Hippo Blanket

Hippo Blanket by Knit Sew Make

Project Overview

The Hippo Blanket is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a finished blanket measuring 85 centimeters wide by 107 centimeters long. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Knit Sew Make combines classic knitting techniques with decorative colorwork to produce a cozy throw suitable for various home settings.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a substantial blanket or throw designed for warmth and visual interest. The finished dimensions of 85cm x 107cm make it an ideal size for draping over furniture, using as a lap blanket, or displaying as a decorative textile piece. The design incorporates a hippo motif worked into the fabric through strategic knit and purl stitching.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 900 meters of Aran or Worsted weight yarn
• Needles: 4.5mm knitting needles
• Notions: Darning needle for weaving in ends

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Hippo Blanket employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its finished appearance. The pattern begins with a ribbed edge worked in a two-by-two rib stitch, which provides elasticity and a polished border.

• Ribbed Edging: Rows 1 through 12 establish a two-by-two rib pattern using alternating knit and purl stitches, creating vertical columns that frame the blanket edges
• Waffle Stitch: A textured stitch technique designated as W10 in the pattern, worked over 10 stitches on both sides of the blanket to create dimensional borders
• Stockinette Stitch: Smooth knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side form the primary fabric base
• Intarsia Colorwork: The hippo design is created through strategic placement of knit and purl stitches that form the motif against the stockinette background, beginning at row 31 and continuing through the pattern

Pattern Structure

The pattern is constructed in distinct sections. The first 12 rows establish the foundational ribbed border and waffle stitch edges. Rows 13 through 30 continue the waffle stitch borders while introducing stockinette stitch in the center field. Beginning at row 31, the hippo motif is introduced through detailed row-by-row instructions that specify exact stitch placement, including knit stitches, purl stitches, and their quantities across each row.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this blanket project requires familiarity with basic knitting stitches including knit, purl, and ribbing. The primary challenge lies in following the detailed row-by-row instructions for the hippo colorwork motif, which demands attention to stitch counts and pattern placement. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations and maintaining consistent tension throughout a large project.

Yarn and Needle Specifications

The pattern calls for Aran or Worsted weight yarn, both medium-weight options that work well with 4.5mm needles. This yarn weight selection ensures the blanket will have good drape and durability while remaining manageable for hand knitting. The 900-meter yardage requirement reflects the substantial size of the finished blanket.