Lattice with Seed Stitch - Knitting Stitch Guide

Photos above © mgb

Lattice with Seed Stitch is a beautiful textured knitting pattern that combines the appearance of broad woven bands with a background of small seed-stitch texture.

Although the finished fabric can look surprisingly complex, the underlying idea is created primarily with basic knit and purl stitches.

This Amazing Knitting guide explains how the texture is constructed, how to recognize the different sections, where it works best, and what to watch for when using it in your own knitting projects.

About This Stitch Guide

Lattice with Seed Stitch is a textured knit-and-purl stitch concept rather than one specific garment pattern. Different stitch references may arrange or begin the repeat differently, so always follow one complete version consistently when knitting a project.

Lattice with Seed Stitch at a Glance

Type: Textured knitting stitch

Main Techniques: Knit and purl

Visual Style: Lattice / basketweave over seed-stitch texture

Common Repeat: 18-row texture sequence

Common Flat-Knitting Multiple: Multiple of 14 + 2 stitches

Skill Level: Advanced beginner / confident beginner

Good For: Blankets, scarves, cushions, panels and home accessories

What Is Lattice with Seed Stitch?

Lattice with Seed Stitch is a textured knitting pattern that creates the illusion of broad strips passing over and under one another.

Between these larger visual bands is a smaller, pebbled texture similar to seed stitch.

Together, these elements create a fabric that can resemble woven basketry even though the effect is produced with ordinary knitting stitches rather than actual weaving.

It Looks More Complicated Than It Is

One of the most appealing things about this texture is the difference between its appearance and its underlying technique.

At first glance, the broad lattice sections can look like cables or crossed stitches.

In common versions of the stitch, however, the effect is created mainly by carefully arranging knit and purl stitches.

This makes it an interesting next step for someone who already knows the basic stitches but wants to create a more sophisticated-looking fabric.

Understanding the Three Textures

It helps to stop thinking of the design as one complicated pattern and instead look for the simpler textures inside it.

1. Seed-Stitch Areas

The small alternating knit-and-purl sections create the pebbled background.

Seed-style texture visually separates the larger bands and gives the fabric additional depth.

2. Smooth Vertical Sections

Columns of smoother stitches help form part of the apparent lattice.

Because smooth stockinette-style areas reflect light differently from seed stitch, they appear to sit above or apart from the background.

3. Horizontal Ridges

Horizontal garter-like sections interrupt the vertical areas.

When these sections alternate across successive repeats, the eye begins to interpret them as strips weaving over and under each other.

Why It Resembles Basketweave

Basketweave knitting does not require actual strands to cross one another.

Instead, contrasting knit-and-purl surfaces create blocks that appear to change direction.

Lattice with Seed Stitch takes that visual idea further by combining the larger woven-looking structure with a finer seed-textured background.

No Cable Needle Is Required

Despite the interlaced appearance, common versions of this stitch do not require traditional cable crossings.

That means you can achieve a surprisingly architectural texture using skills you may already know.

The Repeat Structure

Widely published versions of Lattice with Seed Stitch use an 18-row repeat.

For flat knitting, a commonly published setup is:

Multiple of 14 stitches + 2

The additional stitches help frame the repeating lattice units when the fabric is worked flat.

Why We Are Not Reprinting 18 Rows Here

A Note About Stitch Variations

Published references do not all begin and arrange the 18-row sequence in exactly the same way. Rather than mixing instructions from several tutorials, choose one complete version and follow it consistently from beginning to end.

This is especially important when comparing online stitch dictionaries.

Two instructions may create essentially the same visual texture while numbering the beginning of the repeat differently.

Mixing the first half of one version with the second half of another can destroy the alignment of the lattice.

Is Lattice with Seed Stitch Reversible?

Treat this as a right-side texture.

The decorative lattice effect is intended to be viewed from the front, while the reverse side has a different appearance.

This does not prevent you from using it in scarves or blankets, but it is worth considering when both sides of a finished project will be visible.

What Yarn Works Best?

This stitch is not tied to one specific yarn weight.

You can experiment with different yarns as long as you use needles appropriate for the yarn and create a fabric with enough definition to display the texture.

Smooth yarns usually make the lattice easier to see.

Solid Colors Show the Texture Clearly

If the lattice effect is the main feature of your project, a solid or gently tonal yarn is often a good choice.

The shadows created by knit and purl stitches become part of the design.

Highly variegated yarn can still be attractive, but strong color changes may compete visually with the stitch texture.

Choose Needles for the Fabric You Want

There is no single universal needle size for Lattice with Seed Stitch.

Choose a needle appropriate for your yarn, then make a swatch.

If the fabric is too loose, the woven-looking structure may become less distinct.

If it is too tight, the fabric can become stiff and the knitting may be uncomfortable to work.

Swatching Is Especially Useful

A swatch lets you evaluate more than gauge.

Before committing to a large project, check:

• How clearly the lattice appears
• Whether the seed texture is visible
• How much the fabric curls or lies flat
• The drape
• The appearance of the wrong side
• How the yarn behaves after washing or blocking

Keep Track of the 18-Row Repeat

The individual stitches are straightforward, but an 18-row sequence is long enough to lose your place.

A row counter can make this stitch much easier to manage.

You can also keep a printed or handwritten repeat beside your work and mark each completed row.

Learn to Read the Fabric

As the pattern develops, try to identify the lattice sections visually instead of relying only on the row number.

Ask yourself whether the next section should continue a vertical band, create a horizontal interruption, or return to the seeded background.

Learning to read the fabric makes mistakes easier to spot before they continue through several rows.

Watch Your Knit-to-Purl Transitions

Because this texture frequently switches between knit and purl stitches, pay attention to the position of the working yarn.

Move the yarn between the needle tips when changing from knit to purl or purl to knit.

Accidentally taking the yarn over the needle can create an unwanted extra stitch.

Seed Stitch Can Reveal Tension Differences

Alternating knit and purl stitches can make uneven tension more visible than plain stockinette.

Try to keep your movements relaxed and consistent.

With practice, the small irregularities often become less noticeable, especially after appropriate blocking.

Good Projects for Lattice with Seed Stitch

This texture works particularly well when you want the knitted fabric itself to be the main decorative feature.

• Blankets and throws
• Cushion and pillow fronts
• Scarves
• Home-decor panels
• Bag panels
• Sampler blankets
• Textured garment panels

Using It for a Blanket

A blanket gives the lattice enough space to repeat several times across the fabric.

Before casting on a full-size blanket, knit a repeat swatch and measure its width after washing.

You can then use that measurement to estimate how many repeats are needed for your desired blanket width.

Using It for a Pillow

A cushion front is an excellent smaller project for experimenting with this texture.

The right side remains visible most of the time, so the non-reversible nature of the stitch is less important.

A simple stockinette or fabric back can keep the lattice as the main decorative feature.

Using It for a Scarf

Lattice with Seed Stitch can create an attractive textured scarf, but remember that the two sides look different.

If you want an identical appearance on both sides, choose a truly reversible stitch instead.

If you are happy with a decorative front and different reverse, the lattice can make a striking scarf fabric.

Is This a Beginner Stitch?

The individual techniques are beginner-friendly because the texture is based primarily on knit and purl stitches.

However, keeping track of a longer repeat requires more concentration than basic garter, stockinette or seed stitch.

For that reason, it is a particularly good project for a confident beginner or advanced beginner.

Skills to Know First

• Casting on
• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Moving yarn correctly between knit and purl
• Reading repeated instructions
• Counting stitches
• Binding off

Practice on a Small Swatch

There is no need to begin with an entire blanket.

Cast on enough stitches for a few repeats and work until you can clearly see the lattice forming.

A practice swatch gives you a chance to understand the structure before committing yarn to a larger project.

Blocking the Finished Texture

Gentle blocking can help even out the seed-stitch background and make the larger lattice sections look more consistent.

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

Avoid overstretching the swatch, because excessive stretching can flatten the raised texture that gives the pattern its character.

Learn the Lattice Seed Stitch

For a complete current demonstration of this stitch, Studio Knit provides both written guidance and a video tutorial for flat knitting and knitting in the round.

