rows equal 4 inches in the main stitch pattern. Gauge is not always critical for a blanket, but it will affect your finished size, so it is worth checking if you want a specific measurement.

Finished Size

The pattern as written produces a blanket that measures approximately 30 inches by 36 inches, which is a lovely size for a newborn or infant. This is sometimes called a “lap blanket” or “stroller blanket” size and is one of the most practical sizes you can make for a new baby. It is large enough to actually use but small enough to finish in a reasonable amount of time.

If you want a larger blanket, simply add stitches in multiples of the stitch repeat and add more rows. A 36-inch by 45-inch blanket would make a generous crib blanket. Instructions for adjusting the size are included in the notes below the pattern.

Abbreviations and Notes

For crochet:

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
hdc — half double crochet
sl st — slip stitch
sp — space
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

For knitting:

CO — cast on
BO — bind off
k — knit
p — purl
k2tog — knit two together
yo — yarn over
sl — slip
pm — place marker
rep — repeat

Throughout the pattern, instructions inside brackets are repeated the number of times indicated. The pattern is written flat, meaning you work back and forth in rows rather than in the round.

The Jordan Baby Blanket – Free Crochet Pattern

Foundation

Begin by chaining 109. This gives you a foundation chain that will create a blanket approximately 30 inches wide. If you want to adjust the width, chain any number that is a multiple of 10, plus 9 for the border.

Row 1 (RS):

Starting in the second chain from the hook, single crochet across the entire foundation chain. You should have 108 single crochets at the end of this row. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 2 (WS):

Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1 and turn. This creates the bottom border of the blanket.

Row 3 (RS):

Single crochet in the first 4 stitches. [Double crochet in the next stitch, skip 1, double crochet in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 7 stitches.] Repeat the section in brackets across until you reach the last 4 stitches. Single crochet in each of the last 4 stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 4 (WS):

Single crochet across all stitches. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 5 (RS):

Repeat Row 3.

Row 6 (WS):

Single crochet across. Chain 1 and turn.

Continue repeating Rows 3 through 6 until the blanket measures approximately 34 inches from the foundation chain, or until you have reached your desired length before the border. End having just completed a WS row.

Bottom Border:

Work 2 rows of single crochet across the full width of the blanket. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Side Border:

Attach yarn at any corner and work a row of single crochet evenly along the side edge of the blanket, working approximately 1 stitch per row end. At each corner, work 3 single crochets into the corner stitch to help the blanket lie flat. When you return to your starting corner, slip stitch to join, fasten off, and weave in ends.

Repeat on the other side if desired, or work a full border around all four edges in one pass by working the same single crochet border continuously around the entire blanket perimeter.

The Jordan Baby Blanket – Free Knitting Pattern

Cast On

Using your preferred cast-on method, cast on 105 stitches. A long-tail cast-on gives a beautiful, stretchy, and tidy edge that works perfectly for a blanket.

Rows 1–4:

Knit every stitch across all rows. This creates the garter stitch border at the bottom of the blanket and should measure approximately 1 inch before you begin the main pattern.

Main Pattern:

Row 1 (RS): K5. [K2, yo, k2tog, k6.] Repeat the section in brackets to the last 10 stitches. K2, yo, k2tog, k6.

Row 2 (WS): K5. Purl to the last 5 stitches. K5.

Row 3 (RS): Knit across.

Row 4 (WS): K5. Purl to the last 5 stitches. K5.

Repeat Rows 1 through 4 until the blanket measures approximately 34 inches from the cast-on edge, or until you reach your desired length, ending after completing a Row 4.

Top Border:

Knit 4 rows across all stitches. Bind off loosely on the fifth row. A stretchy bind-off, such as a yarn-over bind-off or a sewn bind-off, will give you the most elegant edge.

Weave in all ends. Block lightly if using a wool or wool-blend yarn.

Tips for Making the Jordan Baby Blanket

Swatch first. Even if you find swatching tedious, taking ten minutes to knit or crochet a small gauge swatch before starting will save you frustration later. If your gauge is off, your blanket will be a different size than intended, and you may run out of yarn or end up with something much larger or smaller than expected.

Choose your yarn thoughtfully. The yarn you choose will make or break this project. Softness is the single most important factor for a baby blanket. Scratch a sample against the inside of your wrist before buying — if it does not feel good on your skin, it will not feel good on a baby’s. Machine washability is equally important. Even the most careful, attentive parent will need to throw a baby blanket in the wash regularly.

