Hopscotch Reversible Blanket

Hopscotch Reversible Blanket by MaDonna Marie

Project Overview

The Hopscotch Reversible Blanket is a beginner-friendly knitting project inspired by the classic sidewalk chalk game. This square-shaped blanket features a playful, reversible design and is available in three generous sizes to suit different needs and spaces.

What Is Being Made

This is a reversible knitted blanket with a square construction. The design draws creative inspiration from the hopscotch sidewalk game, translating that nostalgic concept into a cozy textile. The blanket is offered in three size options:

• Small: 36" x 36" (91cm x 91cm)
• Medium: 54" x 54" (137cm x 137cm)
• Large: 63" x 63" (160cm x 160cm)

Knitting Techniques

The Hopscotch Reversible Blanket employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners:

• Bottom-up construction: The blanket is knit from the bottom edge upward, building the design progressively
• Back and forth knitting: The project uses flat knitting (not in the round), making it accessible for knitters new to circular needles
• Garter border: A 10-stitch garter border is maintained at the beginning and end of every row, providing a finished edge and structural stability
• Reversible design: The construction method creates a blanket that is visually interesting and functional on both sides
• Chart and written instructions: Both formats are provided, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for following the pattern

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are referenced in the pattern documentation, the project utilizes fundamental stitches appropriate for chunky yarn and beginner-level knitting. The pattern includes both charted instructions (read with right side rows numbered as odd numbers) and written instructions, giving flexibility in how knitters interpret the stitch sequences.

Materials Required

Needles: 6.5mm (US 10.5) circular needles, 24 inches in length, are recommended to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the blanket grows.

Yarn: Chunky weight yarn is used throughout this project. Yardage requirements vary by size:

• 36" blanket: 6 balls of yarn (approximately 852 yards / 780 meters total)
• 54" blanket: 11 balls of yarn (approximately 1,562 yards / 1,430 meters total)
• 63" blanket: 14 balls of yarn (approximately 2,058 yards / 1,904 meters total)

The pattern recommends Plymouth Encore or Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, both offering approximately 142-149 yards per ball. Note that the mohair blend yarn pictured in the original pattern is no longer available, but these alternative yarns provide suitable substitutes.

Additional notions: The project requires 2 stitch markers (optional but helpful for marking border sections), scissors, a blunt-tip large eye sewing needle for finishing, and a row counter (optional but recommended for tracking progress).

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches by 20 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in the stitch pattern used. Measurements provided are for blocked blankets, ensuring accurate sizing after the finished piece has been gently shaped and dried to finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

This is a beginner-appropriate project, making it an excellent choice for knitters developing their foundational skills or those seeking a satisfying, large-scale project without advanced techniques.