View the Lattice Seed Stitch Tutorial →

More Knitting Stitches on Amazing Knitting

• Herringbone Stitch - Knitting Stitch Guide
• Twisted Rib Stitch - Knitting Tutorial
• Baby Honeycomb Pattern - Knitting Stitch Guide
• Rabbit Ears Knitting Stitch - Textured Stitch Guide

Explore More Stitch Tutorials

• Knitting Stitch Patterns
• Textured Knitting Stitches
• Knit and Purl Stitch Patterns
• Beginner Knitting Stitches

Before You Begin

Choose a smooth yarn that lets you see the texture clearly and make a small swatch before planning a larger project.

Keep track of your repeat carefully, pay particular attention when moving between knit and purl stitches, and periodically step back to check that the lattice sections remain aligned.

Most importantly, remember that online stitch references may begin the sequence at different points. Follow one complete version consistently rather than combining rows from several tutorials.

Editorial note: This Amazing Knitting page is an educational guide to the Lattice with Seed Stitch texture. Stitch dictionaries and tutorials may present variations or different starting points for similar lattice textures. Always follow the instructions for the specific version you choose.

How To Make Rib Stitch Neater - Tutorial

Photos above © Button and Blue

Does your knitting ribbing sometimes look loose, uneven, or less defined than you would like? One simple technique worth trying is twisted rib stitch.

Twisted rib is a variation of ordinary ribbing in which selected stitches are worked through the back loop. This small change twists the stitch and can create sharper, more clearly defined columns — especially around cuffs, sweater hems, neckbands, and hat brims.

Twisted Rib Stitch at a Glance

Technique: Twisted Rib Stitch

Craft: Knitting

Skill Level: Beginner / Easy

Based on: Knit and purl ribbing

Main Technique: Working stitches through the back loop

Best For: Cuffs, hems, neckbands and hat brims

Result: Firm, clearly defined rib columns

Why Does Regular Ribbing Sometimes Look Uneven?

Ribbing looks simple because it is built from basic knit and purl stitches, but achieving perfectly even rib columns can take practice.

One common trouble spot occurs when the working yarn moves between a knit stitch and a purl stitch. That transition can introduce a little extra yarn between stitches, making one side of a rib column appear looser than the other.

Differences between your knit and purl tension can make the effect even more noticeable, particularly in 1x1 and 2x2 ribbing.

What Is Twisted Rib Stitch?

Twisted rib is a variation of standard ribbing. Instead of working every stitch in the usual way, one or more stitches are worked through the back loop.

Working through the back loop changes the orientation of the stitch and creates the characteristic twisted appearance.

On the finished fabric, the knit columns can look narrower and more sharply defined than they do in ordinary ribbing.

How to Knit a Twisted Knit Stitch

The abbreviation ktbl means knit through the back loop.

1. Keep the working yarn behind your knitting.
2. Insert the right needle into the back of the next stitch on the left needle.
3. Wrap the working yarn around the right needle.
4. Pull the new loop through the stitch.
5. Slide the old stitch off the left needle.

Unlike an ordinary knit stitch, working through the back loop twists the base of the stitch.

How to Purl Through the Back Loop

You may also encounter the abbreviation ptbl, meaning purl through the back loop.

1. Bring the working yarn to the front.
2. Approach the back loop of the next stitch with the right needle.
3. Wrap the yarn as required for a purl stitch.
4. Draw the new loop through.
5. Slide the completed stitch from the left needle.

Purling through the back loop can feel awkward at first. Work slowly until the needle movement becomes comfortable.

Simple 1x1 Twisted Rib

A common way to experiment with twisted rib is to replace the knit stitches in ordinary 1x1 ribbing with knit-through-the-back-loop stitches.

Simple twisted rib repeat:

*K1 tbl, P1; repeat from * across.

This produces twisted knit columns separated by ordinary purl stitches. Depending on the project, pattern, and desired appearance, other twisted-rib variations may twist both knit and purl stitches.

Twisted Rib vs. Regular Rib

Both techniques create vertical ribbing, but the finished fabrics are not identical.

Regular ribbing generally produces a soft, highly elastic fabric. It is the familiar choice for sweater cuffs, hems, neckbands, socks, and hats.

Twisted ribbing tends to create tighter-looking, more defined stitch columns. Because twisting changes the structure of the stitches, however, the fabric can behave differently from ordinary ribbing.

For that reason, twisted rib is not automatically a replacement for every ribbed section. The best choice depends on the look, stretch, and structure you want for the project.

Where Can You Use Twisted Rib?

Twisted rib can be an attractive choice anywhere you want a neat, structured ribbed edge, including:

• Sweater cuffs
• Sweater hems
• Cardigan bands
• Hat brims
• Sock cuffs
• Neckbands
• Mittens
• Decorative knitted panels

More Ways to Make Ribbing Look Neater

Twisted stitches are not the only solution for uneven ribbing. If your regular rib stitch still looks loose or irregular, try these simple adjustments:

• Watch the knit-to-purl transition. Avoid leaving excess slack when moving the yarn.
• Keep your tension consistent. Uneven knit and purl tension can exaggerate irregular columns.
• Try smaller needles. Many patterns already use a smaller needle for ribbed cuffs and hems.
• Experiment with your yarn. Fiber, twist, and elasticity can affect stitch definition.
• Make a swatch. Compare regular and twisted rib before committing to an entire garment.

Should You Always Use Twisted Rib?

Not necessarily.

Twisting stitches changes more than their appearance. It can also change the elasticity, density, and overall behavior of the fabric.

If a knitting pattern specifically calls for ordinary ribbing, consider making a small swatch before substituting twisted rib. This is particularly important for fitted cuffs, necklines, socks, and other areas where stretch matters.

Practice Before Using It in a Project

The easiest way to understand the difference is to make two small swatches using the same yarn and needles.

Knit one in ordinary 1x1 rib and the other in twisted 1x1 rib. Compare the stitch definition, width, stretch, and overall appearance.

This simple experiment will show you whether twisted rib gives you the result you want for your next project.

Original Tutorial Inspiration

This Amazing Knitting article was originally published after discovering a twisted-rib tutorial from Button and Blue. The original photographs on this page are credited to Button and Blue.

The original external tutorial may no longer be consistently available online, so this page has been expanded with an independent Amazing Knitting explanation of the technique rather than reproducing the original author's tutorial.

More Knitting Stitch Tutorials

Continue learning with more knitting stitch tutorials, rib stitch ideas, and knitting stitches from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Double Seed Stitch Blanket – Free Easy Blanket Knitting Pattern

Double Seed Stitch Blanket. Photo © Purl Soho

The Double Seed Stitch Blanket by Purl Soho is a wonderfully simple free blanket knitting pattern that turns basic knit and purl stitches into a rich, nubbly texture.

Originally designed in cozy bulky-weight merino, this reversible blanket is available in five sizes from Baby to Queen. The straightforward repeating stitch pattern makes it a relaxing project while still producing a beautifully textured finished blanket.

Best of all, the original pattern is still available free from Purl Soho.

Double Seed Stitch Blanket Pattern Details

• Designer: Purl Soho
• Originally published: January 2013
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Baby blanket, throw and bed blanket
• Pattern availability: Free
• Yarn weight: Bulky
• Original yarn: Purl Soho Super Soft Merino
• Needles: US 13 (9 mm) circular needles
• Gauge: 11 stitches = 4 inches in Double Seed Stitch
• Construction: One-piece rectangle worked flat
• Stitch pattern: Double Seed Stitch
• Texture: Reversible
• Sizes: Baby, Crib, Throw, Twin and Queen

Five Blanket Sizes

One of the most useful features of the original Double Seed Stitch Blanket pattern is its wide range of sizes.

The approximate finished dimensions are:

• Baby: 28 × 30 inches
• Crib: 45 × 60 inches
• Throw: 60 × 60 inches
• Twin: 66 × 90 inches
• Queen: 90 × 95 inches

This means you can use the same basic design for anything from a small baby blanket to a substantial bed-sized blanket.

What Is Double Seed Stitch?

Double Seed Stitch is a textured knitting pattern created entirely from knit and purl stitches.

Instead of alternating every stitch and every row exactly as you would in traditional seed stitch, the arrangement changes over a short repeating sequence.

The result is a dense field of small raised textures that gives the blanket its distinctive nubbly surface.

A Simple Knit-and-Purl Blanket

One of the biggest attractions of this design is that the texture looks more complicated than the techniques required to create it.

There are no cables, lace motifs or complicated colorwork sections. The visual interest comes from arranging basic knit and purl stitches into a consistent repeating pattern.

Once you become familiar with the sequence, the blanket can settle into a relaxing rhythm.

A Reversible Knitted Texture

Double Seed Stitch creates an attractive texture on both sides of the fabric.

This is particularly useful for blankets because there is no need to worry about keeping one specific side facing outward when the blanket is being used.

A reversible stitch also gives the finished project a clean, well-finished appearance from either direction.

Original Yarn: Super Soft Merino

The original Purl Soho version was designed using Super Soft Merino, a bulky-weight merino wool.

The original sample color was Oyster Gray, which emphasizes the stitch texture without distracting from it.

Bulky yarn also gives the blanket a substantial feel and allows the textured stitches to appear large and clearly defined.

How Much Yarn Do You Need?

The approximate yardage listed for the five original sizes is:

• Baby: 522 yards / 477 m
• Crib: 1,479 yards / 1,352 m
• Throw: 1,914 yards / 1,750 m
• Twin: 3,132 yards / 2,864 m
• Queen: 4,524 yards / 4,137 m

These amounts are based on the original bulky yarn and pattern gauge. Your actual requirement may change if you substitute yarn or alter the blanket dimensions.

Choosing Substitute Yarn

You do not have to use the original Purl Soho yarn to knit this blanket.

Look for a bulky-weight yarn that produces a pleasant fabric at the required gauge. A smooth yarn with good stitch definition will help show off the Double Seed Stitch texture.

For a blanket that will receive frequent use, also consider fiber care. Washable wool blends or other easy-care fibers may be practical choices, particularly for baby and family blankets.

Needles and Gauge

The original pattern uses US 13 (9 mm) circular needles.

The specified gauge is:

11 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm)
in Double Seed Stitch

Circular needles are useful even though the blanket is worked flat. Their flexible cable provides room to hold the large number of stitches, especially for the larger sizes.

Why Use Circular Needles for a Flat Blanket?

Circular needles are not only for knitting in the round.

When knitting a wide blanket flat, a long circular needle can distribute the weight of the project across the cable rather than forcing all the stitches onto a pair of long straight needles.

This becomes increasingly useful as the blanket grows heavier.

Is the Double Seed Stitch Blanket Beginner Friendly?

This is a very approachable project for knitters who already know the basic knit and purl stitches.

The construction is a simple rectangle, and the texture does not require complicated shaping.

The main skill is learning to recognize whether the next stitch should be knitted or purled and keeping your place in the repeating sequence.

A Good First Textured Blanket

If you have already knitted plain garter or stockinette projects and want to try something with more texture, Double Seed Stitch is a natural next step.

It demonstrates how dramatically a fabric can change simply by arranging knit and purl stitches in a different sequence.

Because the same texture continues throughout the blanket, you also get plenty of practice reading your knitting.

Learn to Read Your Knitting

A project like this becomes much easier once you can recognize knit and purl stitches visually.

Rather than relying entirely on counting every stitch from the beginning of each row, look at the texture directly below the stitch on your needle.

Learning to recognize the structure of the fabric can help you catch mistakes before they continue across several rows.

Use Stitch Markers on Larger Blankets

Although the original construction is straightforward, optional stitch markers can be helpful when working one of the larger sizes.

Dividing a very long row into manageable sections gives you convenient checkpoints for spotting mistakes.

Just remember that these markers are an optional organizational aid, not a required part of the original design.

Keep Your Tension Relaxed

Textured knit-and-purl patterns can become tight if the yarn is pulled firmly every time it moves between the front and back of the work.

Try to maintain an even, relaxed tension as you alternate between knit and purl stitches.

A consistent gauge will help the finished texture look regular across the entire blanket.

A Great Solid-Color Blanket

Double Seed Stitch is particularly effective in a single color because the shadows created by the raised texture provide plenty of visual interest on their own.

Neutral shades can create a timeless blanket, while brighter colors can transform the same simple stitch pattern into a cheerful baby or family throw.

Tonal yarns can also work beautifully as long as the color changes do not obscure the stitch definition.

Make It a Baby Blanket

The smallest original size measures approximately 28 × 30 inches, making it suitable as a compact baby blanket.

If knitting for a baby, consider choosing an easy-care yarn that is soft against the skin and appropriate for frequent washing.

Always follow current safe-sleep guidance when deciding how and where a handmade blanket should be used with an infant.

Make It a Cozy Throw

The original Throw size measures approximately 60 × 60 inches.

Combined with bulky yarn and the dense Double Seed Stitch texture, this creates a substantial blanket for a sofa or favorite chair.

It is also a good option when you want a simple pattern that allows the quality and color of the yarn to become the focus.

There Is Also a Cotton Pure Version

Purl Soho later published a separate Double Seed Stitch Blanket in Cotton Pure.

That version uses sport-weight cotton and smaller needles, creating a lighter and more delicate interpretation of the same reversible stitch pattern.

The Cotton Pure version includes Crib and Throw sizes and is also currently available free from Purl Soho.

Bulky Merino or Cotton?

Choose the original bulky version if you want a thick, warm blanket with bold stitch definition.

Consider the later Cotton Pure version if you prefer a lighter blanket, plant-based fiber or a fabric suitable for machine washing according to the yarn's care instructions.

Both designs use the same basic Double Seed Stitch idea, but the different yarn weights produce noticeably different fabrics.

Why Knit the Double Seed Stitch Blanket?

This pattern is a great example of simple knitting producing a polished result.

You need only basic knit-and-purl skills to create a rich reversible texture, while the five original sizes allow the same design to become anything from a baby blanket to a full-size bed blanket.

It is an especially appealing project when you want relaxing knitting without ending up with a completely plain fabric.

Get the Free Double Seed Stitch Blanket Pattern

Double Seed Stitch Blanket by Purl Soho is still available as a free knitting pattern from its original publisher.

Get the Free Pattern from Purl Soho →

Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete pattern; use the official Purl Soho page above for the original instructions.

How to Start Knitting - 5 Easy Steps for Beginners

Photo above © Faithful Provisions - Kelly Hancock

Want to learn how to knit but don't know where to begin? You only need a few basic skills to get started.

Follow these five beginner steps in order, and use the linked tutorials whenever you need a closer look at a technique.

What You Need to Start Knitting

You don't need a large collection of supplies for your first practice piece. Start with:

• A pair of knitting needles
• A ball of yarn
• Scissors
• A yarn needle for finishing

For your first practice swatch, choose a yarn that is easy to see and comfortable to handle rather than a very fuzzy or highly textured yarn.

1. Make a Slip Knot

A slip knot is a simple way to place your first loop of yarn onto the knitting needle.

Once you can make one comfortably, you're ready to cast on the rest of your stitches.

Learn How to Make a Slip Knot →

2. Cast On Your Stitches

Casting on creates the first set of stitches on your needle and forms the starting edge of your knitting.

There are many cast-on methods, so don't worry about learning them all at once. Begin with one simple method and practice until it feels comfortable.

Learn How to Cast On →

3. Learn the Knit Stitch

The knit stitch is the most important basic knitting stitch to learn.

If you knit every row of a flat piece, you create garter stitch — one of the easiest fabrics for a beginner to practice.

Learn the Knit Stitch →

4. Learn the Purl Stitch

Purl is the second fundamental knitting stitch.

Once you understand both knit and purl stitches, you can begin creating many familiar stitch patterns, including stockinette, ribbing, seed stitch and more.

Learn the Purl Stitch →

5. Bind Off

When your knitting reaches the desired length, binding off secures the final row and allows you to remove the finished piece from the needles.

Try not to bind off too tightly, as this can make the finished edge noticeably narrower than the rest of your knitting.

Learn How to Bind Off →

Your first practice project: Cast on a small number of stitches, knit every row until you have a small square, then bind off. Don't worry about perfect tension yet — the goal is simply to become comfortable making stitches.

Ready for Your First Knitting Project?

Once you can cast on, make the knit stitch and bind off, you already have enough skills to try a simple garter-stitch project.

After that, learn the purl stitch and gradually explore ribbing, stockinette and other easy stitch patterns.

More Beginner Knitting Help

• Twisted Rib Stitch Guide
• Easy Trick for Tracking Repeated Knitting Rows
• Easy Knitting Projects for Beginners

Editorial note: This is an original Amazing Knitting beginner guide. The external links above lead to additional educational tutorials for individual knitting techniques.

Pistachio Knitting Stitch – Easy Textured Stitch Tutorial

The Pistachio Knitting Stitch is an eye-catching textured stitch pattern that creates rows of distinctive raised V-shaped motifs across the knitted fabric.

The texture is produced by combining basic stockinette-style knitting with elongated loops that are drawn up from lower rows and later worked together with surrounding stitches. The result is decorative without requiring cables or complicated lace charts.

This stitch can be especially attractive for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, blankets, cushion covers and other projects where you want the fabric itself to become the main design feature.

Original stitch tutorial and image credit: Страна Вязания.

Pistachio Knitting Stitch Overview

• Craft: Knitting
• Type: Textured knitting stitch
• Stitch repeat: Multiple of 4
• Main effect: Raised repeating V-shaped motifs
• Key technique: Elongated stitches / drawn-up loops
• Fabric base: Knit and purl rows
• Useful skills: Knit, purl, slipped stitches, decreases and elongated stitches
• Best for: Sweaters, cardigans, scarves, blankets and decorative panels
• Tutorial availability: Free video tutorial

What Does the Pistachio Stitch Look Like?

The most recognizable feature of this stitch is the repeated V-shaped texture. The V motifs sit against a smoother knitted background and are staggered across the fabric, producing a structured pattern that looks more complicated than the basic stitches used to create it.

Because the motifs have both height and depth, the Pistachio Stitch can create a particularly attractive effect with solid-colored yarn. A single color lets the shadows formed by the elongated loops emphasize the texture naturally.

How the Texture Is Created

The Pistachio Stitch begins with simple knit and purl fabric. The distinctive pattern appears when longer loops are drawn up from several rows below the current working row.

Those elongated loops are carried through subsequent rows and then combined with neighboring stitches. This brings the two sides of each motif together and forms the characteristic V shape.

The motifs are offset in the next repeat so the texture develops across the fabric rather than forming only straight vertical columns.

Why Elongated Stitches Matter

The elongated stitches are the key decorative element in this pattern. Instead of forming every stitch through the normal loop immediately below the needle, selected loops are drawn from lower in the knitted fabric.

These longer strands travel across the surface of the work and become part of the raised motif.

It is important not to pull these loops too tightly. If the elongated strands are significantly tighter than the surrounding knitting, the fabric may pucker and the V shapes can lose their clean appearance.

Skills You'll Use

• Casting on
• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Working stockinette-style rows
• Drawing up elongated stitches from lower rows
• Slipping stitches
• Working decreases
• Keeping even tension across textured motifs
• Following a repeating stitch sequence

Is the Pistachio Stitch Beginner Friendly?

A knitter who is comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches can certainly learn the Pistachio Stitch, but it is slightly more involved than a basic ribbing or seed-stitch pattern.

The part that may feel unfamiliar at first is drawing the elongated loops from lower rows and then handling those loops correctly on the following rows. Watching the technique demonstrated visually is especially useful the first time you try it.

For that reason, this is a good next-step textured stitch for a confident beginner or intermediate knitter who wants to learn something beyond basic knit-and-purl combinations.

Choosing Yarn for the Pistachio Stitch

One advantage of this stitch is that the texture can work with many different yarn types. A smooth yarn generally makes the V-shaped motifs easier to see than an extremely fuzzy or novelty yarn.

Cotton can produce crisp stitch definition, while wool gives the fabric a softer and more elastic feel. The best choice depends on the project you plan to make.

Rather than choosing needles from a fixed size recommendation, use a needle appropriate for your yarn and make a small swatch first. The elongated loops need enough freedom to lie neatly without making the fabric excessively loose.

Projects That Work Well With This Stitch

The Pistachio Stitch is versatile enough to be used as either an all-over fabric or as a decorative panel within a simpler project.

• Cardigans: the vertical texture can make a plain cardigan more distinctive.
• Sweaters: use the stitch across the body or as a central textured panel.
• Baby garments: a softer yarn can create a decorative cardigan or sweater fabric.
• Scarves: the repeated motifs create visual interest without traditional cables.
• Blankets: the stitch can be repeated across larger panels for an embossed effect.
• Cushions: solid colors show the three-dimensional texture particularly well.

Tips for a Neater Pistachio Stitch

Keep the elongated loops relaxed. These strands need enough length to travel over the surface of the fabric without pulling the lower rows upward.

Count the repeat carefully. The stitch is built around a four-stitch repeat, so checking your stitch count before beginning a large project can prevent alignment problems later.

Watch the placement of the second motif. The textured V shapes are staggered. Correctly offsetting the next group is what creates the balanced all-over appearance.

Swatch before using it in a garment. Textured stitches can change both the width and vertical gauge of a fabric compared with plain stockinette.

Is the Pistachio Knitting Stitch Tutorial Free?

Yes. A free video demonstration of the Pistachio Knitting Stitch is currently available from Страна Вязания on YouTube.

The video shows how the elongated loops are formed and how the textured motifs develop across the knitted fabric.

Because this is a stitch tutorial rather than a complete sweater or cardigan pattern, you can use the technique as inspiration when planning your own projects or when a pattern specifically calls for a similar textured stitch.

Watch the Free Pistachio Stitch Tutorial →

Prefer an English Step-by-Step Tutorial?

If you would like an English-language explanation of the same type of Pistachio Stitch construction, We Are Knitters also provides a detailed tutorial showing the elongated stitches, decreases and repeating V motifs.

View the English Pistachio Stitch Tutorial →

Why This Stitch Is Worth Learning

The Pistachio Stitch is a useful example of how a few relatively familiar knitting techniques can create fabric with much more visual depth.

It gives knitters a way to add texture without relying on conventional cable crossings, and the repeating V motifs work particularly well when you want a project to look decorative while remaining based primarily on knit and purl fabric.

Once you understand how the elongated loops are formed and incorporated into the following rows, the same concept can also help you understand many other textured and drawn-up-loop knitting stitches.

Tutorial Availability

Amazing Knitting links readers to legitimate designer, publisher and tutorial sources whenever possible. External tutorials, videos and download locations can change after an article is published.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

Amazing Knitting is an independent knitting resource and project-guide site. The linked Pistachio Stitch tutorials and their original instructional content remain the property of their respective creators. This guide explains the stitch and its uses without reproducing a source tutorial's complete row-by-row instructions.

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan – Textured Blanket Knitting Pattern Guide

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan by Laura Polley is a classic textured baby blanket featuring a repeating geometric design created with simple knit and purl stitches.

First published in 2001, the blanket has remained popular with knitters because its bold texture looks much more complicated than the basic stitches used to create it.

The original design is worked with worsted-weight yarn on relatively large needles, producing a cozy blanket measuring approximately 34 × 41 inches.

Pattern availability update: Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan circulated online as a free pattern for many years. During our latest review, however, we could not verify a current authorized source offering the original Laura Polley pattern for download. We have therefore preserved this page as an informational pattern guide rather than directing readers to an unofficial copy.

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan at a Glance

• Pattern: Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan
• Designer: Laura Polley
• First published: January 2001
• Original publication: House of White Birches, Quick Knitted Afghans
• Category: Baby blanket / afghan
• Finished size: Approximately 34 × 41 in
• Yarn weight: Worsted
• Suggested yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Solids & Heathers
• Yardage: Approximately 1,600 yd (1,463 m)
• Needles: US 11 / 8 mm
• Gauge: 12 sts × 18 rows = 4 in / 10 cm
• Construction: Worked flat
• Main techniques: Knit and purl texture
• Current availability: Original authorized source not currently verified

A Classic Geometric Baby Blanket

The feature that makes Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan immediately recognizable is its repeating geometric texture.

Instead of using several yarn colors to create the design, the blanket relies on the contrast between knit and purl stitches.

Raised and recessed areas interact with the light to produce a pattern that appears almost three-dimensional across the surface of the blanket.

Simple Stitches Create the Texture

One of the appealing things about this design is that the visual effect comes primarily from basic knitting techniques.

Knit and purl stitches are arranged in a repeating sequence to form the geometric motifs.

This makes the blanket an interesting example of how simple stitches can create sophisticated-looking fabric without cables, lace or stranded colorwork.

A Repeating Pattern Across the Blanket

The geometric design repeats across the width and length of the afghan.

Once you begin to recognize how the textured sections develop, the pattern becomes much easier to read directly from the knitted fabric.

This visual rhythm is one reason textured knit-and-purl blankets can be enjoyable long-term projects.

