Hexagon Baby Blanket
As I worked on a shawl pattern that included short rows to create a beautiful effect (the wingspan shawl for loom knitters by Renee Van Hoy), I was immediately taken with this technique and knew I wanted to create a baby blanket with this method. I am thrilled with the results - and my head is spinning with many more ideas that incorporate the short row technique.
Materials
Knitting Loom:
Any size knitting loom with at least 12 pegs \*
Yarn:
Any yarn appropriate to the loom chosen \*
Notions:
Tapestry Needle, Knitting tool, crochet hook, stitch marker Optional: Knitting needles for bind off
Gauge:
Gauge is not critical to this project. \* The blanket in the sample was made using 330 yards of a #5 bulky weight yarn. It was knit on a 36 peg XL Gauge Loom (36 peg Knifty Knitter) and produced a blanket approximately 28 inches wide before theedgingwas added.
Pattern Notes:
This pattern is made by using short rows to create wedges. You will make 6 wedges to complete the hexagon. These are made in one continuous action so the only "joining" needed is to connect the bind off and cast on edge.
Stitch Notes:
K: E-wrap P: Purl HS: Half Stitch, used at the end of a row. The yarn is brought around the back of the peg to the front of the peg above the existing loop. The wrap stops in the front, half-way around the peg, so it is now ready to start the next row. The bottom loop is brought over the yarn, knitting the half stitch.
Loom Suggestions and Sizing Guide:
Large Gauge 12 peg flower loom (such as Knifty Knitter, Boye, Loops and Threads) will create an item that is a great size for a dishcloth or trivet. You could use 1 strand bulky or two strands worsted Weight. Large Gauge 24 peg loom (KK, Boye, etc) - makes a great size for a lovee or doll blanket e 36 peg loom (KK, Boye, etc) - smallest size you want to use for a baby blanke I am in process of creating a document which will list more detailed sizes. You will be able to find it on the Ravelry Page for this pattern.
Video Loom Along:
Kristen at GoodKnitKisses has made a wonderful Loom Along video for this pattern: Loom Along HexagonBlanket by CharityWindham
Directions:
Place stitch marker on peg 2. Cast on from end around to peg 1. This is the reverse of how you would normally cast on. You need your working yarn to be at peg 1 at the end of your cast on. WEDGE (this will be worked 6 times) Row 1: HS Peg 1 (do not knit off), K to 1 peg before end, HS end Peg Row 2: skip end peg, P to marker. Row 3: HS peg where marker is then move marker 1 peg to the right, K to 1 peg before end, HS endpeg Row 4: skip end peg, P to marker Repeat row 3 and 4 until your marker has been moved to the very last peg. You have now completed wedge 1 You will see your wedge beginning to form as you move along.
All pegs (except the end peg) should have 2 loops on them. Knit off all pegs, Move marker from end peg to peg 2. Skip end peg, P to marker - skip this step on wedge 6. Repeat wedge section until you have completed 6 wedges.
Once you have all 6 wedges completed, you can either bind off as shown in the video linked above (Russian Grafting) which creates a nearly invisible join. Kristen does a great job at teaching you how to do this technique. Another bind off option that works wellis to do a purl cast off and use a Kitchener stitch to sew the cast on edge to the bind off edge.
