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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query cable blanket knitting pattern. Sort by date Show all posts

Cable Square Blanket - Knitting Pattern Guide

Cable Square Blanked - Knitting Pattern
Photo above © Audurbjort 

Cable Square Blanket by Auður Björt Skúladóttir is a striking modular knitted blanket built from colorful cable squares with an unusual feature: the cable designs are intended to look attractive from both sides.

Originally listed under the Icelandic name Kaðlabútateppi and the English title Cable Square Blanked, the project combines reversible cable knitting, multiple colors and modular blanket construction.

Pattern Availability Note

This design is still listed among Auður Björt Skúladóttir's patterns, but we could not verify a current legitimate free download for the original pattern. For that reason, Amazing Knitting does not describe it as a free pattern or link to unauthorized archived copies.

Cable Square Blanket at a Glance

Original Name: Kaðlabútateppi / Cable Square Blanked

Designer: Auður Björt Skúladóttir

Craft: Knitting

Category: Blanket / Throw

Construction: Knitted cable squares joined into a blanket

Special Feature: Reversible cable designs

Color: Designed to work beautifully with multiple colors

Finishing: I-cord edging/bind-off is associated with the designer's blanket workshop

Current Pattern Status: Original design verified; free availability not verified

About the Cable Square Blanket

Cable Square Blanket is a modular knitting project by Icelandic designer Auður Björt Skúladóttir.

Instead of knitting one very large blanket from edge to edge, the project is based around individual knitted squares. Each square provides an opportunity to work cable textures while different yarn colors add variety across the finished blanket.

The result is particularly effective because the strong cable textures and changing colors give every section its own identity while the repeated square format holds the complete design together.

The Original Icelandic Name

The pattern appears in the designer's catalog as:

Kaðlabútateppi / cable square blanked

You may therefore encounter both this original listing and the more natural English description Cable Square Blanket when searching for the project.

Amazing Knitting uses “Cable Square Blanket” in this guide because it clearly describes the project for English-speaking knitters, while retaining the original pattern name above for identification.

Reversible Cable Knitting

One of the most interesting aspects of this project is the use of reversible cables.

Traditional cable knitting often has a very obvious right side and a much less decorative reverse side. Auður Björt Skúladóttir has a particular interest in designing knitted pieces that remain attractive when viewed from either side.

This characteristic is especially useful for blankets, scarves and shawls because both surfaces are likely to remain visible during normal use.

Why Reversible Cables Work Well for Blankets

A blanket is rarely displayed with only one side visible.

It may be folded over a chair, wrapped around someone or turned in different directions. A reversible texture therefore makes practical as well as decorative sense.

In this design, the cable structure becomes part of the appearance of both sides rather than leaving the reverse as something that always needs to be hidden.

Modular Square Construction

Working a blanket as separate squares has several practical advantages.

Individual blocks are easier to carry than an entire growing blanket, making modular knitting convenient for travel or short knitting sessions.

It also allows you to experiment with different colors without carrying all of the blanket's yarn at once.

The squares are eventually arranged and joined to create the complete throw.

Playing With Color

The original project is especially attractive when worked in several colors.

You might choose a coordinated palette of related shades, use contrasting colors for a more graphic effect, or build the blanket gradually from suitable yarn in your stash.

When planning a multi-color blanket, laying the finished squares on the floor before joining them can help distribute light, dark and dominant colors more evenly.

I-Cord Finishing

Auður Björt Skúladóttir has taught this particular Cable Square Blanket as a workshop project.

In that workshop, knitters first explored reversible cable techniques and then worked on assembling and finishing the blanket with an I-cord bind off.

An I-cord finish can give a modular blanket a clean outer edge and help visually unite the individual blocks.

Needles

A Reykjavík knitting workshop taught by the designer for this blanket asked participants to bring:

4 mm / US 6 circular needles, 60–80 cm / 24–32 inches

This is useful historical information about how the project has been taught, but always follow the specifications in any current copy of the designer's pattern rather than assuming workshop materials necessarily replace the pattern's complete requirements.

Skill Level

A Reykjavík Knitting Festival class devoted to this blanket was classified as Advanced.

That does not necessarily mean every individual square will feel equally difficult, but knitters should be comfortable managing cable techniques and following textured stitch patterns.

Skills That Help

Useful skills for a project of this type include:

  • Casting on and binding off
  • Knitting and purling confidently
  • Working cable stitches
  • Understanding cable crossings
  • Following repeating stitch patterns
  • Working reversible textures
  • Maintaining consistent gauge between squares
  • Joining knitted blocks
  • Working an I-cord edge or bind-off
  • Blocking individual squares

Keeping the Squares Consistent

Gauge deserves particular attention in a modular blanket.

If one square is noticeably larger than the others, joining the blocks neatly becomes much more difficult.

Try to use yarns with compatible weights and characteristics, and check the dimensions of your first completed squares before producing a large number of blocks.

Blocking Before Assembly

Blocking the squares before final assembly can make joining considerably easier.

It allows you to bring the blocks to consistent dimensions and straighten their edges before arranging the final blanket.

Follow the care instructions appropriate for your yarn and avoid overstretching the cable texture.

Planning the Final Layout

One of the enjoyable stages of a modular blanket is arranging the finished squares.

Before joining anything permanently, place the blocks together and try several layouts. Pay attention to color balance as well as the direction and visual weight of the cable motifs.

Taking a quick photograph of each possible arrangement can make the alternatives easier to compare.

Is the Original Cable Square Blanket Pattern Free?

We could verify that Kaðlabútateppi / Cable Square Blanked is an original design by Auður Björt Skúladóttir and remains associated with her pattern catalog.

However, we could not verify a current legitimate free download for the complete original pattern.

For that reason, Amazing Knitting does not label this project as a free pattern and does not reproduce or link to unauthorized copies of the designer's instructions.

Find the Original Designer

The safest place to check the current status of the original design is Auður Björt Skúladóttir's Ravelry designer catalog.

View Auður Björt Skúladóttir's Designs →

Looking for a Free Alternative?

If you mainly like the idea of building a blanket from knitted squares, you do not need to rely on an unauthorized copy of the original pattern.

Amazing Knitting has many free blanket and cable-knitting projects in the archive that you can explore instead.

Explore Free Knitted Blanket Squares →

You can also browse free cable blankets, knitted square blankets, and free blanket knitting patterns.

Before You Start

If you obtain the original pattern legitimately, read through the designer's instructions before selecting yarn or beginning a large number of squares.

Make one test square first. Check its dimensions, cable definition and appearance from both sides before committing yarn to the complete blanket.

Pattern credit: Kaðlabútateppi / Cable Square Blanked was designed by Auður Björt Skúladóttir. The existing photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Audurbjort. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted charts or row-by-row knitting instructions.

Heavenly Baby Blanket - Free Pattern

Heavenly Baby Blanket - Free Pattern
Photo above © michelerenee

Heavenly Baby Blanket by Joyce Nordstrom is a classic Red Heart baby blanket combining traditional cable panels with delicate lacework.

