Little Houses Blanket

Little Houses Blanket by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Little Houses Blanket is a decorative knitted throw blanket measuring approximately 75cm (29½ inches) wide by 106cm (41¾ inches) long. This intermediate-level project combines Fairisle knitting with appliqué techniques to create a charming patchwork design featuring small house motifs set against a neutral background.

Design Structure

The blanket is constructed from a series of squares arranged in a patchwork layout. The design alternates between two types of squares: stocking stitch Fairisle squares that feature integrated house patterns, and plain squares to which garter stitch houses have been appliquéd. This mixed-technique approach adds visual and textural interest to the finished piece.

Appliqué Details

The appliquéd houses are varied in their design, with some featuring plain roofs and others displaying striped roofs. All appliqué elements are knitted in garter stitch before being sewn onto the plain squares, creating a dimensional, three-dimensional effect that contrasts with the flatter Fairisle squares.

Fairisle Technique

The Fairisle squares employ the traditional stranding method, where yarn not in use is carried across the wrong side of the work. When working from the Fairisle chart, the unused yarn is woven under and over the working yarn at intervals of every 3 to 5 stitches maximum to prevent long floats. Stitches must be spread out to their correct width during knitting to maintain elasticity and prevent puckering.

Chart Reading

When following the pattern chart, right-side (RS) rows are read from right to left, while wrong-side (WS) rows are read from left to right. This is standard for Fairisle charted patterns and ensures accurate color placement.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – forms the base fabric for the Fairisle squares
• Garter stitch – used for the appliquéd house motifs
• Slip one stitch knitwise (sl1k) – for edge stitches and shaping
• Make one (m1) – for increasing stitches where needed

Materials

This blanket is knitted entirely in Rowan Felted Tweed DK weight yarn. DK (double knitting) weight is a versatile medium yarn that works well for creating defined stitch definition in both Fairisle and garter stitch patterns. The specific yarn choice contributes to the blanket's drape and finished appearance.

Needles and Tools

While specific needle sizes are not detailed in the provided content, DK weight yarn typically requires needles in the range of 3–4mm (US sizes 3–6) depending on desired gauge and fabric density. Standard knitting needles suitable for working flat pieces are required, along with a tapestry needle for appliquéing the garter stitch houses and weaving in ends.

Colorway Options

The pattern includes an alternative colorway option, which is shown on a coordinating Little Houses Cushion design. This allows crafters to choose between different color combinations while working with the same charted motifs and construction methods.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle Fairisle colorwork, chart reading, and appliqué finishing. The combination of multiple techniques makes this an engaging project for developing advanced skills.