Lace and Texture Picnic Blanket

Lace and Texture Picnic Blanket by Sian Brown

Project Overview

The Lace and Texture Picnic Blanket is a substantial knitted and crocheted throw designed by independent designer Sian Brown. This intermediate-level project combines knitting and crochet techniques to create a finished blanket measuring 132 cm wide by 100 cm deep. The blanket is constructed from 12 individual squares—6 squares in each of two colorways—which are then joined together and finished with a crocheted edging.

Construction Method and Design

The blanket employs a modular construction approach, allowing crafters to work on manageable square units before assembling them into the full throw. This method is particularly practical for picnic blankets, as the squares can be worked portably and the final assembly creates a structured, stable fabric suitable for outdoor use. The combination of knitting for the main squares and crochet for the finishing edging adds textural variety and visual interest to the finished piece.

Primary Colorways

The design features two distinct color options that alternate throughout the blanket:

• Colorway 1 (Sprig, shade 527): 6 squares, requiring 9 hanks of 50 gm each
• Colorway 2 (Exotic, shade 512): 6 squares, requiring 7 hanks of 50 gm each

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The knitted squares showcase intermediate-level stitch work incorporating both basic and decorative techniques. The pattern utilizes knit and purl stitches as foundational elements, arranged to create textural contrast. Lace elements are introduced through yarn over needle (yon) increases, which create decorative eyelet holes characteristic of lace knitting. The pattern also employs decrease stitches, specifically the slip, slip, knit (SSK) technique, which decreases two stitches together by slipping them individually knitwise and knitting them together through their front loops. Additionally, purl three together (P3 tog) decreases are used to shape and structure the squares.

The nut pattern demonstrated in Square 1 exemplifies the textural approach: it alternates between purl columns and lace sections created by yarn overs, with decreases worked on subsequent rows to create a dimensional, bumped texture reminiscent of nutted or bobbled fabric. This stitch pattern repeats across the width of each square, creating visual rhythm and tactile interest.

Crochet Finishing

After the knitted squares are completed and assembled, a crocheted edging is added to the perimeter of the blanket. The pattern calls for double crochet (DC) stitches, which create a neat, structured border that frames the knitted squares and provides a finished appearance to the throw.

Materials and Tools

The blanket is worked in Rowan Summer Tweed, an aran-weight yarn. Aran weight provides a medium thickness ideal for creating a blanket with good drape and warmth without excessive bulk. The project requires 5mm knitting needles for the main squares and a 3.50mm crochet hook for the edging. The difference in needle and hook sizes allows for appropriate fabric density in each technique.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, this blanket is suitable for knitters and crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace elements, multiple decrease techniques, and modular construction. The repetitive nature of the square pattern allows crafters to develop consistency, while the variety of stitches provides skill-building opportunities.