Play with Color In Knitting Blankets

As we have all been spending a lot of time at home during the pandemic, I decided to use the supplies on hand to make gifts. This blanket is made from left over yarn from baby blankets I have made over the last couple of years. My favorite go-to yarn is Bernat Softee Baby. I used eight bright colors and white for the top and bottom borders as well as alternating between colors.

The blanket was sent by mail with several other items. When Lucas opened the package, he pulled out the blanket and claimed it as his and stated “a very nice blanket.” He likes to cuddle with it on the sofa and drink his morning milk as well as use it during story time before bed.

Tools needed

• Size 13 needles-I recommend circular needles due to weight of blankets. If you knit a lot, ergonomics are important and these needles put less strain on your hands.
• Approximately 150 yards of 8 different colors- I used remnants from Bernat Softee Baby yarn that has 310 yds per ball. If you use full balls, you will probably have enough yarn for two blankets.
• Approximately 310 yards of white yarn
• Darning needle-to weave in the ends

Pattern for Colors Blanket

• Using size 13 needles cast on 95 stitches using two strands of white (A) yarn (note this is a double strand pattern)
• Knit 10 rows to make border using color A

• Change to color B and knit 10 rows of stockinette stitch using the following row 1 and row 2:
  • Row 1: knit all
  • Row 2 K8, P79, K8
  • Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 10 rows completed (5 times)
  • Knit 2 rows in color B
• Change to color A and repeat the 12 rows as outlined above
• Change to color C and repeat 12 row pattern
• Change to color A and repeat 12 row pattern
• Change to color D and repeat 12 pattern
• Change colors B, C, & D alternating with A or add additional colors E, F, G, & H until desired length.
• Last section of blanket, end with color A knit all for 10 rows to make final border.
• Cast off and weave in ends

Tips

When purchasing yarn always get extra. It is hard to match dye lots if you need to purchase more later. This is why I have so much extra yarn from my baby blanket projects. I also make lots of hats with the extra yarn. Don’t be afraid to try something different with these patterns.

This pattern is the perfect size for a toddler throw or nap blanket, as well as a lap blanket. Approximately 36″ long and 24″ wide. You can adjust the size by checking your gauge and altering the pattern for desired size. I estimate that both of the patterns shared here use about 1500 yards of yarn. Since I used remnants, the yardage is truly an estimate.

I used 4 colors plus white for this blanket. This blanket is a block style following the same pattern as above by repeating the 12 row pattern 2 times for each block. The large borders on throw blankets creates a sturdy blanket that can be used everyday. It is recommended to block these blankets when finished but the gauge and size are completely flexible depending on the look you want. I typically make blankets for small children about 24’x36″ but a lap blanket can be any dimension that is visually appealing to you. The options are limitless. Enjoy making the blanket your own with the supplies you have on hand. This one is for a friend’s elderly mother. I thought she could use a comfort blanket during this difficult pandemic and changing times.

Pattern for Color Block Lap Blanket

• Using size 13 needles cast on 95 stitches using 2 strands of color A yarn (white)
• Knit all for 10 rows creating a border
• Change to color B 
  • Row 1: knit all
  • Row 2 K8, P79, K8
  • Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 10 rows completed (5 times)
  • Knit 2 rows still color B
  • Repeat all 12 rows still using color B
• Change to color C (same pattern as above)
• Change to color D (same pattern as above)
• Change to color E (Same pattern as above)
• Change to color D (same pattern as above)
• Change to color C (same pattern as above)
• Change to color B (same pattern as above)
• Change to color A, knit all for 10 rows
• Cast off and weave in ends
• This pattern can be adjusted in length by completing color blocks until the desired size is completed.

I look forward to seeing and hearing about how you use these ideas. Please sign up to receive my blogs and send me a note about your projects.

Happy knitting and sewing…more to come soon!

Ciao,

Deb