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The Snuggler Hooded Car Seat Blanket is a great baby gift that can be used for years. And it’s both easy to knit and easy for parents to use for years!

Easy to knit: Mostly just knit and purl stitches, with occasional mini-bobbles. But unlike many bobbles, these don’t require turning the work around repeatedly; they are simple to work.

Easy to use: Just pop it onto a baby in a car seat or stroller - no need to fuss with threading straps through the blanket. Thanks to the hood, the baby stays cozy and the blanket won’t get kicked off. At the destination, reach underneath to undo the car seat or stroller straps and just pick the baby up - the hooded blanket stays on. The hooded blanket can be used for years, well into toddlerhood.

Not only adorable and useful but also added safety: This makes a great baby gift because not only is it cute and useful but it is also compliant with safety recommendations. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Puffy coats or blankets between your child’s body and the harness straps can compress during a crash, allowing movement within the seat, possibly leading to serious injury.”

This is also a great gift for kids who use a wheelchair, as the hood keeps the blanket in place, but there’s no bulk behind the back to make the child uncomfortable.

Difficulty level: Beginner
This beginner-friendly pattern is worked all in one piece - the only seam is at the back of the hood, so there is minimal finishing. It’s mainly stockinette, but there is a little bit of texture on some rows to keep you interested. The slip-stitch border gives a polished look to the seed-stitch edging. Full written instructions include details helpful to those without much knitting experience.

Yarn selection: Aran-weight yarn, around 750 yards.
This pattern creates its own stripes using two skeins of Caron Cakes. Katia Paint and Premier Sweet Rolls will both create a similar striped effect. However, you don’t need to use a self-striping yarn to get a great result from this pattern. Solids, speckles, and variegated yarn all pair well with this pattern.

Finished size: 27” (68 cm) wide; hangs down 12” (30 cm) in back and 16” (40 cm) in front.

What people are saying:
“By golly it came out like the picture!!! I just had to trust your instructions. After I finished and sewed up the hood I realized what a simple easy and fast pattern to do.” - Kathryn

Questions as you go? My email is in the pattern, don’t hesitate to get in touch.