Striped Pattern Blanket in Cascade 220® - W813 - Downloadable PDF

Striped Pattern Blanket in Cascade 220® (W813) – Free Knitting Pattern by Amy Bahrt

This free downloadable knitting pattern, designated W813 and designed by Amy Bahrt for Cascade Yarns®, produces a beautifully structured striped blanket measuring 35 inches wide by 52 inches long — a generous lap or throw size ideal for home décor. Rated intermediate in difficulty, this project is a rewarding challenge for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore colorwork through bold, rhythmic striping.

What Is Being Made

The finished piece is a striped knit blanket or throw categorized under Home Décor/Blankets. Its substantial dimensions make it suitable as a decorative accent for sofas, chairs, or beds. The multi-color stripe design uses six distinct yarn colors, creating a rich, layered palette that ranges from deep jewel tones to earthy naturals. The blanket is further embellished with wooden buttons and yarn tassels or embellishments constructed using a small square of cardboard, adding a handcrafted, artisanal finish.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls exclusively for Cascade 220® by Cascade Yarns®, a beloved workhorse yarn made from 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. Each skein contains 220 yards (200 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 oz), placing it firmly in the aran weight category. Six colorways are specified:

• Color A: 3 skeins of #9543 Midnight Blue
• Color B: 2 skeins of #7807 Regal
• Color C: 2 skeins of #9671 Grasshopper
• Color D: 2 skeins of #9566 Olive Oil
• Color E: 2 skeins of #2401 Burgundy
• Color F: 2 skeins of #9567 Smoke Blue

Cascade 220® is renowned for its durability, stitch definition, and wide color range, making it an excellent choice for a striped project where color clarity and consistency are essential. Peruvian Highland Wool offers natural warmth and resilience, ensuring the finished blanket is both cozy and long-lasting.

Needles, Hook, and Notions

The blanket is knitted on US 7 (4.5 mm) 30-inch circular knitting needles, or a size adjusted to achieve the correct gauge. Circular needles are used here to accommodate the wide stitch count of a 35-inch blanket, allowing all stitches to rest comfortably on the cable without strain — even though the piece is worked flat rather than in the round. Additional tools include:

• A G (4.0 mm) crochet hook for finishing or edging work
• An embroidery needle for weaving in ends and attaching embellishments
• 20 five-eighths-inch (5/8") 2-holed wooden buttons for decorative detail
• Navy thread for securing the buttons
• A 4½-inch square piece of cardboard, likely used as a tassel or pompom maker

Gauge

The required gauge is 20 stitches by 26 rows equal to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is especially important in a blanket of this size, as even a small deviation per stitch can result in a significantly different finished dimension. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before casting on.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern relies on two fundamental knitting stitch patterns that are well within reach of an intermediate knitter: