Cable Square Blanket - Knitting Pattern Guide

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.

Mitered Squares Throw With a Fabric Lining – Knitting Project Guide

This colorful Mitered Squares Throw With a Fabric Lining is a beautiful example of how a knitter can take the construction ideas from an established blanket pattern and give the finished project a very different look.

The version shown here was created by Elaine of Italian Dish Knits. Her project was inspired by Mitered Crosses Blanket by Kay Gardiner, but Elaine made several important modifications, including replacing the original crosses with colorful mitered squares and adding a fabric backing to the finished blanket.

The result has the visual character of both knitting and patchwork quilting: color-changing knitted squares are surrounded by broad light-colored borders, while the fabric lining gives the reverse side a clean, finished appearance.

Featured project and photos: Elaine / Italian Dish Knits. Original blanket design inspiration: Mitered Crosses Blanket by Kay Gardiner.

Mitered Squares Throw Project Overview

• Featured project: Mitered Squares Throw With a Fabric Lining
• Project by: Elaine / Italian Dish Knits
• Based on: Mitered Crosses Blanket
• Original designer: Kay Gardiner
• Project type: Knitted throw / blanket
• Main technique: Mitered garter-stitch knitting
• Featured modification: Squares instead of crosses
• Finishing modification: Fabric lining
• Construction: Modular knitted blocks
• Original pattern availability: Paid

About the Featured Mitered Squares Throw

Elaine originally discovered Kay Gardiner's Mitered Crosses Blanket and decided to use its modular construction as the starting point for her own throw.

Instead of reproducing the cross motif from the original design, she changed the colorful sections into mitered squares.

This creates a striking geometric effect: multicolored squares appear to float inside wide light-colored frames.

The individual blocks also make the project portable during much of the knitting process because the blanket does not become one large piece until the blocks are assembled.

The Original Mitered Crosses Blanket

The inspiration for this project is Mitered Crosses Blanket by Kay Gardiner, originally published in 2011.

Kay Gardiner's original blanket combines two modular knitting ideas: mitering and log-cabin construction.

Each original block begins with knitted miters that form a cross. The cross is then surrounded by garter-stitch strips to create a larger square block.

The blocks are eventually joined and finished with an applied edging.

How Elaine Changed the Design

The blanket featured in the photographs should not be confused with an unaltered sample of the original pattern.

Elaine deliberately changed several elements to create her own version.

Most noticeably, she chose mitered squares rather than mitered crosses for the colorful centers.

She then surrounded those colorful sections with a neutral background, producing the strong grid-like appearance visible in the finished throw.

What Is a Mitered Knitted Square?

A mitered square is shaped by strategically decreasing stitches around a central point.

As the decreases are repeated, the knitted fabric develops diagonal lines that travel toward the center of the square.

When worked in garter stitch with a self-striping or color-changing yarn, those diagonal lines can make the color changes look especially dramatic.

Once the technique becomes familiar, mitered squares can be satisfying small modules to knit one at a time.

A Portable Modular Blanket Project

One advantage Elaine noted about this style of blanket is its portability.

For much of the project, you are working on individual blocks rather than holding an entire blanket on your needles.

That makes modular blankets particularly convenient for knitters who like taking a project with them while traveling or working away from home.

Only later, when the blocks are assembled, does the project grow into its full blanket size.

Using Color-Changing Yarn

The colorful centers are especially effective when knitted with yarn that changes gradually from one shade to another.

Because the mitered construction creates diagonal lines, the changing colors develop differently across each square.

Surrounding those colorful centers with a quieter neutral shade helps define each block and prevents the overall blanket from becoming visually overwhelming.

This makes the project an interesting source of inspiration for combining self-striping yarn with a solid background color.

The Fabric Lining

One of the most useful ideas in Elaine's project is the fabric backing.

After completing the knitted blanket, she added fabric to the reverse side. This gives the throw a finished appearance similar to a quilt and hides the back of the knitted construction.

The combination of knitted blocks on the front and fabric on the back also creates an interesting meeting point between knitting and sewing.

Why Add Fabric to a Knitted Blanket?

A fabric lining can serve several purposes.

It can give the reverse side of a modular blanket a cleaner appearance, cover yarn ends or joins, and add another decorative element to the finished project.

However, knitted fabric and woven fabric behave differently. Knitting is naturally stretchy, while many woven fabrics have much less give.

For that reason, the lining should be attached carefully so that it does not pull, distort or restrict the knitted blanket.

Preparing the Knitting Before Adding Fabric

Before attaching a lining, finish the knitted portion completely.

Weave in loose ends and block the blanket according to the care requirements of your yarn.

Blocking first allows the knitted fabric to settle into its final dimensions before the lining is measured and attached.

This is especially useful for a modular blanket because blocking can help the individual sections sit more evenly.

Choosing Fabric for the Backing

If you want to use Elaine's project as inspiration for your own lined blanket, choose a backing fabric that works well with the weight and intended use of your knitting.

The fabric should be large enough for the finished dimensions of the blocked blanket, including any allowance required for finishing the edges.

Washable materials are practical when the finished throw will be used regularly, but always consider the care requirements of both the yarn and fabric before combining them.

Skills Used in This Style of Project

Depending on whether you follow the original Kay Gardiner design or create a modified version inspired by Elaine's throw, useful skills may include:

• Garter stitch
• Mitered knitting
• Decreasing stitches
• Picking up stitches
• Modular knitting
• Joining knitted blocks
• Weaving in ends
• Blocking
• Basic sewing for adding a fabric backing

Original Pattern Specifications

For reference, the published information for Kay Gardiner's Mitered Crosses Blanket lists:

• Yarn weight: Aran
• Suggested yarn: Noro Silk Garden
• Needles: US 6 / 4 mm
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch
• Original finished size: approximately 40 × 52 inches
• Sizing: Easily adaptable larger or smaller

These specifications refer to Kay Gardiner's original Mitered Crosses Blanket, not necessarily to every modification used in Elaine's Mitered Squares Throw.

Important Pattern Availability Note

Older references to this project may describe the underlying pattern as a charity pattern or may point to an older download location.

The situation has changed over time.

Kay Gardiner's Mitered Crosses Blanket is currently a paid pattern.

For that reason, Amazing Knitting does not describe this project as a free knitting pattern.

Visit the Featured Mitered Squares Project

Elaine's original article explains how she adapted the Mitered Crosses idea into squares and how she added a fabric lining to her finished throw.

See the Mitered Squares Throw Project →

Get the Original Mitered Crosses Blanket Pattern

If you want to knit Kay Gardiner's original design rather than Elaine's modified project, the Mitered Crosses Blanket pattern is currently available as a paid Ravelry download.

