Category Archives: blanket

Make Memories with a Knit or Crochet Temperature Blanket

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Knitting and Crochet are not only relaxing and creative hobbies but can also be a beautiful way to document and commemorate the passing of time. One popular trend among knitting & crochet enthusiasts is the creation of temperature blankets. These blankets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a unique way to track and celebrate daily weather patterns throughout the year. Other popular temperature themes projects include scarves, cowls, shawls, sweaters, baby blankets, and even the occasional toy.

What is a temperature blanket?

A temperature blanket is a project where each row or stitch represents the weather conditions or temperature of a specific day. From cool blues and greens for cold winter days to warm oranges and yellows for hot summer weather, the colours of the blanket change according to a pre-chosen colour scale. Knitters/crocheters typically assign a colour to certain temperature ranges, allowing them to visually depict temperature variations over time.

If you aren’t drawn to the idea of tracking the temperature you can also follow other types of data, like precipitation (I have one client who was making a blanket based on the security alert updates at her university …. you can adapt the idea to any trend or phenomena. Some people make blankets for children based on the weather from the first year of their life.

Temperature blankets also don’t have to be linear – you can make squares, strips or blocks and join them together in any way you like. Plus, one of the major benefits is you don’t need to have to have elaborate skills to make a temperature blanket, the basics go a loooong way!

Crochet Linen Square Temp Blanket

Choosing the colour scheme

One of the appealing aspects of knitting a temperature blanket is the ability to personalize the project and choose a colour scheme that resonates with you. You can create your own colour scale or use existing templates available online. Some people prefer using a simple scale (like the colours of the rainbow), assigning a unique colour to a specific temperature range (ie. assign warm colours {pink, red, orange, yellow} to the warmer temperatures and cool colours {green, blue, purple} to the cooler temperatures). Others get more creative, incorporating multiple shades within a range to add depth and texture to their project. Some go for neutrals or keeps things more tonal. If you want to go REALLY off grid, you can choose a bunch of different yarns in similar colours and let the nuances of the different textures take over (be sure to choose yarns that are very close in thickness, for example all worsted weight or all DK weight). It’s totally up to you, there are no rules.

Tracking the temperature

To create a temperature blanket, it is essential to track the temperature each day. You can use various sources such as local weather reports, weather apps, or outdoor thermometers. Maintaining a record of the daily temperature allows you to map out the colours for each row or stitch accurately.

Tunisian Crochet Temperature Blanket

Selecting the pattern and yarn

One of the great things about a temperature project, especially a blanket, is you have tons of flexibility in which yarn you choose! Thicker, thinner machine washable, the variables are flexible. Once you have decided on your color scheme, it’s time to choose the pattern and yarn for your temperature blanket. Simple, repetitive stitch patterns like garter stitch or stockinette stitch work well for these projects since they allow the colours to take centre stage.

Want some inspiration? Try #temperatureblanket on instagram

  • Most patterns for temperature blankets seem to be designed with DK or Worsted weight yarn. If you want your project to work up faster go for a thicker yarn like Berroco Vintage Chunky, but be sure to adjust your needle size.
  • I suggest making your blanket in one piece or in larger blocks that are easy to join. If you choose a pattern with small motifs, make sure it’s a “join-as-you-go” technique, otherwise you’ll have a pile of tiny pieces at the ends and may want to commit homicide (or worse).

Crochet Linen Pixel Temperature Blanket

The joy of daily knitting

Knitting a temperature blanket involves a long-term commitment, as it represents an entire year’s worth of weather patterns. Many knitters find the slow progression of this project to be a calming and reflective experience. Each day, as you add a new row or stitch to your blanket, you reflect on the passing of time and the seasons that shape our lives. It becomes a tangible way to record memories and observe the subtle changes throughout the year.

Knitted All Kinds Of Weather Blanket

A keepsake to treasure

Knitting a temperature blanket not only results in a beautiful and functional creation but also serves as a keepsake to treasure for years to come. Each time you wrap yourself in your blanket, you will be reminded of the effort, patience, and memories that went into its creation. It becomes a personal and unique memento, capturing the story of a year in one cozy and comforting piece.

Knitted Ribbed Temperature Blanket or Scarf

Conclusion

Knitting a temperature blanket offers a compelling way to blend creativity, mindfulness, and weather tracking into a single project. Whether you are an experienced knitter or a beginner, the appeal of this endeavour lies in the way it allows you to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and express your artistic flair. So, gather your yarn, create your colour chart, and embark on a knitting journey that will result in a beautiful and meaningful temperature blanket.

PROJECT Square-A-Day

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Square-A-Day Blanket

Over the weekend I went to the Art Gallery and after trolling other people’s art I was feeling very motivated to get on making some of my own. As a warm-up, I’m taking my cue from my excellent friend Rosie and I started a “Square-A-Day” blanket. As you can imagine, a “square-a-day” blanket is the kind of thing where you make a square every day for whatever time you choose (ex. a year?), then join them together.

You can knit or crochet your square-a-day, use any type of yarn, and of course make any type of shape. You could make a rectangle, or a circle, or a triangle, or a hexagon a day blanket – it’s up to you.

See Square-A-Day Blanket Projects on Instagram

Cosy Memories Blanket by oomieknits on instagram

Should I Knit or Crochet?

It doesn’t matter whether you knit or crochet your squares, it really depends on what you enjoy! I’ve been teaching a lot of crochet lately, and after seeing a lady at the Art Gallery wearing a granny square sweater I was kind of itching to get my hooks out. I also like crochet for blankets because for me it’s a little faster than knitting. The downside of crochet is it uses up about 30% more yarn, but if you are using your square-a-day to move through some stash, then so much the better. Personally, I believe that because it’s a hobby the most important strategy to adhere to is JOY – whatever brings you the most personal pleasure and satisfaction is key.

Popular Patterns

Square-A-Day Mood Blanket by Iammarsian on Instagram

Yarn

I would stick to one size yarn, to make it easier to join your pieces. If you start with Worsted or DK, stay in that weight range. I would definitely choose a thickness or tension that is very common and easy to match, like Fingering, DK, or Worsted weight. This way, when you need to get more yarn, it’s easy to find something. These are also yarn weights that are fairly simple to seam in the end. Inevitably, once you get going you’ll like how a few colours are looking and want to fill in with more.

Blanket Size

Before you start, You should consider what size blanket you want to make, which will help you decide how many squares you need to make, and what size your squares should be.

Square Size:

  1. Decide on the size (for example, we’ll use a throw of 50″ by 60″ over a period of 365 days)
  2. Multiply the blanket dimensions (50 inches x 60 inches = 3000 inches squared)
  3. Divide the number your calculator just spat out by the number of days you are working on it (3000/365 = 8.219 inches squared)
  4. Press the square root button on your calculator (square root of 8.219 is 2.87 inches).
  5. If you are seaming your squares round up a little (2.87 can go up to 2.9 or 3)
  6. My squares need to be around 3″ x 3″ if I want to make one per day for a year and end up with a throw that’s at least 50″ x 65″.

Square Distribution

You may also want to figure out how many squares you actually need … because 365 might not be the optimal number of squares for your blanket.

  1. Divide the width of your blanket by the width of your squares and round up to the next whole number (50″/3″ = 16.66 …. rounded up to 17)
  2. Divide the height of your blanket by the width of your squares and round up to the next whole number (60″/3″ = 20)
  3. Multiply the two numbers (17 x 20 = 340)
  4. The actual number of squares I need is 340 … perfect for a project started a month late into the year!
Conglomeration Blanket by Shelley Husband

Colour & Texture

This is a long term project, so whatever you choose, make sure it will keep you entertained and stimulated. I’m a colour person, so I’m leaning into that, knowing that no matter what kind of mood I’m in today, a year of neutrals or dark colours will starve my spirit.

  1. Go crazy with colour and experiment with using the colour your resonate with every day. You’ll get a picture of where you were at through the year. You can go random, make a moodblanket and assign a specific colour for the mood you’re in when you’re making your daily square (kind of like a weather blanket, but for emotional states).
  2. Use a single colour and play around with different stitches and textures in your squares. Get a book of different granny squares (like Granny Square Flair or Granny Square Patchwork, or for beginner crocheters Granny Square Academy) and try doing different ones. Or go to 365 Days of Granny Squares …. she’s got videos!
  3. Go monochrome and experimenting with blending all the blues available in a yarn, or a bunch of greys and blacks, or browns and neutrals.
  4. Choose a yarn with a co-ordinating palette and smaller 50g balls like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday or Berroco Vintage Baby and just get one of each and let the yarn figure it out for itself.
Scrapgan (Hexagon-How-To) by camarama on Ravelry

Assembly

Some people join the squares as they go, which gives you an interesting perspective on where you were at throughout the year. Others make their shapes individually and join them at the end. I love the aesthetic control you have over placement when you don’t join as you go, but I think the prospect of seaming a bunch of little squares at the end of a long project will make me want to stick a fork in my thigh. I’m doing a hybrid and making my squares in strips and then seaming them. This is an exercise in knowing your limit and crafting within it.