The blanket was designed in DK-weight baby yarn and measures approximately 37 × 42 inches when worked to the published gauge. Its alternating cable and lace sections create an heirloom-style look suitable for either a baby boy or girl.

This pattern was originally distributed as a free Red Heart knitting pattern. The old Red Heart/Yarnspirations source is no longer active, so we have updated this page to clearly explain its current availability.

Pattern Availability Update

Heavenly Baby Blanket by Joyce Nordstrom was originally published as a free Red Heart pattern. Ravelry still records the pattern as free, but the original Red Heart/Yarnspirations source is no longer available. Amazing Knitting does not host an unauthorized copy of the designer's complete instructions.

Heavenly Baby Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Heavenly Baby Blanket

Designer: Joyce Nordstrom

Publisher: Red Heart / Yarnspirations

Pattern Number: RHK0202-014753V

Category: Baby Blanket

Yarn Weight: DK

Original Yarn: Red Heart Soft Baby

Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm

Gauge: 24 stitches × 30 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in pattern

Finished Size: Approx. 37 × 42 in / 94 × 107 cm

Features: Cables, lace, eyelets

Construction: One piece, worked flat, seamless

Availability: Originally free; original publisher source unavailable

About the Heavenly Baby Blanket

Heavenly Baby Blanket was designed by Joyce Nordstrom for Red Heart.

The design alternates structured cable panels with open lace sections, creating a blanket that feels both traditional and decorative.

The contrasting textures are particularly effective in a solid or softly colored baby yarn because the shadows created by the cables and eyelets remain easy to see.

Finished Size

The published blanket measures approximately:

37 × 42 inches / approximately 94 × 107 cm

This is a generous baby-blanket size that provides enough surface area for the repeating cable-and-lace design to become a major visual feature.

Original Yarn

The pattern was originally designed for Red Heart Soft Baby, a DK-weight baby yarn.

Ravelry also associates older versions of the pattern with Red Heart Baby TLC Solids.

Because these are older yarn references, modern knitters should focus on matching the required gauge and producing an appropriately soft, washable fabric rather than feeling restricted to the original yarn.

Published Yardage

Ravelry records a published yarn range of approximately:

1,290–1,725 yards / 1,180–1,577 meters

Your actual requirement can vary with yarn choice, gauge and any changes to the finished dimensions.

Needles

The published needle size is:

US 5 / 3.75 mm

A long circular needle can be convenient for a blanket even though the project is worked flat. The cable supports the weight of the growing fabric while you continue knitting back and forth.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

24 stitches × 30 rows = 4 × 4 inches / 10 × 10 cm

This gauge is measured in the pattern fabric.

A blanket does not require fitted-garment precision, but gauge still affects finished dimensions, stitch definition and total yarn usage.

Cables and Lace Together

The combination of cables and lace is what gives Heavenly Baby Blanket its distinctive appearance.

Cables create raised, sculptural lines while the lace sections introduce lighter open areas into the fabric.

Using both techniques in repeating panels prevents a single-color blanket from looking visually flat.

The Cable Panels

The cable sections provide the strongest vertical structure in the blanket.

If cable knitting is relatively new to you, work slowly through the first repeats and pay attention to where the cable crossings occur. Once the pattern becomes established, the previous sections of knitting can help you recognize whether the next repeat is aligned correctly.

The Lace Panels

The lace sections use eyelets to contrast with the denser cable fabric.

Lace depends on increases and decreases remaining correctly balanced, so checking stitch counts regularly can prevent a small mistake from affecting later rows.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Joyce Nordstrom's complete cable or lace instructions here.

A Manageable Repeat

One reason this blanket has remained popular is its repeating structure.

The principal cable sequence uses an 8-row repeat, while the lace/plume section follows a shorter repeating sequence.

After several successful repeats, the visual rhythm of the fabric can make it easier to notice when something is out of place.

Use Stitch Markers

This is an especially useful project for stitch markers because the blanket contains multiple patterned panels across long rows.

Markers can separate logical sections and help you identify an incorrect stitch count before reaching the end of an entire row.

Move each marker carefully as you work so that the boundaries between panels remain clear.

Consider Using a Lifeline

When cables and lace appear in the same project, correcting an error several rows later can become frustrating.

A lifeline placed through a known-correct row gives you a safe place to return to if necessary.

This can be particularly reassuring if Heavenly Baby Blanket is your first larger lace-and-cable project.

Choosing a Modern Substitute Yarn

When substituting for the original Red Heart baby yarn, look for a DK-weight yarn that can produce the published gauge while retaining good stitch definition.

For this particular design, stitch definition matters because both the cables and eyelets should remain clearly visible.

Useful qualities for a baby blanket include:

  • Softness against sensitive skin
  • Easy washing and care
  • Good cable definition
  • Enough elasticity for comfortable knitting
  • Suitable drape after washing

Choosing a Color

A solid color is an excellent choice for a cable-and-lace blanket because it allows the texture to do most of the visual work.

Light and medium shades tend to reveal the shadows created by cables particularly well.

If using a variegated yarn, make a generous swatch first. Strong color changes can sometimes make detailed stitch patterns harder to see.

Worked Flat in One Piece

Ravelry classifies Heavenly Baby Blanket as one-piece, worked-flat and seamless.

That means the decorative blanket body is created without joining a collection of separately knitted squares or motifs.

This can be appealing if you enjoy large continuous projects and prefer to minimize assembly at the end.

Working Long Rows Comfortably

As the blanket grows, allow its weight to rest on your lap or another surface instead of supporting the whole project with your wrists.

Taking regular breaks is also useful during large projects, particularly when working detailed cable sections that require additional hand movement.

Blocking the Blanket

Blocking can help settle the lace and cable sections and make the overall dimensions more even.

Use a method appropriate for your chosen fiber and follow the yarn manufacturer's washing instructions.

Avoid stretching so aggressively that the cables lose their raised definition.

Skills Used in Heavenly Baby Blanket

  • Knitting and purling
  • Cable knitting
  • Using a cable needle
  • Yarn overs
  • Lace decreases
  • Following repeating stitch panels
  • Using stitch markers
  • Working long rows
  • Maintaining consistent tension
  • Blocking textured knitting

Skill Level

Red Heart classified Heavenly Baby Blanket as an Intermediate project.

That classification makes sense because the blanket combines cable crossings and lacework across a relatively large number of stitches.

A confident knitter who already understands basic increases, decreases and cable techniques should find the repeating structure manageable.

Is Heavenly Baby Blanket Still Free?

The pattern was originally published as a free Red Heart pattern.

Ravelry continues to classify Heavenly Baby Blanket as free, but the original Red Heart/Yarnspirations source listed for the pattern is no longer available.

Because we could not verify a current official publisher download, Amazing Knitting will not direct readers to an unauthorized copied PDF or reproduce the complete copyrighted pattern.

