Smocked Diamond Blanket/Throw

Smocked Diamond Blanket/Throw by Phyll Lagerman

What Is Being Made

The Smocked Diamond Blanket/Throw is a versatile knitted textile designed by independent designer Phyll Lagerman. This project can be crafted as either a cozy blanket or a throw, with finished dimensions of approximately 28" by 30" for the smaller blanket version, or 43" by 57" for the larger throw size. The finished dimensions adjust based on yarn weight and needle size selection, allowing crafters to customize the project to their specific needs.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The pattern features a unique smocked diamond stitch that appears more complex than it actually is, making it an accessible choice for knitters seeking visual interest without excessive difficulty. The smocking technique uses a cable needle, though the pattern clarifies that no actual cabling is involved—instead, the cable needle is used to manipulate stitches for the smocking effect. As you progress through the pattern, the stitch work becomes intuitive, allowing the knitter to work with greater confidence and rhythm.

Core stitches employed in this pattern include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches, which form the foundation of stockinette stitch
• Yarn Over (YO) for creating decorative openings and lace elements
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit), a left-leaning decrease stitch
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together), a right-leaning decrease stitch
• W6 (Wrap 6), a specialized stitch that wraps six stitches for the smocking effect

The pattern is written in a format that becomes increasingly intuitive as you knit, reducing the need for constant pattern reference once you understand the rhythm of the diamond repeat.

Materials and Gauge

Crafters have flexibility in yarn selection depending on their desired finished size and texture. For the smaller blanket, the pattern calls for 900 yards of light DK weight yarn, with the sample shown knitted in Dale of Norway Lerke (50 grams, 125 yards per skein). Alternatively, for the larger throw version, 2000 yards of worsted weight yarn can be used.

Needles are selected based on yarn weight: US #4 24-inch circular needles are recommended for DK weight yarn, while US #8 24-inch circular needles work with worsted weight yarn. The specific needle size should be chosen to obtain proper gauge for your selected yarn.

Gauge is critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions. For the smaller blanket worked in DK weight, the gauge is 5.5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch. For the larger throw in worsted weight, the gauge is 3.5 stitches per inch. A row counter is recommended to track progress through the pattern repeats.

Pattern Format

This downloadable PDF pattern is presented in written format rather than charted, making it accessible to knitters who prefer written instructions. The pattern's intuitive nature means that once you establish the stitch pattern, you can work with greater independence from the written instructions, though having the PDF available for reference remains helpful for maintaining consistency throughout the project.