Green Mama Squares blanket

Green Mama Squares Reversible Blanket – Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Green Mama Squares blanket is a reversible knitting pattern designed by Myla Vayner of Myla's Knit Corner. This intermediate-level project creates a finished blanket measuring 30 x 30 inches, making it an ideal size for a baby blanket or small afghan. The reversible construction means both sides of the blanket are finished and attractive, offering versatility in how the blanket can be displayed or used.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for medium weight yarn, classified as number 4 (worsted weight or 10 ply). You will need approximately 10 ounces or 300 grams of yarn, which equates to roughly 500 yards or 460 meters of fiber. A 29-inch circular knitting needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) or size 8 (5.00 mm) US is required, or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The choice between needle sizes may depend on your personal knitting tension and the specific yarn characteristics.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches by 20 rows over a 4 x 4 inch square when measured in pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the desired finished dimensions of 30 x 30 inches. The pattern notes indicate that the finished size can be modified to your preference, allowing for flexibility in the final blanket dimensions.

Stitches and Techniques

The Green Mama Squares blanket employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques suitable for an intermediate knitter:

• Garter Stitch: Used for the border, garter stitch is created by knitting all stitches in every row. This produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is one of the most basic and stable stitch patterns in knitting.
• Knit and Purl Stitches: The core stitches used throughout the pattern to create texture and visual interest in the blanket squares.
• Slip Stitch: Used for specific shaping or joining techniques within the pattern.
• Cast On and Bind Off: Essential foundation and finishing techniques for beginning and completing the blanket.

Border Construction

The blanket features a garter stitch border that frames the central pattern squares. The border is worked over 10 rows at both the beginning and end of the blanket, with 6 stitches worked on each side. This border structure provides a finished, polished edge and helps prevent curling. The pattern notes that these border specifications are provided as guidelines, allowing you to customize the border width or narrowness according to your personal preferences.

Pattern Structure

The core pattern is constructed using a repeat unit that works over multiples of 10 stitches plus 2 additional stitches, combined with the border stitches (6 stitches on each side, totaling 12 border stitches). The pattern sections between markers are repeated as indicated in the full instructions. This modular approach allows for potential customization and scaling of the blanket size if desired.

Skill Level

Classified as an intermediate project, the Green Mama Squares blanket is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to work with pattern repeats and circular needles. The combination of garter stitch borders with patterned squares provides a good balance of straightforward and slightly more complex elements.