View the Original Pattern Record

Ravelry maintains the pattern record with the designer, specifications, project examples and historical source information:

View Heavenly Baby Blanket on Ravelry →

Looking for a Free Alternative?

If you prefer a blanket with a currently active official free pattern, try Shivaree Throw by the Berroco Design Team.

It is also a richly textured knitted blanket, combining braided cables with double seed stitch, and its official Berroco pattern remains free.

See the Free Shivaree Throw →

Or browse more Amazing Knitting blanket projects:

Before You Start

Heavenly Baby Blanket is an older free Red Heart design whose original publisher download is no longer active.

If you already have a legitimate copy of the original pattern, check your gauge before beginning, use markers to separate the patterned sections and consider adding a lifeline as the cable-and-lace fabric develops.

If you do not already have the original instructions, use the Ravelry record to identify the design rather than downloading unverified copies from unknown pattern-hosting sites.

Pattern credit: Heavenly Baby Blanket was designed by Joyce Nordstrom for Red Heart. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to michelerenee. Amazing Knitting provides an independent historical project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

7 Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns for Beautiful Handmade Gifts

Looking for a beautiful baby blanket to knit for a new arrival? These 7 free baby blanket knitting patterns include simple stripes, textured hearts, classic heirloom designs and cozy stitch patterns that make wonderful handmade gifts.

Every pattern in this collection links to an updated Amazing Knitting guide where you can find the current pattern details and the original free source.

✓ All 7 patterns in this collection are free

Click any photo, title or pattern link below to visit the corresponding Amazing Knitting guide.

1. Easy Striped Baby Blanket

Easy Striped Baby Blanket free knitting pattern

Photos © Jamey - Dabbles and Babbles

Easy Striped Baby Blanket by Jamey of Dabbles & Babbles is a lovely choice for newer knitters. Soft three-color stripes are framed by a textured seed-stitch border, giving the blanket a clean, modern finish.

It is worked flat in DK yarn and measures approximately 34 × 33 inches after blocking.

View the Free Easy Striped Baby Blanket Pattern →


2. Heart Baby Blanket

Heart Baby Blanket free knitting pattern

Photo © katalysis

Heart Baby Blanket by Ann Saglimbene uses knit-and-purl texture to create repeating heart motifs directly in the fabric.

There is no stranded colorwork or intarsia involved, which makes the design especially attractive for knitters who want a decorative single-color blanket.

Our updated guide also explains why knitters should use the designer's corrected March 2024 version rather than an older copy.

View the Free Heart Baby Blanket Pattern →


3. Jordan Baby Blanket

Jordan Baby Blanket free knitting pattern

Photo © danelle1977

Jordan Baby Blanket by marianna mel is a beautiful textured design made with basic knit and purl stitches.

The raised stitch pattern gives the blanket plenty of visual interest without relying on lace or multiple yarn colors, making it a strong choice for a classic handmade baby gift.

The pattern also comes in several sizes and can be adjusted depending on the project you want to make.

View the Free Jordan Baby Blanket Pattern →


4. Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket

Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket free knitting pattern

Design © Lion Brand

Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket is a classic corner-to-corner design with alternating garter and eyelet sections.

The diagonal construction gives the blanket an elegant traditional appearance while allowing the entire project to be worked as one piece.

It is a particularly nice option if you want a baby blanket that feels more like a keepsake than an everyday basic.

View the Free Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket Pattern →


5. Rice Stitch Baby Blanket

Rice Stitch Baby Blanket free knitting pattern

Photo © Liz Chandler / PurlsAndPixels

Rice Stitch Baby Blanket by Liz Chandler is a practical textured blanket that works beautifully when you want visual interest without complicated lace or colorwork.

The pattern includes two approaches to creating the textured fabric and is a useful project for practicing knit-and-purl combinations.

The finished blanket measures approximately 40 × 40 inches and is worked in worsted-weight yarn.

View the Free Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern →


6. Waffle Blanket

Waffle Blanket free knitting pattern

Waffle Blanket by Alexis Layton is all about texture. Its repeating stitch pattern creates a deeply raised surface that gives the finished blanket a cozy, substantial appearance.

The original pattern is worked in Aran-weight yarn and measures approximately 40 × 51 inches.

It can work well as a larger baby blanket, stroller blanket or small family throw.

View the Free Waffle Blanket Pattern →


7. Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket

Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket free knitting pattern

Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket by Marlaine DesChamps combines cable and lace panels for a more decorative, traditional baby-blanket look.

The original design measures approximately 35 × 46 inches and was designed for Caron Simply Soft worsted-weight yarn.

This is a lovely option when you want a handmade baby gift with a more detailed heirloom-style finish.

View the Free Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket Pattern →

Which Free Baby Blanket Should You Knit?

If you want something simple and modern, start with the Easy Striped Baby Blanket.

For textured knitting, the Jordan Baby Blanket, Rice Stitch Baby Blanket and Waffle Blanket are especially good choices.

If you are knitting for a baby shower or keepsake gift, the Heart Baby Blanket, Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket and Little Girl Pink Baby Blanket have a more decorative, traditional feel.

Tips for Choosing a Baby Blanket Yarn

Baby blankets are used and washed often, so softness and easy care are both important. Check the original pattern's recommended yarn weight before substituting another yarn, and make a gauge swatch when the finished dimensions matter.

Smooth yarns also tend to show textured stitches, hearts, cables and lace more clearly than very fuzzy yarns.

Before You Cast On

Pattern availability can change over time. Amazing Knitting reviews the projects featured in our collections and links each one to an updated guide with the current pattern information and original designer or publisher source.

More Free Knitting Patterns

Amazing Knitting is gradually reviewing and updating its pattern archive so that older favorites are easier to identify and their current availability is clearer.

Save this collection for your next baby shower or handmade gift and explore the individual guides above to find the blanket that best matches your yarn, skill level and knitting style.

Editorial note: The knitting patterns featured in this collection belong to their respective designers and publishers. Amazing Knitting provides independent pattern guides and links to authorized sources rather than reproducing complete copyrighted pattern instructions.

Shivaree Throw - Free Pattern

Shivaree Throw - Free Pattern
Photo above © sonomahead

Shivaree Throw by the Berroco Design Team is a richly textured knitted blanket featuring dramatic braided cables surrounded by classic double seed stitch.

Designed in Berroco Ultra Alpaca, the combination of cables and textured background gives this throw a timeless, substantial appearance. Best of all, the original Shivaree Throw knitting pattern is still available free directly from Berroco.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Good news: Shivaree Throw is still available as a free knitting pattern from Berroco. We have updated this guide to direct readers to the current official Berroco pattern page rather than relying on older third-party links.

Shivaree Throw at a Glance

Pattern: Shivaree Throw

Designer: Berroco Design Team

Craft: Knitting

Project Type: Throw / Home

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Size: Approximately 48 × 60 inches

Suggested Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Yarn Required: 13 hanks

Main Needle: US 8 / 5 mm circular needle

Notions: Cable needle

Main Textures: Braided cables and double seed stitch

Current Availability: Free official Berroco pattern

About the Shivaree Throw

Shivaree is a generously sized knitted throw built around a repeating combination of braided cables and double seed stitch.

