Little Dreamer for DK

Little Dreamer Baby Blanket by Susan J Ward

Project Overview

The Little Dreamer is a knitted baby blanket designed by Susan J Ward, constructed from four identical triangular panels that are sewn together to create a finished square blanket. This intermediate-level knitting project produces an approximate finished size of 33x33 inches (85x85 centimeters), making it an ideal size for a newborn or small child's blanket.

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted baby blanket composed of four triangular sections that are assembled together. The blanket features a decorative construction method where each triangle is built from a small cast-on and increases gradually to create the larger triangular shape. Once all four triangles are completed, they are sewn together along their edges to form the final square blanket.

Techniques Used

The Little Dreamer employs several key knitting techniques throughout its construction:

• Yarn over increases (Yrn): A yarn round needle technique is worked at the start of every row, which increases the stitch count by one stitch per row. This creates a neat decorative loop along the edges that is later used to sew the four triangular pieces together.
• Lace stitch work: The pattern incorporates yarn forward (Yfd) and knit two together (K2tog) combinations to create an openwork lace pattern on certain rows.
• Stockinette stitch sections: Portions of the triangles are worked in simple knit stitches to create smooth, flat fabric areas.
• Reverse stockinette stitch: Purl stitches are incorporated into specific rows to add textural variation and visual interest to the blanket.
• Slip stitch decreases: Slip one, pass slipped stitch over (Sl 1, Psso) techniques are used to shape and decrease stitches as needed in the pattern.
• Assembly: The four completed triangles are sewn together using the decorative loops created by the yarn over increases along each edge.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches that are accessible to intermediate knitters:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used to create reverse stockinette sections and add textural contrast
• Yarn over (Yrn): Creates both decorative increases and the functional loops used for assembly
• Yarn forward (Yfd): Used in lace pattern sections to create openwork effects
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease stitch used in lace sections and shaping
• Slip stitch and pass slipped stitch over (Sl 1, Psso): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping the triangular panels

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Little Dreamer is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn (double knit), which is a lightweight yarn suitable for creating delicate, drape-friendly blankets. The pattern requires 300 grams of DK yarn. The designer used King Cole Beaches in the colorway Beaches and Cream for the pictured version, though any DK weight yarn in a preferred color would work equally well for this project.

Needles and Tools

This project requires one pair of 4.5mm knitting needles, which is the standard needle size for DK weight yarn and allows the stitches to work up at an appropriate gauge for a soft, flexible baby blanket.

Pattern Structure

The blanket is constructed by making four identical triangles. Each triangle begins with a small cast-on of three stitches and increases gradually through yarn over increases worked at the beginning of every row. The pattern progresses through different stitch combinations—including lace sections with yarn forward and knit two together stitches, followed by stockinette stitch sections, and reverse stockinette sections—until the triangles reach their full size. The clever design of the yarn over increases creates functional loops along all edges that serve as the seaming points when the four triangles are sewn together to complete the blanket.