Faro blanket

Faro Blanket by Kateryna Golovanova

What is Being Made

The Faro Blanket is a circular knitted blanket measuring 40 inches (100cm) in diameter. This seamless design is knitted from the center outward in rounds, creating a geometric pattern that radiates from the middle. The blanket features an edging that is knitted on stitch by stitch directly to the body, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a polished, professional finish.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques:

• Center-out construction: The blanket begins at the center using a magic loop method, allowing the circular shape to develop organically from a single point
• Seamless rounds: Knitting is worked continuously in the round using circular needles, maintaining consistent tension and eliminating the need for finishing seams
• Integrated edging: Rather than picking up stitches separately, the edging is knitted directly onto the body stitches, creating a unified border
• Cable techniques: The pattern incorporates multiple cable stitches of varying complexities to create visual interest and texture
• Yarn-over increases: Strategic yarn-overs are used to shape the blanket and create lace-like elements within the design

Stitches Used

The Faro Blanket combines fundamental and decorative stitches to achieve its finished appearance:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the blanket, providing a smooth, classic fabric base
• Cable stitches: Multiple cable variations including C1, C2, C3, and C4, which involve slipping stitches to a cable needle and crossing them over other stitches to create twisted, rope-like textures
• Purl stitches: Used in combination with knit stitches to create definition within cable patterns and textural contrast
• Yarn-overs (yo): Decorative increases that create small holes in the fabric, often used in lace sections or geometric patterning
• Bobble stitch (N): A textural stitch created from 5 stitches, adding dimensional interest to the design
• Knit two together (k2tog): A decrease stitch used to shape the blanket and control stitch count
• Slip stitches (sl): Used in cable construction and pattern transitions

Materials and Tools

The Faro Blanket requires 400 grams of worsted weight yarn, equivalent to 2 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver. This yarn weight is durable, easy to work with, and ideal for creating a substantial blanket with good drape and warmth. The pattern specifies US 9 (5.5mm) double-pointed needles for beginning the center and US 9 (5.5mm) circular needles for the bulk of the work in rounds. A stitch marker is essential for tracking the beginning of each round. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches by 23 rows per 4 inches (10cm) when worked in stockinette stitch, ensuring the finished blanket reaches the intended 40-inch diameter.