The cables create strong vertical lines across the blanket, while the surrounding textured stitch provides contrast and helps the cable motifs stand out.

Unlike a blanket assembled from individual squares, Shivaree is worked as one large piece. This creates a continuous pattern across the entire throw and avoids the need to join multiple knitted blocks afterward.

Finished Size

Berroco gives the finished dimensions as approximately:

48 inches wide × 60 inches long

That makes Shivaree large enough to work as a substantial sofa throw or an extra layer for a bed or reading chair.

Berroco Ultra Alpaca

The original design uses Berroco Ultra Alpaca.

The official pattern calls for:

13 hanks of Berroco Ultra Alpaca

The photographed Berroco version was made in the colour Sweet Potato #6229.

If you substitute another yarn, matching the original gauge and creating a fabric with good cable definition are more important than simply choosing a similar colour.

Needles and Equipment

Berroco specifies a:

29-inch US 8 / 5 mm circular knitting needle

The circular needle is used to comfortably hold the large number of stitches in the blanket; the throw itself is worked flat rather than joined in the round.

You will also need a cable needle for the braided cable pattern.

Gauge

Because Shivaree combines two different textures, Berroco provides gauge information for both.

For the double seed stitch section:

20 stitches × 28 rows = 4 inches

For the cable pattern:

13 stitches = 2 inches and 28 rows = 4 inches

These measurements are based on the US 8 / 5 mm needle.

Berroco specifically recommends checking gauge before beginning. With a project this large, even a modest gauge difference can affect both the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn required.

Braided Cable Design

The cables are the visual centerpiece of Shivaree.

Rather than using a single simple rope cable, the pattern creates a more elaborate braided effect through a repeating cable sequence.

Each cable section is worked over 13 stitches, with the cable pattern repeating over eight rows.

The official Berroco pattern provides the complete cable instructions and stitch glossary, including the required front- and back-crossing techniques.

Double Seed Stitch Texture

Between the braided cables is a textured stitch pattern that Berroco identifies as Double Seed Stitch.

This creates a small-scale knit-and-purl texture that contrasts nicely with the larger flowing cable motifs.

The combination is particularly effective because the quieter background texture allows the braided cables to remain the dominant feature.

How the Throw Is Constructed

Shivaree is worked flat on a circular needle.

The pattern begins with a large cast-on and establishes alternating sections of double seed stitch and cable motifs across the row.

Once the stitch patterns are established, the knitter continues the repeating textures until the piece reaches the required length.

Use Berroco's original pattern for the exact cast-on count, cable crossings, stitch sequence and row-by-row instructions.

Why Use a Circular Needle for a Flat Blanket?

A circular needle does not necessarily mean a project is knitted in the round.

Large blankets can contain hundreds of stitches, making conventional straight needles uncomfortable or impractical. A circular needle allows the flexible cable between the needle tips to support much of the weight of the project.

You simply turn the work at the end of each row and knit back and forth as you would with straight needles.

Skill Level

Berroco classifies Shivaree as an Intermediate knitting pattern.

Useful skills include:

  • Casting on a large number of stitches
  • Knitting and purling
  • Following repeating stitch patterns
  • Working with a cable needle
  • Crossing cable stitches to the front and back
  • Maintaining several pattern sections across a long row
  • Checking gauge
  • Binding off evenly
  • Blocking a large knitted project

A Good Project for Learning Cable Rhythm

Although Shivaree is not a small project, repeating cable designs can become easier to follow once their rhythm becomes familiar.

Stitch markers placed between major pattern sections may also help you notice mistakes earlier instead of discovering them several rows later.

If you are relatively new to cables, consider practicing the cable motif with spare yarn before casting on the full blanket.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

When substituting yarn for a cable blanket, look beyond yarn weight alone.

A yarn with good stitch definition can make the braided structure easier to see. Very fuzzy yarns may soften the appearance of the cables, while a smoother yarn can emphasize every crossing.

Also consider durability, warmth and washing requirements. A throw may receive considerably more everyday use than a decorative shawl or occasional garment.

Is Shivaree Throw Still Free?

Yes. Shivaree Throw remains available as a free knitting pattern directly from Berroco.

This is the best source to use because it comes from the company and design team responsible for the original pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Berroco's copyrighted row-by-row pattern instructions. Instead, we provide project information and direct knitters to the legitimate original source.

Get the Free Shivaree Throw Pattern

Berroco currently provides the complete free pattern on its official website.

Get the Free Shivaree Throw Pattern →

More Free Knitted Blankets

If you enjoy textured throws and cable knitting, continue exploring the Amazing Knitting archive for more free blanket patterns.

Explore Free Blanket Knitting Patterns →

You can also browse cable knit blankets, free knitted throws, and seed stitch blankets.

Before You Start

Download or open the current Berroco pattern first, then make a gauge swatch that includes the relevant textured stitches.

Because this is a large project using 13 hanks in the original version, make sure you have enough yarn before casting on. If possible, purchase the yarn for the complete blanket at the same time to reduce the chance of noticeable dye-lot differences.

Pattern credit: Shivaree Throw was designed by the Berroco Design Team. The existing project photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to sonomahead. The knitting pattern remains the property of its respective rights holder. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Berroco's copyrighted row-by-row instructions.

Apple Tree Blanket – Free Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern


Apple Tree Blanket free baby knitting pattern by Martin Storey with cable and bobble apple tree motifs

Apple Tree Blanket by Martin Storey. Project photo © Pirett.

Apple Tree Blanket by Martin Storey is a beautiful knitted baby blanket featuring rows of sculptural apple trees created with cables and bobble stitches.

Originally published for Rowan, this classic design combines a simple rectangular blanket shape with highly textured motifs that stand out beautifully against the smoother knitted background.

The result is an heirloom-style baby blanket that looks impressive without requiring complicated multicolor knitting.

Good news: Apple Tree Blanket is currently available as a free PDF knitting pattern from Laughing Hens. You will find the verified pattern link near the end of this guide.

Apple Tree Blanket at a Glance

  • Pattern: Apple Tree Blanket
  • Designer: Martin Storey
  • First published: 2006
  • Publisher: Rowan
  • Category: Baby blanket
  • Finished size: Approximately 24 × 37 in (61 × 94 cm)
  • Yarn weight: DK
  • Original yarn: Rowan RYC Cashsoft Baby DK
  • Yardage: Approximately 852 yd (779 m)
  • Main needles: US 6 / 4 mm
  • Smaller needles: US 3 / 3.25 mm
  • Additional tool: Cable needle
  • Gauge: 22 sts × 30 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette
  • Techniques: Cables, bobbles, knit and purl stitches
  • Skill level: Intermediate
  • Current availability: Free PDF download

A Baby Blanket Covered in Apple Trees

The feature that makes this blanket immediately recognizable is its repeating apple tree motif.

