Super Easy Lap Blanket
The Super Easy Baby Blanket has become something of an institution here at the Purl Bee. We love how accessible this pattern is to knitters of all levels, and even more, we love the opportunity to play with gorgeous palettes of color!
I knit up the original Super Easy Baby Blanket four and a half years ago in Alchemy’s gorgeous Temple superwash merino. Later, Faye knit her own interpretation with Koigu’s Kersti Merino Crepe. With its ocean and sunshine colors and a squishier feel, her New Super Easy Baby Blanket was such a smash that we made it into a super easy kit! And most recently, we used our own Super Soft Merino for a bigger, even cushier version that we call the Super Easy Crib Blanket.
And now here is our biggest version yet, the Super Easy Lap Blanket! Knit out of Manos Del Uruguay’s amazing Maxima, this one is cozy soft, decadently toasty and looks absolutely stunning in kettle-dyed, hand-spun 100% extrafine merino wool.
The Super Easy Lap Blanket is perfect for drafty winter evenings on the couch and chilly mornings at the kitchen table. And in colors that meander from rich Mahogany, through the land of pinks and blues, to finish in deep Dark Chocolate, this version has a sophisticated drama that will light up any room! -Whitney
Materials
- 7 skeins of Manos Del Uruguay’s Maxima, 100% extra merino merino wool. These colors, from the top, are Mahogany, Shocking, Cotton Candy, Natural, Stratus, Pewter, and Dark Chocolate.
- US 10 (6 mm), 32 or 40-inch circular needles
Gauge
16 ¼ stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch
Size
35 inches x 44 inches
Note
To get a nice, neat edge, just slip the first stitch of every row knitwise with the yarn in back.
Pattern
Starting with the color Dark Chocolate, cast on 142 stitches.
Knit every row until the skein runs out (or for about 6 1/4 inches from the cast on edge).
Join the color Pewter.
Knit until the skein runs out, making sure to end on the same side you finished the Dark Chocolate. In other words, all of the tails (except, perhaps, the cast on tail) will be along the same selvage, and the first row of every color will be on the “right side” of the blanket and you will end each color on the “wrong side”.
Continuing…
*Join the next color (Stratus).
Knit until the skein runs out, ending with a wrong side row.
Repeat from * working through the next three colors: Natural, Cotton Candy, and Shocking.
Finish with Mahogany, knitting the entire skein minus about 3 yards.
Bind off loosely and weave in all the ends.
I plan to make this blanket with the Blue Sky worsted cotton, but would like to make it 50×60. I was wondering how much yarn you would recommend. I am using 7 colors as in the original pattern.
Thanks for your help!
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for writing in! For a blanket roughly 50 x 60, I think that you will need 16-17 skeins of the Blue Sky Cotton. This does not divide evenly by the 7 colors that you would like to use. Perhaps you can use 8 colors and get 2 of each (total of 16 skeins) OR you could select 6 colors and get 3 skeins of each (total of 18 skeins). Alternately, you could make 3 of the stripes wider than the rest, buying 2 skeins each of 4 colors and 3 skeins each of 3 colors.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
To make a 50*60 blanket is the cast on number still the same?
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for writing in! Depending on the yarn you are using you will likely need to adjust your cast on amount to achieve a bigger blanket. I would suggest starting off by working a gauge swatch to determine your stitches per inch, from there you can calculate your cast on!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
What ply wool would be best for this blanket?
Hi Jess,
Thanks for reaching out. This blanket has such a simple construction, that nearly any yarn would work great for it! In terms of ply though, yarns with fewer plies often create a softer fabric, since they’re spun more loosely. However, this also gives them the tendency to pill, which might not be desirable for a large project like a blanket, since it requires some upkeep. Yarns that are spun with more plies though are much more resistant to pilling.
I hope that this information helps as you plan your project!
All the best,
Lili
I have Cannoli yarn and need to know how many stitches to cast on to make this 35 inches x 44 inches.
The yarn lady said to use US 19/15mm circular knitting needle. The yarn says 8sts – 4inches and 10 rows – 4 inches.
Can you please help me. Need to refresh my knitting skills.
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for writing in! I am not familiar with the yarn that you are using but I did look it up. It seems that on a US 15 needle, you should get a gauge of roughly 2 stitches per inch. If you are using a yarn that has a gauge of 2 stitches per inch, you will need to cast on 70 stitches to get a blanket that is 35 inches wide as we have here!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi
Can you use one colour only
Thank you
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly do this blanket in just 1 color! You will just knit to the end of each of 7 skeins and you will be all set!
