Tag: Designs

Alder Blanket

On By MindieIn General ramblings2 Comments

This blanket is suitable for the beginner knitter as well as more advanced knitters looking for a simple knit. The pattern covers two different sizes, a small blanket for covering little knees in car seats or pushchairs and a larger more substantial cot sized blanket. 

When I am contacted by new knitters looking for an easy blanket project that will give them a stylish end product but one that is not too difficult, I always direct them to this pattern. The heavier weight yarn knits up quickly, so you get pleasingly quick results and the pattern is easily remembered (no constant referring to the pattern). The borders are knitted along with the pattern so there is no picking up of stitches and the end results give confidence to grow their knitting skills.


Having said all that, Alder makes good T.V. knitting for more accomplished knitters. Something to turn to when you need something relaxing.

The two samples here are knitted in very different yarns. Both look great but give a totally different feel. The cream being more classic for a new baby and the red much more contemporary.


Make it your own. The patterning on this blanket lends itself to all sorts of yarn, plain or variegated, striping or gradient. You could knit this in pure wool, a cotton or cotton mix yarn or an easy-care acrylic blend.  Maybe you would like a lap blanket to keep on your chair for those chilly evenings. The larger version of Alder would be great for this and you could choose a colour to match your decoration or that contrasts nicely with your furniture.

 PATTERN INFORMATION

Size:

Small: 58 x 76 cm / 23 x 30 inches

Large: 78 x 96 cm / 31 x 38 inches


Yarn:

Small: approx. 700m

Large: approx. 1200m

Any aran or worsted weigh yarn is suitable. Choose something soft and machine washable if knitting for a baby. The cream blanket show was knitted in Cascade Pacific a soft blend of Merino wool and acrylic. The red blanket was knitted in a now unavailable yarn but there are plenty of multicoloured yarns available to choose from.

Tension:

24sts to 10 cm in pattern.

The pattern stitch pulls in the knitting a little which is why this number is not what you would expect from an aran yarn.

Needles:

4 mm  or the size to get you the above tension for the main part of the blanket

3.5 mm or needles one size smaller than your main needle for the top and bottom borders

Circular needles are recommended due to the number of stitches. You will need one about 80cm long.


Notions:

2 stitch markers

Yarn needle for sewing in ends


Techniques Used:

Knit, purl and simple increases and decreases are used in this pattern. Full explanations are given in the abbreviation section of the pattern.

As always, pattern support is available for this and all my patterns by contacting me using the details in the side bar.

This pattern is available using this link from LoveKnitting.


There is a companion bag pattern, available separately, which goes with this pattern. The Alder bag is an all in one knit with a little seaming.

Trillium

On By MindieIn General ramblingsLeave a comment
A simple but stylish design for a little one

The simple eyelet pattern on this blanket forms little trillium, or three petal flowers, in an all over design.
Suitable for the beginner knitter, the blanket is knitted all in one with the garter stitch borders knitted as you go.

If you want a lightweight blanket you can knit this in a 4ply or fingering weight yarn or for a more substantial blanket for colder months you can knit one up in a DK weight yarn.

Make it your own. The pictures here show the sample blanket in cream but this blanket would look as good in just about any colour that you can dream of. On a lot of designs, a lighter colour is preferable as they show up the pattern stitch to its maximum effect, but here I think you could even get away with some very dark colours and still have a great looking project. I think a navy blue one would be lovely.
I have also included information in the pattern for varying the width of your blanket by adding or subtracting horizontal pattern repeats and how much that will change the width or your blanket, and of course you can always make it longer or shorter by simply adding or subtracting vertical repeats.

