Coast blanket

Coast Blanket by Knitwit Designs

Project Overview

The Coast Blanket is an intermediate-level knitting project inspired by ocean breezes, waves, and sand dunes. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Margaret Holzmann creates a finished blanket measuring 56 x 78 inches (142 x 198 centimeters). The design features undulating stripes that evoke the natural movement of coastal landscapes, making it an ideal decorative throw for any room.

Construction Technique

This blanket employs a sophisticated strip-based construction method. The blanket is worked in multiple strips, with each strip composed of alternating wedges created using short-row knitting techniques. Once all strips are completed, they are seamed together to form the main body of the blanket. Borders are then added to the finished piece using the pick up and knit method, which creates a polished, finished edge.

Key Knitting Techniques

• Pick up and knit (pu&k): Used for adding borders to the completed blanket body
• Seaming: Joins the individual strips together to create the blanket's main structure
• Short rows with wrap and turn: Forms the undulating wedges within each strip, creating the wave-like visual effect

Yarn and Materials

This project uses chunky-weight yarns in a combination of two premium fiber blends. The primary yarn is Premier Anti-Pilling Bamboo Chunky, which consists of 80% anti-pilling acrylic and 20% rayon from bamboo. Each skein provides 131 yards (120 meters) and weighs 3.5 ounces (100 grams). The blanket requires 19 skeins in Blueberry Pie (blue-purple colorway #1085-13) and 2 skeins in Earl Grey (light gray colorway #1085-04).

The secondary yarn is Premier Puzzle Bulky, a 100% acrylic self-striping yarn that offers 328 yards (300 meters) per 7-ounce (200-gram) skein. The pattern calls for 7 skeins in Riddle (self-striping blue, beige, and gray colorway #1050-07). The self-striping nature of this yarn adds visual interest and reduces the need for frequent color changes during knitting.

Tools and Notions

Knitters will need US Size 10 (6 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (102 centimeters), or the appropriate size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and stitch holders to secure stitches during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished blanket dimensions and ensuring the undulating stripe pattern displays as intended.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technique repertoire. Familiarity with short-row shaping, picking up stitches, and seaming techniques is beneficial for successfully completing this blanket.