Best,
Cassy
I am going to try making this lap blanket with sock wool. Will this work?
Hi Sheerah,
Sock yarn could work as long as it is a worsted weight yarn. We also have a version of this blanket knitted on a size 7 needle and would work well for a DK weight yarn.
I hope this helps!
Carly
I would like to make this using bulky 170g (185 yd) skein in size 36×36. How many to cast on and what size needle? Thank you
Hi Diane,
It’s hard to tell how many stitches to cast on before doing a gauge swatch. Once you find out how many stitches you get per inch you can multiply that number by 35 since the blanket is 35″ wide. So if I had 4 stitches per inch in my gauge swatch I would cast on 140 stitches total to make my blanket 35″ wide.
I hope this helps!
Carly
can you make this with straight knitting needles? thanks in advance
Hi Taylor,
Thanks for writing in! Although we used circular needles for this project, we knit the blanket flat, meaning back in forth in rows, turning the work at the end of each row. The reason we sometimes use circular needles for flat knitting is to accommodate a lot of stitches. Cramming a blanket’s worth of stitches onto long straight needles can be pretty cumbersome and sometimes even, impossible. To use circular needles for knitting flat you simply finish a row, turn the work so the other side is facing you and put the needle that was in your right hand into your left hand and the needle that was in your left hand into your right hand, ready to go on the next row!
By the way, once you get the hang of it, you may find that you never use straight needles again, even for projects without so many stitches. Circular needles are just easier to keep track of (no losing one in the cushions of your couch!), and they never poke the person sitting next to you!
Best,
Cassy
Thanks so much and one last question is it 7 large rolls or the smaller rolls like peaches and cream?
Hi Taylor,
Manos Maxima comes in 100 gram skeins that have 219 yards per skein!
Best,
Cassy
I would love to make this blanket in your suggested colors. It appears you no longer carry the colors Mahogany and Dark Chocolate though. Do you have any replacement suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for writing in! To replace Mahogany, I would suggest using Cherrywood; this is a very close color match. The best replacement for Dark Chocolate would probably be Black. You could also try Sea Urchin, which is a deep purple if the contrast of the black is too much.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I would love some guidance on colors. I want to make this blanket using Chrysanthemum. I am thinking of possibly adding Coral, Sweet potato and Spirulina. Do you have any ideas for colors to round this out–possibly a blue, green or plum, and also the order of the stripes? Thank you!
Hi Amy,
Thanks for writing in! We are happy to help with colors! With the colors that you are hoping to use, I would suggest Chamomile, Agua and perhaps Currant. For a color order, Currant, Chrysanthemum, Coral, Sweet Potato, Chamomile and Agua could be quite nice!
Best,
Cassy
What color would you use for the 7th color. These are all very beautiful.
Oops are Coral and Chamomile out of stock or discontinued? If so, what other colors would you suggest? Thank you!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, both Coral and Chamomile have been discontinued. For a similar blanket based around Chrysanthemum, I would suggest Sea Urchin, Currant, Chamomile, Meltaway Mints, Sand, Oxygen, and Agua.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I have a few questions about the Super Easy Lap Blanket. I want to use Cascade Superwash 128, instead of the recommended Maxima yarn (it’s for a teenage boy so I need to be able to easily clean it). I want to make it approximately 45″x70″. According to the 3.5 stitch per inch gauge, using size 10 needles do you think I will be able to acquire a 45″ width if I cast on 146 stitches? If not, please recommend how many stitches I should cast on.
Also, how many skeins of the Superwash do you recommend to obtain approximately 70″L? Each skein of the Superwash has 128 yards.
Thank you so much,
Erin
Hi Erin,
Thanks for writing in! What a lovely gift! Using Cascade 128 Superwash, I think that you will need between 20 and 25 skeins depending on your personal gauge (tighter knitters will use more yarn). If you want to use 7 colors as we do here, you could purchase 3 skeins of each color and that should get you in the ball park of a 45 x 70 inch blanket. For your cast on, at a gauge of 3.5 stitches per inch, you will want to cast on 157-158 stitches to get a 45 inch wide blanket!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello, is it possible to knit this blanket using the Worsted Twist rather than the maxima? I am looking for wool that has more colour options in the grey/black/brown tones. Open to other wool suggestions also. Thanks!
Hi Bella,
Thanks for writing in! You certainly can! We wrote out the pattern using Worsted Twist! The pattern can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/22/super-easy-crib-blanket-in-worsted-twist/
Best,
Cassy
I accidentally bought 10.5 circular needles. It’s knitting up a little too loose, but doesn’t look bad. I’m about 1/3 through the first color. Do you think that it will stretch enough that I should redo with US 10??