View the Original Mitered Crosses Blanket Pattern →

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. Mitered Crosses Blanket and its original knitting instructions remain the intellectual property of Kay Gardiner. The featured modification and photographs belong to their respective creator. This article provides project information and links readers to the credited sources rather than reproducing the complete knitting pattern.

Mitered Corner Blanket - Free Pattern

Photo above © purlsoho

Mitered Corner Blanket by Purl Soho is a striking modular blanket built from 192 small mitered squares that flow through a carefully planned sequence of colors.

Although the finished blanket looks complex, its construction is wonderfully logical: each new square grows directly from neighboring squares by picking up stitches along their edges.

That means all 192 squares become one continuous blanket without sewing the individual squares together. The original Purl Soho pattern remains available online for free.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Mitered Corner Blanket is currently available as a free knitting pattern directly from Purl Soho. Use the official pattern page linked below for the complete knitting instructions, schematic and current pattern information.

Mitered Corner Blanket at a Glance

Pattern: Mitered Corner Blanket

Designer: Jake Canton for Purl Soho

Published: January 2019

Category: Blanket / Throw

Original Yarn: Purl Soho Linen Quill

Yarn Weight: Fingering, held double

Needles: US 6 / 4 mm

Gauge: 22 stitches × 44 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in garter stitch, yarn held double

Sizes: Small Throw and Large Throw

Finished Size: 36 × 48 in or 48 × 64 in

Number of Squares: 192

Construction: Modular mitered squares joined as you knit

Seaming: No square assembly required

Availability: Free official Purl Soho pattern

About the Mitered Corner Blanket

Mitered Corner Blanket was designed for Purl Soho by Jake Canton and first published in January 2019.

The blanket is built from a grid of 192 small squares. Color changes across the grid create gradual transitions that make the finished project look almost like a textile painting.

What makes the construction especially clever is that these are not 192 separately knitted squares waiting to be sewn together at the end.

Instead, the blanket grows continuously as stitches for each new square are picked up from previously completed squares.

Two Finished Sizes

Purl Soho provides two sizes:

• Small Throw: approximately 36 × 48 inches / 91 × 122 cm
• Large Throw: approximately 48 × 64 inches / 122 × 163 cm

Both versions use the same 192-square layout.

The difference is the size of each individual square.

Square Size

Each finished square should measure approximately:

• Small Throw: 3 × 3 inches
• Large Throw: 4 × 4 inches

This is why gauge matters even though the project is a blanket. Small differences multiplied across many squares can noticeably change the final dimensions.

192 Squares — But No Sewing Them Together

Seeing “192 squares” might make you imagine an enormous pile of motifs that must eventually be assembled.

Fortunately, that is not how this blanket is constructed.

After the initial square, stitches for subsequent squares are picked up along the edges of existing squares as directed in the pattern.

The blanket therefore grows as one connected piece.

For knitters who enjoy modular blankets but dislike sewing dozens or hundreds of pieces together, this is one of the most appealing features of the design.

How a Mitered Square Gets Its Shape

A knitted mitered square begins as a row of stitches and becomes progressively smaller through centered decreases.

Those decreases pull the fabric toward the center diagonal, creating the characteristic square shape and visible directional lines.

Once you understand the rhythm of one square, the basic process becomes highly repetitive.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Purl Soho's complete square instructions here. Use the official free pattern for the exact stitch counts and decrease sequence.

Original Yarn: Linen Quill

The original blanket uses Purl Soho Linen Quill.

Linen Quill is a fingering-weight yarn containing:

• 50% fine highland wool
• 35% alpaca
• 15% linen

Each 100-gram skein contains approximately 439 yards / 401 meters.

Important: The Yarn Is Held Double

Important Yarn Note

Although Linen Quill is a fingering-weight yarn, the Mitered Corner Blanket is knitted with two strands held together throughout the project. Keep this in mind when choosing a substitute yarn or calculating yardage.

Holding two strands together is also important to the original color design because combining different shades creates intermediate colors between the main palette tones.

Color Mixing Is Part of the Design

This blanket is more than a collection of solid-colored squares.

By holding two strands together, Purl Soho can combine two different colors in a single square.

Those combinations create gradual visual transitions as the blanket moves from one color family into another.

This is what gives the original blanket its watercolor-like appearance.

Original Color Palettes

Purl Soho has presented the blanket in several coordinated palettes, including:

• Warm
• Cool
• Dawn
• Mountain

You can follow one of the published palettes or use the construction as inspiration for your own color arrangement.

Choosing Your Own Colors

If you want to create a custom palette, think about how adjacent colors will interact when two strands are held together.

A useful approach is to arrange your skeins from one color family into another before beginning.

Photograph the arrangement or label each color so that you can reproduce your plan later.

With 192 squares, relying on memory alone can become confusing.

Needles

The published needle size is:

US 6 / 4 mm

Purl Soho notes that either circular or straight needles can be used.

Use whichever style feels comfortable, but choose the actual needle size according to the gauge you obtain with your yarn.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

22 stitches × 44 rows = 4 × 4 inches / 10 × 10 cm

This is measured in garter stitch with the yarn held double.

Knit Garter and Purl Garter

An interesting feature of the original blanket is that some squares are worked with knit garter stitch while others use purl garter stitch.

Purl Soho specifically recommends making sure that your gauge is correct in both.

If your knit and purl tension differs significantly, you may need to adjust your needle size or technique to keep the squares consistent.

Why Consistent Square Size Matters

A single square that is slightly larger may not seem important.

Across a grid of 192 squares, however, repeated gauge differences can affect the overall shape of the blanket.

Measure some of your early squares before progressing too far.

For the Small Throw, aim for approximately 3 inches square; for the Large Throw, approximately 4 inches square.

Picking Up Stitches Neatly

Picking up stitches is one of the key skills in this project.

Because each new square grows directly from its neighbors, consistent pickup technique helps keep the joins neat and the grid even.

Avoid picking up stitches at random intervals just to reach the required number. Follow the edge structure and the designer's instructions so the new square sits naturally against the existing fabric.

A Good Modular Knitting Project

One advantage of this construction is psychological as well as practical.

Instead of thinking about knitting an entire 48- or 64-inch blanket, you can focus on completing one small square at a time.

Each finished square becomes a visible unit of progress.

That can make a large long-term blanket project feel much more manageable.

Managing Yarn Ends

A project involving many colors naturally creates yarn ends.

Do not wait until the very last square to think about finishing them.

Weaving in ends periodically can prevent the back of the blanket from becoming overwhelming near the end of the project.

Leave tails long enough to secure them properly according to your yarn and finishing method.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

You do not have to use Linen Quill, but substitution requires some planning because the original pattern holds fingering-weight yarn double.

