Team Afghan in Plymouth Encore Worsted - F219

Team Afghan in Plymouth Encore Worsted

What is Being Made

The Team Afghan is a striped knitted throw blanket designed for intermediate to advanced knitters. This rectangular afghan measures approximately 42 by 50 inches when finished, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or using as a cozy lap blanket. The design features bold color blocking in alternating red and blue stripes, creating a striking visual effect that works well for team spirit or patriotic-themed home décor.

Techniques Used

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques with a focus on color work and yarn management. The primary technique is garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The afghan uses a stripe pattern created by changing colors every single row, which requires careful attention to yarn tails and color transitions. Knitters will practice casting on and binding off with specific attention to doing both very loosely to maintain consistent edge tension. The pattern also emphasizes proper yarn tail management, as eight-inch tails are left at the beginning and end of every row throughout the project, which are later knotted together for a decorative fringe effect.

Stitches Used

The Team Afghan relies almost exclusively on garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This simple but effective stitch is ideal for beginners learning color work, as it requires no complex stitch manipulation. The straightforward nature of garter stitch allows knitters to focus on the color changes and yarn management that define this project.

Materials and Tools

This pattern is designed to be worked with Plymouth Encore Worsted, a worsted-weight yarn. The project requires two colors: Color A in Red (shade 1386) and Color B in Blue (shade 133), with three 100-gram balls of each color needed to complete the afghan. Knitters will need one 24-inch circular needle in size US 11 to accommodate the 150 cast-on stitches. The recommended gauge is 12 stitches over 4 inches when working in garter stitch with size US 11 needles, though adjustments can be made as needed to achieve proper gauge.

Pattern Overview

The Team Afghan begins with a very loose cast-on of 150 stitches using color A, with an 8-inch tail left at the beginning. After cutting the yarn and leaving another tail, color B is attached and one row is knitted. This alternating pattern continues throughout the project, with knitters switching colors after every single row and consistently leaving 8-inch tails at both ends of each row. The afghan is worked until nearly all yarn is used or the desired width of approximately 42 inches is achieved, ending with a final row in color B. The project concludes with a very loose bind-off using color A. The numerous yarn tails are then knotted together in groups of three to create a decorative fringe finish along the sides of the completed afghan.