Hello Beth,
Thank you for reaching out! This all depends on what you prefer. If you don’t mind the blanket being slightly looser then I wouldn’t worry to much about it. You could always knit up a little gauge swatch and block it to see if it so you will know what the finished results will be.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I would like to make this blanket 60×70 and I was wondering how much yarn I should use and how many stitches to cast on.
Hello Laurie,
Thank you for reaching out! Are you planning on using Manos Del Uruguay’s Maxima? From my calculations you will need 19 skeins of the Manos or 4,161 yards of worsted weight yarn. As long as you are on gauge (16 1/4 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch) a cast on of 244 stitches will get you a width of 60″.
I hope this all makes sense and let us know how it goes!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi:)
I’ve been trying to find yarn for this pattern – same colors – for a throw when I wondered if this palette will become available?
Thanks.
Brenda?
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for reaching out! We do still carry most of the colors of Maxima used in this blanket, though it looks like the link above is broken at the moment – I’m so sorry about that! While we are getting it fixed, you can view our current selection of Maxima by clicking here: https://www.purlsoho.com/maxima.html. Two of the colors in our Super Easy Lap Blanket, Mahogany and Dark Chocolate, have unfortunately been discontinued, but I think you could easily substitute Cherrywood for Mahogany and either Sea Urchin or Slate for Dark Chocolate and still have a very pleasing palette that is quite similar to the original!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi!?
Thanks for responding so quickly! And thanks for recommending the alternative colors for this blanket.
I’m wondering if I could use Super Soft Merino instead?
Using Purple Clover, Boygainvillea Pink, Ballet Pink, Heirloom White, Denim, or Timeless Navy, Toasted Charcoal or Trout Brown.
I’m wondering if the weight changes, what about needle size and cast on – plus, will these colors and this yarn come close to a beautiful throw? I do like the hint of verigation in the original palette.
Please help – guide – steer me toward the right choices!
Thanks!
Brenda?
Hello Brenda,
I love this idea and your color choices! We actually have a pattern written up for this blanket in Super Soft that we knit up with a size 13 needle. We used 7 colors for this project so I think you color choices of Purple Clover, Boygainvillea Pink, Ballet Pink, Heirloom White, Denim, Timeless Navy and Trout Brown would make a beautiful blanket.
Happ knitting!
-Marilla
Hi!
I’m making the Super Easy Lap Blanket in Worsted Twist using the great 5 colors you helped me decide on today by phone! I have made this decision so complicated for weeks – virtually going crazy and now I’m so excited for my order to arrive! It’s one of those special gifts you want to be just right – why it was so hard to make the decision. The palette is so luxurious and great! I’m so thrilled. Can’t wait!
Thank you!
Brenda?
Hello Brenda,
I’m so happy to hear it all worked out! You will have to send us photos when you are finished.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
?Hi!
I might have already answered my own question but I’d appreciate your artistic opinion. I’m making the Lap Blanket using 5 colors: Red Plum, Bouganvilla Pink, Ballet Pink, Heirloom White and Artemsia Green. My stripes are 9 1/2 inches on US8. Would you call this color palette good – dark to light. Or, would you add in one or two darker colors to gradient the colors from dark to light to dark? What would be more appealing to the eye?
Thanks,
Brenda
Hello Brenda,
Thanks for reaching out and valuing our artistic eye! I think this will be beautiful. I love the dark to light idea.
I hope you send us pictures when it is finished and happy knitting!
-Marilla
How do you keep the blanket from curling at the edges?
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! Our Super Easy Lap Blanket is knitted in garter stitch, which by its very nature lays perfectly flat right up to the edges, so no borders or edge treatments are necessary.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I am a beginning new knitter. In my enthusiasm, I bought the following colors to make the super easy lap blanket:
cherrywood, shocking, cotton candy, natural, stratus, pewter, and sea urchin – Manos Del Uruguay’s Maxima, 100% extra merino merino wool.
The pattern calls for US size 10 needles. The tag on the wool suggests size 6 – 8 needles.
I like a tighter stitch. (My 4 inches in garter on a size 8 needle is about 18 stitches.) So would I size down to a size US 9 or 8 needles? Also, how would this affect the overall pattern and size of the blanket?
Would you suggest adding another color yarn to the pattern and if so, where would I place it?
Thank you for your advice.