Garter-Stitch Borders

The original construction incorporates simple knitted borders around the textured center.

A garter-style edge helps frame the geometric design while also helping the outer edges of the blanket lie flatter.

The combination of a simple border and a more decorative center keeps the finished afghan visually balanced.

Worsted-Weight Yarn

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan was designed for worsted-weight yarn.

The yarn associated with the published pattern is Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Solids & Heathers.

Encore is a wool-and-acrylic blend, a combination that makes sense for a frequently used blanket because it balances warmth, softness and practical care.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

You do not necessarily need the exact original yarn to create a blanket with a similar type of fabric.

When choosing a worsted-weight substitute, look for:

• Good knit-and-purl stitch definition
• Softness suitable for a baby blanket
• Practical washing instructions
• Enough durability for regular use
• A comfortable finished fabric

A smooth yarn will generally display the geometric texture more clearly than a highly fuzzy or novelty yarn.

Choose a Solid or Gently Tonal Color

Textured patterns often look especially effective in a solid color.

With fewer color changes competing for attention, shadows across the raised and recessed stitches make the geometric design easier to see.

Light and medium shades can show stitch texture particularly well, although darker colors can create a dramatic effect when photographed or viewed in strong light.

How Much Yarn Does It Use?

Published pattern information lists approximately 1,600 yards / 1,463 meters of worsted-weight yarn.

This is a substantial amount of yarn, so it is wise to purchase enough for the entire blanket before beginning.

If possible, buy yarn from the same dye lot so the color remains consistent throughout the project.

Large Needles Create a Softer Fabric

The original pattern lists US 11 / 8 mm needles, which are relatively large for many worsted-weight yarns.

Using larger needles can produce a more open, flexible fabric instead of the dense material you might expect from smaller needles.

Your own tension and yarn choice will affect the result, so a swatch is useful before committing to the full blanket.

Gauge

Published information lists a gauge of approximately 12 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm.

Gauge affects the finished size as well as the total amount of yarn required.

If your stitches are substantially smaller or larger than the published gauge, your finished blanket dimensions will also change.

Finished Size

The original Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan measures approximately 34 × 41 inches.

This provides a generous baby-blanket size with enough surface area for the repeating geometric motif to make a strong visual impact.

Is This a Beginner-Friendly Design?

The techniques behind the textured fabric are relatively straightforward because the design relies heavily on knit and purl stitches.

However, successfully maintaining a repeating geometric pattern across a large blanket requires careful row tracking and attention to stitch placement.

For that reason, this style of project is especially suitable for a confident beginner or intermediate knitter who is comfortable reading repeating stitch instructions.

Skills That Help With This Style of Blanket

• Casting on
• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Garter stitch
• Reading repeating stitch instructions
• Counting stitches accurately
• Keeping track of rows
• Binding off
• Weaving in yarn ends
• Blocking a finished blanket

Use a Row Counter

Textured knit-and-purl patterns depend on placing the right stitches on the right rows.

A row counter, notebook or simple checklist can help you remember where you are in the repeat.

This becomes particularly useful with a blanket because the project is likely to be worked over many separate knitting sessions.

Learn to Read the Knitted Fabric

One useful skill when knitting geometric textures is learning to recognize knit and purl stitches visually.

Knit stitches typically appear as small V shapes on the side facing you, while purl stitches show a horizontal bump.

As you become familiar with the design, looking at the fabric can help you confirm whether the next section of the pattern is developing correctly.

Check the Pattern Regularly

Stop every few rows and look across the entire blanket.

The geometric design should develop consistently from one repeat to the next.

A misplaced knit or purl stitch can interrupt the motif, and catching it early is much easier than discovering the mistake many rows later.

Use Stitch Markers to Separate Repeats

When working a wide blanket with repeated motifs, removable or needle-mounted stitch markers can make counting easier.

Placing markers between pattern repeats can help you identify an error before it affects the rest of the row.

Always make sure marker placement does not interfere with the actual stitch instructions.

Maintain Even Tension

Knit-and-purl textures can sometimes exaggerate changes in knitting tension.

Try to work with relaxed, consistent movements rather than tightening certain sections of the pattern.

Gentle blocking at the end can help the fabric settle, but good tension while knitting will give the best result.

Consider Washability

A baby blanket is likely to need frequent cleaning.

If you are choosing a substitute yarn, check its washing instructions before starting the project.

A machine-washable yarn can make a handmade baby blanket considerably easier for parents to use in everyday life.

Blocking the Finished Blanket

Blocking can help square the edges and allow the textured pattern to settle into its final appearance.

Avoid aggressively flattening the surface because the raised knit-and- purl texture is an important part of the design.

Always follow blocking methods appropriate for the fiber content of your chosen yarn.

A Timeless Handmade Baby Gift

Geometric knitted blankets have a timeless quality because they do not depend heavily on a particular color trend or novelty motif.

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan can work equally well in traditional baby colors, modern neutrals or a shade chosen specifically for the recipient.

The textured design gives the blanket enough visual interest to make it feel special while remaining practical for everyday use.

Why Knitters Still Search for Soft-as-a-Cloud

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan was first published more than two decades ago, yet the distinctive geometric blanket continues to attract knitters.

Its appeal comes from the combination of basic knitting techniques and a finished fabric that looks much more intricate than plain stockinette or garter stitch.

It is also a good example of the many older knitting patterns that circulated freely online for years but whose original download sources have since disappeared.

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan Pattern Availability

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan by Laura Polley was historically available online as a free knitting pattern.

The design was originally published in 2001 in House of White Birches, Quick Knitted Afghans and later circulated through online knitting-pattern resources.

During our latest review, we could not verify a current authorized source offering the original Laura Polley pattern for download.

For that reason, Amazing Knitting does not link to third-party PDF copies or unofficial reuploads simply to preserve an outdated “Free Pattern” claim.

If an authorized free source for the exact pattern becomes available again, we will give that source priority and update this page.

Historical Pattern Record

Ravelry maintains a useful database record for Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan with the designer, publication, yarn, gauge and sizing information.

The record currently indicates that the original pattern is no longer available from its previous external sources.

View the Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan Pattern Record →

Soft-as-a-Cloud Baby Afghan is designed by Laura Polley. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the copyrighted row-by-row pattern instructions. We have not verified a current authorized download source for the original pattern, so this article is maintained as an educational and historical pattern guide.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

Diagonal Rib Stitch - Easy Reversible Knitting Guide

Photos above © Studio Knit

Diagonal Rib Stitch is an easy knit-and-purl texture that creates the look of slanting ribs without cables or complicated techniques.

It is reversible, lies relatively flat, and is a useful stitch to know for scarves, blankets, cushions and other projects where both sides may be visible.

Educational Stitch Guide

Diagonal Rib is a knitting stitch rather than a complete project pattern. It uses only knit and purl stitches to create its distinctive diagonal texture.

What Is Diagonal Rib Stitch?

Think of ordinary ribbing, but instead of keeping the knit and purl columns perfectly vertical, their positions gradually shift across the fabric.

That simple change produces the diagonal lines visible in the swatch above. It looks more complicated than it actually is — no cable needle is required.

Stitch at a Glance

Difficulty: Easy

Techniques: Knit and purl

Repeat: 8 rows

Stitch Multiple: Multiple of 4

Reversible: Yes

Good For: Scarves, blankets, cushions and textured panels

Why Try This Stitch?

Diagonal Rib is a good next step if you already know how to knit and purl but want a fabric with more visual interest than standard ribbing.

The shifting knit-and-purl sections create depth and movement while keeping the technique beginner-friendly.

Learn the Diagonal Rib Stitch

Kristen McDonnell at Studio Knit provides a complete tutorial with written instructions, photographs, a knitting chart and video guidance.

Learn the Diagonal Rib Stitch →

More Knitting Stitches

• Herringbone Stitch - Knitting Guide
• Stockinette Chevron Stitch - Easy Knitting Guide
• Twisted Rib Stitch - Knitting Tutorial

Editorial note: This page is an independent Amazing Knitting stitch guide. The complete Studio Knit tutorial, photographs and instructional materials belong to their respective creator. We link to the original tutorial rather than reproducing it.

Rice Stitch Baby Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern

Photo above © Liz Chandler

Rice Stitch Baby Blanket by Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels is a softly textured, reversible baby blanket designed around simple knit-and-purl techniques.

