Maxine

Maxine Blanket by Mathieu Arnold

What is Being Made

The Maxine blanket is a beginner-friendly baby blanket measuring 120 cm × 90 cm (47″ × 35″). This knitted throw features a striking colorwork striping design that combines simplicity with visual impact, making it an accessible project for knitters new to color techniques.

Colorwork Design and Pattern Structure

The blanket showcases a straightforward horizontal striping approach using 15 distinct contrasting colors paired with a main color base. The pattern employs 28 pattern repeats in width for each contrasting color stripe, with 1 repeat in height per stripe. This structured approach creates a balanced, rhythmic color sequence across the blanket's width while keeping the vertical construction manageable for beginners.

The 15 contrasting colors used are, in order: 37 Brick, 07 Heather, 38 Korall, 05 Rosa, 08 Purple, 28 Navy Blue, 48 Petrol, 09 Strong Blue, 101 Light Blue, 10 Dark Turquoise, 11 Green, 43 Green, 39 Dark Lime, 41 Mustard, and 14 Strong Yellow. The main color throughout is 100 Light Wash, which serves as the foundational neutral that allows the contrasting stripes to stand out.

Knitting Techniques

This project uses basic colorwork striping, a fundamental technique ideal for beginners learning to incorporate multiple colors into their knitting. The horizontal stripe construction means color changes occur at row breaks rather than within rows, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple active yarns simultaneously. This approach makes the Maxine blanket an excellent introduction to working with multiple colors in knitting.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: The blanket is worked using Drops Paris cotton yarn in aran and DK weights. The main color requires 900 m (980 yards), while each of the 15 contrasting colors requires only 16 m (18 yards), making this an efficient use of yarn scraps or small quantities.

Needles and Notions: US8/5 mm needles are used for this project. The gauge is established using the pattern itself: 4 repeats in width and 4 stripes should fill approximately a 12 cm/5" square, providing a clear reference point for checking tension before beginning the full blanket.

Yarn Weight Considerations

The pattern accommodates both aran and DK weight yarns, offering flexibility in material choice. This range allows knitters to adjust the final fabric density and drape according to their preference, whether seeking a lighter, more delicate blanket or a slightly denser, more substantial throw.

Beginner-Friendly Approach

The Maxine blanket is specifically designed as a beginner project, making it accessible to knitters developing their fundamental skills. The simple striping structure, straightforward color changes, and clear gauge guidelines create a low-pressure environment for learning colorwork while producing a finished piece suitable as a baby gift.