Materials needed:
I used a cream, tan, and brown color for my blanket. Pick three colors, or shades of one color. I used Patons merino wool because it was on sale, but would recommend a machine washable wool, as this blanket will need a large area to dry flat. Needle size 5.5 mm. Darning needle needed for weaving and joining in ends and sewing together the strips.
Directions:
Cast on 40 stitches with the first color. You will knit every row. When you have 32 ridges (2 rows = 1 ridge) then switch to the next color. Continue until you have 7 blocks. (This will create a strip) For example: I knit one block cream, then tan, then brown, then cream, then tan, brown again, and lastly cream. (This was for my center strip). Alternate your pattern with each strip you knit - for example for the second strip I started with tan, brown, cream, tan, brown, cream, tan. (l made two strips using this color pattern) For the third strip you again alternate the colors starting with the darkest color - brown, cream, tan, brown, cream, tan, brown. (l made two strips using this color pattern). What you have basically done is to knit 5 wide scarves of alternating color in garter stitch. Each block on the strip is 32 ridges long and 40 stitches wide. To finish you sew the edges of the strips together and weave in the loose ends. Voila! - The Block Blanket. Other Possibilities: \~ There are many ways to individualize the blanket. Change the colors within the block to create stripes across ?Use a variegated yarn for some of the blocks Embroider or duplicate stitch on some of the blocks Add an I-cord border around the edge when finished. You could make it smaller for a baby or small child and add their name or initials to it to create a simple heirloom. Make it a bit smaller, and it makes a great throw blanket for snuggling in when on the couch. You could also make the blocks smaller by knitting fewer stitches and rows. Make sure you create a square that is equal in measurement on all sides. Designed by Verna Schiller - 2012