The finished blanket measures approximately 40 × 40 inches, making it a practical size for a crib, stroller, nursery or handmade baby gift.

One of the most interesting features of this design is that Liz Chandler explains two different ways to create the same finished texture: a rice-stitch method and a broken-rib method.

The complete pattern is still free to read on the official PurlsAndPixels website. An optional printable, ad-free PDF is also offered separately.

✓ Free Web Pattern Available

Liz Chandler continues to publish the complete Rice Stitch Baby Blanket pattern free on PurlsAndPixels. A separate printable/ad-free PDF option is available for knitters who prefer an offline version.

Rice Stitch Baby Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Rice Stitch Baby Blanket

Designer: Liz Chandler

Publisher: PurlsAndPixels

Published: January 2017

Category: Baby Blanket

Finished Size: 40 × 40 in / approx. 102 × 102 cm

Original Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

Yarn Weight: Worsted

Needles: US 8 / 5 mm

Main Techniques: Knit, purl, slipped stitches; optional knit-through-back-loop method

Availability: Free web pattern + optional paid PDF

About the Rice Stitch Baby Blanket

This is a simple square baby blanket with an all-over textured surface.

Rather than using cables, lace or complicated colorwork, the design gets its character from the way knit and purl stitches interact across the fabric.

The result has texture on both sides, which is especially useful for a blanket because there is no obvious plain "wrong side" that always needs to be hidden.

Two Ways to Make the Same Blanket

Liz Chandler's pattern is unusual in that it explains two ways to create the same finished blanket.

One version uses a broken-rib-style approach built from knit and purl stitches.

The other uses the rice-stitch method and introduces knitting through the back loop.

The designer notes that either method produces the same finished blanket, so you can choose the technique that best suits your experience.

Which Version Is Easier?

If you are still becoming comfortable with basic knitting, the knit-and-purl version may be the most approachable place to begin.

If you already know the basics and want to practice working stitches through the back loop, the rice-stitch version adds a useful technique without changing the final project.

Why This Is a Good Beginner Blanket

Baby blankets are excellent practice projects because they do not require garment shaping or precise body fit.

This particular design also contains a large amount of repetition, which gives new knitters time to develop more consistent tension.

At the same time, the texture keeps the project visually more interesting than plain stockinette.

Finished Size

The published baby blanket measures approximately:

40 × 40 inches

That is approximately:

102 × 102 cm

The square format works well for a baby gift and is large enough for many everyday nursery uses.

Original Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

The pattern was designed using Caron Simply Soft.

This is a worsted-weight yarn, and the original project demonstrates both solid-color and variegated possibilities.

A smooth solid shade emphasizes the stitch texture, while a variegated yarn adds color movement without requiring stranded colorwork or frequent yarn changes.

Can You Substitute the Yarn?

Yes.

The designer notes that many worsted-weight yarns can work successfully provided that you check the gauge and like the resulting fabric.

For a baby blanket, consider:

• Softness
• Washability
• Durability
• Gauge
• Fiber care
• Whether the yarn clearly shows the texture

Solid or Variegated Yarn?

Both can work well, but they create different effects.

A solid yarn gives the eye more opportunity to notice the small textured bumps created by the stitch pattern.

Variegated yarn adds visual movement and can make the simple repeat feel more colorful without adding technical difficulty.

Needles

The pattern is associated with:

US 8 / 5 mm needles

Treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee.

If your personal tension differs from the designer's, you may need a different needle size to create the intended fabric.

A Note About Gauge

Use the Current Designer Version

Older pattern listings and revised PurlsAndPixels documents do not all display the same historical stitch-gauge number. For the most reliable current information, use the gauge stated in the latest version provided directly by Liz Chandler when you begin your blanket.

Why Gauge Still Matters on a Blanket

A baby blanket does not need to fit a body, so gauge is more forgiving than it would be in a sweater.

However, gauge still affects:

• Finished width and length
• How much yarn you use
• How dense or drapey the fabric feels
• How clearly the texture appears

A small swatch can therefore save a surprising amount of time and yarn.

Understanding the Texture

The surface of the blanket contains small raised areas arranged in a regular grid-like texture.

On the opposite side, the stitch arrangement creates a broken-rib appearance.

This two-sided character is one of the reasons the pattern works so well for a blanket.

What Is Broken Rib?

Broken rib combines knit-and-purl texture with rows that interrupt a conventional rib pattern.

The effect resembles ribbing but does not behave exactly like ordinary continuous 1×1 or 2×2 rib.

In this blanket, the technique contributes to the reversible textured fabric.

What Does Knit Through the Back Loop Mean?

Knitting through the back loop changes the orientation of the stitch.

Instead of inserting the needle through the usual front leg, you enter through the back leg.

This creates a twisted stitch and is one of the techniques used in the alternate rice-stitch method.

Practice Twisted and Untwisted Stitches

Liz Chandler specifically presents the alternate method as an opportunity to practice twisting and untwisting stitches.

This makes the blanket more than a repetitive project: it can also serve as a controlled practice piece for understanding stitch orientation.

Keep Your Tension Relaxed

Long repetitive blankets can expose small changes in tension.

Try not to tighten your working yarn as the project becomes familiar. Maintaining a relaxed rhythm usually creates a more even fabric.

If your hands become tired, taking a short break is often better than continuing while gripping the yarn too tightly.

Use Row Counters or Progress Markers

Repetitive stitch patterns can make it easy to lose your place.

A row counter, removable marker or simple written tally can help you keep track of progress without repeatedly recounting the entire blanket.

Check the Width as You Work

Measure the blanket occasionally rather than waiting until the end.

This helps you catch major tension changes early and gives you a better idea of how your actual fabric compares with the intended finished size.

Skills Used in This Project

• Casting on
• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Turning the work
• Slipping stitches
• Binding off
• Weaving in ends
• Optional knitting through the back loop

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, particularly if you choose the method based mainly on basic knit and purl stitches.

The designer describes the pattern as an easy project for someone who is becoming familiar with knitting.

More experienced knitters may also enjoy it as a relaxing, repetitive project.

A Good Baby-Shower Gift

A 40-inch square blanket is a substantial handmade gift without requiring garment measurements or size decisions.

Using a neutral solid color can give the project a classic heirloom look, while brighter or variegated yarn can make it more playful.

Washability Matters

Baby blankets are likely to be washed frequently.

If you substitute yarn, check the manufacturer's care label before you begin and choose a fiber that suits the recipient's lifestyle.

The original PurlsAndPixels care guidance notes that a blanket made with the recommended materials can be machine washed on a gentle cold cycle, with low-heat tumble drying or flat drying.

Keep It Away from Velcro

Liz Chandler gives one especially practical care warning: knitted yarn can snag badly on Velcro.

Be careful around baby jackets, toys, bags or accessories that have exposed hook-and-loop fasteners.

Blocking

Blocking is optional but can help even the fabric and square the edges.

Use a blocking method appropriate for the fiber you chose and avoid overstretching the blanket.

Want a Larger Version?

PurlsAndPixels also publishes a larger Rice Stitch Afghan based on the same general textured concept.

The larger throw is a useful next project if you enjoy the baby blanket and want a version intended for a sofa or adult-sized lap blanket.

Free Online Pattern vs Printable PDF

Free Pattern + Optional PDF

The complete Rice Stitch Baby Blanket instructions remain free to read on PurlsAndPixels. Liz Chandler also offers an optional clean, ad-free PDF for knitters who prefer to print or save the pattern offline. You do not need to purchase the PDF to access the free web version.

Is the Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Still Free?

Yes.

The complete pattern is currently available free on Liz Chandler's official PurlsAndPixels website.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the creator's complete row-by-row instructions. Use the official page for the current full pattern.

Get the Free Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern

Visit PurlsAndPixels for the complete current pattern and designer notes:

Get the Free Rice Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern →

Pattern Details on Ravelry

You can also view the pattern record and projects made by other knitters:

View Rice Stitch Baby Blanket on Ravelry →

More Free Baby Blankets on Amazing Knitting

• Jordan Baby Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern
• Waffle Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern
• Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern
• Yellow Sunny Baby Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern

Explore More Blanket Knitting

• Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns
• Textured Baby Blankets
• Easy Knitted Blankets
• Beginner Blanket Projects

Before You Cast On

Choose whether you want to follow the basic knit-and-purl approach or the alternate version that practices knitting through the back loop.

