Bernat Reversible Knit Lap Blanket: Free Pattern and Complete Guide

There is something deeply satisfying about a project that looks beautiful no matter which side you turn it to. A reversible knit lap blanket is exactly that kind of project — thoughtfully constructed, wonderfully functional, and endlessly giftable. Whether you are curling up on the couch with a cup of tea, gifting something handmade to a loved one, or simply looking for a cozy weekend knitting project, this free Bernat reversible lap blanket pattern is exactly what you need.

This guide will walk you through everything from materials and gauge to cast-on techniques, stitch patterns, finishing tips, and ideas for customizing your blanket. Even if you are a newer knitter who has only recently moved past basic scarves, this pattern is achievable. And if you are an experienced knitter looking for a satisfying, meditative project with a polished result, you will find plenty to love here too.

Why Bernat Yarn Is Perfect for Lap Blankets

Before diving into the pattern itself, it is worth talking about the yarn. Bernat has been a staple in the knitting and crocheting community for decades, and for good reason. Their yarns strike an ideal balance between affordability, wide availability, and quality. For lap blankets specifically, Bernat Blanket yarn and Bernat Softee Chunky are two of the most popular choices, and both work beautifully for this pattern.

Bernat Blanket yarn is a super bulky chenille-style yarn that produces an incredibly soft, plush fabric. It knits up quickly on large needles, which means you can finish a lap blanket in a weekend rather than over several weeks. The texture is velvety and gentle, making it a wonderful choice for anyone who plans to gift the blanket to someone with sensitive skin, including children or elderly recipients.

Bernat Softee Chunky is slightly less bulky but still a quick knit, and it produces a fabric with a bit more drape. If you prefer a blanket that folds and tucks a little more easily than the denser Blanket yarn, this is a strong option.

Both yarns come in an enormous range of colors and colorways, including ombre and multi-tone options that add visual interest to even the simplest stitch patterns. One of the joys of choosing a reversible stitch pattern is that the color of your yarn does most of the visual heavy lifting — so even a solid color looks striking when the stitch texture creates contrast between the two sides.

What Makes a Blanket Reversible?

When knitters talk about a reversible stitch pattern, they mean one that looks equally intentional and attractive on both the right side and the wrong side of the fabric. Many basic stitch patterns are not reversible — stockinette stitch, for example, has a smooth knit side and a bumpy purl side, and most knitters consider only one of those sides to be the “front.”

Reversible stitch patterns tend to be those that use a combination of knits and purls in a symmetrical or near-symmetrical arrangement, so that both faces of the fabric mirror each other in some way. Seed stitch is a classic example: every knit stitch on the right side appears as a purl on the wrong side and vice versa, creating a matching pebbly texture on both faces. Ribbing is another reversible option, as is moss stitch, double seed stitch, and certain cable configurations.

For this particular lap blanket, the pattern uses a double seed stitch (sometimes called box stitch or moss stitch depending on the region), which creates a wonderfully even, almost woven-looking fabric that is equally charming from either direction. There are no “wrong side” rows to muddle through — every row follows the same basic logic, which also makes it an excellent pattern for knitters who find complex wrong-side rows frustrating.

Materials You Will Need

To knit this reversible lap blanket, gather the following before you begin.

Yarn: 3 to 4 skeins of Bernat Blanket yarn in super bulky weight (size 6), or approximately 600 to 800 yards total depending on your desired finished size. A standard lap blanket measuring approximately 36 inches by 36 inches will use roughly 650 yards. If you prefer a slightly larger blanket — say, 40 by 48 inches — plan for closer to 900 yards.

Needles: US size 13 (9mm) straight or circular knitting needles. Circular needles are recommended even for flat knitting, because the sheer weight of a blanket made with bulky yarn can become uncomfortable on straight needles as the project grows. Using a 32-inch or 40-inch circular needle lets you spread the work across the cable and rest it in your lap.

Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers if you like to track your pattern sections visually (optional but helpful for newer knitters).

Gauge: Approximately 9 stitches and 13 rows over 4 inches in double seed stitch on US 13 needles. Always knit a gauge swatch before starting any blanket. Even a few stitches off per inch can result in a finished blanket that is significantly different in size than intended. Swatching takes twenty minutes and can save hours of frustration later.

Understanding Double Seed Stitch

Double seed stitch is the heart of this pattern, so it is worth spending a moment with it before you cast on. The stitch repeat is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches, and the pattern alternates in two-row segments rather than every row.

Rows 1 and 2: Knit 2, purl 2, repeat to end of row.
Rows 3 and 4: Purl 2, knit 2, repeat to end of row.

These four rows form the complete pattern repeat. You simply continue working these four rows until your blanket reaches the desired length. Because the knit and purl columns swap every two rows, the resulting fabric has a staggered, block-like texture that looks identical on both sides. It lies flat naturally, which is another significant advantage for a blanket — no curling edges, no need for a border to prevent rolling, and no blocking required to keep the piece tidy.

This is also one of those stitch patterns that becomes genuinely automatic after the first few inches. Once your hands learn the rhythm of “two rows of K2P2, two rows of P2K2,” you can knit while watching television, chatting with friends, or listening to an audiobook without ever losing your place.

The Pattern: Step by Step

Cast On

Using your US 13 circular needle and Bernat Blanket yarn, cast on 80 stitches. This number is a multiple of 4, which is what the double seed stitch pattern requires. If you would like a narrower blanket, you can cast on 64 stitches. For a wider blanket, try 96 stitches. Just ensure your stitch count is always divisible by 4.

Use a long-tail cast on if you are comfortable with it — it creates a neat, slightly stretchy edge that complements the reversible fabric beautifully. A simple backward loop cast on also works, though it tends to be looser and may require you to tighten your first knit row slightly to keep the edge tidy.

Leave a tail of at least 8 inches for weaving in later.

Row 1 (and Row 2): K2, P2; repeat from to end of row.

Row 3 (and Row 4): P2, K2; repeat from to end of row.

Repeat these four rows until your blanket measures approximately 36 inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length.

Bind Off

When you reach your target length, bind off on a Row 1 or Row 2 of the pattern — meaning a K2, P2 row. Work a stretchy bind off to keep the edge consistent with the rest of the blanket. The simplest stretchy bind off is to knit or purl each stitch as it appears in the pattern, then slip it back to the left needle and knit or purl the next stitch through both loops together. This takes a moment to learn but creates a wonderfully elastic edge.

Alternatively, use a standard bind off and simply work each stitch in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches) to keep the edge visually consistent.

Cut your yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and draw it through the final loop to secure.

Finishing

Thread your tapestry needle and weave in both the cast-on and bind-off tails securely. Double seed stitch creates a dense, tight fabric, so you can weave in ends confidently knowing they will not work loose over time. Weave the tail in horizontally across several stitches, then double back in the opposite direction for security, and trim close to the fabric.

No blocking is required for this pattern, but if you want a perfectly smooth, even result, you can wet block the finished blanket by soaking it briefly in cool water, pressing out the excess water gently (do not wring), and laying it flat to dry. This is especially helpful if your tension was slightly uneven in places, as blocking evens things out considerably.

Customizing Your Blanket

One of the best things about a simple, reversible stitch pattern like double seed stitch is how easily it accommodates customization. Here are several ways to make this blanket uniquely yours.

Color Stripes: Because every row follows the same basic logic and the fabric lies flat naturally, adding color stripes is very simple. When you want to switch colors, simply join the new yarn at the beginning of a Row 1. Carry the old color loosely up the side if you plan to return to it within a few rows, or cut it and weave in the end if the stripe will be far away. Stripes look particularly striking in this stitch because the block texture creates a slightly houndstooth-like effect at color changes.

Ombre Yarns: Bernat’s ombre and gradient colorways do beautiful work in double seed stitch. The color transitions happen gradually across the fabric, and the textured stitch pattern adds visual depth that a smoother stitch would not achieve. You essentially get a complex-looking finished object with very simple knitting.

