Counterpane Knit Blanket in Caron One Pound - Downloadable PDF

Counterpane Knit Blanket in Caron One Pound – Free Downloadable Knitting PDF Pattern Summary

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Yarnspirations guides knitters through creating a stunning Counterpane Knit Blanket using Caron One Pound yarn in Off White (10514). The finished blanket measures approximately 62 inches square (157.5 cm), making it a generous, heirloom-quality throw suitable for sofas, beds, or as a cherished handmade gift. Rated intermediate difficulty, this project is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more intricate stitch patterns including cables and lace.

What Is Being Made

The blanket is constructed from 16 individual squares that are assembled to form the final large throw. Each square is worked in two distinct halves, both shaped as triangles, which are then joined to complete the square form. This modular, counterpane-style construction is a classic technique rooted in traditional knitting, allowing the knitter to work manageable sections before joining them into a cohesive whole. The result is a richly textured blanket with a sophisticated, timeless appearance.

Construction Method

Each of the 16 squares is built in two separate triangular halves:

• First Half: Worked as a triangle from point to point using the Lacy Cable Pattern. Stitches are cast on and increased as the triangle grows outward, incorporating yarn overs and cable crossings to build the decorative texture.
• Second Half: Worked as a triangle using the Cable Column Pattern. Stitches for this half are picked up along the straight side edge of the completed First Half, meaning no seaming is required between the two halves of each square. This picked-up construction creates a seamless join and ensures consistent tension throughout.

Once all 16 squares are complete, the blanket is finished with a bottom edging: with the right side facing, 240 stitches are picked up evenly across the bottom edge, and a simple knit edging is worked to frame the piece neatly.

Stitch Patterns Used

This pattern features two primary stitch patterns that give the blanket its rich, dimensional surface texture:

• Lacy Cable Pattern: Used in the First Half of each square, this pattern combines yarn overs (yo), ssk (slip, slip, knit), and k2tog (knit two together) to create an open, lacy effect alongside cable crossings. The interplay of increases and decreases forms the triangular shaping while simultaneously building the decorative lace motif.
• Cable Column Pattern: Used in the Second Half of each square, this pattern employs cable stitches to create bold vertical columns of twisted stitches. The pattern repeats are established using Cr3B (cross 3 back) and Cr3F (cross 3 front) along with C4B (cable 4 back), creating a classic rope or column cable effect.

Key Stitches and Techniques

Knitters working this pattern will use a well-rounded set of techniques. Understanding each of these before casting on is recommended for an intermediate-level knitter:

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. Creates a right-leaning cable twist.
• Cr3B (Cross 3 Back): Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back, knit 1 stitch, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
• Cr3F (Cross 3 Front): Slip 1 stitch onto a cable needle and hold at the front, knit 2 stitches, then knit the stitch from the cable needle.
• Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping 2 stitches knitwise one at a time, passing them back to the left-hand needle, and knitting through the back loops together.