Pops of Rainbow Throw

Pops of Rainbow Throw by Uma Padu

Project Overview

The Pops of Rainbow Throw is an intermediate-level knitting project designed to create a vibrant, colorful blanket measuring 60 inches by 44 inches (152 cm x 112 cm). This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Uma Padu combines multiple yarn colors in a structured knit design, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to explore color work and texture in a larger finished piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a substantial throw blanket featuring a rainbow color palette. The finished throw measures a generous 60" x 44", making it suitable for draping over furniture, using as a lap blanket, or displaying as a decorative textile piece. The design incorporates eleven distinct yarn colors arranged to create visual interest and "pops" of color throughout the finished blanket.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The primary stitch used in this throw is the Herringbone stitch, a textured knit stitch that creates a distinctive woven appearance. The Herringbone stitch is worked over two rows and involves techniques including slipping stitches, purling together, and knitting into the back of stitches before dropping them from the needle. This creates a fabric with diagonal visual lines and interesting texture.

The pattern uses fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Slip stitches (slipping stitches purlwise and knitwise) to create stitch definition and pattern structure
• Purl together (p2tog) and knit together (k2tog) decreases to shape the fabric
• Knitting into the back of stitches to create twisted stitches that add texture and visual interest
• Color changes across multiple yarn colors to build the rainbow effect
• Border work using a contrasting yarn color to frame the finished piece

A crochet hook (H-8 size) is also included in the notions, suggesting finishing techniques such as edge work or securing yarn ends.

Yarn and Materials

This throw requires two distinct yarn types, both from Knit Picks, allowing for varied fiber content and visual effects:

Main Yarn: The primary yarn is Knit Picks City Tweed DK, a DK-weight yarn composed of 55% Merino Wool, 25% Superfine Alpaca, and 20% Donegal Tweed. This blend provides warmth, softness, and subtle texture. The pattern calls for eleven colors from this yarn line:

• VIBGYOR rainbow colors: Plum Wine, Morning Glory, Cobalt, Emerald Isle, Lemon Curd, Habanero, and Romance (4 balls each)
• Neutral and accent colors: Kitten (3 balls), Snow Shoe (2 balls), Tahitian Pearl (2 balls), and Tarantella (4 balls)

Border Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed in Wellies Heather (5 balls) is used for the borders. This worsted-weight yarn contains 80% Peruvian Highland Wool and 20% Donegal Tweed, providing a slightly heavier, durable edge to frame the throw.

Needles: US 8 (5mm) needles are used for the main knitting, appropriate for DK-weight yarn. The gauge is noted as not critical, making this pattern more forgiving for knitters and allowing for flexibility in finished dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this throw is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with multiple colors, manage texture stitches, and complete a larger project. The Herringbone stitch requires attention to stitch manipulation and understanding of working into stitches in non-standard ways, making it appropriate for experienced beginners or intermediate-level knitters.