Ursa Minor

Ursa Minor Blanket by Heidi Kirrmaier

Project Overview

Ursa Minor is an intermediate-level knitted blanket and throw designed by Heidi Kirrmaier in cooperation with Malabrigo Yarns. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished blanket measuring approximately 65 x 65 cm (25.5 x 25.5 inches), making it an ideal size for a decorative throw or baby blanket. The design features a distinctive bear claw motif that repeats across the fabric, creating visual interest and texture.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Malabrigo Organic Cotton in two colors—400 m/450 yds (2 skeins) in 'Turquesa' for the main color (MC), and 200 m/220 yds (1 skein) in 'Lima' for the contrasting color (CC)
• Needles: 4.0 mm / US 6 circular needle, or size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Yarn Weight: The pattern is suitable for both Aran and DK weight yarns, offering flexibility in yarn selection

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette stitch over 10 cm (4 inches). While gauge is noted as not critical for this project, achieving the recommended gauge will result in the intended finished size. The modular construction of the bear claw repeats allows for easy customization—each bear claw motif is 17 stitches wide at the beginning with 13 stitches between repeats. Crafters can adjust the overall blanket dimensions by increasing or decreasing the number of repeats, or by modifying the number of stitches between the claws and adjusting the cast-on accordingly.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Ursa Minor employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The primary stitch used throughout is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern incorporates increases and decreases as shaping elements, worked exclusively on wrong side (WS) rows to maintain a clean appearance on the right side. All right side (RS) rows are worked in knit stitches.

The pattern utilizes color work through stripe sequences, with the contrasting color worked in 6-row stripes. To manage the two-color knitting efficiently, the main color (MC) is carried along throughout the pattern without cutting, while the contrasting color (CC) is cut after each 6-row stripe, leaving short tails to be woven in upon completion. This technique minimizes bulk while maintaining clean color transitions.

Pattern Structure

The bear claw motif forms the structural foundation of this blanket design. The repeating pattern is charted and can be followed using the included chart reference. The modular nature of the repeats makes this pattern accessible to intermediate knitters while allowing for creative customization based on desired finished dimensions and personal preference.