"Brick Work Afghan" - Free Afghan Knitting Pattern For Home in Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky

Brick Work Blanket – Free Chunky Knitting Pattern by Paintbox Yarns

The Brick Work Blanket (also called the Brick Work Afghan) is a striking, colour-rich home accessory knitting pattern offered free by Paintbox Yarns. The finished blanket measures 91 cm (35¾ in) wide by 120 cm (47¼ in) long, making it a generous lap blanket or decorative throw ideal for sofas, armchairs, or beds. Rated intermediate in difficulty, it is a satisfying project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore bold colourwork through a structured stripe sequence.

Design Overview

The pattern takes its name from its visual resemblance to a classic brick wall. Horizontal stripes of colour are arranged so that the joins and colour blocks create an offset, staggered effect reminiscent of brickwork. The result is a bold, geometric aesthetic that works equally well in contemporary and traditional interiors. The palette shown on the cover uses eight colours of Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, creating a vibrant, playful look, though knitters may adapt the colourway to suit their own home décor.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky is the recommended yarn, used in eight colourways as shown on the cover:
• A – Buttercup Yellow
• B – Pillar Red
• C – Marine Blue
• D – Raspberry Pink
• E – Vintage Pink
• F – Champagne White
• G – Melon Sorbet
• H – Misty Grey
• Each colour is supplied in 100g balls. Yarn quantities stated in the pattern are based on average requirements and are approximate.

Needles

• A pair of 6mm (UK 4 – US 10) knitting needles is required. Standard straight or long circular needles used flat are both suitable.

Tension (Gauge)

The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over the stitch pattern used in the blanket. Achieving the correct tension is important for matching the finished dimensions of 91 cm × 120 cm. Paintbox Yarns notes that if any yarn other than Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky is substituted, they cannot accept responsibility for the finished measurements.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat: The blanket is knitted back and forth in rows on straight or circular needles, rather than in the round. This is a straightforward approach well suited to large, rectangular projects.
• Seamless construction: Despite the multi-colour design, the pattern is constructed without seaming, keeping finishing work to a minimum and giving the blanket a clean, professional appearance.
• Stripes: The brickwork effect is achieved through a carefully sequenced stripe pattern. Colours are changed at regular intervals across the rows, and the offset placement of colour blocks creates the characteristic staggered, brick-like layout. Managing multiple yarn colours and carrying or joining yarns neatly at the edges is a key skill practised in this pattern.

Stitches Used

• The pattern is worked using a combination of knit and purl stitches to create the textured stitch pattern that underpins the brickwork design. The tension swatch references the stitch pattern used throughout, suggesting a consistent repeat that gives the fabric its structured, slightly raised texture.
• The chunky weight yarn and relatively simple stitch construction mean that rows work up quickly, making this an engaging but not overwhelming project for an intermediate knitter.

Pattern Format and Terminology

The Brick Work Blanket pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF. Instructions are written in UK knitting terminology