KNITTED STRIPEY BLANKET (FREE PATTERN)
Excerpted with permission from Gradient Knits: 10 Lessons and Projects Using Ombre, Stranded Colorwork, Slip-Stitch, and Texture.
What’s better than working with one gradient yarn? Working with two gradient yarns! This design brings together two different Aran-weight gradient hues in an effortless stockinette stitch striped repeat, creating not only an interesting color pattern within a color pattern but also—by knitting on the bias—creating an attractive diagonal stripe motif with simple increases and decreases. The edges are then finished off with a garter border. Knit in a portable size, this project would also work well as a baby stroller blanket. This is a fine example of letting the yarn do the work for you; this project looks more complex than it is, and truly celebrates gradient yarns.
Step 1
YOU WILL NEED:
• Yarn Weight: Aran
• Blend: 100% Superwash Merino
• Yardage: 130 yd. (119 m), 2½ oz. (70 g)
• Colors: 3 balls in gradient yarn;
(A); 2 balls in gradient yarn,
(B) • Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 24 in. (60 cm) long; US size 6 (4 mm) circular Needle, 60 in. (150 cm) long (or sizes needed to obtain gauge)
• 8 stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
Gauge: 14 sts and 26 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stockinette striped pattern on larger needles
Approximate Finished Size: 25 in. (63.5 cm) wide by 45 in. (114.5 cm) long, blocked
Step 2
TO MAKE THE BLANKET - INCREASE SLANTED EDGE: Using A and larger needle, CO 3 sts.
Knit 1 row. Row 1 (RS): With B, k1, yo, knit to end. (1 st inc) Row 2 (WS): K1, yo, purl to last st, k1. (1 st inc) Row 3: With A, k1, yo, knit to end. (1 st inc) Row 4: K1, yo, purl to last st, k1. (1 st inc)
Continue working rows 1–4 in stripe pattern 23 more times, then work rows 1 and 2 again. (101 sts)
Step 3
DIAGONAL:
Row 5 (RS): With A, k1, yo, knit to end. (1 st inc) Row 6 (WS): K1, p2tog, purl to last st, k1. (1 st dec) Row 7: With B, k1, yo, knit to end. (1 st inc) Row 8: K1, p2tog, purl to last st, k1. (1 st dec)
Continue working rows 5–8 in stripe pattern until short straight edge measures 22 in. (56 cm), ending with row 8. Stitch count will remain at 101 after each repeat.
Step 4
DECREASE SLANTED EDGE:
Row 9 (RS): With A, k1, k2tog, knit to end. (1 st dec) Row 10 (WS): K1, p2tog, purl to last st, k1. (1 st dec) Row 11: With B, k1, k2tog, knit to end. (1 st dec) Row 12: K1, p2tog, purl to last st, k1. (1 st dec)
Continue working rows 9–12 in stripe pattern 23 more times, then work rows 9 and 10 again. (3 sts) Bind off remaining sts.
Step 5
BORDER: Using A and smaller needle, starting at one corner, [pick up and knit 100 sts along short edge, pm, k1, pm, pick up and knit 194 sts along long edge, pm, k1, pm] twice. (592 sts.) Join into the round.
Next Round: Purl. Next Round: [Knit to marker, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo] four times. (8 sts inc) Next Round: Purl. Repeat last 2 rounds once more. Next Round: [Knit to marker, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo] four times. (616 sts) Bind off all sts loosely purl wise.
Step 6
FINISHING:
Weave in all loose ends with tapestry needle. Block to measurements.
Step 7
Excerpted with permission from Gradient Knits: 10 Lessons and Projects Using Ombre, Stranded Colorwork, Slip-Stitch, and Texture.