Join as you Go

Joining as you go is an option (see videos below), but it comes with a hitch – as your project gets bigger it loses its portability and bets physically burdensome. If you are crocheting motifs, there is a hybrid option – you can do a final round in a single colour which joins them all as you go: see instructions HERE.

Our Blankets

My Blanket

I’m totally winging my blanket and trying to embrace a little bit of chaos …. I’m crocheting using fingering weight yarn I’ve had in my stash and a 3mm crochet hook. I didn’t measure or blanket out my square sizes, I just started going. I’m not a fan of lots of seaming, but I want my project to be portable, so I’m making the squares in strips and then I’ll seam them together. One thing I love about crochet is I can weave in/tack down the ends as I change colours. I experimented a little a settled on a simple single crochet stitch. My first strip of squares measure about 2.5″/6cm wide over 15 stitches. I’m trying to lean into the scrappy aesthetic, so I’m combining both semi-solid and variegated yarns.

Rosie’s Blanket

Rosie is also using up some stashed fingering weight yarn. She’s using a 4mm crochet hook and making classic granny squares in 4 tires/rounds.

Project Ideas You Won’t See On Instagram

Squares are awesome, but there is also something very satisfying and very liberating about an irregular shape. Irregular, asymmetrical shapes are what nature is made of! Plus, when you put them together they hide a multitude of sins …. no straight edges that need to line up.

Personally, I’ve always loved the idea of a throw that looks like a giant baroque doily, like the Temair Throw by Nicky Epstein.

Lots of people make squares and hexagons, but what the world needs more of is Paisleys … by Teva Durham, either in Crochet or Knitted. Would you do a paisley-a-day?

Would you make a circle a day and cobble them together into a patchwork, like this Circle Blanket? If you’re a crocheter you can easily so the same thing with dots!

Cosy Memories Blanket by oomieknits on instagram

Make Memories with a Knit or Crochet Temperature Blanket

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Knitting and Crochet are not only relaxing and creative hobbies but can also be a beautiful way to document and commemorate the passing of time. One popular trend among knitting & crochet enthusiasts is the creation of temperature blankets. These blankets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a unique way to track and celebrate daily weather patterns throughout the year. Other popular temperature themes projects include scarves, cowls, shawls, sweaters, baby blankets, and even the occasional toy.

What is a temperature blanket?

A temperature blanket is a project where each row or stitch represents the weather conditions or temperature of a specific day. From cool blues and greens for cold winter days to warm oranges and yellows for hot summer weather, the colours of the blanket change according to a pre-chosen colour scale. Knitters/crocheters typically assign a colour to certain temperature ranges, allowing them to visually depict temperature variations over time.

If you aren’t drawn to the idea of tracking the temperature you can also follow other types of data, like precipitation (I have one client who was making a blanket based on the security alert updates at her university …. you can adapt the idea to any trend or phenomena. Some people make blankets for children based on the weather from the first year of their life.

Temperature blankets also don’t have to be linear – you can make squares, strips or blocks and join them together in any way you like. Plus, one of the major benefits is you don’t need to have to have elaborate skills to make a temperature blanket, the basics go a loooong way!

Crochet Linen Square Temp Blanket

Choosing the colour scheme

One of the appealing aspects of knitting a temperature blanket is the ability to personalize the project and choose a colour scheme that resonates with you. You can create your own colour scale or use existing templates available online. Some people prefer using a simple scale (like the colours of the rainbow), assigning a unique colour to a specific temperature range (ie. assign warm colours {pink, red, orange, yellow} to the warmer temperatures and cool colours {green, blue, purple} to the cooler temperatures). Others get more creative, incorporating multiple shades within a range to add depth and texture to their project. Some go for neutrals or keeps things more tonal. If you want to go REALLY off grid, you can choose a bunch of different yarns in similar colours and let the nuances of the different textures take over (be sure to choose yarns that are very close in thickness, for example all worsted weight or all DK weight). It’s totally up to you, there are no rules.

