The Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Soothing, Textured Heirloom

Wrap Them in Gentle Comfort: Introducing the Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket

There is something profoundly special about creating a gift for the tiniest among us. The Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket is designed to be a soothing, heirloom-quality treasure for premature babies. This free knitting pattern (using Tunisian crochet techniques) combines the incredible softness of baby alpaca yarn with a unique, reversible textured stitch pattern. The result is a dense, woven-like fabric that is both warm and breathable—perfect for providing gentle comfort. Sized at approximately 18 inches by 24 inches, this blanket is ideal for incubators, bassinets, or cuddling. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or new to Tunisian crochet, this pattern will guide you to create a cherished piece that feels as good as it looks.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will ensure your blanket matches the gauge and has the intended soft, drapey feel.

• Yarn: 2 skeins (approximately 220 yards total) of Baby Alpaca DK weight yarn in a soft, muted sage green (e.g., "Misty Meadow"). Alpaca is recommended for its incredible softness and warmth without weight.
• Hook/Needle: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) Tunisian crochet hook with a 24-inch cable. You will also need a standard 6.0 mm knitting needle (or a second Tunisian hook) for the border.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 16 rows in Tunisian Simple Stitch over 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct size.
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins (optional but recommended).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Note: This pattern uses Tunisian crochet techniques, which create a dense, woven-like fabric. The blanket is worked flat in rows. Do not confuse this with standard crochet—the hook is different, and you will have multiple loops on the hook at once.

Abbreviations

• Tss: Tunisian Simple Stitch (insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar, yarn over, pull through)
• Tks: Tunisian Knit Stitch (insert hook from front to back between the two vertical bars, yarn over, pull through)
• Tps: Tunisian Purl Stitch (bring yarn to front, insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar, yarn over, pull through)
• Ret: Return pass (yarn over, pull through one loop, *yarn over, pull through two loops* repeat across)
• ch: chain
• st(s): stitch(es)

Blanket Body

1. Foundation Row: Chain 61 loosely. Insert hook into the second chain from hook, pull up a loop. Continue pulling up a loop in each chain across. You will have 61 loops on the hook. Work a return pass: yarn over, pull through one loop, then *yarn over, pull through two loops* repeat across until one loop remains on the hook. This is your first row complete.
2. Row 1 (Pattern Row): Work Tss in the second vertical bar from the hook (skip the first bar, which is the edge). Then *Tks in the next st, Tps in the next st* repeat across to the last st. Work Tss in the last st. Work a return pass.
3. Row 2: Work Tss in the second vertical bar, then *Tps in the next st, Tks in the next st* repeat across to the last st. Work Tss in the last st. Work a return pass.
4. Rows 3-60: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 alternately. This creates a subtle, reversible textured pattern that looks like tiny woven squares. Continue until you have completed 60 rows total (including the foundation row).
5. Final Row (Bind Off): Work a slip stitch in each vertical bar across. Do not work a return pass. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for weaving in.

Border

1. Pick up stitches: With a standard knitting needle (or a second Tunisian hook), pick up and knit stitches evenly around all four edges of the blanket. For the top and bottom edges (the cast-on and bind-off edges), pick up one stitch per row (approximately 60 stitches). For the side edges, pick up one stitch per row end (approximately 60 stitches). You should have a multiple of 4 stitches plus 1 for each side, but don't worry about exact counts—just pick up evenly.
2. Round 1 (Knit): Knit all stitches around, increasing 1 stitch at each corner by knitting into the front and back of the corner stitch. This will give you 4 increases per round.
3. Round 2 (Purl): Purl all stitches around, again increasing 1 stitch at each corner by purling into the front and back of the corner stitch.
4. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely in knit. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Block the blanket gently by wetting it and laying it flat on blocking mats, pinning to the correct dimensions (18x24 inches). Allow to dry completely. This opens up the stitch pattern and softens the fabric beautifully.

Your Lexi Tunisian Preemie Blanket is now complete! The subtle texture and alpaca softness will make it a cherished heirloom for years to come. Enjoy the process and the joy of giving such a thoughtful, handmade gift.