Consider:

• The published gauge
• The size of each finished square
• How two strands behave together
• Color-mixing possibilities
• Drape and weight of the finished blanket
• Total yardage
• Washing and care requirements

Make at least one complete mitered square with your substitute yarn before committing to enough yarn for the full blanket.

Blocking the Finished Blanket

Blocking can help even out the grid and settle small differences between neighboring squares.

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn and arrange the blanket so that the outer edges are straight without aggressively stretching individual squares.

Skills Used in Mitered Corner Blanket

• Garter stitch
• Centered decreases
• Picking up stitches
• Working modular squares
• Holding two yarn strands together
• Changing and combining colors
• Maintaining consistent gauge
• Weaving in ends
• Blocking a large knitted blanket

Is Mitered Corner Blanket Still Free?

Yes.

Purl Soho continues to provide the complete Mitered Corner Blanket pattern for free on its official website.

This is the best source to use because it contains the designer's instructions, color information, schematic and current pattern notes.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Purl Soho's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

Get the Free Mitered Corner Blanket Pattern

Visit Purl Soho for the complete official free pattern:

Get the Free Mitered Corner Blanket Pattern →

You can also view the Ravelry record for project examples and pattern specifications:

View Mitered Corner Blanket on Ravelry →

More Free Blanket Knitting Patterns

If you enjoy geometric or textured blankets, these already-verified Amazing Knitting patterns are also worth exploring:

• Waffle Blanket - Free Pattern
• Shivaree Throw - Free Pattern
• Slip Stitch Sampler Throw - Free Pattern

Or browse:

• Free Blanket Knitting Patterns
• Mitered Square Knitting Patterns
• Modular Blanket Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Make one complete test square before beginning the full 192-square blanket. Check both your gauge and the finished square dimensions.

Remember that the original fingering-weight Linen Quill is held double throughout, and organize your colors before beginning if you plan to reproduce the gradual color transitions.

Finally, keep the official Purl Soho pattern open while working so that you can follow the correct square sequence and color schematic rather than relying on copied versions elsewhere.

Pattern credit: Mitered Corner Blanket was designed for Purl Soho by Jake Canton and first published in 2019. The existing photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Purl Soho. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce Purl Soho's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

Dimple Blanket – Free Scrap Yarn Blanket Knitting Pattern

Dimple Blanket. Design and photo © LizAnn Petch

Dimple Blanket by LizAnn Petch is a wonderfully creative free scrap yarn blanket knitting pattern designed to transform small amounts of leftover DK yarn into a colorful, textured throw.

Each raised “Dimple” uses only about 3 grams of DK yarn, making this an excellent stash-busting project. The dimples are shaped with short rows and joined as you knit, so the blanket grows as one piece without sewing hundreds of separate motifs together.

Dimple Blanket Pattern Details

• Designer: LizAnn Petch
• Published: May 2020
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Throw / Afghan / Blanket
• Pattern availability: Free download
• Finished size: Approximately 130 × 150 cm (51 × 59 inches)
• Yarn weight: DK / 8 ply
• Total yardage: Approximately 3,828–4,374 yards (3,500–4,000 m)
• Contrast yarn: Approximately 100 g DK yarn for stripes and border
• Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7)
• Gauge: 20 stitches × 29 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
• Construction: Worked flat as one continuous blanket
• Technique: Short-row shaping
• Finishing: Dimples are joined as you go — no motif seaming
• Language: English

A Perfect Scrap Yarn Blanket

If your yarn stash contains lots of small balls of leftover DK yarn, Dimple Blanket gives you a practical way to turn them into something substantial.

Each individual Dimple requires only about 3 grams of DK yarn. That means even relatively small leftovers from sweaters, hats, baby garments and other projects can become part of the finished blanket.

You can coordinate your colors carefully for a planned palette or take a true scrap-blanket approach and let each leftover yarn determine the next section.

324 Colorful Dimples

LizAnn Petch's original blanket consists of 36 rows of 9 Dimples.

That creates a total of 324 individual textured Dimples across the finished throw.

Because each one can be knitted from a small amount of yarn, the design provides plenty of opportunities to introduce different colors while retaining a consistent overall structure.

How Are the Dimples Made?

The distinctive three-dimensional shapes are created using short-row shaping.

Instead of knitting every row all the way across a section, short rows allow the fabric to be shaped locally. In Dimple Blanket, this technique produces the raised textured forms that give the design its name.

The shapes are arranged so that the Dimples fit into one another in consecutive sections, creating the unusual geometric surface of the blanket.

No Sewing Hundreds of Motifs Together

One of the best features of this design is that the Dimples do not need to be knitted as hundreds of independent pieces and sewn together at the end.

Instead, the blanket is constructed as one piece, joining the sections as you knit.

This gives you the visual appeal of a modular scrap blanket without a huge pile of separate motifs waiting to be assembled.

The designer does offer one particularly useful piece of finishing advice: weave in your yarn ends as you knit. With hundreds of color sections, leaving every end until the end of the project could create a very large finishing job.

DK Yarn Makes It Easy to Use Your Stash

Dimple Blanket is designed for DK-weight yarn. You don't need every Dimple to come from the same yarn brand.

This is exactly what makes the project so useful for leftovers: compatible DK yarns from different projects can be combined into one blanket.

When mixing yarns, consider fiber content and washing requirements as well as yarn weight. A blanket is easier to care for when the yarns you combine have reasonably compatible care instructions.

How Much Yarn Does the Dimple Blanket Need?

Although each Dimple uses only a tiny amount of yarn, the complete blanket is a substantial project.

The original pattern lists approximately 3,828–4,374 yards (3,500–4,000 metres) of DK yarn for the full-size blanket.

Think of this less as yarn you need to purchase all at once and more as an opportunity to gradually transform a large collection of DK leftovers into one finished project.

Contrast Yarn for the Stripes and Border

In addition to the yarn used for the colorful Dimples, the original design requires approximately 100 grams of contrasting DK yarn.

This contrast color is used for the garter-stitch stripes separating the Dimples and for the border.

Using one consistent contrast color is a clever way to visually connect a wide variety of scrap colors and make the finished blanket look intentional rather than random.

Finished Blanket Size

LizAnn Petch's sample blanket measures approximately 130 × 150 cm, or about 51 × 59 inches.

This creates a useful throw or afghan size for a sofa, chair or bed.

However, you don't have to make exactly the same dimensions. The designer includes information in the free pattern explaining how the size can be adjusted.

Make the Blanket Smaller or Larger

The modular nature of the design makes Dimple Blanket particularly adaptable.

The free pattern includes information about adjusting the blanket size, allowing you to use the basic Dimple construction for dimensions that better suit your project or available yarn.

This can be especially useful if you want to create a smaller lap blanket or if you have enough leftover yarn to continue beyond the dimensions of the original throw.

