Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Pattern for Ethan's Baby Blanket

In the past when I was called upon for a baby blanket, I made a simple basketweave patterned blanket from a thick, cozy cashmere from my favorite yarn store School Products, which is a hidden treasure here in Manhattan.

This time, when I went in to buy cashmere, a few different swatches caught my eye. Very simple patterns that I tried to piece together. When the blanket is finished, I'll post a picture. In the meantime, here's the pattern I wrote and am now following:

Gauge:
5 stitches per 1 inch over stockinette stitch

Stitches:
K - Knit
P - Purl
That's it. Really.

Finished Size:
32" x 23"

Cast On:
160 stitches

Actual Pattern:
Row 1: K all stitches.
Row 2: P all stitches.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for rows 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Row 7: K5, P all stitches (except last 5), K5.
Row 8: P5, K all stitches (except last 5), P5.
Repeat rows 7 and 8 for rows 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Row 13: K5, P5, K all stitches (except last 10), P5, K5.
Row 14: P5, K5, P all stitches (except last 10), K5, P5.
Repeat rows 13 and 14 for rows 15, 16, 17, and 18.

*This will create the bottom border and 'turn" the corners to start the side borders.*

Row 19: K5, P5, K5, P40, K5, P40, K5, P40, K5, P5, K5
Row 20: P5, K5, P5, K40, P5, K40, P5, K40, P5, K5, P5
Repeat rows 19 and 20 for rows 21 through 66

*This will create the first series of blocks and maintain the side borders.*

Repeat rows 13 and 14 for rows 67 through 72.

*This will create a border between the two series of blocks and maintain the side borders.*

Repeat rows 19 and 20 for rows 73 through 120.

*This will create the second series of blocks and maintain the side borders."

Repeat rows 13 and 14 for rows 121 through 126.

Repeat rows 7 and 8 for rows 127 through 132.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for rows 133 through 138.

*This will create the top border and turn the corners of the side borders."

Cast off.