Compass Blanket

Compass Blanket by Knitwit Designs

Project Overview

The Compass Blanket is a colorful knitted throw designed to bring warmth and comfort to any space. This intermediate-level knitting project measures 60.5 x 76.5 inches (154 x 194 cm) and features a striking modular construction method that combines individual compass motifs into unified strips.

What Is Being Made

This is a large blanket or throw crafted entirely through knitting. The design uses a distinctive modular approach where individual compass shapes are worked separately and then strategically assembled together. The finished piece showcases a vibrant, multi-colored palette that creates visual interest and depth across the entire surface.

Construction Techniques

The Compass Blanket employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its unique construction:

• Provisional Cast On: This technique allows stitches to be cast on temporarily, enabling the knitter to later pick up and work in the opposite direction or join sections seamlessly.
• Pick Up and Knit (PU&K): Used to add new stitches along existing edges, this technique is essential for connecting the individual compass motifs and building the blanket's structure.
• 3-Needle Bind Off: A joining technique that binds off two sets of live stitches simultaneously, creating a strong, finished seam. This method is used to join the wedges together as the compass sections are assembled into strips.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The blanket is worked primarily in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that provide excellent drape and warmth. This foundational stitch is ideal for blankets as it creates a durable, forgiving fabric suitable for intermediate knitters.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Jaggerspun Yarns Mousam Falls Aran weight yarn in 100% superwash wool. Each hank contains 187 yards (171 meters) and weighs 3.5 ounces (100 grams). The blanket requires a total of 11 hanks across nine coordinated colorways:

• French Blue (medium blue): 2 hanks
• Artichoke (yellow-green): 1 hank
• Tourmaline (teal): 2 hanks
• Lilac (light purple): 3 hanks
• Bottle Green (true green): 3 hanks
• Thistle (medium purple): 4 hanks
• Plum (red purple): 3 hanks
• Lapis (dark purple): 2 hanks
• Ecru (off-white): 11 hanks

Needles: Two US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles, each measuring 40 inches (100 cm). Circular needles accommodate the large number of stitches required for this blanket-sized project and allow for comfortable knitting of large pieces.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, and stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during assembly.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the blanket to reach its intended finished dimensions of 60.5 x 76.5 inches (154 x 194 cm).

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty. While garter stitch itself is beginner-friendly, the modular construction method and multiple joining techniques—including provisional cast on, pick up and knit, and 3-needle bind off—require prior knitting experience and familiarity with these specialized techniques.