More Than Just a Blanket

LizAnn Petch also notes that the Dimple design can be adapted for other knitted items.

Once you understand how the short-row shapes are constructed and joined, the same textured idea can potentially become the basis for smaller accessories or other creative projects.

The full free pattern provides the designer's guidance for adapting the concept.

Needles and Gauge

The original blanket uses 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles.

The specified gauge is: 20 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Gauge can become particularly important when combining scraps from several different yarns. Two yarns may both be labelled DK but still produce noticeably different fabrics.

Try to choose scraps that work together at a reasonably consistent gauge so that the Dimples maintain a harmonious size and texture.

Skills Used in the Dimple Blanket

Useful techniques for this project include:

• Knitting and purling
• Working flat
• Garter stitch
• Stockinette stitch
• Short-row shaping
• Joining sections as you knit
• Changing colors
• Picking up stitches
• Weaving in yarn ends as you work

A Portable Long-Term Knitting Project

Large blankets can become physically cumbersome long before they are finished. The repeating Dimple sections, however, give this project natural milestones as you work through your collection of colors.

Rather than thinking about thousands of metres of yarn at once, you can concentrate on the next small Dimple and watch the blanket gradually grow.

It could make a particularly satisfying long-term project for gradually using DK scraps accumulated from other knitting.

Color Ideas for Your Dimple Blanket

There are many ways to approach the color layout.

For a true stash-buster, use scraps in the order you find them and allow the blanket to become a record of previous knitting projects.

For a more coordinated look, sort your leftovers into a limited palette, such as warm colors, cool colors, pastels or neutrals.

Whichever approach you choose, a consistent contrast color for the separating garter stripes and border can help bring the entire design together.

Why Knit the Dimple Blanket?

Dimple Blanket solves one of the most common problems for knitters: what to do with all those small amounts of good yarn that are too useful to throw away but too small for another full project.

Its combination of 3-gram scrap sections, short-row shaping, join-as-you-go construction and adjustable sizing makes it especially well suited to stash busting.

Instead of hiding leftover DK yarn in a box, you can gradually turn it into a colorful, textured blanket with a story behind every section.

Get the Free Dimple Blanket Knitting Pattern

The complete Dimple Blanket by LizAnn Petch is currently available as a free downloadable knitting pattern from the designer's Ravelry store.

Get the Free Dimple Blanket Knitting Pattern

Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability on external websites may change over time.

Slip Stitch Sampler Throw - Free Pattern

Photos above © DrBron

Slip Stitch Sampler Throw by Irina Poludnenko is a colorful free knitting pattern originally published by Lion Brand. It combines slip-stitch colorwork with a modular log-cabin-inspired construction to create a large, eye-catching throw.

Six sections use the same basic log-cabin design in different color combinations, producing a sampler-style blanket without requiring complicated stranded colorwork.

The pattern is still available as a free knitting pattern, with a current downloadable version available through LoveCrafts.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Slip Stitch Sampler Throw, Lion Brand pattern L10347, is currently available as a free downloadable knitting pattern. Use the current pattern source below for the complete instructions.

Slip Stitch Sampler Throw at a Glance

Pattern: Slip Stitch Sampler Throw

Designer: Irina Poludnenko

Publisher: Lion Brand Yarn

Pattern Number: L10347

Category: Blanket / Throw

Yarn Weight: Aran

Original Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

Needles: US 8 / 5 mm

Gauge: 16 stitches × 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in slip-stitch pattern

Yardage: Approx. 3,570 yd / 3,264 m

Finished Size: Approx. 50 × 75 in / 127 × 190.5 cm

Construction: Modular squares, seamed

Techniques: Slip stitches, mosaic-style colorwork, stripes

Availability: Free downloadable pattern

About the Slip Stitch Sampler Throw

Slip Stitch Sampler Throw was designed by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand Yarn.

Rather than making one enormous uninterrupted panel, the blanket uses the same log-cabin-inspired design six times in different color combinations.

Once the individual sections are complete, they are assembled into a large rectangular throw.

The result is a colorful sampler blanket with strong geometric structure and plenty of visual variety.

Finished Size

The published finished dimensions are approximately:

50 × 75 inches / 127 × 190.5 cm

This is a substantial throw rather than a small lap blanket, so expect it to become a fairly large project both in knitting time and total yarn requirement.

Original Yarn

The pattern was designed using Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, an Aran-weight acrylic yarn.

The original yarn is listed at approximately 170 yards per 100-gram ball.

The published blanket uses multiple colors to create the changing combinations across its six main sections.

Original Color Plan

The published version uses nine colors:

• Dusty Blue
• Chocolate
• Rust
• Olive
• Dusty Purple
• Brick
• Pea Green
• Mustard
• Purple

The original quantities total 21 balls of Vanna's Choice.

Dusty Blue, Olive and Dusty Purple use three balls each, while the other six colors use two balls each.

Total Yardage

Ravelry records total published yardage of approximately:

3,570 yards / 3,264 meters

That large quantity reflects both the generous finished dimensions and the nine-color construction.

If substituting yarn, calculate your requirements carefully before beginning, particularly if some colors will be difficult to replace later from the same dye lot.

Needles

The published needle size is:

US 8 / 5 mm

Needle size is only a starting point. Use the size that allows you to obtain the required gauge with your chosen yarn.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

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

This gauge is measured in the slip-stitch pattern.

Even though a blanket does not need to fit a body, gauge still matters here because six separate sections eventually need to work together as one finished throw.

What Is Slip-Stitch Colorwork?

Slip-stitch colorwork can create surprisingly elaborate-looking patterns without requiring you to work several yarn colors across the same row at once.

Selected stitches are slipped rather than worked, allowing color from an earlier row to remain visible in the new row.

The technique can produce geometric color effects while keeping the actual knitting relatively approachable.

Why Slip Stitches Work Well Here

The strong colors already give this blanket plenty of visual energy. Slip stitches add another layer of texture and pattern without requiring complex stranded colorwork across every row.

They also complement the geometric log-cabin structure particularly well.

Keep Slipped Stitches Relaxed

One of the most important habits in slip-stitch knitting is avoiding excessive tension.

If the yarn carried past slipped stitches is pulled too tightly, the fabric can become compressed or distorted.

Allow the stitches to remain comfortably spaced on the needle as you work across each section.

Log-Cabin-Inspired Construction

Traditional log-cabin knitting builds outward in sections, creating strong geometric blocks of color.

Slip Stitch Sampler Throw uses this visual idea repeatedly, creating six versions of the same basic design in different color combinations.

This repetition is useful because once you understand how one section develops, the overall construction becomes much easier to visualize.

Six Main Sections

The throw is modular rather than one-piece.

