Zig Zag Chevron Lap Blanket

Zig Zag Chevron Lap Blanket by Donielle Oliver Showvay

What is Being Made

The Zig Zag Chevron Lap Blanket is a knitted throw blanket designed as a cozy, medium-sized lap blanket perfect for draping over furniture or keeping warm while relaxing. The finished dimensions are 36 inches by 45 inches, making it an ideal size for personal use or as a thoughtful handmade gift. This blanket is crafted to be soft and substantial, with a pleasant weight that comes from the quality of materials used.

Techniques and Construction

This knitting project uses fundamental techniques suitable for beginners, making it an excellent choice for those new to blanket-making. The designer recommends using circular needles rather than straight needles because the weight and size of the finished blanket would be cumbersome to manage on traditional straight needles. The use of circular needles provides better weight distribution and comfort during the extended knitting process.

The blanket features a zig zag chevron stripe pattern, though the designer encourages creative customization. You can modify the stripe pattern to your preference, eliminate stripes entirely, or substitute a variegated yarn to create visual interest without working a complex stitch pattern. This flexibility makes the project adaptable to your skill level and aesthetic preferences.

Stitches Used

The gauge is measured in Stockinette stitch, which is the fundamental stitch structure for this blanket. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with characteristic V-shaped stitches on the right side and bumpy texture on the reverse side. This basic stitch is ideal for beginners and provides an excellent canvas for the chevron and stripe patterns.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern requires 1200 yards of Medium weight (#4) yarn. The designer specifically used "I Love This Cotton" 100% cotton yarn, which provides exceptional softness and breathability ideal for a lap blanket. Cotton yarn creates a fabric with wonderful drape and a naturally squishy texture that enhances comfort.

While you may substitute other yarns, the designer highly recommends using soft cotton for the best results. An important technique note: use US size 10 (6 mm) knitting needles, and consider going slightly larger than the yarn label recommends. This intentional gauge adjustment creates a looser, more open fabric that feels luxuriously squishy and cuddly—perfect for the intended purpose of a comfort blanket.

Gauge Information

The pattern gauge is 17 stitches by 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. Checking your gauge before beginning is essential to ensure your finished blanket reaches the correct dimensions of 36" x 45".

Difficulty Level

This is a beginner-friendly knitting project. The pattern uses basic stitches and straightforward construction, making it accessible to knitters who are just starting their journey. The customizable nature of the design also means you can simplify or adjust complexity based on your comfort level.