*Catch a Falling Star*

Catch a Falling Star Baby Shawl/Blanket

What is Being Made

Catch a Falling Star is a knitted baby shawl and blanket design by SUSAN J WARD, measuring approximately 90x90 centimeters. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a soft, wearable blanket suitable for babies, combining decorative stitch work with functional construction techniques.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several intermediate techniques to create visual interest and structural integrity. The design incorporates eyelets created through yarn round needle increases at the beginning of rows, which serve the dual purpose of adding decorative loops and providing guides for sewing the sides together during finishing. The pattern also features bobble stitches, which add textural dimension to the finished piece. Slip stitch techniques are used throughout to create a neat, finished appearance, particularly in alternating rows that build the fabric structure. The construction method involves casting on stitches and working in rows with strategic increases and decreative elements to achieve the final square dimensions.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – Used in bobble construction and textural variation
• Slip Stitch (SL) – Creates neat edges and decorative slip stitch patterns in alternating rows
• Yarn Round Needle (YRN) – Forms eyelets at row beginnings, increasing stitch count while creating decorative loops
• Yarn Forward (YFD) – Creates additional eyelets and lace elements
• Make Bobble (MB) – A multi-step stitch involving yarn overs, knitting, purling, and passing stitches over to create raised bobble textures
• Knit Through Back Loop (KTBL) – Adds textural variation by twisting stitches
• Pass Slipped Stitch Over (PSSO) – Used in bobble completion and decrease techniques

Materials

The pattern calls for one pair of 5mm knitting needles and 350-400 grams of baby soft double knit yarn. The designer specifically recommends using a soft, gentle yarn suitable for baby items, emphasizing that the chosen yarn should be pleasant to knit with and appropriate for sensitive skin contact. Double knit weight yarn provides good stitch definition for the bobble and slip stitch details while maintaining the soft, drape quality essential for a baby blanket.