Six major sections are knitted and later assembled to create the finished 50 × 75-inch blanket.

Modular construction has an important practical advantage: you do not need to carry the entire weight of a large blanket on your needles throughout the project.

Managing Nine Colors

A nine-color project benefits from a little organization.

Before casting on, label your colors according to the pattern and keep leftover yarn clearly identified.

Avoid relying only on memory, especially when several shades are similar.

A simple note showing the yarn name, color letter and remaining ball count can prevent confusion later in the project.

Choosing Your Own Palette

You do not have to reproduce the original Lion Brand colors exactly.

The geometric construction makes this an excellent project for creating your own coordinated palette.

Consider combining:

• Warm autumn shades
• Cool blues and greens
• Muted vintage colors
• Bright contrasting colors
• Neutrals with a few strong accent shades

Whatever palette you choose, make sure neighboring colors have enough contrast for the slip-stitch pattern to remain visible.

Substituting the Yarn

If you use another Aran-weight yarn, make a slip-stitch swatch before buying the full quantity.

Look for a yarn that provides:

• Good stitch definition
• Consistent gauge
• Comfortable drape
• Colors with useful contrast
• Care instructions suitable for a large blanket

Wash your swatch according to the yarn manufacturer's directions to see how the finished fabric changes.

Assembly Matters

Ravelry classifies the design as seamed.

Because separate sections eventually form one large geometric blanket, careful assembly is important.

Before sewing, block the sections if appropriate for your yarn and lay them out in the intended arrangement.

Check orientation and color placement before joining anything permanently.

Keep the Seams Flexible

A blanket seam should be secure without becoming a rigid ridge.

Pulling the joining yarn too tightly can cause the assembled throw to pucker along the seams.

Periodically lay the work flat while joining the sections to make sure the seam tension remains comfortable.

Important Pattern Correction

Important Before You Knit

Lion Brand published corrections for pattern L10347 on April 17, 2013. For that reason, use a current corrected version of the pattern rather than relying on an old copy saved from the original publication period.

Corrections are one of the main reasons Amazing Knitting links readers back to legitimate current pattern sources rather than reproducing old instructions.

Skill Level

Lion Brand classified the project as:

Easy+ / Level 3

The blanket is large, but the modular construction and repetition mean that project size should not automatically be confused with technical difficulty.

Skills Used in This Project

• Knitting and purling
• Slipping stitches
• Changing colors
• Reading repeating stitch patterns
• Modular knitting
• Picking up or working from existing sections as directed
• Maintaining consistent gauge
• Seaming knitted sections
• Weaving in multiple yarn ends
• Blocking and finishing a large blanket

Is Slip Stitch Sampler Throw Still Free?

Yes.

Slip Stitch Sampler Throw by Irina Poludnenko is still listed as a free knitting pattern, and a free downloadable PDF of Lion Brand pattern L10347 is currently available through LoveCrafts.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted instructions. Use the legitimate pattern source for the complete knitting directions.

Get the Free Slip Stitch Sampler Throw Pattern

The Lion Brand L10347 pattern is currently available as a free downloadable PDF from LoveCrafts:

Get the Free Slip Stitch Sampler Throw Pattern →

You can also view the Ravelry pattern record for project examples, specifications and historical pattern information:

View Slip Stitch Sampler Throw on Ravelry →

More Free Blanket Knitting Patterns

If you enjoy textured and colorful blanket projects, explore more verified free patterns in the Amazing Knitting archive:

• Waffle Blanket - Free Pattern
• Shivaree Throw - Free Pattern
• More Free Blanket Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

This is a large multi-color project, so organize your nine colors before casting on and make a swatch in the actual slip-stitch pattern.

Pay particular attention to keeping slipped stitches relaxed and keeping the dimensions of the modular sections consistent so that assembly is easier later.

Most importantly, use a current corrected version of Lion Brand L10347 rather than an old copied version of the instructions.

Pattern credit: Slip Stitch Sampler Throw was designed by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand Yarn. The existing project photographs on this Amazing Knitting page are credited to DrBron. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions.

Safe at Home Blanket – Colorful House Knitting Pattern

Safe at Home Blanket by Margaret Holzmann of KnitWit Designs is a wonderfully imaginative knitted throw made from rows of colorful little houses. With roofs, windows, doors and contrasting backgrounds, the finished blanket looks almost like a cheerful knitted neighborhood.

The design combines simple garter stitch with color changes and intarsia, making it an interesting choice for knitters who want to move beyond basic blankets while still working with familiar knit stitches.

It is also an excellent stash-inspired project. The designer encourages knitters to follow the suggested palette or create their own combination from coordinating leftover yarns.

Design © Margaret Holzmann / KnitWit Designs.

Safe at Home Blanket Pattern Overview

• Designer: Margaret Holzmann
• Design: Safe at Home blanket
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Blanket / Throw
• Published: April 2020
• Yarn weight: Aran
• Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted
• Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm
• Finished size: Approximately 55 × 55 in (140 × 140 cm)
• Yardage: Approximately 3,300–3,500 yd (3,018–3,200 m)
• Gauge: 17 stitches and 34 rows = 4 in in garter stitch
• Language: English

A Blanket Made From Colorful Knitted Houses

The feature that makes Safe at Home instantly recognizable is its collection of colorful houses. Instead of repeating one conventional all-over texture, the blanket turns individual areas of color into windows, doors, roofs and skies.

The house motif makes color selection part of the fun. You can create a coordinated palette or give every house its own personality by combining different colors from your yarn stash.

Because the basic fabric is garter stitch, much of the visual complexity comes from color placement and construction rather than from complicated textured stitch patterns.

How the Safe at Home Blanket Is Constructed

The knitted version is worked in garter-stitch strips. The completed strips are then joined together to build the main blanket.

After the central blanket is assembled, stitches are picked up and knitted around the completed edges to form the border.

This modular approach can make a large blanket feel more manageable: instead of handling the entire finished width from the beginning, you build the design in sections and assemble them as the project develops.

Intarsia and Color Changes

One of the principal techniques used in Safe at Home is intarsia. This allows separate blocks of color to appear within the same row without carrying every yarn across the entire width of the work.

If intarsia is new to you, keeping the different yarn sources organized can make the process much easier. Small balls or bobbins can help prevent the working yarns from becoming tangled while you create the different parts of each house.

Remember to manage the yarn correctly where two colors meet so the sections remain connected rather than developing holes at the color changes.

Yarn Requirements

The original pattern recommends approximately 270 yards of each of 12 colors, plus approximately 180 additional yards of the border color.

That makes Safe at Home particularly attractive for knitters with a substantial collection of compatible Aran-weight leftovers.

