Union Jack Patchwork Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern for Home in Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran by Paintbox Yarns

Union Jack Patchwork Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Union Jack Patchwork Blanket is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a finished blanket measuring 48 inches by 48 centimeters (122cm x 122cm). This decorative home blanket features a patchwork design inspired by the British Union Jack flag. The blanket is constructed from individual squares that are combined to form the iconic flag pattern, making it a striking statement piece for any room.

Design Structure and Patchwork Composition

Each individual square in this blanket measures 8¼ by 8¼ inches (21cm x 21cm). The squares are knitted using a corner-to-corner technique, with two sides picked up to create the distinctive centre cross of each square. Four squares are combined to make one complete Union Jack motif. This modular construction approach allows crafters to work on manageable sections before assembling the final blanket.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques:

• Worked Flat: The squares are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible method for intermediate knitters
• Seamed Construction: Completed squares are seamed together to form the final blanket, requiring careful finishing work
• Stripe Work: The pattern incorporates stripes to create the Union Jack color blocking effect
• Corner-to-Corner Knitting: Squares are specifically knitted from corner to corner, a technique that creates interesting diagonal construction
• Picked-Up Stitches: Two sides of each square are picked up to form the centre cross, demonstrating intermediate-level stitch manipulation

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches and abbreviations including:

• k - knit stitch, the basic foundation stitch
• k2tog - knit 2 together, a decrease stitch for shaping
• m1 - make 1 stitch, an increase stitch for adding stitches

The primary stitch used throughout is garter stitch, which is measured at a gauge of 18 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when worked with the recommended needle size.

Materials Required

This pattern is designed to be worked with Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran, an aran-weight yarn available exclusively at LoveCrafts. The yarn requirements vary depending on which version is being created:

Classic Version Color Palette

• 5 balls of Midnight Blue (A)
• 4 balls of Paper White (B)
• 8 balls of Pillar Red (C)

Party Version Color Palette

• 3 balls of Paper White (B)
• 2 balls of Spearmint Green
• 2 balls in Bubblegum Pink
• 2 balls in Daffodil Yellow
• 2 balls in Marine Blue
• 2 balls in Peach Orange
• 2 balls in Dusty Lilac

Equipment and Gauge

Crafters will need US 8 (5mm) knitting needles or the size required to obtain the correct gauge (tension). The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 32 rows measured over 4 inches (10cm) of garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished blanket to reach the intended dimensions of 48 inches by 48 inches.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle projects involving multiple techniques such as seaming, picking up stitches, and working with color changes across multiple yarn weights and shades.