Review: 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets

200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets by Jan Eaton contains a variety of knit and crochet designs for afghans and shawls. Promoted as designs for babies, the stitch patterns are equally appropriate for older children and adults.

The 200 stitch patterns are divided almost equally between knit and crochet designs. There are instructions for blocks, edgings and all-over stitch patterns. The designs are clearly labeled as knit or crochet and are rated as easy, some experience needed and challenging. The method of working the design, e.g., rows, rounds, diagonal rows, is also shown.

Many of the all-over designs can be knit or crocheted as a block and combined with other blocks. Some block patterns, worked in rows, could be used to create a one piece afghan. For example, filet crochet block patterns could be combined and crocheted as a one piece afghan. You are limited only by your imagination.

A 14 page Techniques section provides a short overview of the basic stitches, then gives more detail on slightly advanced techniques. Several methods are shown for joining blocks.

I had 2 disappointments with this book. One - at least 3 knit patterns were made in different color combinations, with each color combination named and numbered as a unique stitch pattern. I don't think color should count as part of what makes a stitch pattern unique. The stitches are still the same.

My second disappointment is the edging patterns are intended to be knit or crocheted separately from the blanket and then attached. The techniques section shows working a single crochet edging directly into the edge of the blanket, but says to make any of the edging patterns in the book separately and then attach to the blanket.

If you're ready to design your own afghans and need some inspiration to get started, "200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets" may be a book for you.