Tracking the temperature

To create a temperature blanket, it is essential to track the temperature each day. You can use various sources such as local weather reports, weather apps, or outdoor thermometers. Maintaining a record of the daily temperature allows you to map out the colours for each row or stitch accurately.

Tunisian Crochet Temperature Blanket

Selecting the pattern and yarn

One of the great things about a temperature project, especially a blanket, is you have tons of flexibility in which yarn you choose! Thicker, thinner machine washable, the variables are flexible. Once you have decided on your color scheme, it’s time to choose the pattern and yarn for your temperature blanket. Simple, repetitive stitch patterns like garter stitch or stockinette stitch work well for these projects since they allow the colours to take centre stage.

Want some inspiration? Try #temperatureblanket on instagram

  • Most patterns for temperature blankets seem to be designed with DK or Worsted weight yarn. If you want your project to work up faster go for a thicker yarn like Berroco Vintage Chunky, but be sure to adjust your needle size.
  • I suggest making your blanket in one piece or in larger blocks that are easy to join. If you choose a pattern with small motifs, make sure it’s a “join-as-you-go” technique, otherwise you’ll have a pile of tiny pieces at the ends and may want to commit homicide (or worse).

Crochet Linen Pixel Temperature Blanket

The joy of daily knitting

Knitting a temperature blanket involves a long-term commitment, as it represents an entire year’s worth of weather patterns. Many knitters find the slow progression of this project to be a calming and reflective experience. Each day, as you add a new row or stitch to your blanket, you reflect on the passing of time and the seasons that shape our lives. It becomes a tangible way to record memories and observe the subtle changes throughout the year.

Knitted All Kinds Of Weather Blanket

A keepsake to treasure

Knitting a temperature blanket not only results in a beautiful and functional creation but also serves as a keepsake to treasure for years to come. Each time you wrap yourself in your blanket, you will be reminded of the effort, patience, and memories that went into its creation. It becomes a personal and unique memento, capturing the story of a year in one cozy and comforting piece.

Knitted Ribbed Temperature Blanket or Scarf

Conclusion

Knitting a temperature blanket offers a compelling way to blend creativity, mindfulness, and weather tracking into a single project. Whether you are an experienced knitter or a beginner, the appeal of this endeavour lies in the way it allows you to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and express your artistic flair. So, gather your yarn, create your colour chart, and embark on a knitting journey that will result in a beautiful and meaningful temperature blanket.

MORE COLOURS Casapinka Glamping Blanket 2

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Your response to this project was super positive, but you wanted more colour inspiration, so I broke out ye olde camera and had some fun coming up with a bunch more colour combinations for SHARON’S GLAMPING BLANKET 2. I tried to focus on baby blanket friendly colours, neutrals colour combos (you know, the brown palettes, greys), a couple of Christmas combos (for those of you who like to celebrate with a comprehensive decorative theme including a festive throw), a few monochromatic palettes, and a few I lifted from my research (because either people’s brilliance should be celebrated and shared too). Scroll down to see all the colours I’ve come up with, and a few awesome colour combos in the first projects other people made with original Sharon’s Glamping Blanket.

Colour Combo 01: 6100, 6106, 6125, 6140

CASAPINKA Sharon’s Glamping Blanket 2

Casapinka is back with a sequel to her extremely popular Sharon’s Glamping Blanket (from 2020) …. SHARON’S GLAMPING BLANKET 2! Yes, if you liked Sharon’s first blanket, you’re sure to love her second! The knitted blanket features bands of fun stitch patterns and stripes making it an engaging project with an eclectic aesthetic.

This playful blanket is made with Berroco Vintage Chunky. This bestselling blend of wool & synthetic fibres is soft, easy to knit with, and is very machine washable! It’s perfect for kids, adults, seniors, picky-men, and cats (Sharon).

‘ Colour Combo 3: 6122, 6125, 6112, 61193

Size

Like it’s predecessor, the second iteration of the Sharon’s Glamping Blanket comes in 4 size options:

  • Cat (Baby, Lap, Sofa)
  • Approx. 18 (24, 32, 42)” / 46 (61, 81.5, 107) cm wide x 25 (33, 43, 54)” / 63.5 (84, 109, 137) cm tall

Pthorne’s Glamping Blanket (OG): colour combo 18 (6175, 6167, 6192, 6180)

VivaciousKnitter’s Glamping Blanket (OG) inspired colour combo 15 (6102, 61194, 6172, 6163)