The original sample lists Malabrigo Yarn Worsted, but the important considerations when substituting yarn are achieving suitable gauge, creating a fabric you like and having enough yarn for the complete blanket.

Skills You'll Use

• Garter stitch
• Intarsia colorwork
• Color striping
• Changing colors cleanly
• Working separate blanket sections
• Joining knitted strips
• Picking up and knitting stitches
• Finishing and weaving in yarn ends

Tips for a Neater Finished Blanket

With a multicolor project like this, good yarn management can save a great deal of frustration. Arrange your colors before beginning each section and keep them in a consistent order whenever possible.

It is also worth paying attention to your tension at intarsia joins. Loose joins can leave visible gaps, while pulling the yarn too tightly can distort the surrounding garter-stitch fabric.

Finally, weave in ends carefully and progressively rather than leaving every strand until the very end. A blanket involving many colors can produce a considerable number of yarn tails.

Is Safe at Home a Free Knitting Pattern?

No. The exact Safe at Home blanket by Margaret Holzmann is currently a paid knitting pattern.

It may appear on older knitting websites or social posts alongside the word “free,” but we could not verify a current authorized free edition of this exact design. Amazing Knitting therefore does not label it as a free pattern or link to unofficial copies.

Pattern prices and availability can change, so check the designer's current page for the latest information.

View the Safe at Home Blanket at KnitWit Designs →

The designer's page provides information about the project and access to the current purchase options for the knitting pattern.

Why This Blanket Is Worth Knitting

Safe at Home is more than a conventional striped throw. Each house gives you another small colorwork milestone, while the repeating construction helps the overall project develop into a striking geometric composition.

It's especially appealing if you enjoy choosing colors, using yarn from your stash and watching many smaller knitted elements gradually become one substantial finished blanket.

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 Safe at Home design and pattern remain the intellectual property of Margaret Holzmann / KnitWit Designs. This guide does not reproduce the designer's row-by-row pattern instructions.

Over 50 Websites to Get Free Knitting Patterns

Designed by © Knit Crush

Looking for free knitting patterns? There are thousands of legitimate patterns available online for baby clothes, sweaters, blankets, scarves, socks, hats, toys and almost every other knitting project you can imagine.

The challenge is no longer simply finding a pattern. It is finding a reliable free pattern from a legitimate source, especially when older Pinterest pins and search results may lead to discontinued pages, outdated downloads or unofficial copies.

This guide will help you find free knitting patterns more safely and efficiently, whether you are searching the Amazing Knitting archive, a designer's website, a yarn company or a large knitting-pattern database.

About This Updated Guide

This Amazing Knitting article was originally published in 2019 as a link to an external roundup of more than 50 free-pattern websites. We have expanded the page into an independent resource for finding legitimate free knitting patterns without reproducing another publisher's list.

Where Can You Find Free Knitting Patterns?

Free knitting patterns are published by many different types of websites.

Some come directly from independent designers. Others are published by yarn manufacturers, knitting magazines, craft websites or pattern databases.

The best source depends on what you are looking for, so it helps to understand the major types of free-pattern resources before beginning your search.

1. Designer Websites

One of the best places to find a knitting pattern is the designer's own website.

Independent designers frequently publish selected patterns free while selling other designs.

Going directly to the designer has several advantages. You are more likely to find the current version of the pattern, corrections, additional photographs and notes from the person who actually created it.

If a pattern has been updated since its original publication, the designer's current page is usually preferable to an old copied version circulating elsewhere.

2. Yarn Company Pattern Libraries

Major yarn companies can be excellent sources of free knitting patterns.

These companies publish patterns to demonstrate how their yarns can be used, which means their libraries often contain projects across many categories and skill levels.

You can find designs for:

• Baby sweaters and cardigans
• Baby blankets
• Adult sweaters and pullovers
• Hats
• Scarves and cowls
• Socks and slippers
• Shawls
• Home accessories
• Seasonal projects

Yarn-company libraries are especially useful because older patterns sometimes remain available long after the original printed booklet has disappeared.

3. Ravelry

Ravelry is one of the most useful resources for researching knitting patterns.

Rather than simply searching the web for a phrase such as “free baby cardigan,” you can narrow results using filters such as category, yarn weight, needle size, age, construction and availability.

Pattern records can also provide useful historical information such as the designer, publication date, suggested yarn and links to the current pattern source.

Remember that a Ravelry record does not automatically mean the pattern itself is still available. Always check the current availability shown on the pattern page.

4. Knitting Magazines and Online Publications

Online knitting magazines have published many excellent free patterns over the years.

Some older designs remain available in permanent online archives, making these publications particularly useful when searching for classic knitting projects.

These sources can also be valuable because they often preserve useful information about the designer, yarn, gauge, construction and original publication date.

5. Large Craft and Pattern Websites

Large craft websites often organize patterns by project type or skill level, which can make them useful when you are looking for inspiration rather than one particular design.

A collection might focus on beginner scarves, baby booties, knitted toys or quick gifts.

When using a roundup, however, follow the link to the original pattern source whenever possible.

6. Knitting Blogs

Knitting blogs remain another useful source of free patterns, tutorials and project inspiration.

Some bloggers are also pattern designers and publish complete original designs. Others curate projects from different designers.

The distinction matters.

When a blog is discussing somebody else's pattern, look for the designer's name and a clear link to the legitimate original source.

7. Vintage and Public-Domain Knitting Resources

Knitters interested in historical projects can also explore digitized vintage knitting books, magazines and pattern leaflets.

Older knitting publications can contain fascinating sweaters, lace, socks, mittens and household projects that differ significantly from modern designs.

However, old does not automatically mean public domain. Copyright status depends on factors including publication date, jurisdiction and publication history.

If you plan to republish rather than simply knit from a vintage pattern, verify its copyright status first.

8. Amazing Knitting

You can also browse the Amazing Knitting archive.

Our library includes hundreds of knitting discoveries covering baby clothes, blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats, socks, slippers, stitches, tutorials and other projects.

We are progressively reviewing older articles to identify original designers, verify pattern availability and direct readers toward legitimate current sources whenever possible.

Browse Free Knitting Patterns →

Free Baby Knitting Patterns

Baby projects are an excellent place to explore free patterns because there are designs for many different skill levels.

You can start with baby cardigans and sweaters:

Explore Free Baby Cardigans →

Or browse baby booties:

Explore Free Baby Booties →

And baby blankets:

Explore Free Baby Blankets →

Free Sweater and Cardigan Patterns

Sweaters range from simple first-garment projects to advanced designs involving cables, lace or colorwork.

When choosing one, pay particular attention to:

• Finished measurements
• Recommended ease
• Gauge
• Yarn weight
• Construction method
• Available sizes
• Required techniques

Explore Free Sweater Patterns →

Free Blanket Knitting Patterns

Blankets are another large category of free knitting patterns.