Pattern information

Size:
approx. 66 x 76 cm / 26 x 30 inches for both the 4ply and DK versions

Yarn:
DK blanket; approx. 850m of a soft DK weight yarn suitable for a baby blanket
4 ply blanket; approx. 1100 m of a 4ply or fingering weight yarn

Tension:
DK blanket; 22 sts x 28 rows to 10 cm 
4ply blanket; 28 sts x 36 rows to 10 cm 
In stocking stitch


Needles:
DK blanket; 4mm needles
4ply blanket: 3.5mm needles 
Or size to get you the correct tension. Tension is not crucial but working to a different tension will result in a blanket of a different size and may take more or less yarn.

Notions:
2 stitch markers for separating border stitches from the central pattern

Techniques:
Knit, purl, yo (yarn over), k2tog and a double decrease is used when knitting this blanket. All stitches are outlined in the abbreviation section of the pattern and tutorials are being added to the site for stitches and techniques used in my patterns.

As always, pattern support is available for this and all my patterns using the link in the side bar.

This pattern is available to download from LoveKnitting

Ship Ahoy !

On By MindieIn General ramblingsLeave a comment
Lots of little sail boats float across this blanket.

The pattern is suitable for advanced beginners upwards and makes a great blanket for snuggling baby in. 
Knitted in a DK weight yarn the pattern is written for two different sizes of blanket and is just as striking knitted in a coloured yarn as it is in the sample white.

The bottom edge of the blanket has a gentle wave to it, the top edge curve being less pronounced.

The pattern is written as well as charted so you can work with whichever you prefer and I have put each of these on a page of their own for ease of use.

Make it your own by using any colour which suits your scheme. A slightly colour washed yarn would look great and you can easily make the blanket longer or shorter by simply working more or less pattern repeats.

PATTERN INFORMATION

Sizes:  
Small: 70 x 80 cm/ 28 x 32 inches 
Large: 86 x 96 cm / 34 x 38 inches

Yarn:
Sirdar Snuggly DK or any other DK yarn you would like to use that would be suitable for a baby blanket. 
If using Sirdar Snuggly you will need approx. 5 balls for the smaller blanket and 7 balls for the larger one.
If substituting another yarn you will need approx. 800 meters for the smaller blanket and 1200 meters for the larger blanket.

Tension:
The required tension for the pattern is 22 sts x 28 rows for a 10cm/4 inch square in stocking stitch.
For a blanket, tension is not crucial but if you do knit to a different tension you may need more or less yarn that stated and your blanket will be a different size.

Needles:
3.75 mm  or size to get you the required tension. A long circular needle of between 80 – 100 cm is needed to accommodate the number of stitches.

Techniques Used: 
Knit, purl, yo (yarn over), left and right leaning decreases and double decreases are used in this pattern. All explanations are in the abbreviations section of the pattern. 

Pattern support is available for this and all my patterns by using the email address at the top of the side bar. 

This pattern is available from LoveKnitting.

Heartwood

On By MindieIn General ramblingsLeave a comment

Heartwood Baby Blanket

Stripes and Texture, the best of both worlds ! The interesting texture in these blankets look a little like crochet but is in fact knitted.

Another simple textured blanket, this is suitable for beginner knitters as the pattern is easily picked up once a few rows have been worked.

The pattern is written for a DK weight yarn and there are two options for the colour sequence, a four colour stripe and a two colour stripe.

Here the four colour version has been knitted in a DK easy care yarn and the two strip in a cotton mix yarn that is gently marled.



Make it your own.  In the pattern I have given colour boxes showing the colours used and the sequence they are knitted in but I have also given spare boxes so you can colour in and try out your own sequence when choosing your own colours.
The texture of the blanket can hold its’ own and make a beautiful blanket in just one colour if you choose. Simply follow the pattern omitting the changes in colour.

An all in one pattern, the borders are knitted in garter stitch at the same time as the main body of the blanket so there are no stitches to pick up. When knitting the four stripe blanket the yarn is cut between colours but on the two colour stripe version you can carry the yarn not in use up the side of the work.

