Pois Chiche

Pois Chiche Knitted Baby Blanket by Mathieu Arnold

What is Being Made

The Pois Chiche is a baby blanket designed by Mathieu Arnold, measuring 1.25m × 65cm (50" × 26"). This downloadable knitting pattern creates a vibrant, multicolored throw featuring a distinctive ripple-like central pattern complemented by a seed stitch border. The design incorporates 15 different contrasting colors arranged in a structured grid, with 7 pattern repeats across the width and 4 repeats in height, making it an engaging project for color work enthusiasts.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Pois Chiche blanket employs two primary knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Ripple Pattern: The central design uses a ripple-like stitch pattern that creates dynamic, wave-like texture across the blanket's surface
• Seed Stitch Border: A seed stitch frame surrounds the ripple pattern, providing a neat, textured edge that defines the blanket's perimeter
• Color Work: The pattern requires working with 15 contrasting yarn colors in addition to the main color, arranged systematically across the blanket

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses Drops Paris cotton yarn, a breathable fiber ideal for baby blankets. The yarn specifications are:

• Main Color: "15 Black" – 180 meters (195 yards) requiring 3 balls
• Contrasting Colors: Each of the 15 accent colors requires 70 meters (75 yards) per color, or 1 ball each. The colors in order are: "37 Brick", "07 Heather", "38 Korall", "05 Rosa", "08 Purple", "28 Navy Blue", "48 Petrol", "09 Strong Blue", "101 Light Blue", "10 Dark Turquoise", "11 Green", "43 Green", "39 Dark Lime", "41 Mustard", and "14 Strong Yellow"
• Needles: US7 (4.5mm) needles for working at the required gauge
• Notions: 8 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and sections

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it accessible to newer knitters. The working gauge is 19 stitches by 25 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. This moderate gauge combined with straightforward stitch techniques makes the Pois Chiche an excellent introduction to color work and structured blanket construction.

Pattern Format

This is a free, downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Mathieu Arnold, available through the support contact mat813. The pattern falls within the blankets and throws project category and works with both aran and DK yarn weights, offering flexibility for knitters with different yarn preferences.