You saw there was a child. You saw my son.

-- Arwen to Elrond, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King movie

This blanket starts with a broad garter stitch tab that is picked up on all four sides, and then worked in the round from the center out. Garter stitch and Estonian star stitches create a beautifully textured fabric in the body of the blanket, and the intricately worked lace border introduces a theme of Elvish elegance.

The final blanket is just the right size for an infant’s first cradle, or for their stroller, carriage or car seat. Written for two colours, this piece would be equally effective in one solid colour.

Because the first rounds after picking up four sides of the garter tab are very tight, I recommend using a two-needle technique for the body of the blanket, with half the stitches (one end and one side) on each needle.

Materials Needed:

• @440 yards main colour worsted weight/aran weight yarn
• @270 yards border colour worsted weight/aran weight yarn
• 2 3.5mm circular needles or size needed for gauge
• 2 (matching) stitch markers Optional:
• 1 additional matching stitch marker
• 1 additional contrasting stitch marker
• cable needle

This pattern uses the Wilderness lace motif created by Naomi Parkhurst, used with permission.