Scarlett's Reversible Cable Baby Blanket

Scarlett's Reversible Cable Baby Blanket by Suzanne Bryan

Project Overview

Scarlett's Reversible Cable Baby Blanket is a knitted square blanket designed by Suzanne Bryan that features a unique reversible construction. Both sides of the finished blanket display the right side of the cable pattern, eliminating any wrong side—a distinctive quality that makes this blanket equally beautiful whether viewed from either direction. This 36" x 36" (90cm x 90cm) blanket is ideal for babies and serves as an excellent project for knitters seeking to expand their cable-working skills.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a square baby blanket measuring 36 inches by 36 inches (90 centimeters by 90 centimeters). The blanket features an all-over cable stitch pattern that appears correctly on both sides, making it a truly reversible finished piece suitable for gifting or personal use.

Difficulty Level and Experience

While the pattern is categorized as beginner-friendly in terms of yarnweight and general construction, the actual project is listed as intermediate experience level due to the cable work involved. Knitters should be comfortable with cable stitches and reading stitch patterns before beginning this project.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable stitches: The blanket is constructed primarily using cable stitch patterns, which create the textured, twisted appearance characteristic of cable knits
• Cabling without a cable needle: The pattern includes instruction for working cables using an alternative technique that does not require a traditional cable needle, offering flexibility in tool requirements
• Gauge swatching: Accurate gauge measurement is emphasized as essential to achieving the correct finished dimensions

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs specialized cable abbreviations and techniques to create the reversible effect:

• 2/2RC (2 over 2 Right Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle
• 2/2 RPC (2 over 2 Right Purl Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, purl 2 stitches, then purl 2 stitches from cable needle
• pf&b (Purl into front and back): Purl into the front of the next stitch while leaving the stitch on the left needle, then purl into the back of the same stitch to create an increase

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Cascade Yarns 220 SUPERWASH, a 100% wool yarn in worsted weight. The specific colorway used in the design is color 1940 Peach. Seven skeins are required, with each skein containing 220 yards per 100 grams. Equivalent worsted weight yarn may be substituted if desired.

Needles and Tools: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles are required, sized to achieve the correct gauge. A cable needle is listed as optional, reflecting the pattern's inclusion of alternative cabling techniques. A tapestry needle is needed for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) measured in the Cable Stitch Pattern. Suzanne Bryan emphasizes that taking time to check gauge is essential to ensure the blanket reaches its intended finished measurements.