Along with weekend cook-outs fueled by the charcoal grill, and evenings spent lounging by the poolside, summer time also means plenty of baby showers.  While typically a registry of much-need baby items is provided for guests to pick and choose from, it's always nice to present something homemade, too.  This is where knitting comes in.  Did you know that there are so many wonderful knitting patterns for Baby available for free?  Of course, along with that variety comes an increased difficulty in choosing which patterns you're going to make for the big day. 

Although knit baby booties and sweaters are perfectly acceptable (and down-right cute) gift ideas for showers, nothing quite compares to hand-knit free baby afghan patterns.  Whereas babies will quickly out-grow any clothing — sweaters, booties, pants, shirts, hats — knit baby blankets are something that will last throughout the baby's childhood, especially if you knit the afghans slightly larger than the suggested pattern size.  Because AllFreeKnitting believes in the magic that comes with spending hours of your time making a unique, one-of-a-kind present for someone, we've rounded up a few of our favorite baby blankets to knit in our latest eBook: Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets.  Continue reading for a sneak peek at what's inside this Mommy-approved collection of patterns.

Free Knitting Patterns with AllFreeKnitting: Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets eBook

• Lacy Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns: Eyelet Blanket

• Colorful Knitted Baby Blankets: Ten Row Baby Afghan

• Gender-Neutral Knitted Baby Blankets: Summer Fence Baby Blanket

• Easy Knit Baby Blankets: Baby Giggles Afghan

Lacy Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns: Eyelet Blanket

Although I've always been a fan of traditional blankets, there's definitely something special about lacy baby blanket knitting patterns.  This Eyelet Baby Blanket (pictured to the left) is perfect for parents expecting a little girl.  Knit with five balls of fluffy, worsted weight yarn, this baby blanket knit pattern is visually striking enough to make its permanent home on the sofa, right in the living room.  Drape this exquisite blanket over the crib to add an instant touch of elegance to the nursery.  Think you need to be a crocheter to achieve that fine, scalloped edge?  Think again!  That's actually a knit pattern that's used to mimic the ease and grace a crocheted edge provides.  And if this lacy pattern isn't enough to satiate your appetite for feminine baby afghans, there are plenty more where this came from inside our free eBook.

Download your copy of Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets eBook today.

Colorful Knitted Baby Blankets: Ten Row Baby Afghan

For knitters searching for simple designs to work on while watching television, try this intriguing Ten Row Baby Afghan; there are only ten rows to keep track of.  After all, who said knitting patterns for baby blankets had to be complicated!  Once you get in the swing of things, you'll be able to knit this blanket as you watch your favorite film.  Before you know it, you'll have an adorable piece that makes a great gift for babies and adults alike.  Personally, I think this pattern would make an excellent lap throw for chilly legs on leather sofas.  With plenty of bright colors to keep you interested throughout the pattern, this makes it easy to see why knitting baby patterns can be so rewarding and super fun! 

If you don't know how to knit a baby blanket, why not try one of the basic designs featured in Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets.  Despite what you might think, even inexperienced knitters can tackle a baby blanket.  In fact, baby afghans are excellent learning tools for practicing new stitches and techniques.  Get used to changing colors with the Ten Row Baby Afghan mentioned above, or build up your cable knitting confidence with the classic Summer Fence Blanket mentioned below.  No matter which knitted baby blanket patterns you decide to work on, you're bound to pick up something new along the way.  Not to mention, you'll also be presenting someone with a handmade gift that's been crafted with love by you.

Download your copy of Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets eBook today.

Gender-Neutral Knitted Baby Blankets: Summer Fence Baby Blanket

Knitting a baby blanket, but don't know whether the baby will be a boy or a girl?  No problem, just pick up a gender-neutral design like this stylish Summer Fence Baby Blanket.  Made with overlapping, fence-like cables, this striking design will bring back fond memories of late-night barbecues and hours spent on the fenced-in patio during hot summer afternoons.  If you're not comfortable knitting cables just yet, try a more basic design like the simple Baby Giggles Afghan below.  Even lacy knit baby blanket patterns can work for baby boys if you choose the right colors.  Instead of knitting up an afghan in pink, why not true yellow or green?  Both colors could easily be used for both little boys and girls.  

Download your copy of Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets eBook today.

Easy Knit Baby Blankets: Baby Giggles Afghan

If you're new to the world of knitting, don't fret, because there are also designs made especially for you in this collection of charming baby patterns.  Perfect for bubbly little ones, this Baby Giggles Afghan is the quintessential baby blanket knit pattern: it's colorful, cozy and easy to make. Crafted with 36 knit motif patterns, this blanket blends five creamy pastels into one finished piece. Get practice using the garter stitch with this basic design, all while fashioning a timeless piece for the nursery.  

The wonderful variety of stitches you'll become familiar with in while knitting this baby blanket makes this a great pattern for learning knitters.  Those 36 motifs will expose you to a variety of stitches that will keep you on your toes and keep the project interesting.  Creating a treasured heirloom while increasing your knitting abilities will be a wonderful experience.  By the time you finish this baby blanket pattern, you'll be well on your way to mastering most of the basic motif patterns.  This pattern is one that can be easily adapted to fit your tastes and the potential gender of the new baby.  If you don't know if a boy or a girl is on the way, this is a great pattern to work on while you wait for your newest family member to arrive.

Download your copy of Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets eBook today.

With your free copy of Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets eBook you can also subscribe to our Knit Picky Patterns newsletter to become part of a helpful and friendly knitting community. In subscribing to the newsletter you will receive:
 

• Six weekly emails with free knitting patterns, tips, collection pages, videos and more.
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• New FREE knitting patterns made available to you throughout the year.
• Access to our free pattern library full of over 1,000 more free knitting patterns.
• The opportunity to share ideas and help others in the knitting community.

Let AllFreeKnitting help you get ready for baby shower season with this group of patterns that are perfect for baby.  Improve your knitting skills while simultaneously knitting attractive blankets that can be used for the home, the nursery and more.  Thanks to our latest eBook, Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets, you'll be able to have a gift idea on-hand without scouring the internet for free knitted baby patterns.  And once you subscribe to receive our newsletter, Knit Picky Patterns, you'll see how incredibly rewarding it is to be a part of the knitting community! If you've ever searched for free knitting patterns for babies, free easy knitting patterns, knitting pattern baby blanket, or anything in between, let AllFreeKnitting.com deliver quality patterns and ideas from talented designers straight to you! Check out this free eBook and the AllFreeKnitting.com site to draw tons of knitting inspiration!
 

Download your copy of Knitting for Baby: 6 Knit Baby Blankets eBook today.

Can't get enough of free baby patterns? Discover more adorable knits in this free collection.  Inside you'll find baby booties, cardigans, blankets, hats and more.

22 Free Baby Knitting Patterns