Williesmom’s Glamping Blanket (OG): colour combo 13 (6101, 6175, 6134, 6152)

Birdette’s Glamping Blanket (OG) inspired colour combo 11 (6108, 6140, 6134, 6189)

cbfairport’s Glamping Blanket (OG) in colour combo 30 (6192, 6194, 6112, 6185)

rachel1936’s Glamping Blanket (OG) in colour 32 (6192, 6107, 6106, 6189)

Materials

Berroco Vintage Chunky

  • .Color A: 1 (1, 2, 4) skeins
  • Color B: 1 (2, 2, 3) skeins
  • Color C: 1 (1, 2, 3) skeins
  • Color D: 1 (1, 3, 3) skeins

Need Colour Inspiration?

  1. Casapinka and the Berroco Design Team curated a few new colorways for you (see the pictures below).
  2. You can check out the colours I put together for the first blanket kit – there’s 26 colour combos there, including 3 for Christmas.
  3. Browse through other people’s finished Glamping Blankets (original edition) on Ravelry from the first kit for inspiration. You can also troll the projects on Instagram.

Colour Balance

If you aren’t sure how your colours balance, take a picture of them with your phone and change the colour filter to a back & white setting (like NOIR on iPhones). This is the colour combo in the picture of the blanket above with the cat:

  • Colour A – The second lightest colour (6125 Aquae)
  • Colour B – The second darkest colour (6106 Smoke)
  • Colour C – the lightest colour (6100 Snow Day)
  • Colour D – the darkest colour (6140 Orange)

NEW PATTERN Great Lakes Throw

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Great Lakes Throw

The Great Lakes Throw is a super simple blanket anyone can whip up QUICK! It’s made with super bulky weight  Cascade Cotton Puff and knits on 15mm/US19 needles for maximum satisfaction. The yarn is a soft, machine-washable cotton tube with a springy polyfil core (like the stuff in pillows and stuffed animals), giving it body and ease of use (it’s also allergy friendly and vegan).

The pattern is a simple, elegant, reversible rib, suitable for all knitters from beginners on up. Sizes range from a baby blanket to king-sized bed. Each ball of Cascade Cotton Puff is 200g/7.05oz, so while this technically isn’t a ‘weighted blanket’, it has some weight to it! Our sample is the Medium Throw 45″ x 60″ and is knit in colour 04.

Size

  • Baby (Medium Throw,  Large Throw,  Twin Bed,  Double Bed,  Queen Bed,  King Bed)
  • Inches:  35 x 42 (45 x 60,  55 x 70,  65 x 90) {85 x 90,  95 x 100,  105 x 100} inches
  • Centimetres:  87.5 x 105 (112.5 x 105,  137.5 x 175,  162.5 x 225) {212.5 x 225,  237.5 x 250,  262.5 x 250) cm
  • Our sample is the Medium Throw 45″ x 60″ and is knit in colour 04

Gauge

8 sts & 12 rows = 5”/12.5cm

Materials

FINISHED PROJECT Bente Throw

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We’ve finished up a bunch of samples made with Berroco Wizard, which I’ll be sharing in the next few days …. they’re turning out soooooo beautifully, it’s definitely my favourite new yarn of the year! Wizard is super soft, light, airy, colourful, and slightly textured – perfect for the process and the product knitter in us all! Plus it;s machine washable, so it’s open season for kids & baby knits, sockies & etc. I just finished Malou in it, and I’m already planning to cast on for a second in a different colour. Nuff said?

See Favourite Kits & Projects 

Bente

Bente is a super soft & squishy mosaic stitch blanket made using one color of Wizard. It also works up relatively quickly on 8mm/US11 needles. The painterly colour effects come from working from two balls simultaneously (don’t worry, it’s easy). Our kits are available in both a throw size and a baby blanket size (see modifications below), since the yarn is machine washable.

Skill Level: Intermediate-Beginner (after scarves). (Mosaic stitch is an extremely easy form of colour knitting and only involves slipping stitches from the left needle to the right. 

Skills: Knit, slipping stitches, following a pattern, alternating balls of yarn (carrying yarn up the side/stripes)

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Size

  • Approximately 52″ / 132 cm wide x 62″ / 157.5 cm long
  • To make a baby blanket size (approx 36″ x 40″) cast on 115 sts. 

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 13 sts and 24 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in pattern stitch

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The consruction is also respinsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!

