Secret Log Cabin Blanket
By Abigail Horsfall This simple log cabin pattern is very versatile! The log cabin pattern works well with small amounts of different yarns. As long as the stitch gauge is matched, different base yarns can be mixed and matched with great success, making it the perfect pattern for group projects or to use up leftover hand-dyed yarns. For a unique look, make blocks randomly. If you prefer a more cohesive look, blocks can be coordinated in advance to create a variety of pleasing designs. Skill Level: Advanced Beginner Gauge: 5 sts/inch in garter stitch Size: $6^{\prime\prime}$ square, $12^{\prime\prime}$ square
Suggested Materials:
- Three Irish Girls Springvale Super Merino, Galenas Merino, various colors and amounts and/or - Beckon Stretch Merino, held doubled, various colors and amounts - US 5 -7 needles - crochet hook NOTEs: For each new log, you may switch to a new color or use the current color, however for stability, it is best to bind off LOOSELY after every log (except log 1). Please see Diagrams A and B for log placement. The amount of yardage required will vary depending on yarn weight, block type and blanket size chosen; plan to use between 600 and 1200 yards of yarn. Photo shown is a Small Afghan, using alternating $12^{\prime\prime}$ and $6^{\prime\prime}$ blocks.
Log Cabin Block Pattern
Cast on 10 sts. Knit in garter stitch for $2^{\prime\prime}$ , ending on a right side row. This is log 1. Switch color (if desired) and knit in garter stitch for a further $2^{\prime\prime}$ , ending on a right side row. Bind off loosely. This completes log 2. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and (using a different color if desired) pick up 20 sts along the sides of logs 1 and 2 (use diagram to confirm position). This should be equivalent to about one stitch per ridge. Knit in garter stitch for $2^{\prime\prime}$ , ending on a right side row. Bind off loosely. This completes log 3. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and (using a different color if desired) pick up 20 sts along the sides of logs 1 and 3 (use diagram to confirm position). This should be equivalent to about one stitch per ridge. Knit in garter stitch for $2^{\prime\prime}$ , ending on a right side row. Bind off loosely. This completes log 4. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and (using a different color if desired) pick up 30 sts along the sides of logs 1, 2 and 4 (use diagram to confirm position). This should be equivalent to about one stitch per ridge. Knit in garter stitch for $2^{\prime\prime}$ , ending on a right side row. Bind off loosely. This completes log 5. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and (using a diferent color if desired) pick up 30 sts along the sides of logs 5, 2 and 3 (use diagram to confirm position). This should be equivalent to about one stitch per ridge. Knit in garter stitch for $2^{\prime\prime}$ , ending on a right side row. Bind offloosely. This completes log 6. Continue in this pattern, turning work 90 degrees clockwise and (using a different color if desired) picking up the number of stitches specified below and knitting in garter stitch for $2^{\prime\prime}$ , ending on a right side row. Always bind off loosely. For a SMALL $\left(6^{\prime\prime}\right)$ square, complete 5 logs. For a LARGE (12") square, complete 11 logs. Log 7 & 8: Pick up 40 stitches. Log 9 & 10: Pick up 50 stitches. Log 11: Pick up 60 stitches.
Complementary Solid Block Pattern
If desired, solid-colored blocks can be alternated with log cabin blocks. To make a solid block, cast on 30 (60) sts and work in garter stitch for 6 (12) inches until a square is achieved. Bind off loosely.
Assembly
Lay the squares out in a pleasing pattern. Using a crochet chain, attach squares on the wrong side, being sure to match up blocks stitch-by-stitch. When attaching the edge of a garter square (as opposed to a bound off side),treat each garter ridge as one "stitch". If using a combination of $6^{\prime\prime}$ and $12^{\prime\prime}$ blocks, join $6^{\prime\prime}$ blocks in groups of 4 first, then attach $12^{\prime\prime}$ and $4-6^{\prime\prime}$ block
Optional Border
Pick up stitches around the outside edge of the blanket (one stitch per cast offstitch or garter row). Choose a yarn that will complement the blanket and knit 4 rows in garter stitch. Bind off loosely.
Here are some suggested block numbers for common blanket sizes:
Smalllap blanket: 36x36 inches $(3^{\prime}\times3^{\prime})$ $36-6^{\prime\prime}$ squares, $9-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares or $16-6^{\prime\prime}$ and $5-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares, alternating. Large lap blanket: $60^{\prime\prime}{\times}60^{\prime\prime}\;(5^{\prime}{\times}5^{\prime})$ ${100-6^{\prime\prime}}$ squares, $25-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares or $48-6^{\prime\prime}$ and ${\bar{1}}3-{12}^{\prime\prime}$ squares, alternating. Smallafghan: 60x72 inches $(5^{\prime}\!\times\!6^{\prime})$ $120-6^{\prime\prime}$ squares, $30-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares or $60-6^{\prime\prime}$ and $15-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares, alternating. Medium afghan: $72^{\prime\prime}{\times}84^{\prime\prime}\;(6^{\prime}{\times}7^{\prime}).\;168-6^{\prime\prime}$ squares, $42-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares or $84-6^{\prime\prime}$ and $21-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares, alternating. Large afghan: $84^{\prime\prime}{\times}84^{\prime\prime}\;(7^{\prime}{\times}7^{\prime})$ ${196-6^{\prime\prime}}$ squares, $49-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares or $96-6^{\prime\prime}$ and $25-12^{\prime\prime}$ squares, alternating. Diagram A: Small(6") Block Diagram B: Large (12") Block
Appendix
An excellent blog post on picking up stitches for a log cabin block can be found here: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2009/06/24/pickup lines.html. Pattern $\copyright$ 2010 by Abigail Horsfall This pattern is protected by copyright. It may be printed out for personal use, but not be sold or redistributed.