Rather than creating the trees with different yarn colors, Martin Storey uses knitted texture to make the branches and fruit emerge from the surface of the fabric.

This gives the blanket a dimensional appearance while allowing the project to be worked in a single main color.

Cables Create the Tree Structure

Cable techniques are an important part of the Apple Tree Blanket.

By crossing groups of stitches, raised lines develop across the fabric and help create the branching structure of the trees.

It is a beautiful example of how cable knitting can be used for more than traditional ropes and braids. Carefully positioned crossed stitches can create surprisingly pictorial motifs.

Bobble Stitches Create the Apples

Small raised bobble stitches provide another layer of texture.

Positioned among the cable branches, the rounded bobbles resemble apples growing on the trees.

The combination of cables and bobbles is what gives this blanket its distinctive three-dimensional character.

Texture Instead of Colorwork

One of the appealing things about Apple Tree Blanket is that it creates a strong decorative image without relying on stranded colorwork, intarsia or frequent yarn changes.

Instead, the design uses the structure of the knitted stitches themselves to create the picture.

This allows you to concentrate on texture while working primarily with one yarn color.

Why a Solid Color Works So Well

A solid yarn can be particularly effective for this design because light and shadow reveal the raised cables and bobbles clearly.

Soft cream, oatmeal, gray or other neutral shades can create a traditional heirloom appearance.

Nature-inspired shades such as soft green, sage or warm earthy tones can also complement the apple-tree theme beautifully.

The Original Yarn

The original pattern was designed using Rowan RYC Cashsoft Baby DK.

Published pattern information lists approximately 852 yards / 779 meters for the blanket.

Older yarn ranges can change or become difficult to find over time, so you do not necessarily need the exact original yarn to make this beautiful blanket.

Choosing a Substitute DK Yarn

When choosing a substitute, look for a DK-weight yarn that can produce the required gauge while keeping the textured motifs clearly defined.

Useful qualities include:

  • Good cable and bobble stitch definition
  • Softness suitable for a baby blanket
  • Washability
  • Durability
  • Enough yardage for the complete project
  • A fiber that responds well to gentle blocking

Highly fuzzy yarns may soften the appearance of the cables and bobbles, while smoother yarns generally make the apple-tree motifs easier to see.

Consider Washability for a Baby Blanket

A baby blanket is likely to be washed frequently, so practical yarn care is worth considering before you begin.

A soft machine-washable wool or suitable wool blend can be a convenient choice for a blanket intended for regular use.

Whatever fiber you choose, follow the care instructions supplied by the yarn manufacturer.

Needle Sizes

Published pattern information lists two needle sizes:

  • US 3 / 3.25 mm
  • US 6 / 4 mm

You will also need a cable needle for the crossed-stitch sections.

Remember that recommended needle sizes are a starting point. Use the needle size that allows you to obtain the required gauge with your chosen yarn.

Gauge

The published gauge is approximately 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch using the larger needles.

Gauge affects both the finished dimensions and yarn usage, so making a swatch is worthwhile before beginning a project of this size.

Finished Blanket Size

The completed Apple Tree Blanket measures approximately 24 inches wide × 37 inches long, or about 61 × 94 cm.

This gives you a useful baby blanket size while still providing enough room for the repeating tree motifs to become the main visual feature.

Is Apple Tree Blanket Beginner Friendly?

Apple Tree Blanket is best considered an intermediate knitting project.

The rectangular blanket shape itself is straightforward, but the decorative sections require attention to cable crossings, bobbles and motif placement.

If you are already comfortable with knit and purl stitches and want to develop your textured-knitting skills, this can be a rewarding next-step project.

Skills That Will Help

Before beginning, it is useful to be comfortable with:

  • Casting on
  • Knit and purl stitches
  • Stockinette stitch
  • Garter stitch
  • Following patterned rows or charts
  • Cable stitches
  • Using a cable needle
  • Increasing and decreasing
  • Making bobbles
  • Keeping track of pattern repeats
  • Binding off

Learning to Knit Cables

If cables are new to you, their appearance can make them look more difficult than they really are.

A cable is created by changing the order in which a small group of stitches is worked.

Some stitches are temporarily held to the front or back while the next stitches are knitted. The held stitches are then worked, creating the characteristic crossing effect.

Follow the exact cable instructions in the Apple Tree Blanket pattern because the direction and placement of each crossing are important to the tree design.

Take Your Time With the First Tree

The first complete apple-tree motif is the best place to learn the logic of the pattern.

Work slowly, check your stitch counts and pay attention to where cable crossings and bobbles occur.

Once you understand how the first motif develops, later repeats should become much easier to recognize visually.

Use a Row Counter

Repeating textured motifs are easier to manage when you always know which pattern row you are working.

A row counter, removable marker or simple written checklist can help prevent losing your place after putting the project down.

This becomes especially useful on a blanket, where the project may be worked over many knitting sessions.

Check the Fabric as You Knit

Do not look only at the written instructions or chart.

Stop occasionally and examine the tree motifs developing in the fabric.

A misplaced bobble or incorrect cable crossing can sometimes be easier to notice when looking at the complete tree than when concentrating on individual stitches.

Be Consistent With Your Bobbles

Bobbles look best when they are worked with reasonably consistent tension.

If some are considerably tighter or looser than others, the apples may vary noticeably in size.

The first few bobbles are a useful opportunity to establish a comfortable technique before continuing across the rest of the blanket.

Watch Your Cable Tension

Cable crossings naturally pull the knitted fabric inward.

Avoid tightening the stitches excessively after each crossing. Keeping an even, relaxed tension helps the tree branches remain consistent.

Your fabric may look slightly uneven while it is still on the needles; gentle blocking at the end can help the stitches settle.

Use Lifelines if You Need Them

If you are concerned about making mistakes in the more complicated textured sections, consider adding an occasional lifeline.

A lifeline passes through a completed row of stitches and gives you a safe point to return to if you later need to unravel part of the work.

This can be particularly reassuring when knitting a large project with repeating cable motifs.

Blocking the Apple Tree Blanket

Gentle blocking can help the blanket settle into its final dimensions and make the background fabric appear more even.

At the same time, avoid aggressively flattening the surface because the raised cables and bobbles are an important part of the design.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for the fiber in your chosen yarn.

A Beautiful Handmade Baby Gift

Apple Tree Blanket has many of the qualities knitters look for in a special handmade baby gift.

It is practical, but the textured tree design also makes it memorable enough to become a keepsake.

Choosing a soft, washable DK yarn can make the finished blanket easier for parents to use while preserving its beautiful handmade character.

A Lovely Heirloom Knitting Project

The repeating trees give this blanket a timeless quality that works especially well for an heirloom project.

Unlike a highly trend-driven motif, trees and natural textures can remain appealing for many years.

The combination of a classic rectangular shape and distinctive knitted texture also makes the blanket easy to recognize without making it overly decorative.

Why This Pattern Has Lasted

Apple Tree Blanket was first published in 2006, yet knitters continue to search for and make the design many years later.