  • 85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon
  • 100g/240m (264 yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm to 6.5mm/US 10 to 10.5 needles
  • 6.5mm/K crochet hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 14-16 sts & 20-23 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 13 sc & 16 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.Made in Italy
  • When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

Projects & Patterns

PRE-ORDER Berroco Wizard Kits

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Who wants to think about Fall when we’re in the middle of Summer? Me! When I saw Berroco Wizard I knew the projects were winners, and when the yarn for our store samples showed up I knew I’d be happy, but it wasn’t until I cast on that I realized it was BASHERT (a Yiddish term referring to something that is destined, like a soul mate).

I’m making Malou, a simple pullover (see below), in colour 2954 and it’s just sooooo gorgeous. It’s like if Noro and Missoni collaborated and said: “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if we could make everything Haley ever wanted in a yarn?!” I thought the colourway would work up looking more blue, but you know what – I don’t care! It’s GORGEOUS, it’s better than what I wanted it to be, it’s what I need.

Berroco Wizard is a super soft, light & happy bulky weight yarn. It stripes by itself, with bold colors flowing. It has a chainette construction which makes it feel deliciously airy and weightless. The consruction is also respinsible for it’s very generous 240m yardage – the same amount of a typical bulky weight yarn would normally be about 100m to 125m. Wizard is also machine washable, so it’s great for all kinds of projects including blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mitts – even a cozy pair of -slipper-socks!

  • 85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon
  • 100g/240m (264 yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm to 6.5mm/US 10 to 10.5 needles
  • 6.5mm/K crochet hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 14-16 sts & 20-23 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 13 sc & 16 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry.Made in Italy
  • When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

Projects & Patterns

Pre-Order

These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

Aleid

Aleid is a simple stockinette hat and mitten set, perfect for gifting. Also a great beginner project! You can order the kit as just the hat, just mitts, or both.

Skill Level: Hat: Beginner (after scarves); Mitts: Advanced Beginner (after hats)

Size

  • Hat: 18″ / 45.5 cm around x 9½” / 24 cm high (not including pom-pom)
  • Mittens: 7″ / 18 cm around x 10½” / 26.5 cm long (length is adjustable

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 20 sts and 28 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm n Rib Pattern and St st

Kit Includes:

  • Berroco Wizard: 1 ball for each hat & mittens (shown in colour 2948)
  • Pattern (PDF & Printed – after checking out you will receive an email with a link to download a PDF of the pattern)

Kit DOES NOT include:

Bente

Bente is a mosaic stitch blanket using one color of Wizard. Working from two balls simultaneously creates a dynamic color change throughout the blanket. Kits are available in both a throw size and a baby blanket size (see modifications below).

Skill Level: Intermediate-Beginner (after scarves). (Mosaic stitch is an extremely easy form of colour knitting and only involves slipping stitches from the left needle to the right. 

Skills: Knit, slipping stitches, following a pattern, alternating balls of yarn (carrying yarn up the side/stripes)

SEE OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS 

Size

  • Approximately 52″ / 132 cm wide x 62″ / 157.5 cm long
  • To make a baby blanket size (approx 36″ x 40″) cast on 115 sts. 

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 13 sts and 24 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in pattern stitch

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Malou

Malou is a simple pullover in Wizard, a great first sweater. Body and sleeves of this garment are worked in the round to underarms. Pieces are then joined and yoke is worked in the round to the neck

Skill Level: 

Size

This sweater is designed cropped – to make yours longer please purchase an extra ball of yarn. 

  • Finished Bust: (34, 38½ , 42½) [47, 51¼ , 55½] {59¾, 64, 68¼}” / (86.5, 98, 108) [119.5, 130, 141] {152, 162.5, 173.5} cm
  • Length: (21, 22, 23½) [23½, 24, 24¾] {26, 26½, 27}” / (53.5, 56, 59.5) [59.5, 61, 63] {66, 67.5, 68.5} cm
  • Shown in size 38½” / 98 cm.
  • Suggested ease: Approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 15 sts and 22 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Sanne

Sanne is a must-make cardigan with ¾ sleeves, pockets and cozy shawl collar. It’s a wear-every-day kind of sweater. Shoulders are shaped using short rows and are then joined using 3-needle bind-off. Sleeves are then picked up and worked down. The hem and sides are finished with an applied I-cord.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size

This sweater is designed cropped – to make yours longer please purchase an extra ball of yarn. 