Adding a Garter Border: While double seed stitch does not require a border to lie flat, some knitters like the look of a garter stitch frame around the blanket. You can achieve this by knitting the first and last 5 stitches of every row in plain garter stitch (knit every row), which creates a neat, firm border on the left and right edges. For the top and bottom borders, simply knit 4 to 5 rows of plain garter stitch after casting on and before binding off. This does change the stitch count slightly, so plan accordingly.

Sizing Up or Down: A lap blanket at roughly 36 by 36 inches is ideal for personal use, but you can easily adjust. For a generous throw (approximately 50 by 60 inches), cast on 120 stitches and knit to 60 inches. For a smaller baby blanket or car seat cover, cast on 48 stitches and knit to 24 inches.

Monogramming or Labels: Once your blanket is complete, consider adding a hand-stitched label on one corner using contrasting yarn or embroidery floss. A simple initial or a small symbol makes the blanket feel truly finished and makes it an especially personal gift.

Gifting This Blanket

A reversible lap blanket is one of the most thoughtful handmade gifts you can offer. Unlike some knitting projects where the recipient has to remember which side is the “right” side, this blanket invites casual, effortless use. It can be thrown over a sofa arm, tucked into a basket by the fireplace, or folded across the foot of a bed without the knitter needing to worry about orientation.

Consider gifting this blanket in the following situations: a baby shower gift in soft neutrals or gentle pastels, a housewarming gift for a new apartment, a get-well gift for someone recovering from surgery or illness, a holiday gift for a beloved grandparent, or a teacher appreciation present that they will actually use.

Pair the blanket with a hand-written pattern card so the recipient knows it is handmade and what yarn was used — many people appreciate knowing the care instructions. Bernat Blanket yarn is machine washable and dryer safe on a low setting, which is one of its most beloved practical qualities.

Tips for Knitting Success

A few final notes to help you knit this blanket with as much enjoyment and as few snags as possible.

Keep your tension consistent throughout the project. With a bulky yarn on large needles, tension tends to loosen as you relax into a project. It helps to pause every dozen rows or so and check that your stitches have not grown significantly looser than your swatch.

Count your stitches every few rows when you are starting out. It is easy to accidentally add a stitch by knitting into the bar between stitches or to drop one when working with thick chenille yarn. Catching a mistake early is far less frustrating than discovering it thirty rows later.

Rest the weight of your knitting on your lap or a table rather than letting it dangle from your needles. Heavy blanket yarn stresses the needle tips and can distort the stitches at the ends of your rows over time.

If your yarn splits or catches as you knit, try adjusting the angle of your needle entry. Chenille yarns like Bernat Blanket can be prone to splitting if you enter the stitch from the wrong angle, but once you find the right rhythm, it becomes second nature.

Finally, enjoy the process. A lap blanket is a project that builds on itself visibly and quickly. You will see your progress with every sitting, and there is a particular pleasure in watching a simple, repetitive stitch grow into something warm, beautiful, and genuinely useful.

A Note on Yarn Quantities and Dye Lots

When purchasing your Bernat yarn for this project, buy all the skeins you will need at the same time and check that they share the same dye lot number, printed on the label. Even within the same colorway, different dye lots can have subtle variations that become visible in the finished blanket. If you cannot find enough skeins in the same dye lot, alternate skeins every two rows to blend any variation smoothly into the fabric.

If you find yourself running short near the end of the project, resist the temptation to stretch your yarn too thin. A lap blanket that measures 34 inches instead of 36 is just as functional and beautiful as one that measures exactly to the pattern, and a solid bind-off edge is far more satisfying than an anxious one.

There is a reason knitters keep returning to simple, reversible stitch patterns worked in beautiful, tactile yarn. They deliver exactly what the craft promises: something made by hand, made with care, and made to last. This free Bernat reversible knit lap blanket pattern asks only for your time, a comfortable seat, and the pleasure of watching rows accumulate into something genuinely lovely. Cast on, settle in, and enjoy every stitch.