Triskelion Cable Blanket

Triskelion Cable Blanket by Nancy Hand

What Is Being Made

The Triskelion Cable Blanket is a multicolored knitted throw designed by Nancy Hand. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished blanket worked primarily in one piece, though alternative construction methods are available. The blanket features a distinctive triskelion cable pattern and incorporates a subtle ruffle detail at the hem created by continuing increases throughout the design.

Construction Methods

The blanket offers flexible construction options to suit different preferences and yarn availability. The primary method involves knitting the entire blanket in one piece using six coordinating colors of Plymouth Yarn's Dreambaby DK. Alternatively, crafters may choose to work the blanket as separate panels that are later sewn together, which reduces the number of stitches required on the needles at any given time. This modular approach can be particularly helpful for those working with smaller needle sizes or preferring to manage fewer active stitches during the knitting process.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This intermediate knitting project employs cable knitting techniques as the primary stitch pattern element. The horizontal cable portions require the use of a cable needle or double-point needle to create the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture that defines the triskelion motif. The pattern also incorporates increases worked throughout the blanket, which serve both a structural and decorative purpose—these increases create the subtle ruffle effect visible at the hem while also expanding the blanket's dimensions. The combination of cable stitches with strategic increases demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skill and produces visual interest through texture and dimension.

Materials Required

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn's Dreambaby DK weight yarn in six colors—one ball each of shade 119-Pale Pink, 124-Sky, 143-Herb, 118-Soft Yellow, 304-Unisex Dot, and 134-Lavender. The DK (double knit) weight provides a lightweight yet durable fabric suitable for a blanket or throw.

Needles: US 7 needles (4.5mm) form the primary needles for this project. If working the blanket in one piece, needles must be large enough to accommodate approximately 900 stitches. If working as separate panels, needles need only support about 136 stitches per panel. Additionally, a cable needle or double-point needle of approximately the same gauge is required to work the horizontal cable portions of the pattern.

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 6 stitches and 7.5 rows per inch (2.54 cm), which is typical for DK weight yarn on US 7 needles.

Optional Supplies: Stitch markers are recommended to help track pattern repeats and construction sections, particularly when working the blanket in one piece with multiple color changes.

Design Notes

The finished blanket size is partially determined by yarn availability, as demonstrated in the original sample where the first ball of yarn ran out, establishing the blanket's final dimensions. This flexible approach allows crafters to adapt the project based on their own yarn quantities and desired finished size. The multicolor construction using six distinct shades creates visual variety and interest, while the cable pattern provides textural depth that makes this blanket both visually appealing and tactilely interesting.