  • Finsihed Bust (closed): (40, 48, 54) [61, 66, 72]” / (101.5, 122, 137) [155, 167.5, 183] cm
  • Length: (25½, 26, 26½) [27, 27½, 28]” / (65, 66, 67.5) [68.5, 70, 71] cm down center back
  • Shown in size 48″ / 122 cm.
  • Recommended ease: Approximately 6–10″ / 15–25 cm positive ease.

Gauge

When checking your tension do so with WET BLOCKING to get the most accurate stitch gauge.

  • 14 sts and 20 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in St st on larger needle

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

KITS Blanket of Joy in Worsted or Chunky

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MDK Blanket of Joy

As per your request, I’ve reshuffled the Blanket of Joy kit to include both a worsted weight (4.5mm/US7 needle) and a chunky/bulky weight (6mm/US10 needle) option. I had to play around a bit with the colours for the Chunky weight, but getting the project done faster may have more value to you than having the colours ‘just-so’. Additionally, a few people found the pattern unclear in some places (myself included) so I made revisions to clarify everything and even drew up a chart for you to keep track row by row.

The Blanket of Joy is a simple knit, which is also important right now … Keep It Simple, am I right? Simple bands of colour are knit in offset segments of stocking and reverse stocking stitch to create an easy, graphic combination of colour and texture. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most brilliant! Need some help with weaving in the ends? Check out our Skills Page!

Size

  • approx 50″ x 76″ (125cm x 190cm)

Kit Includes

Kit Does NOT Include

  • 4.5mm/US7 or 6mm/US10 – 36″ (or longer) circular needles
  • Tapestry/darning needle

Colour & Change

In the book Joyful, Ingrid Fetel Lee talks about the revitalization of the run-down, crime-ridden city of Tirana, Albania … which was initiated with the very easy and affordable approach of painting buildings bright colours. I’ll leave the details for you to read up on (the book was really good), but if painting a run-down building bright orange can initiate the transformation of a city, maybe it’s not too far a stretch to posit that a joyfully coloured blanket can initiate positive change in a life?

PROJECT Four Points Blankets (Baby + Throw Sizes)

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Photos: © Purl Soho

KNIT Four Points Blanket

I’m in the Dominican Republic this week … but I promise I’m still thinking of you! While I’m gone, here’s a popular favourite ….. the four points blanket is a great project all year round. It’s available in both knit and crochet, and you can make it in a baby blanket size or as a throw. It’s a simple composition and can be made in a number of different yarn options. The patterns are free, so you can read them over and see if they work for you without committing. If you want something a bit more jazzy, try the Easy Puzzle Blanket, which uses 6 colours.

MODIFICATIONS

  • use 3.75mm/US5 to 4mm/US6 needles
  • for a crib (throw) size cast on approximately 140(204) sitches. You will pick up & knit the same number of stitches.
Photos: © Purl Soho

CROCHET Four Points Blanket

The original version of the Four Points Blanket was made in crochet … inspired, isn’t it?!

MODIFICATIONS

  • Use a 3.75mm to 4mm crochet hook
  • chain approx 123(178) sts for baby(throw) size, and and pick up the same number of stitches.

YARN OPTIONS Baby Friendly Staples

1. Berroco Vintage Baby

Berroco Vintage Baby is a new yarn that just cam out this spring. It’s very similar to it’s sibling Vintage DK, but it has a slightly silkier texture and comes in 50g balls. It’s soft, easy to work with, machine washable, reliable and is generally great on both the skin and the wallet. The yarns in the Vintage line are a blend of wool and synthetic, and generally work well for people with sensitive skin. We carry this yarn all year.

  • KNIT 4 Points Baby: 3 skeins in each of 4 colours ($59.64)
  • KNIT 4 Points Throw: 5 skeins in each of 4 colours ($99.40)
  • CROCHET 4 Points Baby: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.52)
  • CROCHET 4 Points Throw: 7 skeins in each of 4 colours ($139.16)
Berroco Vintage Baby: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Berroco Vintage Baby: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Berroco Vintage Baby: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Berroco Vintage Baby: 4 Points Blanket Combos

2. Berroco Vintage DK

Berroco Vintage DK is a staple around here, we sell tons of it for every kind of project for babies, grown-ups, and everything in-between. It’s soft, easy to work with, machine washable, reliable and is generally great on both the skin and the wallet. The yarns in the Vintage line are a blend of wool and synthetic, and generally work well for people with sensitive skin. We carry this yarn all year.

  • KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.76)
  • KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($159.52)
  • CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.76)
  • CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($159.52)
Berroco Vintage DK: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Berroco Vintage DK: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Berroco Vintage DK: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Berroco Vintage DK: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Berroco Vintage DK: 4 Points Blanket Combos

3. Cascade Ultra Pima

For several years Cascade Ultra Pima has been the go-to yarn for these projects. Its silky soft texture is seductive, and it’s ideal for babies as it’s machine washable, allergy-friendly and excellent for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), and comes in a bunch of great colours.

  • KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($95.76)
  • KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($191.52)
  • CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($95.76)
  • CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($191.52)
  • 3.75mm/US5 to 4mm/US6 needles/hook
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 Points Blanket Combos
Photos: © Purl Soho

PROJECT Blanket of Joy

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MDK Blanket of Joy

My client Leesa brought me The Blanket of Joy, and as soon as I saw it I knew it was marvellous and needed to be shared! The world is so full of uncertainty right now, it’s more important than ever to choose carefully how we focus our energy. Like attracts like and like begets like, so I think something bright, happy, and full of joy is a good place to put our attention.

The Blanket of Joy is a simple knit, which is also important right now … Keep It Simple, am I right? Simple bands of colour are knit in offset segments of stocking and reverse stocking stitch to create an easy, graphic combination of colour and texture. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most brilliant! The pattern looks like it’s suitable for novices and experienced knitters alike. Need some help with weaving in the ends? Check our our Skills Page!

Yarn

The project is a “lets see if we can find a way to use every colour in the crayon box” type of experiment.

Option 1. I think BERROCO VINTAGE fits the bill perfectly – it’s soft, comfortable, affordable, machine washable, and comes in a slew of colours. You’ll need 1 skein in each of 22 colours, and I suggest using 4.5mm/US7 needles. If you’re using Vintage your tension will be slightly different (it will knit a bit faster) and you’ll have about 25% more yardage than in the pattern, so you should be able to get away with making your blanket a smidge wider.

KITS ARE AVAILABLE HERE!

Berroco Vintage Colour Substitutions:

5101 = Natural (B)5135 = Wintergreen (R)5181 = Barn Red (K)
5105 = Mousse (J)5140 = Clementine (T)5182 = Merlot (E)
5109 = Shale (S)5143 = Navy (Q)5197 = Malla (G)
5110 = Tutu (I)5145 = Truffle (V)51131 = Citron (N)
5112 = Leek (M)5160 = Lapis (P)51132 = Pear (C)
5113 = Skyline (O)5174 = Cork (A)51196 = Sea Glass (D)
5114 = Whisper (F)5177 = Peat (L)
5116 = Pebble (U)5179 = Cedar (H)

Option 2. If you wanted to make a blanket that is smaller in budget I recommend using BERROCO VINTAGE BABY (get 1 ball of each of the 22 colours) with 4mm/US6 needles. The colours aren’t the same as the original pattern, so you’ll have to get a little creative shuffling them around, but the palette available is beautiful and complimentary, all the colours work together. The yarn is super soft and easy to work with, it’s machine washable, and at $4.97 a ball it makes for an affordable project.

Size

Materials

Berroco Vintage: Colours in Pattern Order

A51174 Rye HeatherL5177 Douglas Fir Heather
B5101 MochiM5112 Minty
C51132 GrapesN51131 Citrus
D51196 JalapenoO5113 Misty
E5182 CurrantP5160 Wild Blueberry
F5114 AsterQ5143 Dark Denim
G5197 Neptune HeatherR5135 Holly
H5179 Chocolate HeatherS5109 Storm
I5110 FondantT5140 Orange
J5105 Oats HeatherU5115 Dove
K5181 Black Cherry HeatherV5145 Cast Iron

Colour & Change

In the book Joyful, Ingrid Fetel Lee talks about the revitalization of the run-down, crime-ridden city of Tirana, Albania … which was initiated with the very easy and affordable approach of painting buildings bright colours. I’ll leave the details for you to read up on (the book was really good), but if painting a run-down building bright orange can initiate the transformation of a city, maybe it’s not too far a stretch to posit that a joyfully coloured blanket can initiate positive change in a life?

P.S.

Thank you for your support following our COVID Policy update yesterday. At last check, I’ve received at least 16 replies, all of them positive. I’m glad we’re on the same page … you made my heart grow two sizes this afternoon!