This Checkerboard Lap or Baby Blanket is truly a lovely and cozy creation. The alternating squares of color knit together form a beautiful and classic pattern that's both eye-catching and charming. It's perfect for snuggling up on cool evenings or giving as a thoughtful handmade gift to expectant parents. Not only does it look great, but the softness of the yarn used will surely make it a favorite for cuddle time.
Checkerboard Lap or Baby Blanket Pattern:
Materials:
- Premier Serenity Chunky Yarn (100% Acrylic, 328 yards/300 meters in a 10.5-ounce skein)
- Size 9 circular knitting needles
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Colors mentioned: Grey (Color Smoke) and White (Color Cloud Dancer)
Gauge:
- Not specified, but a gauge swatch is recommended to achieve desired fabric density
Pattern Overview:
This blanket is composed of strips in a checkerboard pattern, creating alternating colored panels. Strips are later sewn together to form the blanket.
Instructions:
Cast On:
- Cast on 25 stitches using your preferred cast on method.
Garter Stitch Border:
Knit all stitches for 6 rows, creating a garter stitch border.
Body of the Blanket:
- Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit the first 3 stitches, purl the next 19 stitches, knit the final 3 stitches. These edges in garter stitch will create a border on the side.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2, ensuring you knit the first and last 3 stitches on every wrong side row for the border.
Continue until you have 13 complete garter stitch ridges on the front side (this will give you 26 rows total plus the initial 6 rows from the border).
Switching Colors:
- After completing the 26 rows, knit 6 rows with the new color for the transition, making sure to join the new yarn at the end of a row for easier weaving of ends.
Continue the Pattern:
- Repeat the same process (Garter Stitch Border + Body of the Blanket + Switching Colors) to create additional strips, making them as long as you need.
If desired, follow the pattern "Grey, White, Grey, White, Grey" for a classic checkerboard effect, meaning you'll have three Grey and two White strips. Alternate the pattern for the next set of strips.
Assembly:
- Once you have the required number of strips for your desired blanket size, you're ready to sew them together.
- Align the strips and use stitch markers to pin them at intervals where they’ll be joined.
- Cut a length of yarn twice the length of the strips for sewing.
- Use a yarn needle to work a mattress stitch, joining the strips along the sides. Make sure to alternate which edge you grab yarn from to ensure a neat join.
Finishing:
- Weave in all ends using a yarn needle, being careful to match the colors (weave white ends into white sections, grey ends into grey sections).
- Ensure all stitch markers are remove and the blanket lays flat.
If needed, lightly block the blanket to even out stitches and edges.
Measurements:
- As per video, the final blanket measured approximately 38.5 inches wide by 36.5 inches tall.
This knitting pattern will result in a checkerboard-patterned blanket, perfect for a lap blanket or a baby blanket. Adjust the number of strips and rows to customize the size of the finished product.
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