Select a soft worsted-weight yarn, make a swatch, and use the current gauge information shown in Liz Chandler's latest official pattern version.

Most importantly, use PurlsAndPixels for the complete instructions so you are following the designer's current revision rather than an older copied version circulating elsewhere online.

Pattern credit: Rice Stitch Baby Blanket was designed by Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels. Amazing Knitting provides an independent editorial guide and does not reproduce the complete copyrighted pattern instructions. Preserve the existing photo credit: Photo above © Liz Chandler.

Easy Tweed Blanket – Free Textured Knitting Pattern

The Easy Tweed Blanket by Patons UK, officially listed as A5351 Tweed Blanket, is a classic textured throw made with a simple combination of knit and purl stitches.

The design creates a checkerboard-style surface without cables, lace or complicated shaping, making it an appealing project for knitters who want a large blanket with plenty of texture but relatively straightforward techniques.

Worked in bulky yarn on 5 mm needles, the finished throw measures approximately 136 × 150 cm (53.5 × 59 in), making it large enough for sofas, beds or cozy everyday use.

Design and original pattern © Patons UK.

Easy Tweed Blanket Pattern Overview

• Designer: Patons UK
• Pattern: A5351 Tweed Blanket
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Throw / blanket
• Published: September 2017
• Finished size: Approximately 136 × 150 cm / 53.5 × 59 in
• Suggested yarn: Patons UK Tweed Style
• Yarn weight: Bulky
• Yardage: Approximately 1968 yd / 1800 m
• Needles: US 8 / 5 mm
• Gauge: 16 stitches × 22 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in checkerboard pattern
• Construction: One piece
• Direction: Bottom up
• Shape: Rectangle
• Main techniques: Knit, purl, textured checkerboard pattern and chart reading
• Language: English
• Pattern availability: Free Ravelry download from Patons UK

A Simple Blanket With Rich Texture

The main feature of the Easy Tweed Blanket is its all-over textured surface. Instead of relying on cables or complicated stitch manipulation, the pattern uses combinations of basic knit and purl stitches to form repeating blocks.

Those blocks create a checkerboard-style effect across the entire blanket, giving the finished piece more visual depth than plain stockinette or garter stitch.

This is a good example of how basic knitting techniques can create a much more detailed-looking fabric when arranged carefully.

Why It Is Called a Tweed Blanket

The original design was created for Patons UK Tweed Style, a bulky yarn with a wool-and-acrylic blend and a naturally textured appearance.

The yarn itself adds subtle flecks and visual interest, while the knit-and-purl checkerboard pattern adds a second layer of texture.

Together, those two elements create the rustic tweed look associated with the design.

Checkerboard Texture

The central stitch pattern is based on repeating textured blocks.

Rather than knitting every row in the same way, knit and purl sections are alternated to create raised and recessed areas in the fabric.

The effect is geometric but still soft, making it suitable for a large throw that will be used rather than simply displayed.

Worked in One Piece

The blanket is worked as one continuous rectangular piece.

There are no separate squares to sew together and no complicated assembly at the end.

This keeps the construction simple and allows the main focus to remain on maintaining the repeating textured pattern.

Bottom-Up Construction

The project is worked from the lower edge upward.

As the blanket grows, the checkerboard texture develops in repeated sections across the width.

Because the pattern is geometric, it becomes easier to recognize mistakes once several repeats are visible.

Finished Size

The published size is approximately:

136 × 150 cm / 53.5 × 59 in.

This makes the Easy Tweed Blanket a generous throw rather than a small baby blanket.

It works well for a sofa, reading chair or the foot of a bed.

Yarn for the Easy Tweed Blanket

The original pattern uses Patons UK Tweed Style.

This yarn is classified as bulky and combines approximately 50% wool with 50% acrylic.

The original version uses approximately 24 balls of the Tweed Sage color, which corresponds to roughly 1968 yards / 1800 meters.

Choosing a Yarn Substitute

If the original Patons yarn is difficult to find, choose another bulky yarn that produces the required gauge and has enough stitch definition to show the checkerboard texture.

A wool blend can give the blanket warmth and elasticity, while acrylic blends may offer easier care and durability.

Avoid an extremely fuzzy yarn if you want the knit-and-purl blocks to remain clearly visible.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

16 stitches × 22 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in the checkerboard pattern.

Even though this is a blanket rather than a fitted garment, gauge still affects the final size and total yarn requirement.

If your gauge is looser, the throw may become larger and consume more yarn. If your gauge is tighter, it may become smaller and denser.

Needles

The pattern lists US 8 / 5 mm knitting needles.

For a blanket this wide, many knitters will find a long circular needle more comfortable because the flexible cable can support the weight of the growing fabric.

The blanket can still be worked flat on circular needles.

Skills You'll Use

• Casting on
• Knit stitches
• Purl stitches
• Working flat
• Following a chart
• Maintaining a checkerboard repeat
• Reading knit-and-purl texture
• Keeping even tension
• Binding off
• Weaving in ends

Is the Easy Tweed Blanket Beginner Friendly?

The stitch techniques themselves are simple because the blanket relies mainly on knit and purl stitches.

For that reason, a confident beginner who already understands those two basic stitches can approach the project successfully.

The main challenge is not technical difficulty but scale: the finished blanket is large, so maintaining consistent tension and keeping track of the repeating pattern requires patience.

Why the Pattern Is Good for Practicing Purl Stitches

Many beginner projects use only garter stitch, but this blanket gives knitters a chance to become more comfortable switching between knit and purl sections.

Repeatedly working the textured blocks helps develop consistency in both stitches while producing a useful finished project.

That makes the blanket a natural progression after very basic knit-only projects.

Using Stitch Markers

Even if the original pattern does not require markers throughout the entire blanket, markers can be useful when first learning the checkerboard repeat.

Place them between major pattern sections to help identify where each block begins and ends.

Once the texture becomes visually obvious, you may find that you no longer need them.

Tips for a Neater Checkerboard Pattern

Read your knitting. Learn to recognize the visual difference between knit and purl stitches so mistakes can be caught quickly.

Count regularly. A missed stitch can shift the pattern and become much harder to fix several rows later.

Keep tension consistent. Alternating frequently between knit and purl can sometimes create uneven stitches if the yarn is pulled differently between transitions.

Use a row counter. This is especially helpful when working a large repeating chart.

Check the pattern before long knitting sessions. Confirm where you are in the repeat before continuing after a break.

Blocking the Finished Blanket

Blocking can help even out the checkerboard texture and improve the overall shape of the finished throw.

Always follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn.

If using a wool blend, avoid excessive heat or agitation that could cause the fabric to felt.

Can You Change the Blanket Size?

The published pattern is designed for one finished size.

Experienced knitters may be able to adjust the width and length by working additional complete pattern repeats, but any modification will change the yarn requirement.

Always preserve the full checkerboard repeat and any edge stitches specified by the original pattern.

Is the Easy Tweed Blanket Pattern Free?

Yes. A5351 Tweed Blanket by Patons UK is currently available as a free knitting pattern.

The exact design is offered as a free download through the Patons UK pattern listing on Ravelry.

Because this is the Patons UK publication source for the pattern, Amazing Knitting links directly to that page rather than to copied PDFs or unofficial pattern websites.

Get the Free Easy Tweed Blanket Pattern →

Why This Blanket Is Worth Knitting

The Easy Tweed Blanket is a strong project for knitters who want a large, classic throw without complicated techniques.

The checkerboard texture creates enough visual interest to keep the blanket from looking plain, while the knit-and-purl construction remains approachable.

Bulky yarn also helps the fabric grow faster than a similar blanket knitted in DK or fingering-weight yarn.

The finished throw has a timeless textured look that can work with traditional, rustic or modern home décor.

Pattern Availability

Amazing Knitting links readers to legitimate designer or publisher sources whenever possible. Pattern prices, download locations and availability can change after an article is published.

Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →

Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. The A5351 Tweed Blanket design, chart and complete knitting instructions remain the intellectual property of Patons UK. This guide does not reproduce the publisher's complete row-by-row instructions or chart.

Let's Play Hopscotch Baby Blanket – Free Easy Knitting Pattern

Let's Play Hopscotch Baby Blanket by Candylou Creations is a colorful beginner-friendly knitting pattern inspired by the squares and lines of the classic childhood game of hopscotch.

