Sonny's Blanket

Sonny's Blanket by Yvonne Dutton

Project Overview

Sonny's Blanket is an intermediate-level knitted throw designed by Yvonne Dutton. This finished blanket measures approximately 67cm wide by 97cm long, making it an ideal size for a baby blanket or small throw. The project combines multiple knitting techniques and colorwork to create a visually interesting textile suitable for both decorative and functional purposes.

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted blanket featuring a train-themed design created through colorwork techniques. The finished piece is a substantial throw blanket that works well as a nursery accessory, gift item, or decorative home textile. The design incorporates multiple colors to build visual interest across the surface of the blanket.

Yarn and Materials

Sonny's Blanket is designed using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn in a cotton blend. The pattern calls for the following yardage across five color options:

• Color A: 5 balls of 50g
• Color B: 1 ball of 50g
• Color C: 1 ball of 50g
• Color D: 2 balls of 50g
• Color E: 1 ball of 50g

The pattern notes that any DK weight yarn in any color combination may be substituted, offering flexibility for personal preference and yarn availability. The designer used a "SKY" color combination for the original sample, with additional color combinations provided in the pattern.

Needles and Tension

This project requires 3.75mm (US5) needles. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm when working in stocking stitch. The pattern notes that exact tension is not critical for this project, as the blanket does not need to be a precise finished size. However, crafters should ensure they have sufficient yarn yardage to complete the blanket.

Stitches and Techniques

Sonny's Blanket employs several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Garter Stitch: This basic stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric and is likely used for edging or sections of the design.
• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the blanket, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface on the right side with purl bumps on the reverse.
• Colorwork: The train design is created using colorwork techniques, where multiple yarn colors are incorporated into the knitting to build the pattern.

Colorwork Construction Method

The pattern employs a specific colorwork technique where yarn is carried across the back of the work when not in use. For Sonny's Blanket, the designer carries yarn over a few stitches at the back and catches it on every other stitch. This approach was chosen specifically to create a neat finish when working with cotton yarn, which is the fiber content of Rowan Summerlite DK. This catching method also serves a practical safety purpose: it prevents loose threads from forming on the reverse side where small fingers could become caught, making this blanket particularly suitable for use around infants and young children.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, Sonny's Blanket is suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of colorwork, multiple stitches, and the scale of the finished blanket require solid foundational skills and the ability to manage color changes and tension across a larger project.