At the Beach

At the Beach Knitted Blanket by MotherOfPurlPatterns

Project Overview

At the Beach is an unisex knitted blanket designed by MotherOfPurlPatterns that combines simplicity with visual interest. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a seaside-inspired throw measuring approximately 60 x 70cm (24 x 28 inches). The design uses a straightforward technique of increases and decreases worked throughout the pattern to produce an elegant wavy texture that flows across the finished piece.

Design and Construction Method

The blanket features a distinctive wavy design created through strategic increases and decreases in the knit structure. A key advantage of this pattern is that the border is integrated directly into the main knitting pattern, eliminating the need for separate border construction or seaming. This seamless approach makes the project more straightforward for intermediate knitters and ensures a polished finished edge without additional finishing work.

The pattern is worked in a repeating 4-row sequence that is repeated three times to build the blanket's dimensions. The stitch pattern alternates between knit and purl rows with edge stitches worked as purls on wrong-side rows and knits on right-side rows, creating a neat selvage edge.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Stocking stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the blanket, providing a smooth, classic fabric base
• Increases and decreases – strategically placed to form the wavy design without requiring complex lace techniques
• Edge stitches – purl stitches maintained at the edges on wrong-side rows to create clean selvage edges
• Garter stitch elements – incorporated through the knit rows on right-side rows

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The blanket is worked in DK weight yarn, a versatile medium weight that provides good drape and stitch definition. The original design uses Hayfield Bonus DK, an easy-care acrylic yarn available in three colorways:

• Light Grey – 200g (560 metres)
• Denim – 100g (280 metres)
• Oatmeal – 100g (280 metres)

The colour palette is specifically chosen to evoke seaside inspiration, though the pattern accommodates yarn substitution. When substituting yarns, knitters should carefully verify both tension (gauge) and yardage requirements to ensure the finished blanket meets the intended dimensions.

The project requires 4mm knitting needles and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The 4mm needle size is standard for DK weight yarn and produces the correct gauge for this pattern.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is designed to achieve a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimetres when measured over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished dimensions of 60 x 70cm (24 x 28 inches).

Finishing and Care

The blanket is finished by weaving in yarn ends with a tapestry needle. For washing and care, the designer recommends placing the blanket inside a pillow case before machine washing, then drying according to yarn fibre content instructions. This protective method helps preserve the blanket's structure and appearance through repeated laundering.

Suitable for Crafters

Classified as an intermediate knitting project, At the Beach is ideal for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with pattern repeats and shaping techniques. The straightforward 4-row repeat and integrated border design make this an accessible introduction to blanket construction without overwhelming complexity.