Hello Francine,
Thank you for reaching out- you chose some beautiful colors! If you go down in needle size the overall blanket will come out smaller. I would suggest going down to a US9 needle and then when you are nearing the end of your blanket you could decide if you want extra length or not. Alternatively, if there is a color that caught your eye, you could just go ahead and get that extra skein.
I hope this is helpful and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
I love the colors & wool you’ve used in the creation of this lap blanket. I’m part of a lovely group of folks who meet once a month at a local hospital to knit items for patients undergoing cancer treatments. I’d like to contribute a few lap blankets, pretty caps , and radiation sleeves ( to help keep arms warm that would be otherwise be bare; these should be knitted in acrylic). We use only acrylic and cotton for allergy/sensitive skin. Which would be your preferred yarn(s) for said projects?
Thank you ♥️
Hi Amantha,
Thanks for reaching out, and what a lovely charity project! I would suggest using Blue Sky Worsted Cotton – it is perfect for sensitive skin and can be machine washed and dried.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Would love to make super easy lap blanket. Where can I buy the manos del ufuguay wool?
Hi Rhonda,
Thanks for reaching out! Although a few of the colors we used in our original Super Easy Lap Blanket have been discontinued, most of them are still available and you can find them by clicking right here.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I’m excited to say that I just ordered 7 skeins of the Maxima merino wool to knit the Easy Lap Blanket. Your directions say to use a
US #10 needle for this project. When I read the description of Maxima the suggested needle size is 6-8. Which is the correct size to use for the blanket? Thanks much.
(Please tell me that #10 is the way to go!
Hello Debby,
Thank you for reaching out with this great question! We knit up this lovely blanket with a US10 with a slightly larger gauge.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi! Could I make this blanket using bernat blanket yarn? Also if I wanted to make it 70”x90” how would I do that?
Hi Makenzie,
Thank you for reaching out! You can certainly use this yarn, all you need to do is knit up a gauge swatch to determine how many stitches per inch you are getting. Once you have this number you can use it to determine a cast on number. Basically you will be multiply your stitches per inch by 70 to get a width of 70″ and then you will just knit for 90″.
I hope this all makes sense and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
I want to make this blanket in a larger size (45″ by 65″) and using super soft merino.
Can you tell me how many skeins would I need?
Thank you so much! Frances
Hi Frances,
Thanks for reaching out! Since Super Soft Merino is a heavier weight yarn than Maxima, I would suggest following the gauge and needle size we use for our Super Easy Crib Blanket in Super Soft Merino, which is 11 stitches to 4 inches on a US 13 needle. For a 45″ wide blanket, you will need to cast on 124 stitches, and you will need three skeins each of seven colors, or 21 skeins total.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello, I am a brand new knitter and I’m excited to make the lap blanket. I would like to make it a bit bigger 45×60. I’m using cascade Luna (it’s for a ten year old boy so I wanted to make sure it’s easily washed. ).
The yarn says 18 stitches equals 4 inches and says needle size is US 7.
Each skein is 82 yards. (I have 6 of 6 different colors).
My question are: how many stitches do I cast on? (2) okay to use size 10 needles? (3) can explain the instruction on near ends? What is knitwise? Anything else to look out for?
Thank you!!
Hi Ana,
Thanks for reaching out! The best way to find out the answer to all your questions is to try knitting a swatch! I’m not familiar with your yarn, but it sounds like it is at least a little thinner than Maxima, so I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch on US 10 needles to see if you are happy with the fabric or if you will need to use a smaller needle. Once you are happy with your needle size, you can measure your stitches per inch and multiply that number by 45 inches to determine how many stitches to cast on. You can even practice the edge stitch in your swatch! To do so, you will simply insert your needle into the first stitch as if you were going to knit it, and then move it over to the right hand needle without working it.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
When knitting alternate colors with a knit stitch for this blanket, is there a wrong side? Meaning the additional line on one side of the project when alternating colors. Is there a way to avoid it?
Hi and thanks for reaching out! When changing colors or working stripes in garter stitch, the color change will be clean on the right side of the work and have a somewhat speckled or blended appearance on the wrong side of the work, and this effect is unavoidable. This means your blanket will have a definite right and wrong side, but since it only happens on the color change row, it shouldn’t be too noticeable!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi Julianna,
Thanks for getting back to me 🙂
Is there any way at all that the color change line on the wrong side can be minimized/removed? Or is that something that is simply unavoidable?
