Square Peg Blanket

Last week I started my about the ... series, when I wrote about how the Little Acorns Blanket came into being and a bit more about that design. Today, I focus on another blanket design of mine, the Square Peg Blanket. The Blanket that is knitted in one piece, and has a bit of a patchwork look to it, without the hassle of joining squares! That was my goal and I think I have achieved it rather nicely, if I say so myself.

Square Peg measures approximately 73cm (28") Wide x 100cm (39") Deep and is also as suitable for wrapping baby in as it is for covering a bassinet/cradle, or a cot. As baby grows it may then be used as a travel blanket or couch cuddly. And (like my other blanket designs) it may be used right through life, since it is also the perfect size for a knee rug. This is a fairly neutral design and easily suited to most recipients. Due to the changing nature of the design I imagine it could also be quite effective in a tonal or variegated yarn perhaps. Guess what else? If you can knit and purl, and read simple charts, then you can knit this blanket!

The Square Peg Blanket is an easy one piece knit. It knits up quickly but has enough texture to keep it an interesting and fun project. It could well turn out to be the go to pattern for those who knit it! Totally reversible and based on squares, it is easy to follow this pattern, especially when using the charts provided. There are 4 square variations to this design, with a separate chart (and page) for each one and there are 7 pages in total. The pattern is clearly laid out and also features a little bit of colour coding to assist in the construction, which will help you to easily know where you are in the pattern. There are three stitch patterns, including the border which is knitted as you go, and which also makes this another very convenient, one piece knit. It is NOT difficult! Once you get into the swing of it you will be able to easily see how it comes together, and probably to the extent that you will not have to refer to the pattern all that much.

For this blanket also, like my others, I used Naturally Yarns Loyal 8ply/DK - a New Zealand produced, 100% Wool Yarn with an approximate length of 105m/115yds per 50gram ball and which may be gently machine washed.

Square Peg is (again, like my other designs) knitted on a 5mm/ USA 8 needle (a larger size than usual for this yarn) to add extra drape and softness. And again, to keep the stitch count down! Not really, but that's an added bonus, I figure! Although optional, I highly recommend the use of a circular needle and knit all my blankets (as well as some other items) on circulars now. I have mentioned this elsewhere ... but if you don't tuck the knitting needles under your arms to knit then using a circular is easy to do. It takes the weight off hands/ wrists, which can only be good for anyone who suffers from stiffness/soreness. Trust me, once you have successfully done this, you will be hooked! And not in the crochet sense of the word! Please don't get confused here! This is a knitting pattern. I hope you will be encouraged to share this post with someone who may appreciate it. Or even better, think of someone who might like it knitted for them and you will be their favourite person after giving them a gift that truly keeps on giving.

Next time I will elaborate on my Venetian Rose Blanket.

(Purchase Options for all my designs are available here).