Space Rainbows is a seamless circular baby blanket worked radially in squishy garter stitch, with nary a purl stitch to be seen!

Construction: Begin with a center circle worked in the round, then each arm of the spiral is worked, one color at a time, and shaped with simple short rows and increases. After all five arms of the spiral are complete, you’ll join them with a deliciously rhythmic Kitchener Stitch that perfectly matches the tension and style of the rest of the work. Finally, work an outer border in the round to unify the whole.

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Finished Size: 29” (74 cm) diameter

Yarn: Sport/DK Weight
This blanket will be stunning in any baby-friendly plied yarn. I used Ewe So Sporty from Ewe Ewe Yarns; it’s my go-to yarn for baby stuff because it’s even more beautiful after a machine wash & dry!
• In recommended yarn: one 50g ball each of six colors. I used…
• Color A (center & border): black
• Color B: red poppy
• Color C: saffron
• Color D: teal
• Color E: sapphire
• Color F: iris blossom
• Or 130 yards (119 m) each of 6 colors in the yarn of your choice.
• You can swap this for a heavier weight yarn for a larger blanket; note that it will change yardage requirements.
• Use solid colors for a striking visual effect, or experiment with gradients & self-striping yarns.

Gauge: 22 sts = 4” in garter stitch worked flat, after blocking. You can work in any gauge; note that a different gauge will change yardage requirements.

Needles:
US6 (4 mm) or size to obtain a fabric you love, in the following styles:

• Your favorite for working small circumferences
• 24” (60 cm) circular for working across 200 sts (36”, 92 cm)
• 50” (125 cm) circular for working across approximately 500 live stitches (91”, 230 cm)
• Tip: If you don’t have a Very Long Circular, you can use multiple circular needles of the correct size, and split the work across as many sets of needles as you like.
• Crochet hook in similar size

Notions & Tools:

• At least 7 stitch markers, plus one unique marker for beginning of round.
• Waste yarn for holding stitches.
• Your usual knit kit.

Skills: This project is a great opportunity to learn or practice circular crochet cast on, Judy’s magic cast on, wrap & turn short rows, kitchener or your favorite grafting stitch, Icelandic Bind
Off, and placing live stitches on hold and returning them to the needles.

Video Tutorials are available for short rows, circular crochet cast on, Icelandic Bind Off, and the spiral cast on.