Pattern Information


Size:
approx. 64 x 76 cm / 25 x 30 inches

Yarn:

Four Stripe Blanket:  You will need approx. 250 m in each of four colours. For the sample shown I used Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (276 m per 100g) one ball each of colours; Misty grey (103); Slate grey (105); Champagne white (102); Washed teal (132)

Two Stripe Blanket: You will need approx. 500 m in each of two colours. For the sample shown I used King Cole Authentic DK cotton mix (242 m per 100g) Two balls in each colour; Indigo (1256) and Blue Denim (1257)

Needles:
4mm circular needles large enough to hold the number of stitches, 80cm length should be fine, or size of needle to get you the required tension and 3.5 mm needles of the same length, or needles two sizes smaller than your main needle size.

Tension:
24 sts to 10 cm in pattern using 4mm needles.
Tension is not crucial but working to a different tension will result in a different size of blanket and you may need more or less yarn than stated.

Techniques Used:
Cast on and off, knit, purl, p2tog. How to work the pattern stitch is explained fully in the abbreviation section of the pattern.

The pattern is available for instant download from LoveKnitting.

Pattern support for this and all my patterns is available, please use the contact email address given in the bar.

Duffer Booties and Hat Pattern

On By MindieIn General ramblingsLeave a comment

Booties and Hats
 A DK pattern for some cute booties and hat sized for newborn to 12 months.


This adorable little set is knitted flat and seamed and takes no time at all. Great for a quick baby gifts or stocking fillers.

Suitable for the beginner with a little experience, there are some decreases that you may not have come across before. These along with explanations are given in the abbreviation section of the pattern. Also have a look in the tutorial section of my website for how to work some stitches.


Make it your own. You can choose two very contrasting colours, as I have here with the purple and peach sets, or a more subtle look go with a single colour.
Choose colours to match a particular favourite outfit or make the contrast colour something neutral like a light grey which would go with almost anything.
Ideal to use up some left-overs from other baby projects the set takes very little yarn, especially the contrast pieces.

Pattern Information


Size: 
To fit approx. ages: 0-3 [3-6, 6-12] months
Hat: Finished circumference: 35.5 [40, 46] cm / 14 [16, 18] inches
Booties: Finished foot lengths: 7.5 [8.5, 10] cm / 3 [3½, 4] inches

Yarn:
DK weight baby yarn. The samples were knitted in Sirdar Snuggly DK.
1 ball each of two colours; a main colour (MC) and a contrast colour (CC)
This amount will make both booties and hat.
Or, buy a main colour and use leftovers for the contrast colour.

Needles:
3.5 & 3.75 mm needles, or size to get you the correct tension, plus needles of one size smaller.

Tension:
24 sts per 10 cm / 4 inches in stocking stitch using 3.75mm needles. 
Please check your tension, a variation in tension will result in a change of size.

Techniques Used:
Casting on and off, knit, purl and directional decreases. All decreases are explained in the abbreviation section.
The pattern is available to buy as an instant download from LoveKnitting.

Pattern support for this and all my patterns is available by contacting me using the email address given in the bar.

Robyn

On By MindieIn General ramblingsLeave a comment

Robyn is another simple but classic blanket with an all-over texture pattern. One of those blankets that is neutral but pleasing.

At first glance this blanket pattern is very similar to the Gracie Blanket but the texture is slightly finer and, in my opinion, the stitch is easier to work.

Suitable for the beginner knitter, this blanket does require a little concentration but is still not too difficult.
The knitting starts with the bottom border and then the main body of the blanket is knitted before ending with the top border. Stitches are then picked up along the sides to work the borders outwards at each side.

Full instructions are given for working the side borders although I don’t give actual numbers of stitches to pick up.
The reason for this is that, even if you have the correct number of stitches for the tension required across your knitting, it is not always a given that you will have the same amount of rows, or you may have even decided to make the blanket shorter or longer. This can cause problems when given a number of stitches to pick up that is based on the row gauge of the pattern or size of the blanket, but not what you have achieved.
When picking up stitches along the side of a smaller item, such as a baby cardigan, this does not cause a great deal of trouble (most of the time) but on larger items you can end up with a border that pulls too tightly or is exceedingly baggy. Not the results we all look for.
If you have experience, over time you naturally adjust your stitches so they work with your knitted piece, but if you haven’t worked many picked up edgings before it can be a cause for frustration.

