There’s something both fun and fancy about knitted bobbles (also called nupps), isn’t there? I feel they’re equally at home on a chunky Aran pullover or a dainty lace shawl. They even featured on the train of my hand-knitted lace wedding gown.

With that in mind, I’m extremely excited to announce my newest knitting pattern, full of fun bobbles. Meet Bob, the baby pram blanket! Scroll down to get the pattern right away, or keep reading to find out more about it.

If you’re wondering about the crochet rabbit in this photo, it is made using the pattern Animal Planet from AwareKnits by Vickie Howell and Adrienne Armstrong.

Perfect timing for a Christmas gift

It’s September and I’m sure many of you are planning some knitted gifts for loved ones. This blanket will be an ideal first Christmas gift for the baby in your life. If you’ve got enough cozy nights on the couch to spare, it’ll be knitted, blocked and wrapped well before the reindeer come calling.

When my daughter was born, a friend sent us a small square blanket, a similar size to Bob (1x1m). I can tell you, it has had a lot of use, not just for keeping baby’s lap warm in the pram.

Bob is big enough to work as a play mat, yet not so big that parents can’t fit it in a nappy bag (with all.the.other.stuff). It can warm a baby’s knees, or cover up a nursing mother. The bobbles are great tactile stimulation for a baby exploring their world. The yarn is a soft acrylic so it won’t be rough on baby’s skin, but it is easy care and can be chucked in the washing machine. For new parents, machine-washability is all important!

Bob is made with a 10ply yarn and large needles, and the zig zag bobble pattern, though difficult-looking, is a cinch and very easy to memorise.

A great challenge for the newer knitter

Bob (named after the bobbles in the pattern, if you’re wondering) features some slightly challenging stitches: bobbles and twisted stitches. They’re impressive looking but once you get the hang of them, no stitch in this project is difficult to master. A newer knitter wanting to stretch their skills will have fun working on these fancy stitches.

Get the pattern

Bob is available as a PDF on my Ravelry store for $5AUD. Click on over to my Ravelry store to get yourself the pattern! Or click the button below to get it straight away.

I really hope you enjoy knitting and gifting the Bob baby blanket. If you do make it, I would love to see a photo on your Ravelry project. Or you, can tag me on Instagram @knitkatpaddywhack .