Depending on the design, a blanket can be a simple beginner project or an advanced combination of lace, cables, colorwork or modular knitting.

Baby blankets are particularly useful for practicing new techniques on a manageable scale.

Explore Free Blanket Patterns →

Free Scarf and Cowl Patterns

Scarves and cowls are useful projects for testing unfamiliar stitches without committing to the fit requirements of a sweater.

They are also good projects for experimenting with cables, lace, texture and unusual yarn.

Explore Free Scarf Patterns →

How to Tell Whether a Pattern Is Really Free

One of the biggest problems with older knitting links is that pattern availability changes.

A pattern that was free ten years ago may now be paid, discontinued or completely unavailable.

Before calling a pattern free, check the current original source.

Look for clear wording such as:

• Free pattern
• Free download
• Download PDF
• Pattern available free on the designer's website

If the only evidence that a pattern is free comes from an old Pinterest pin or an old roundup, verify it before downloading.

Free Web Pattern vs. Free PDF

A pattern does not need to include a downloadable PDF to be genuinely free.

Some designers publish the complete pattern as a free webpage while offering an optional printable or ad-free PDF for a fee.

In that situation, describe the availability accurately: free web version with optional paid PDF.

This is more useful than simply labeling everything “free” or “paid.”

Watch for Discontinued Patterns

Older pattern databases can contain records for designs whose original downloads have disappeared.

A historical record is useful for identifying the designer and project, but it does not necessarily provide permission to download a copied PDF from another website.

If the legitimate source is gone, look for a currently available alternative instead of using an unauthorized copy.

Avoid Suspicious Pattern Downloads

Be cautious when a website offers a designer's PDF without clearly identifying itself as the designer, publisher or an authorized distributor.

A safer route is usually:

1. Identify the exact pattern name.
2. Identify the designer.
3. Find the designer or publisher's current page.
4. Check the current availability.
5. Download or follow the pattern from that legitimate source.

Check for Pattern Corrections

Another advantage of using the current source is access to corrections and updates.

Designers sometimes discover errors after publication and issue an updated PDF or an errata notice.

An old copy saved elsewhere may not include those corrections.

Check the Yarn Before You Buy It

Older patterns frequently recommend yarns that have since been discontinued.

That does not necessarily make the pattern unusable.

Instead of searching only for the exact old yarn, compare:

• Yarn weight
• Gauge
• Fiber content
• Yardage or meterage
• Fabric characteristics

Always make a gauge swatch before committing to a substitute yarn for a fitted garment.

Start with the Project You Want to Make

Searching “free knitting patterns” can return an overwhelming number of results.

A more effective approach is to begin with a specific project:

• Free newborn cardigan knitting pattern
• Free baby booties knitting pattern
• Free cable blanket knitting pattern
• Free beginner scarf knitting pattern
• Free top-down sweater knitting pattern
• Free lace shawl knitting pattern

Then narrow your choices according to yarn weight, size and skill level.

Save the Designer's Name

When you find a pattern you love, save more than the photograph.

Record the pattern name and designer.

This makes it much easier to find the legitimate pattern again if a Pinterest pin, bookmark or old website link stops working in the future.

Our Approach at Amazing Knitting

Amazing Knitting is a curated discovery library rather than the owner of every pattern featured in its archive.

When a project belongs to another designer, our goal is to identify and credit that designer, provide useful independent information about the project and direct knitters to the legitimate pattern source.

If an old pattern that was once free has become paid or unavailable, we aim to make that clear rather than continuing to promise a free download that no longer exists.

Explore Free Knitting Patterns

Ready to find your next project? Browse the Amazing Knitting archive by project type.

• Free Baby Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Cardigan Patterns
• Free Baby Booties Patterns
• Free Baby Blanket Patterns
• Free Sweater Knitting Patterns
• Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Free Hat Knitting Patterns
• Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Before Downloading a Free Pattern

Take a moment to confirm that you are using the current legitimate version.

Check the designer's name, current availability, size range, yarn requirements and whether any corrections have been published.

A few minutes of checking before casting on can prevent hours of frustration later in the project.

Editorial note: This article was originally published by Amazing Knitting in 2019 as a discovery link to a Knit Crush roundup. It has since been expanded into an original Amazing Knitting resource for finding and evaluating free knitting patterns. The original image used on this page is credited to Knit Crush.

Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block – Free 12-Inch Knitting Pattern

Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block project shown above. Photo © ladybugaustin.

Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block by Margaret MacInnis is a striking knitted square built around four textured leaf shapes that meet in the center to create a four-leaf-clover effect.

Unlike a traditional blanket square worked back and forth from one edge to the other, this design is knitted from the center outward. The construction creates the four leaves as part of one continuous block, so you do not have to knit four separate leaves and sew them together.

The finished block measures approximately 12 inches square and the pattern is currently available as a free download.

Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block at a Glance

• Designer: Margaret MacInnis
• Published: February 2010
• Source: Designs By Muggins
• Craft: Knitting
• Category: Afghan / blanket block
• Finished size: Approximately 12 inches square
• Construction: Center-out
• Yarn weight: Aran
• Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
• Yardage: Approximately 150–175 yards (137–160 m)
• Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette
• Techniques: In-the-round, lace and textured knitting
• Language: English
• Availability: Free

A Knitted Four-Leaf Clover Block

The feature that immediately distinguishes this afghan block is the four-leaf motif formed across the center of the square.

Each leaf grows outward as the block expands, creating a symmetrical design that resembles a four-leaf clover.

Because the motif is created through the knitted structure rather than simply added afterward, texture and shaping become an important part of the finished appearance.

Inspired by Traditional Counterpane Knitting

Margaret MacInnis explains that the basic block has roots in an antique counterpane design.

Counterpanes are traditional knitted bed coverings often constructed from individual motifs or blocks that are later combined into a larger textile.

Many historical counterpane designs use geometric, floral and leaf motifs, making this four-leaf construction a natural fit for that tradition.

Margaret adapted the older concept specifically for use in afghan block exchanges and made her version available to knitters as a free pattern.

Worked From the Center Out

One of the most interesting features of the Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block is its center-out construction.

Instead of casting on enough stitches for one full side of the square, the knitter begins in the middle and gradually increases the circumference of the block.

As more stitches are added, the four leaf sections expand outward and the square gradually takes shape.

Why Center-Out Knitting Is Different

Center-out construction creates a very different knitting experience from working a conventional square in rows.

At the beginning, only a small number of stitches need to be managed. As the block grows, the rounds become progressively longer.

This method also makes it possible to create strong radial symmetry, which is especially useful for floral and geometric motifs.

Knitting in the Round

The Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block is worked in the round.