To negotiate this problem, I have instead given directions for picking up the stitches, whatever length your blanket is. I also tell you how to end with the correct multiple of stitches so you get neat and even results.
This method, once learnt, will hold for all types of project where you need to pick up and knit stitches. Maybe you lengthened a cardigan body for instance so the original pick up numbers for the button border will no longer apply. There are many ways to work out how many stitches to pick up for any type of project. In the pattern I give the easiest and most basic of methods.

Pattern Information

Finished Dimensions:  
64 x 76 cm / 25 x 30 inches

Yarn: 
Any suitable DK weight yarn. You will need approx. 825m in total.

For the blanket above I used Rico Baby Classic DK – 165m/50g. 5 Balls
Needles: 
4mm or the size to get you the correct tension. Circular needles are recommended for this         project due to the number of stitches but a long pair of straight needles that will hold the stitches comfortably would also work.
Tension: 
24 sts to 10 cm / 4 inches in pattern.
Knitting tension is not crucial but if you do work to a different tension your blanket will come out larger or smaller and will take a different amount of yarn.
Techniques Used: 
Knit, purl, P2tog, K2tog. It will also help if you have picked up and knitted stitches before.
The pattern is available to purchase through LoveKnitting.
Pattern support is available for this, and all my patterns. Please contact me through the email address in the bar or through the contact me. I always do my best to give you a speedy reply.

Colour-Mix Baby Blanket

On By MindieIn General ramblingsLeave a comment

One of my most recent designs is the Colour-Mix Baby Blanket.

This blanket is suitable for a beginner knitter. If you can cast on, cast off, knit and purl then you can make this easily.

The blanket is knitted in separate pieces and sewn together, which is great if tackling a large item is a little daunting. I also found it a great take-along project; the pieces are small and the pattern easily remembered.

For more experienced knitters, this blanket offers the opportunity to use up all those baby yarns you have left over from other projects.
If baby blankets are not your thing, you could of course knit this one up in any yarn and colours you like.
A larger aran weight throw in shades to match your decor would make a great throw for snuggling up in on a cold winters’ evening or even a gift for a special person.
Any yarn and suitable sized needles will be fine for that and sizes would vary depending on what you have used.

The pattern contains full information as to how to put the squares together, and soon I will post them here with detailed explanations to help you get the best result possible.

Colour-Mix Baby Blanket

 When sewn together your blanket lays flat with no visible ridge between the squares.
The pattern contains layout information for the position and colours I used for the blanket shown. You can use this or you can just lay out your squares and see which placement of colours pleases you.





Pattern Information:

Finished Dimensions: 
This blanket can be made to any size you want by simply adding (or subtracting) squares. The pattern is written for a blanket 56 x 70 cm / 22 x 28 inches.

Yarn: 

Paintbox Yarns Baby DK – 167m / 50g
The listed blanket takes 5 balls in total or 835m of yarn. For the sample shown I used a Colour pack from Love Knitting in which you get five balls of different colours. There are five packs available with different colour combinations, I chose Sorbet.

Of course, if you choose to make your blanket larger you will need more yarn.

Needles:
Pair of 3.75mm needles – or size to get you the required knitting tension.

Tension:
24 sts x 38 rows to 10cm/4 inches in pattern. Each blanket square should measure approximately 14 cm square. Knitting tension is not crucial but if you knit to a different tension you blanket will be a different size and you may need more yarn.

The pattern for this blanket is available as an instant download from Loveknitting.com

As usual, pattern support is available for this and all my patterns. You can either leave a comment here or email me at knitpurlmakes@gmail.com and I will answer your question as soon as I can.