Window Boxes

Window Boxes Knitted Afghan by Woolly Thoughts

What is Being Made

Window Boxes is a knitted afghan or wall-hanging designed by Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer of Woolly Thoughts. This piece functions as a small blanket suitable for warmth or decorative purposes, measuring approximately 125 cm (50 inches) by 165 cm (65 inches). The design can also be converted into a wall-hanging using included alternative instructions, making it a versatile project for multiple display options.

Construction Method and Piece Assembly

Rather than being worked as a single continuous piece, Window Boxes is constructed from 79 individual pieces that are joined together after completion. This modular approach breaks down the project into manageable components: 48 identical cube pieces, 17 squares, and 14 triangles. Working with separate pieces allows crafters to tackle smaller sections before assembling the complete afghan, which can be particularly helpful for managing a large-scale project.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Window Boxes is worked entirely in garter stitch, one of the most fundamental and beginner-friendly knitting stitches. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a reversible fabric with a distinctive textured appearance. This consistent stitch throughout the entire project makes it accessible to knitters new to the craft, while the geometric assembly of multiple pieces adds visual complexity and mathematical interest to the finished design.

The design incorporates an optical illusion element. The arrangement of the cube, square, and triangle pieces creates a three-dimensional visual effect where different viewers—or the same viewer at different times—may perceive the boxes as receding in opposite directions or interpret the spatial relationships differently. This mathematical and artistic approach transforms a straightforward garter stitch project into a visually engaging piece.

Yarn and Materials

Window Boxes is made using two strands of Double Knitting (DK) yarn worked together. Double Knitting is a medium-weight yarn that, when used as two strands, creates a thicker, more substantial fabric suitable for an afghan-sized project. The pattern notes that while Double Knitting is the recommended yarn weight, the design can easily be adapted to other yarn weights including Aran or Worsted, allowing crafters flexibility based on yarn availability or personal preference. Only one yarn color is used at a time throughout the project, simplifying color management and focusing attention on the geometric structure created by the piece assembly.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner level, making it suitable for knitters new to the craft. The reliance on garter stitch as the sole stitch used means there are no complex stitch patterns to master. However, the project does require attention to detail during the assembly phase, as proper joining of the 79 pieces is essential to achieving the intended optical illusion effect.