Weave in as you go. If you are joining new balls of yarn during the project, weave in each new tail before setting the project down. Facing a pile of loose ends at the end of a large project is demoralizing. Dealing with each end immediately takes only a minute and keeps the project feeling manageable.

Use stitch markers. If you find yourself losing track of the stitch repeat, place a marker every 10 stitches along your row. This way you can quickly count to confirm you are on track without having to start over from the edge.

Block your finished blanket. Once you have woven in all your ends, give the finished blanket a gentle wet blocking or steam blocking (depending on your fiber content — never steam wool). Blocking evens out your stitches, opens up the pattern, and gives the blanket a polished, professional finish that makes a real difference, especially in photographs.

How to Adjust the Size

The stitch repeat for this pattern is a multiple of 10, with additional stitches for the border. To make the blanket wider, add stitches in multiples of 10. To make it narrower, reduce in multiples of 10.

For a smaller receiving blanket (approximately 24 by 30 inches), cast on or chain 85 stitches and work fewer rows.

For a larger crib blanket (approximately 36 by 45 inches), cast on or chain 135 stitches and work more rows, using approximately 1,400 to 1,600 yards of yarn.

For a toddler blanket (approximately 40 by 50 inches), cast on or chain 155 stitches and plan on 1,800 to 2,000 yards of yarn.

Color Ideas and Inspiration

One of the most fun parts of making a baby blanket is choosing the color. Here are a few palettes that work beautifully with the Jordan Baby Blanket pattern.

Classic White or Cream: A true heirloom look. White or ivory yarn makes the texture of the stitch pattern stand out beautifully. This color also photographs stunningly and feels sweet and timeless.

Soft Sage Green: A gender-neutral, nature-inspired choice that has become very popular in modern nurseries. Sage green pairs beautifully with wooden toys and natural-fiber nursery decor.

Dusty Rose or Mauve: Soft and romantic, this shade is popular for baby girls but works equally well in a gender-neutral nursery. Look for a rose that leans dusty rather than bright pink for the most sophisticated result.

Pale Sky Blue: A gentle, airy choice that evokes clear skies and calm mornings. It works for any baby and feels fresh and optimistic.

Heathered Gray: A modern, understated choice that coordinates with almost any nursery color scheme. Gray is particularly effective when you want the texture of the stitch pattern to be the focal point.

Two-Color Stripes: If you want to add a bit of visual interest, work the blanket in alternating stripes of two coordinating colors. Change colors every four rows or every ten rows depending on how bold you want the stripes to be.

Gifting the Jordan Baby Blanket

A handmade blanket is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give at a baby shower or to a new parent. The time and care you put into every stitch communicates something that no store-bought gift ever could. To make your gift feel extra special, consider the following presentation ideas.

Roll the finished blanket into a loose bundle and secure it with a length of ribbon in a coordinating color. Tuck a handwritten card inside that mentions the yarn you used, so the parents know how to care for it. If you want to go a step further, attach a small tag with care instructions printed on it.

Pair the blanket with a small stuffed animal, a set of wooden teething rings, or a handmade card for an effortlessly beautiful, heartfelt gift. You can also make a matching hat or pair of booties to create a coordinated set — the Jordan pattern’s simple stitch structure adapts beautifully to smaller projects.

Caring for the Finished Blanket

Always include care instructions when gifting a handmade item. For most machine-washable yarn blends, the blanket can be washed on a gentle or delicate cycle in cold water and tumble dried on low. Avoid hot water and high heat, which can cause pilling, shrinkage, or distortion in the stitch pattern.

If you used a natural fiber like merino wool or a cotton-wool blend, recommend hand washing in cool water with a gentle wool wash or baby shampoo, then laying flat to dry. Even though this takes a bit more effort, many parents find it easy to add to their routine once they are in the habit.

A Few Final Thoughts

The Jordan Baby Blanket is one of those patterns that stays with you. Once you make it for the first time, you will find yourself wanting to make it again and again — in different colors, for different babies, as shower gifts and birthday presents and welcome-home surprises. It is the kind of pattern that becomes a staple in your crafting repertoire.

There is real joy in making something with your hands for someone else’s child. The repetitive, meditative quality of working row after row fills a creative need and produces something genuinely useful and beautiful. When that baby curls up under a blanket you made yourself, warm and soft and carefully crafted, the effort feels absolutely worth it.

I hope this pattern brings you as much pleasure to make as it does to give. Save it, bookmark it, share it with a friend who is expecting. And if you make a Jordan Baby Blanket of your own, I would love to see it — there is nothing quite like seeing a beloved pattern come to life in someone else’s hands, in colors you never would have chosen yourself, looking entirely new.

Happy crafting.