My new Forest Spirit baby blanket is finished, and today I can share a free pattern with you. I am very happy with the final result. This blanket is very light and airy, but warm at the same time. And the colour changes within every stripe are so nice. This project is very easy and is suitable for beginners. Self-patterning Spirit yarn* helps to reach a wonderful effect with the most basic knitting garter stitch.
Probably it’s better to call this pattern a "tutorial", as I am not experienced in writing knitting patterns. But I tried to explain every step. And you will also find complete information about shades I used, their colour way and yardages. You can see more pictures with the finished blanket HERE.
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You will need:
• Fingering yarn. I used Spirit yarn by Scheepjes in 10 following colors (one skein of each) – 260g in total: 305 (Gazelle), 315 (Salmon), 309 (Dolphin), 307 (Grasshopper), 301 (Orca), 308 (Turtle), 304 (Lion), 303 (Eagle), 311 (Butterfly), 302 (Wolf).
Spirit yarn is available for purchase via Deramores* (international shipping) and in your local Scheepjes stores. If you haven't tried this yarn yet, please, read my review HERE.
You will need approx. 20-22g for 1 stripe. And 18-20g in each of three shades for the border (I used 304, 308 and 302)
• Circular needles size 4 mm/US6 80cm
• Tapestry needle to weave yarn tails in
Gauge
With garter stitch 19sts x 36 rows = 10cm x 10cm (4in x 4in)
Size
Tutorial is written for one size: approx. 85cm x 110cm (33 1/2in x 43in) when stretched.
But you can easily adjust its width by casting on more (or less) stitches in the beginning. And if you want a longer blanket you can just knit more rows (and make some of the stripes wider according to your taste). For example, if you want to make your blanket 10cm (4") longer - you should add 36 rows.
Stitch guide and Abbreviations
US standard abbreviations are used in this pattern.
st(s) - stitch(es)
yo - yarn over
k - knit stitch
p – purl stitch
RS - right side
garter st
INSTRUCTIONS
NOTES: 1st st in the beginning of every row is always knitted in front loop (pic. 1-2). And last stitch of every row is knitted in back loop (pic. 3-4).
To change color, simply start to knit a new row with new yarn.
Work in rows. Begin with yarn 305.
Cast on 140 sts (or as many sts as you need for a desired width of your blanket) on needle size 4mm / US6. Work 36 rows with garter stitch (10cm/4in).
Make 9 more stripes with garter stitch (36 rows) with each shade for 360 rows in total, don’t bind off. Here is the order of colours: 315 (Stripe 2), 309, 307, 301, 308, 304, 303, 311, 302.
Border
Border is made with same circular needles in rounds, always on the right side. To get a garter stitch effect, you should knit and purl on every other round. HERE is a video tutorial about how to work with garter stitch in rounds.
You should also make 2 increases in each corner on every other round (when you knit, not purl).
You can read about different ways to increase HERE. Please, choose the one you are comfortable with. I worked twisted yo, k1, twisted yo in every corner for my blanket. Be sure to mark central stitch in the corner and move the marker to next rounds as you progress. It will help you easily find the stitch where you should make increase on next rounds.
Instructions (Border)
Work in rounds on RS. Begin with yarn 304.
Rnd 1. K1 in 139 sts, make 2 increases in last st (don’t forget to mark central stitch), turn a quarter.
Continue to knit along another side, making k1 in every “ridge” till you come to next corner.
Make 2 increases in 1st st of the foundation row, k1 in each of next 138 sts of foundation row, make 2 increases in last st, turn a quarter.
Continue to knit along 4th side in a way as previous, make twisted yo (or 1 increase) and k1 in the same st where you began this round.
Rnd 2. Continue with yarn 304. P1 in every st around.
Rnd 3. Change to yarn 308. K1 in every st around making increases in every corner.
Rnd 4. Continue with yarn 308. P1 in every st around. Change to yarn 302.
Repeat rnds 3 and 4 with yarn 302, bind off loosely. Weave in all yarn tails using tapestry needle (you can weave them into the seam between the blanket and the border).
Congratulations!!! Your Forest Spirit Baby Blanket is now finished! :)
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