Alphabet Throw

Alphabet Throw by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Alphabet Throw is a charming knitted blanket featuring an alphabet design combined with traditional Nordic motifs. This throw measures 60cm by 105cm (23¾ inches by 41½ inches) and incorporates individual letter motifs interspersed with Nordic reindeer and heart designs, creating a decorative and nostalgic piece perfect for children's rooms or as a keepsake blanket.

Techniques Used

This project employs intarsia knitting or chart-based colorwork techniques to incorporate the alphabet letters and Nordic motifs into the fabric. The throw is constructed using stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, with seed stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches) worked at the edges to create definition and prevent curling. The pattern requires working from charted motifs, with different color combinations used for each letter section (Motif C, D, and E), allowing crafters to customize which letters and color combinations to include in their finished throw.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch forming the main fabric of the throw, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat surface
• Seed Stitch: A textured stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row (K1, [p1, k1] to end), used at the edges and borders for visual interest and structural stability
• Charted Colorwork: The alphabet letters and Nordic motifs are worked using chart-based techniques, allowing for precise color placement and pattern definition

Materials

The Alphabet Throw is knitted using Rowan Felted Tweed DK, a fingering-weight yarn in the DK (double knit) category. The pattern calls for one 50g ball each of the following Rowan Felted Tweed DK colors: Rage 150, Tawny 186, Watery 152, Phantom 153, Ginger 154, Pine 158, Cinnamon 175, Avocado 161, Seafarer 170, Clay 177, Duck Egg 173, Mineral 181, and Peony 183. The throw is worked on a pair of 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles. The cast-on is 35 stitches, and the yarn choice of Rowan Felted Tweed DK provides a soft and cosy feel to the finished throw.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with charted patterns, managing multiple yarn colors, and maintaining consistent tension throughout a larger project.