The blanket combines simple knit-and-purl texture with broad blocks of color and contrasting transition rows. The result looks structured and modern while requiring only a small set of basic knitting skills.

The pattern can be made in several sizes, from a compact stroller blanket to a large throw, and the complete instructions are currently available free from the designer's official website.

Pattern and design © Candylou / Candylou Creations.

Let's Play Hopscotch Blanket Overview

• Designer: Candylou / Candylou Creations
• Pattern: Let's Play Hopscotch Baby Blanket
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Baby blanket / stroller blanket / throw
• Skill level: Beginner
• Yarn weight: Worsted or Aran
• Colors: Three
• Needles: US 8 / 5 mm circular needles suggested
• Circular needle length: Approximately 24 or 32 in
• Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches = 4 in / 10 cm
• Construction: Worked flat
• Main techniques: Knit, purl, garter stitch, color changes and simple textured sections
• Sizes: Stroller, Baby, Small, Medium and Large
• Pattern availability: Free web pattern and free PDF from the designer

A Colorful Blanket Inspired by Hopscotch

The inspiration for this blanket comes from the familiar squares and dividing lines of a hopscotch court.

Instead of creating the effect with complicated colorwork, the design uses large blocks of simple textured knitting separated by narrow transition rows. This gives the blanket its geometric appearance while keeping the knitting straightforward.

The three-color layout also makes it easy to personalize. Soft nursery shades can create a gentle baby blanket, while stronger contrasting colors can give the same pattern a more graphic, modern look.

Why This Pattern Works Well for Beginners

Let's Play Hopscotch is designed around basic techniques rather than lace, cables or stranded colorwork.

The main skills used are:

• Cast on
• Knit
• Purl
• Bind off
• Change yarn colors
• Weave in ends

If you already know the knit and purl stitches, this project gives you a useful way to practice maintaining even tension and following a repeating sequence over a larger piece of fabric.

Simple Knit-and-Purl Texture

Within each color block, knit and purl stitches create a subtle geometric texture.

The pattern does not depend on complicated shaping. Instead, the visual interest comes from how the knit-and-purl sections repeat across the width of the blanket.

This is one reason the design can look more detailed than the actual techniques required to make it.

Three-Color Construction

The designer uses three colors, labeled A, B and C.

One color is worked for a section before transitioning to the next color. During the narrow transition rows, two strands are temporarily held together, which creates a stronger visual dividing line between the larger color blocks.

The sequence then repeats through the blanket.

This method gives the finished project a coordinated striped appearance without requiring traditional stranded colorwork.

Garter-Stitch Border

The blanket begins and ends with a simple garter-stitch border, and garter stitches are also maintained along the side edges.

This border frames the textured center and gives the finished blanket a clean, defined edge.

It also provides a useful contrast to the knit-and-purl pattern used in the main sections.

Available Blanket Sizes

One of the strongest features of the current pattern is that it includes several useful sizes rather than only one small baby blanket.

• Stroller: approximately 22 × 28 in
• Baby: approximately 28 × 36 in
• Small: approximately 34 × 40 in
• Medium: approximately 36 × 46 in
• Large: approximately 42 × 50 in

The designer notes that finished dimensions are approximate and may vary with your yarn, needle size and personal tension.

How Much Yarn Will You Need?

For worsted or Aran-weight yarn at approximately 4.5 stitches per inch, the designer provides these estimated yarn requirements:

• Stroller: about 600 yards
• Baby: about 800 yards
• Small: about 1,200 yards
• Medium: about 1,700 yards
• Large: about 2,200 yards

Because the blanket uses three colors, divide your yarn purchase according to the color sequence you plan to use rather than assuming every shade will be used in exactly the same amount.

Yarn for the Hopscotch Blanket

The pattern is designed for worsted or Aran-weight yarn.

The designer recommends practical fibers such as acrylic, superwash wool or wool blends for baby blankets.

These can be particularly useful choices for a project that may need regular washing.

The designer's examples use Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn, but the pattern is not limited to that specific brand.

Choosing a Yarn Substitute

A substitute yarn should create a fabric you like while remaining reasonably close to the intended gauge.

For a baby blanket, consider:

• Softness against the skin
• Ease of washing
• Durability
• Good stitch definition
• Availability in three coordinating colors

A smooth yarn will show the simple knit-and-purl texture more clearly than a very fuzzy yarn.

Needles

The pattern suggests US 8 / 5 mm circular needles with a 24-inch or 32-inch cord when using worsted-weight yarn.

Although the project is worked flat rather than in the round, circular needles are useful for blankets because the flexible cable can support a large number of stitches and the increasing weight of the fabric.

The designer also recommends adjusting your needle size when necessary to suit your yarn and desired fabric.

Gauge

A useful reference gauge is approximately:

18 stitches = 4 inches / 10 cm.

Exact gauge is not as critical for a blanket as it would be for a fitted sweater, but it still affects both the finished measurements and the amount of yarn required.

A looser gauge will generally create a larger, airier blanket, while tighter knitting can produce a smaller and denser fabric.

Skills You'll Practice

• Casting on
• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Garter stitch
• Working flat on circular needles
• Changing yarn colors
• Working with two strands together for transition rows
• Using stitch markers
• Following a repeating sequence
• Binding off
• Weaving in ends

Using Stitch Markers

The original instructions use stitch markers to separate the side borders from the main patterned area.

This is particularly helpful for newer knitters because the markers provide a clear reminder of where the edge stitches end and the central texture begins.

Once placed correctly, the markers can remain useful throughout the project.

Tips for Cleaner Color Changes

Keep your edge tension consistent. Color changes can become loose if the new yarn is not secured with comfortable, even tension.

Do not pull the new color too tightly. Tight joins can distort the side of the blanket.

Leave enough yarn tail for finishing. A proper tail is much easier to weave in securely than a very short one.

Check the color sequence before starting each new block. This reduces the chance of accidentally repeating the wrong color.

Tips for Straighter Blanket Edges

Maintaining consistent tension on the first and last stitches of every row can help the sides stay neat.

Avoid pulling the first stitch unusually tightly after turning your work. Instead, aim for the same tension used across the rest of the row.

The garter-stitch side borders in this design also help provide a stable frame for the patterned center.

Can You Change the Colors?

Yes. The three-color format is one of the easiest features to personalize.

For a soft nursery palette, consider combinations such as:

• Cream, sage and beige
• White, pale blue and gray
• Ivory, dusty pink and taupe
• Light gray, mint and white

For a more graphic look, choose colors with stronger contrast.

Before beginning, place the three yarns beside one another to make sure the transition from A to B to C creates the effect you want.

Can You Use More Than Three Colors?

The original design is organized around three repeating colors, but experienced knitters can use the basic structure as inspiration for a broader palette.

Keep in mind that changing the color sequence can increase the number of yarn ends that need to be woven in.

If this is your first blanket, following the original three-color structure is the simplest approach.

Baby Blanket Safety

Hand-knit blankets can be useful for supervised cuddling, stroller use, floor time and other age-appropriate situations.

Always follow current infant safe-sleep recommendations and avoid placing loose blankets in an infant sleep space when they are not recommended.

Is the Let's Play Hopscotch Blanket Pattern Free?

Yes. The Let's Play Hopscotch Baby Blanket is currently available free directly from Candylou Creations.

The designer publishes the complete pattern on the official website and also provides a free printable PDF version.

Amazing Knitting therefore sends readers directly to the designer's original source rather than reproducing the complete row-by-row pattern.

View the Free Let's Play Hopscotch Pattern →

Free Printable PDF

Candylou Creations also provides an official printable PDF edition of the pattern for knitters who prefer to work from a separate pattern document.

Download the Free Official PDF →

Why This Baby Blanket Is Worth Knitting

Let's Play Hopscotch is a strong choice for knitters who want a blanket that looks more detailed than a basic garter-stitch rectangle without introducing difficult techniques.

The knit-and-purl texture provides visual interest, the three-color arrangement makes the project easy to personalize, and the five available sizes make the pattern useful well beyond one small stroller blanket.

It is also a practical skill-building project for newer knitters who want to practice purling, color changes and working a larger number of stitches before moving on to more complicated garments.

Pattern Availability

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Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. The Let's Play Hopscotch Baby Blanket design and complete knitting instructions remain the intellectual property of Candylou / Candylou Creations. This guide does not reproduce the designer's complete row-by-row pattern instructions.