Much of its appeal comes from the way Martin Storey transforms familiar cable and bobble techniques into a recognizable picture.

Instead of simply decorating the surface, the knitting itself becomes the illustration.

Free Apple Tree Blanket Pattern

Good news for knitters looking for this classic Martin Storey design: Apple Tree Blanket is currently available as a free PDF download from Laughing Hens.

The current Laughing Hens listing identifies it as the Rowan Apple Tree Blanket by Martin Storey and describes the same baby blanket featuring bold textured apple-tree motifs created with cables and bobble stitches.

The listing currently shows the pattern as “PDF Download: Free”.

Because online pattern availability can change over time, Amazing Knitting periodically reviews older pattern links and updates them when a reliable current source becomes available.

Get the Free Apple Tree Blanket Pattern

Visit Laughing Hens to access the currently available free PDF for Martin Storey's original Rowan Apple Tree Blanket.

Get the Free Apple Tree Blanket Pattern →

Apple Tree Blanket is designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the copyrighted chart or row-by-row knitting instructions. The pattern is currently offered as a free PDF download by Laughing Hens. Pattern availability may change, so please check the linked source for the latest information.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

These Days Blanket – Easy Reversible Knitting Pattern

These Days Blanket reversible geometric knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

These Days Blanket designed by © Fifty Four Ten Studio.

These Days Blanket by Fifty Four Ten Studio is a modern reversible blanket knitting pattern featuring a beautifully simple geometric texture made entirely with knit and purl stitches.

The repeating design resembles small triangles inside squares, creating a clean contemporary texture that looks attractive on both sides of the blanket.

Even better, the blanket is knitted flat in one piece and the pattern includes six sizes, from a baby blanket to a generous XXL throw.

Pattern availability: These Days Blanket is currently available as a paid PDF knitting pattern directly from Fifty Four Ten Studio. You will find the official pattern link near the end of this guide.

These Days Blanket at a Glance

  • Pattern: These Days Blanket
  • Designer: Mary Lee / Fifty Four Ten Studio
  • Published: February 2020
  • Category: Baby blanket / throw
  • Construction: Worked flat in one piece
  • Yarn weight: Worsted #4
  • Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles
  • Gauge: Approximately 19 sts × 30 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in pattern stitch
  • Yardage: Approximately 760–2,400 yd (695–2,195 m), depending on size
  • Sizes: Baby, Small, Medium, Large, XL and XXL
  • Stitch pattern: 6-row knit-and-purl repeat
  • Design: Fully reversible geometric texture
  • Skill level: Easy / confident beginner
  • Pattern language: English, using standard U.S. knitting terms
  • Current availability: Paid PDF pattern

A Modern Geometric Knitted Blanket

The main attraction of These Days Blanket is its understated geometric texture.

A repeating combination of knit and purl stitches creates small triangle-in-a-square shapes across the surface of the blanket.

From a distance, the repeated shapes form a clean modern pattern. Up close, the raised and recessed stitches give the fabric plenty of texture without the need for cables, lace or colorwork.

The Blanket Is Fully Reversible

One of the most useful features of These Days Blanket is that the stitch pattern is reversible.

The geometric design looks the same on both sides, so there is no obvious right or wrong side of the finished blanket.

This is especially useful for baby blankets and throws because they are constantly folded, wrapped and turned over during everyday use.

Only Knit and Purl Stitches

Although the finished texture looks detailed, the stitch pattern is created entirely with knit and purl stitches.

There are no complicated cables or lace techniques required to produce the geometric design.

This makes These Days Blanket an appealing project for knitters who have mastered the basic stitches and are ready to practice following a repeating textured pattern.

A Simple 6-Row Repeat

The geometric texture is built from a six-row repeating stitch pattern.

Short repeats can make a large blanket much more enjoyable to knit because the rhythm of the design becomes familiar after you have worked several repetitions.

You still need to keep track of your rows carefully, but once the pattern becomes recognizable it can develop into relaxing, straightforward knitting.

Six Blanket Sizes

The pattern includes instructions for six finished sizes, making it useful for everything from a baby gift to a large sofa throw.

  • Baby: approximately 27 × 30 in
  • Small: approximately 30 × 34 in
  • Medium: approximately 33.5 × 37 in
  • Large: approximately 36 × 41 in
  • XL: approximately 39 × 48 in
  • XXL: approximately 46 × 54 in

These measurements are approximate after blocking. Your finished dimensions may vary slightly depending on your yarn, gauge and knitting tension.

You Can Make the Blanket Longer

Another useful feature of the design is the ability to add extra pattern repeats if you want a longer blanket.

According to the designer, each additional repeat adds approximately 0.75 inch to the length.

Remember that making the blanket longer will require additional yarn, so plan your yardage before modifying the size.

Yarn Requirements

These Days Blanket is designed primarily for worsted #4 weight yarn.

Approximate yarn requirements for the six sizes are:

  • Baby: 760–780 yd
  • Small: 950–980 yd
  • Medium: 1,140–1,180 yd
  • Large: 1,350–1,400 yd
  • XL: 1,700–1,800 yd
  • XXL: 2,300–2,400 yd

Buy additional yarn if you plan to increase the length or if your gauge differs significantly from the pattern gauge.

Choosing Yarn for These Days Blanket

The designer recommends using a solid-color yarn for the best appearance.

This is good advice for textured knitting. The shadows created by knit and purl stitches are easier to see when the yarn color does not compete with the stitch pattern.

Light and medium shades can make the geometric shapes particularly visible.

Wool, Cotton or Acrylic?

The pattern can work with many worsted-weight yarns and is not limited to one particular fiber.

Wool can provide warmth and excellent stitch definition. A washable wool or wool blend can be especially practical for a baby blanket.

Acrylic may offer easy care and a wide range of affordable colors, while suitable cotton yarn can create a different drape and feel.

Whatever fiber you choose, make a swatch first to make sure you like the appearance and feel of the textured fabric.

Needles

The designer used US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

Although the blanket is knitted flat rather than in the round, circular needles are recommended because the cable can comfortably hold the large number of stitches required for a blanket.

Work back and forth on the circular needle exactly as you would on straight needles.

Gauge

The listed gauge is approximately 19 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in the pattern stitch using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

The designer notes that exact gauge is not essential, but the textured pattern tends to look best when the stitches are fairly firm.

A significantly different gauge can change the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn required.

Is These Days Blanket Beginner Friendly?

The designer rates These Days Blanket as an easy knitting pattern.

It is particularly suitable for a confident beginner who already knows how to knit and purl and wants to move beyond plain stockinette or garter-stitch projects.

The main challenge is not a difficult knitting technique. Instead, it is accurately following the row-by-row sequence that creates the geometric texture.

Skills You Will Need

Before beginning These Days Blanket, you should be comfortable with:

  • Casting on stitches
  • Knitting
  • Purling
  • Reading row-by-row knitting instructions
  • Keeping track of pattern repeats
  • Binding off
  • Weaving in yarn ends

No advanced cable or lace techniques are required to create the main geometric texture.