This allows the four sections of the design to develop simultaneously without creating seams between the individual leaves.

If you have mainly knitted flat scarves or dishcloths, this project can be an interesting opportunity to practice circular construction on a relatively small piece.

Starting With Double-Pointed Needles

Margaret's pattern begins the center-out construction using double-pointed needles (DPNs).

DPNs are useful at the center of a project because the initial circumference is too small for many standard circular needles.

The stitches are distributed across several needles while another needle is used to knit around the developing motif.

Moving to a Circular Needle

As the block grows, more stitches are created and the circumference becomes larger.

At that stage, many knitters find it more comfortable to transfer the stitches to a circular needle of the same size.

This can make the increasingly long rounds easier to manage and reduces the number of needle changes required while working around the square.

Aran-Weight Yarn

The published pattern calls for Aran-weight yarn.

Margaret's original recommendation is Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, a yarn frequently used for afghans and other practical home projects.

An Aran-weight yarn gives the leaf motif enough substance for the textured details to remain visible while producing a useful blanket block.

How Much Yarn Do You Need?

The 12-inch version lists approximately 150–175 yards (137–160 meters).

Actual yarn use can vary with your gauge, yarn substitution and finishing choices, so having a little extra yarn is sensible if you need the block to match a specific finished measurement.

Choosing Yarn for an Afghan Block

If you substitute another yarn, try to choose one with similar weight and suitable stitch definition.

Consider:

• Aran or compatible worsted-weight construction
• Good stitch definition
• Washability
• Durability
• Colorfastness
• How the yarn behaves after blocking

These considerations become particularly important when multiple blocks will eventually be joined into one blanket.

Solid Colors Show the Leaf Texture

A solid or gently tonal yarn can be especially effective for this pattern because it allows the shadows and raised areas of the leaf motif to remain visible.

Highly variegated yarn can still create an interesting block, but strong color changes may compete with some of the textured details.

If the four-leaf shape is the feature you most want to emphasize, consider a yarn with enough visual consistency for the stitch pattern to stand out.

Needle Size

The published recommendation is US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

Use this as the starting point and adjust only when necessary to obtain the required gauge and finished block size.

For a modular afghan, consistent gauge is especially important because blocks that differ significantly in size can be difficult to join neatly.

Gauge for the 12-Inch Block

The listed gauge is approximately 16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette.

Although the finished block contains texture and shaping rather than plain stockinette throughout, the published gauge gives you a useful reference for choosing needles and yarn.

Why Block Size Matters

If you are making only one square as a decorative piece, a small difference in finished size may not matter very much.

But if you plan to join several blocks into an afghan, matching their dimensions becomes much more important.

A consistent 12-inch size makes it easier to arrange blocks into rows and join them without stretching one square excessively to fit another.

Skills Used in the Lucky 4-Leaf Block

This project can introduce or reinforce several useful knitting skills, including:

• Knitting in the round
• Working with double-pointed needles
• Center-out construction
• Increasing
• Decreasing
• Following repeated motif sections
• Lace-style shaping
• Textured knitting
• Managing a growing stitch count
• Blocking a knitted square

Is This a Beginner Knitting Pattern?

Lucky 4-Leaf is probably better suited to a knitter who already knows the basic knit and purl stitches and is ready to work in the round.

The unusual center-out construction and use of DPNs can make the first few rounds feel more challenging than a simple flat square.

Once the block becomes larger and the motif is established, however, the construction can become easier to visualize.

The First Few Rounds May Feel Fiddly

This is common with many center-out projects.

A small number of stitches distributed across several double-pointed needles can feel awkward because there is very little fabric available to stabilize the needles.

Work slowly at the beginning and check that the stitches have not become twisted before the structure is firmly established.

Use Stitch Markers to Track the Four Sections

The strong four-part symmetry of the design can make stitch markers useful.

Separating the repeated sections can help you identify an increase or decrease error before it affects the entire round.

Always follow the original pattern's marker placement and stitch counts rather than adding markers where they might interfere with the motif.

Count Your Stitches Regularly

Center-out patterns rely on controlled increases to produce the intended geometry.

If an increase is missed, the mistake may not become visually obvious until several rounds later.

Checking stitch counts at useful points in the pattern can save much more time than discovering an error near the outer edge of the block.

Blocking the Finished Square

Blocking is particularly useful for an afghan block containing textured or lace-like shaping.

After knitting, the square may not immediately measure exactly 12 inches or the four leaf sections may look slightly uneven.

Gentle blocking can help the stitches settle and allow the square to reach a cleaner, more consistent shape.

Always use a blocking method appropriate for your yarn fiber.

Using the Block in a Knitted Afghan

One Lucky 4-Leaf block can be attractive on its own, but the design was created specifically with afghan exchanges and modular blankets in mind.

You could knit several matching blocks for a repeating four-leaf blanket or combine Lucky 4-Leaf with other 12-inch squares.

Using a consistent yarn weight and block size will make the final assembly much easier.

Try a Two-Color or Multi-Color Afghan

Although each individual block can be worked in a single color, the finished blanket does not need to be monochromatic.

For example, you could alternate light and dark blocks, create a gradient across the blanket, or use several coordinated colors while keeping the same four-leaf motif.

Repeating the same texture while changing color can produce a cohesive blanket without making every square identical.

A Useful Block for Afghan Exchanges

Margaret MacInnis originally developed her version of the block after using it in several afghan exchanges.

Standardized block sizes are useful for group projects because different knitters can make individual squares that are later assembled into one blanket.

The 12-inch format makes Lucky 4-Leaf particularly suitable for that type of modular project.

There Is Also a 9-Inch Version

Margaret MacInnis later published a separate 9-inch Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block.

In that version, the leaves were modified to be shorter and the border construction was changed to suit the smaller finished square.

If you need a smaller block for your blanket layout, make sure you select the 9-inch pattern rather than simply trying to reduce the 12-inch version yourself.

12-Inch vs. 9-Inch Lucky 4-Leaf

The two patterns are related but they are not identical.

• 12-inch version: the original larger afghan block
• 9-inch version: later adaptation with shorter leaves
• Both: designed by Margaret MacInnis
• Both: currently available free

Choose the version that matches the other squares in your planned blanket.

Get the Free Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block Pattern

The Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan 12" Block by Margaret MacInnis is currently available as a free authorized download through the designer's Ravelry listing.

Get the Free 12-Inch Lucky 4-Leaf Pattern →

If you prefer the smaller version, Margaret also offers the 9-inch Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block as a separate free pattern.

View the Free 9-Inch Version →

Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block is by Margaret MacInnis / Designs By Muggins. The designer notes that her block was developed from an older counterpane design and significantly adapted for afghan use. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete pattern instructions.

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