Soft Stripe Blanket

Soft Stripe Blanket by Knit Sew Make

What is Being Made

The Soft Stripe Blanket is a beginner-friendly knitted throw blanket designed by independent designer Knit Sew Make. This project creates a cozy, striped blanket available in three size options to suit different needs and spaces. The Small size measures 60cm x 68cm, the Medium measures 83cm x 99cm, and the Large measures 128cm x 142.5cm, making this pattern adaptable for various applications from lap blankets to full-sized throws.

Materials and Tools Required

This knitting project uses Aran or Worsted weight yarn, also known as 10ply yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size: the Small blanket requires 400 meters of yarn, the Medium requires 850 meters, and the Large requires 1700 meters. Knitters will also need 4.5mm knitting needles and a darning needle for finishing work.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Soft Stripe Blanket employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The pattern uses straightforward cast-on and cast-off methods to begin and complete the project. The blanket features a structured border created through garter stitch knitting, which produces a textured, reversible fabric. The main body of the blanket incorporates alternating sections of stockinette stitch and textured patterning, creating the distinctive stripe effect that gives the blanket its name.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern uses two primary knitting stitches:

• Knit (K): The fundamental knit stitch forms the basis of the garter stitch borders and creates smooth sections throughout the blanket
• Purl (P): The purl stitch is combined with knit stitches to create textured stripe patterns within the blanket body

The stripe pattern is created through a repeating sequence of rows. A garter stitch border is maintained on both sides of the blanket by knitting 8 stitches at the beginning and end of certain rows. The central pattern alternates between stockinette sections and a knit-purl combination pattern that creates visual texture and interest. This pattern repeat (rows 14 through 49) is worked multiple times throughout the blanket, with the number of repeats varying by size: three repeats for Small, five for Medium, and eight for Large.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The Soft Stripe Blanket follows a logical construction sequence. After casting on the appropriate number of stitches (108 for Small, 153 for Medium, or 243 for Large), knitters work an initial 13-row garter stitch section to establish a firm foundation edge. The main pattern then begins, alternating between garter stitch rows and textured stripe sections. The pattern is organized into repeating blocks that create consistent visual striping across the blanket width. After completing all pattern repeats, knitters return to the garter stitch border pattern for the final edge, then work 12 additional knit rows to complete the top border before casting off all stitches.

Finishing

Once all stitches are cast off, the finishing process is simple and straightforward. Using the darning needle, knitters weave in any loose yarn ends to create a neat, polished appearance. This basic finishing technique is appropriate for the beginner skill level of this pattern.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to blanket projects or those building foundational skills. The use of only knit and purl stitches, combined with clear row-by-row instructions and repeating pattern sections, ensures that even inexperienced knitters can successfully complete this project.