Use a Row Counter

Because the design depends on a six-row repeat, keeping track of your current row is important.

A row counter, notebook, phone app or simple pencil mark beside each completed row can help prevent mistakes.

Once you have knitted several repeats, you may begin to recognize the visual rhythm of the pattern, but it is still useful to maintain an accurate row count.

Check Your Texture Regularly

Take a moment every few rows to look at the geometric shapes developing across the blanket.

Since the design is created by the placement of knit and purl stitches, a mistake can interrupt the repeating texture.

Catching an error early is much easier than discovering it after many additional rows have been knitted.

Why Solid Yarn Is a Smart Choice

Highly variegated yarn can sometimes hide subtle knit-and-purl textures.

If the geometric pattern is the feature you love most about These Days Blanket, consider a solid or gently tonal yarn that allows the triangle-in-a-square design to remain visible.

The simplicity of one color also gives the finished blanket a clean, contemporary appearance.

Knitting the Baby Size

The smallest version measures approximately 27 × 30 inches after blocking and requires roughly 760–780 yards of worsted-weight yarn.

This size can be a good choice for a handmade baby gift because it allows you to enjoy the complete geometric design without committing to the yardage required for a full-size throw.

If the blanket will be used for a baby, choose a soft yarn with care instructions that suit the recipient.

Knitting a Larger Throw

If you want a blanket for a sofa, reading chair or bedroom, one of the larger sizes may be more appropriate.

The XL and XXL versions allow the repeating texture to cover a much larger surface, producing a simple but visually impressive throw.

Larger sizes require considerably more yarn, so checking dye lots and purchasing enough yarn at the beginning of the project is a sensible precaution.

Blocking Makes a Difference

Blocking is particularly useful for a textured blanket like this one.

Before blocking, the edges may appear slightly wavy and the geometric texture may not look completely settled.

Gentle blocking can help square the blanket, relax the fabric and make the stitch pattern appear more defined.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for the fiber content of your chosen yarn.

A Relaxing Repetitive Project

Large blankets often involve many hours of knitting, so a memorable stitch repeat can make the process much more enjoyable.

These Days Blanket combines enough texture to keep the project interesting with a short enough repeat to become familiar.

For many knitters, this balance makes it a good project for relaxed evening knitting once the pattern sequence has been learned.

The Story Behind the Name

Designer Mary Lee named the pattern These Days because the geometric stitch design reminded her of the boxes on a paper calendar.

The repeating squares reflect the idea of individual days: some filled with important events, others with challenges, and many with the simple everyday moments that are easy to overlook.

That inspiration gives the otherwise minimalist geometric blanket a thoughtful personal story.

Why These Days Blanket Is So Versatile

The combination of six sizes, worsted-weight yarn and a reversible texture makes this pattern useful for many different projects.

Knit the smaller version as a baby blanket, choose a middle size for a lap blanket, or work one of the larger versions as a cozy throw.

Because the design is geometric rather than themed, it also works well with many decorating styles and gift occasions.

These Days Blanket Pattern Availability

These Days Blanket is currently a paid knitting pattern.

The original designer, Fifty Four Ten Studio, currently offers the downloadable PDF directly through the official studio website.

At the time of our latest availability check, the official PDF is listed at $6 USD.

We also checked for a legitimate currently available free version of this exact pattern but did not find one. Therefore, we are linking directly to the designer's official pattern page rather than directing readers to an unofficial copy.

Get the These Days Blanket Pattern

Visit Fifty Four Ten Studio to see the complete pattern details and purchase the downloadable PDF directly from the designer.

Get the These Days Blanket Pattern →

These Days Blanket is designed by Mary Lee of Fifty Four Ten Studio. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the copyrighted row-by-row pattern instructions. Pattern pricing and availability may change, so please check the designer's official page for the latest information.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →


Sunny Baby Blanket - Free Pattern

Sunny Baby Blanket - Free Pattern
Photo above © Funktious

Looking for a simple and cheerful free baby blanket knitting pattern? The Sunny Baby Blanket by Lucie Sinkler combines easy knit-and-purl texture with a generous garter-stitch border to create a cozy, timeless baby blanket.

The original blanket looks especially bright and cheerful in sunny yellow, but the design works beautifully in almost any color. Its straightforward construction also makes it an appealing project for knitters who want a relaxing blanket without lace or complicated colorwork.

Sunny Baby Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Sunny Baby Blanket

Designer: Lucie Sinkler

Craft: Knitting

Category: Baby Blanket

Yarn Weight: Worsted

Suggested Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted

Yardage: About 800 yards / 732 meters

Needle Size: US 8 / 5.0 mm

Gauge: 17 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch

Finished Size: About 30½ × 34 inches / 77.5 × 86.5 cm

Construction: Worked flat

Pattern Availability: Free

About the Sunny Baby Blanket

The Sunny Baby Blanket is a classic textured baby blanket designed by Lucie Sinkler. It was first published in 2007 and has remained a popular choice for knitters looking for an uncomplicated baby blanket with more visual interest than plain garter stitch.

Rather than using cables, lace, or several yarn colors, the design creates its texture through simple combinations of knit and purl stitches.

This gives the blanket a clean geometric appearance while keeping the knitting process relatively straightforward.

A Simple Textured Design

The central area of the blanket alternates smooth and textured sections, creating a subtle block-like pattern across the fabric.

A generous garter-stitch border frames the design and gives the blanket a neat, finished appearance.

Because all of the visual interest comes from the stitches themselves, the pattern works particularly well in a single solid color.

Why Yellow Works So Well

The original pattern highlights bright yellow as a particularly cheerful choice for this blanket, which explains the "Sunny" name.

Yellow can make a lovely gender-neutral baby color, but there is no need to limit the project to the original shade.

Cream, white, sage, soft gray, blue, pink, lavender, or stronger modern colors can all give the same pattern a very different personality.

Yarn and Yardage

The pattern calls for approximately:

800 yards / 732 meters of worsted-weight yarn

The original suggested yarn is Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted, a machine-washable wool and acrylic blend.

Washability can be especially useful for a baby blanket, since blankets intended for regular use may need frequent cleaning.

If you substitute another worsted-weight yarn, make a gauge swatch before beginning so you can check the resulting fabric and finished dimensions.

Needles and Gauge

The original pattern recommends a:

US 8 / 5.0 mm circular knitting needle

A 29-inch circular needle is recommended to comfortably hold the large number of blanket stitches. The blanket itself is still worked flat rather than in the round.

The published gauge is:

17 stitches × 32 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch

Finished Blanket Size

The finished Sunny Baby Blanket measures approximately:

30½ × 34 inches / 77.5 × 86.5 cm

This creates a useful baby-size blanket suitable for the nursery, supervised cuddling, or taking along in a stroller.

