Cetacean Splendor

Cetacean Splendor Knit Blanket by MaDonna Marie

What Is Being Made

Cetacean Splendor is a lace knit blanket inspired by whale watching along the Atlantic shores of Newfoundland. The design depicts the magnificent tales of Humpbacks, Minke, and Finbacks that migrate to summer coastal waters. This downloadable knitting pattern offers two generous sizes: 56" x 68" or 71" x 80" (142cm x 173cm / 180cm x 203cm when blocked), making it suitable as a throw blanket or larger bed covering.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Classified as an adventurous beginner pattern, Cetacean Splendor is designed for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore lace construction. The pattern introduces knitters to lace design principles while remaining accessible to those expanding their skill set beyond fundamental stockinette stitch projects.

Knitting Techniques Used

This blanket employs fundamental lace knitting techniques that create openwork patterns characteristic of decorative throws. The pattern is knit from the bottom up in flat rows, working back and forth rather than in the round. Key techniques include:

• Lace construction using yarn overs and decreases to create openwork designs
• Knit and purl stitches as foundational elements
• Decreasing methods including knit two together (k2tog) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) to shape the lace motifs
• Pattern repeats that vary by size: the smaller blanket features 2 pattern repeats while the larger version includes 3 pattern repeats
• Blocking to achieve finished measurements and even lace definition

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and fundamental stitches:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit next 2 stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
• psso = pass slipped stitch over (a left-leaning decrease)

Odd-numbered rows are worked on the Right Side of the blanket, while even-numbered rows are worked on the Wrong Side. This alternating structure is essential for creating balanced lace patterns throughout the design.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Lion Brand Thick and Quick Wool-Ease in a super chunky weight. You will need 12 balls (1,272 yards / 1,164 meters) for the smaller 56" x 68" blanket, or 17 balls (1,802 yards / 1,649 meters) for the larger 71" x 80" blanket. This wool-ease blend combines the warmth and texture of wool with the easy-care properties of acrylic fiber.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires 10mm (US 15) circular needles, with a 40-inch length recommended to comfortably accommodate the increasing stitch count as the blanket grows. Additional notions include 5 stitch markers for the smaller size or 6 for the larger size to help track pattern repeats, a blunt tip large eye sewing needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a row counter to track progress through the pattern repeats.

Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 8 stitches by 10 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the blanket to reach its intended finished measurements when blocked.

Pattern Structure

Cetacean Splendor is constructed as a straightforward bottom-up blanket worked in flat rows. The two available sizes accommodate different needs: knitters seeking a throw-sized blanket can choose the smaller option with 2 pattern repeats, while those wanting a more substantial bed covering can work the larger version with 3 pattern repeats. The lace pattern remains consistent between sizes; the difference lies in the number of times the motif repeats vertically.