Sobremesa KAL

Sobremesa Counterpane Blanket by Melissa Leapman

What is Being Made

The Sobremesa is a knitted counterpane blanket designed by Melissa Leapman. This is a large, square throw blanket with finished measurements of approximately 75 x 75 inches, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or use as a decorative bed throw. The blanket is easily adjustable in size, allowing crafters to customize the finished dimensions to their preferences.

Craft and Construction Method

This project uses the knitting craft exclusively. The blanket is constructed using the Magic Circular Cast On technique, which begins with casting on 8 stitches onto a single double-pointed needle. These stitches are then divided evenly across 4 double-pointed needles, with 2 stitches placed on each needle. The construction is worked in the round, with a marker placed at the beginning of the round to track progress. The blanket is built by working through Pattern A for Rounds 1–32, which creates the counterpane structure.

Stitches and Techniques

The pattern employs advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. Key techniques include:

• Magic Circular Cast On for seamless beginning
• Working in the round using double-pointed needles
• Round-by-round pattern work through 32 rounds of Pattern A
• Marker placement for round tracking

The counterpane construction method creates a geometric, decorative blanket structure that grows outward from the center point.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sobremesa requires worsted weight yarn, with a total yardage requirement of approximately 1680 to 2240 yards, depending on the finished size selected. The sample project was created using Miss Babs YOWSA, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn. The sample used 3 hanks of Smooch and 1 hank of Catbird colorway, with each hank providing approximately 8 ounces (227 grams) and 560 yards (512 meters) of yarn.

In addition to yarn, the pattern requires double-pointed needles appropriate for worsted weight yarn and a size H-8 (5mm) crochet hook, which is used for the cast on only.

Skill Level

This blanket is rated as Intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with foundational knowledge who are ready to tackle more complex pattern work and circular knitting techniques.