Knitting Skills Used

One reason this pattern remains approachable is that the texture is created with fundamental knitting techniques. Depending on your experience, the project can provide useful practice with:

  • Knit stitches
  • Purl stitches
  • Garter stitch
  • Following repeating rows
  • Maintaining consistent tension
  • Working a large number of stitches on a circular needle
  • Simple finishing and weaving in ends

There is no need to manage multiple yarn colors to create the blanket's textured effect.

A Good First Baby Blanket Project

If you have already practiced basic knit and purl stitches and want to move on to a larger project, the Sunny Baby Blanket can be an appealing next step.

The repeating structure gives you something more interesting than plain knitting while avoiding many of the techniques found in more advanced lace or cable blankets.

A blanket is also useful for practicing consistent tension over a larger piece of fabric.

A Classic Handmade Baby Gift

A knitted baby blanket can make a thoughtful gift for a newborn or baby shower. The Sunny Baby Blanket is especially versatile because its simple geometric texture can suit many different nursery styles.

Choosing a washable yarn can make the finished blanket practical for everyday use as well as attractive enough to give as a handmade keepsake.

Is the Sunny Baby Blanket Pattern Free?

Yes. The Sunny Baby Blanket by Lucie Sinkler is currently available as a free knitting pattern.

The complete instructions are hosted externally by HowStuffWorks, and the pattern is also listed as free on Ravelry.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete knitting instructions. Please use the original pattern source for the full pattern.

Get the Free Sunny Baby Blanket Pattern

Visit the original pattern page for the complete knitting instructions, materials, gauge, and finishing information.

Get the Free Sunny Baby Blanket Pattern →

Pattern credit: Sunny Baby Blanket was designed by Lucie Sinkler and published through HowStuffWorks. Pattern availability and technical information may change over time.

More Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns

If you enjoy this project, explore more free baby blanket knitting patterns, textured baby blankets, and easy baby blanket knitting ideas from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

Check the original pattern before purchasing yarn. Confirm the current materials, gauge, finished measurements, and instructions, then make a gauge swatch if finished size is important to you.

3 Color Patchwork Blanket - Knitting Pattern

3 Color Patchwork Blanket - Knitting Pattern
The photo above © Michelle Kupfer

Love the look of a patchwork blanket but not the idea of sewing dozens of separate squares together? 3 Color Patchwork Blanket by Michelle Kupfer creates a bold geometric baby blanket using three colors, while the entire blanket is actually knitted in one piece.

The clever construction uses intarsia colorwork to create the appearance of individual patchwork blocks without traditional patchwork assembly. Worked in chunky yarn, it is also a relatively compact baby blanket project with a modern, graphic look.

3 Color Patchwork Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: 3 Color Patchwork Blanket

Designer: Michelle Kupfer

Craft: Knitting

Category: Baby Blanket

Construction: One piece, seamless, worked flat

Colorwork: Intarsia

Yarn Weight: Bulky / Chunky

Suggested Yarn: Berroco Vintage Chunky

Yardage: About 360–400 yards / 329–366 m

Needle Size: US 10½ / 6.5 mm circular needle

Gauge: 3.5 stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch in stockinette

Finished Size: About 22 × 27 inches / 56 × 68.5 cm

Pattern Availability: Paid pattern

About the 3 Color Patchwork Blanket

Designed by Michelle Kupfer, the 3 Color Patchwork Blanket is a small unisex baby blanket built around a simple but effective idea: creating the visual appearance of patchwork without knitting and joining separate squares.

Instead, three yarn colors are worked across the blanket using intarsia colorwork. The changing blocks of color create the geometric patchwork effect while the blanket remains a single piece.

A Patchwork Look Without Sewing Squares Together

Traditional knitted patchwork blankets are often constructed from many individual squares that must eventually be arranged and joined.

This design takes a different approach. The blanket is worked flat as one continuous piece, so there is no final assembly of separate knitted blocks.

That makes the construction especially interesting for knitters who enjoy the appearance of patchwork but would rather avoid a large seaming project.

Three-Color Intarsia

The patchwork effect is created with three colors worked using intarsia.

With intarsia, different sections of color are worked with separate yarn supplies rather than carrying every color continuously across the entire row.

One of the important skills is managing the yarn correctly where two colors meet so that the sections connect cleanly instead of leaving unwanted gaps.

If intarsia is new to you, practicing a small two-color swatch first can make the full blanket much easier to manage.

Finished Baby Blanket Size

The finished blanket measures approximately:

22 × 27 inches / 56 × 68.5 cm

This is a compact baby-blanket size, making the project more manageable than a full-size throw while still giving plenty of room to experiment with geometric color placement.

Yarn and Color Planning

The original design uses three colors of bulky-weight yarn. Ravelry lists approximately:

360–400 yards / 329–366 meters total

The suggested yarn is Berroco Vintage Chunky.

The designer's current pattern information recommends allowing enough yarn for each color rather than planning around an exact last few yards, since individual knitting tension can affect consumption.

The three-color format also gives you plenty of freedom when choosing a palette. You could combine three soft nursery colors, use neutrals, or create stronger contrast for a more graphic patchwork appearance.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern specifies:

US 10½ / 6.5 mm circular knitting needles

A circular needle approximately 24–32 inches long is useful for holding the blanket stitches, even though the project itself is worked flat.

The published gauge is:

3.5 stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch

Check your gauge before starting if you want the finished blanket to match the designer's dimensions.

Knitting Skills Used

The project combines fundamental knitting with basic colorwork skills, including:

  • Casting on
  • Knitting
  • Purling
  • Binding off
  • Changing yarn colors
  • Working intarsia color sections
  • Managing multiple yarn supplies

The blanket can therefore be an interesting introduction to intarsia for a knitter who is already comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches.

Is the 3 Color Patchwork Blanket Free?

No. 3 Color Patchwork Blanket by Michelle Kupfer is currently a paid knitting pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted row-by-row instructions or color-placement schematic.

Visit the original pattern listing for the current price, complete materials, color placement, and knitting instructions.

View the Original 3 Color Patchwork Blanket →

Pattern credit: 3 Color Patchwork Blanket was designed by Michelle Kupfer. Pattern pricing, availability, materials, and technical information are controlled by the designer and may change over time.

Looking for a Free Alternative?

Prefer a free pattern? Amazing Knitting has another geometric block-style blanket you can explore without purchasing a pattern.

Garter Blocks Blanket — Free Pattern

This is a different design — not a free version of Michelle Kupfer's pattern — but it offers a similar geometric block effect. The blanket combines garter and stockinette blocks with cable divisions and uses super-bulky yarn for a substantial finished blanket.

View the Free Garter Blocks Blanket →

More Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns

You can also explore more baby blanket knitting patterns, patchwork-style blankets, and free blanket knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

If you choose the original 3 Color Patchwork Blanket, check Michelle Kupfer's current pattern listing before purchasing yarn. Confirm the current yarn requirements, gauge, needle size, finished measurements, and pattern details before casting on.

Discover More From the Archive

A fresh mix of knitting patterns and tutorials from the Amazing Knitting archive.

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