Modular Throw in Caron Simply Soft, Simply Soft Heathers and Simply Soft Paints - Downloadable PDF

Modular Throw in Caron Simply Soft, Simply Soft Heathers and Simply Soft Paints – Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Modular Throw is a knitted blanket designed by Margret Willson and published by Caron. It is available as a free downloadable PDF and is rated as a beginner project, making it an ideal introduction to modular knitting techniques. The finished throw measures approximately 40 inches wide by 64 inches long, producing a generously sized lap blanket or decorative throw suitable for sofas, beds, or gifting.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single large knitted throw constructed from individual modular blocks that are joined together as the work progresses. Rather than knitting one large rectangle, the knitter builds the blanket block by block in a structured sequence, creating a visually interesting geometric design. The modular construction method means seaming is minimal, as each new block is picked up directly from the edges of previously completed blocks.

Modular Knitting Technique Explained

Modular knitting is a method of constructing fabric from small, self-contained units — in this case, square or diamond-shaped blocks — that are worked one at a time and connected as you go. This approach has several advantages for beginners and experienced knitters alike:

• The project is naturally broken into manageable segments, making it easy to pick up and put down.
• Joining blocks as you knit eliminates the need for extensive finishing or sewing seams at the end.
• Color changes are contained within individual blocks, simplifying colorwork management.
• Each block uses the same basic construction after the foundation row, so the technique quickly becomes intuitive.

Block Construction and Joining

The pattern uses four distinct block types — referred to as Block A, Block B, Block C, and Block D — each differing only in how the foundation row is established:

• Block A: All stitches are cast on fresh at the start of a new strip.
• Block B: Stitches are picked up from a previous block, then additional stitches are cast on.
• Block C: Stitches are cast on first, then stitches are picked up from a previous block.
• Block D: All stitches are picked up from two previously completed adjacent blocks.

After the foundation row is established, all blocks are worked in exactly the same manner, following a color diagram included in the pattern. A small crochet hook is recommended for picking up corner stitches cleanly.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch throughout the entire throw is Garter Stitch, which is achieved by knitting every row when working back and forth. Garter stitch is one of the most beginner-friendly textures in knitting — it lies flat naturally, has no right or wrong side distinction in terms of curling, and creates a squishy, ridged fabric that is both warm and durable.

Key techniques and stitches called for in this pattern include:

• Garter Stitch – knit all rows when working flat; the foundation of every block in this throw.
• SK2P (Slip 1, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over) – a centered double decrease used on every right-side row to shape each block by reducing two stitches at the center point. This decrease gives the blocks their characteristic mitered or diamond shape.
• Skp (Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over) – a single left-leaning decrease referenced in the abbreviations.
• Slip Stitch selvedge – the first stitch of every row is slipped and the last stitch is purled, creating a neat, even edge that makes picking up stitches for adjacent blocks much easier.
• Picking up stitches along the edges of completed blocks to begin new ones — a core skill in modular construction.
• Two-color striping within each block – colors are changed every two rows on right-side rows, producing a clean solid-color garter ridge on the right side and a mixed-color ridge on the wrong side. The unused color is carried loosely up the side of the