Stash Burner

Stash Burner Knit Blanket by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What Is Being Made

The Stash Burner is a beginner-friendly knit blanket designed to quickly use up yarn from your stash. This cozy throw measures 28 inches by 28 inches and is specifically engineered as a fast knit project ideal for gift giving. The blanket's name reflects its primary purpose: efficiently consuming bulky and super bulky weight yarns through a straightforward, rewarding knitting process.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern accommodates multiple yarn weight options, offering flexibility for stash busting. The designer used Lions Brand Thick & Quick in Charcoal, utilizing 5 strands of bulky weight yarn totaling 530 yards. However, the pattern is adaptable: you may substitute 2 or 3 strands of super bulky weight yarn, or alternatively use 1 strand of loopy mango yarn. This versatility makes the Stash Burner an excellent choice for crafters with varying yarn weights in their collections.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US size 50 needles (25 mm), which are appropriately sized for working with multiple strands of bulky yarn or single strands of super bulky yarn. The gauge is 2.5 stitches per 4 inches, which is typical for projects using such substantial yarn weights and large needles.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Stash Burner employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners, utilizing only two basic stitches:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P) – worked in alternating sections to create textural interest

The blanket is constructed using a simple two-row repeat pattern that creates a ribbed texture. Row 1 (Right Side) alternates purl and knit stitches in a (Purl 1, Knit 3) repeat, ending with Purl 1, Knit 1. Row 2 (Wrong Side) mirrors this with (Knit 1, Purl 3) repeat, ending with Knit 1, Purl 1. These two rows are repeated continuously until the blanket reaches the desired finished length.

Construction and Customization

The pattern begins with casting on 22 stitches and requires working rows until the piece measures 28 inches in length. The designer provides helpful guidance for customizing the blanket size: to make the blanket wider, simply add stitches in increments of 4, which maintains the stitch pattern repeat integrity.

This straightforward construction method, combined with the use of very large needles and thick yarn, ensures rapid progress and quick project completion—making the Stash Burner an excellent choice for knitters seeking immediate gratification and efficient yarn consumption.