Of course, I’m happy to help! Unfortunately it is truly unavoidable in both garter and stockinette stitch – I’m so sorry about that! In the future, you might want to try a technique that is completely reversible, such as our Double Knit Blanket or Nature’s Palette Blanket.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hello! I have started this blanket with Manos del Uruguay Maxima using Meltaway Mints (multi-colored). What colors do you think would look good with that? I was thinking maybe Sand, Cotton Candy, Oxygen, Prince, and Pewter, and maybe finish it with Meltaway Mints again but am not sure, especially since Melataway Mints is multi-colored. Would love your thoughts!
Hi Thea,
Thanks so much for writing in, your project sounds really fun! I love all of your ideas, and I might add that Stratus would look really good with the Pewter in Maxima. Every skein of Maxima is a little different, so I’d look to see for example, how much white there is in your skein – you might also consider Natural. For a nice wash of neutrals or close matches to Meltaway Mints I’d say Cotton Candy, Sand, and Natural would be lovely! I hope some of this helps – let me know if you have any more questions!
Happy Knitting!
Cassandra
Thank you! Love that idea.
Question. An elderly neighbor who can no longer knit due to declining eyesight gifted me her small yarn stash and I discovered 14 skeins of Rowan Island Blend Fine yarn in two gorgeous coordinating colors and I’d love to make this lap blanket for her. I’m confused by this yarn though….each skein is 50g, 180 yards….but some websites say it’s a fingering weight yarn while others say sport. Gauge is listed at 26 sts & 34 rows = 4 inches on US 3 needles. I’m a very tight knitter. I’d probably go up in needle size but if I used the suggested needle size I’d have to cast on 227 stitches if my math is correct and I’d need a lot more yarn. Any thoughts/suggestions/help?
Hi Joy
Thanks for writing in! I suggest doing a generous gauge swatch with this yarn first because with garter stitch you may find you can go up to a 5 or even a 6. And then recalculate your cast on number. Another option would be to hold the yarn double, and follow the pattern as written. It would be a touch shorter, but this might be your easiest option! I hope this helps!
Happy knitting
Jessica
Thanks Jessica!
Hi! I am very new to knitting and this blanket would be a good start for me besides the dishcloths i have been making. I found a variegated yarn that i like at hobby Lobby. It’s a 4 medium with 252 yards in the skein. It shows using a size 8 needle but I’m not sure how much yarn to get. I’m very math challenged and especially on how to figure it out for knitting. Can you help please? Thanks a bunch.
Hi Karen
Thanks for writing in! So glad you are up for the challenge of a blanket! The Super Easy Crib Blanket would work with the yarn you have purchased, and you will need 1,148 yards for this pattern, which is 5 skeins of the yarn you have. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting
Jessica
Hi Jessica! Thanks! I think i want to do this one since it is a bit bigger and for myself. Do you know how many skeins that would be? I appreciate your help.
Hi Karen
It would be a bit over 6 skeins, so I would purchase 7 just to be safe! And I always recommend knitting up a gauge swatch!
Best
Jessica
Hi Jessica, one more question,what does knitting up a gauge mean? Going up a needle size? Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Karen,
Great question! This simply refers to knitting a 5″ square to make sure your stitches per inch is the same as ours, which for this pattern is 16.25 stitches to four inches. Unless you are already aware that you tend to knit very tightly or very loosely, I would recommend knitting your gauge swatch with the same needle size that is recommended in the pattern! If your gauge is off, you can then try again with a larger or smaller needle until you find the size that will give you the correct gauge.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
“We also have a version of this blanket knitted on a size 7 needle and would work well for a DK weight yarn.”
Hello.
I saw the above comment on this chat, & would love to see this pattern if possible please. My daughter had just learned to knit & we’ve been given alot of DK wool to use for a project.
Thank you,
Judi Davies
Hi Judi,
Thanks for reaching out! Although it’s not quite the same size as this blanket, I believe you are looking for our New Super Easy Baby Blanket, which is written for a DK weight yarn. To make it the same size as our Lap Blanket, you will need to cast on 175 stitches.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I would love to make this for a new momma gift. My friend is having a baby next March. She has extremely sensitive skin. What yarn do you recommend? Thank you!
Hi Cara,
Thanks for writing in! Manos del Uruguay Maxima, which we used for our original blanket, is really quite soft and not at all itchy! If your friend is sensitive to all wools, Blue Sky Worsted Cotton or Jade Sapphire 8-Ply Cashmere would be lovely alternatives.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi! This blanket pattern is the most advanced thing I’ve done so far with knitting (so evidently I am not very experienced) and I am almost done!! Does anyone have recommendations for what a good project would be after finishing this? What is a good next step?
Hi Lilly,
Thanks for reaching out! I am happy to help and would love to suggest a few projects for you! What are you interested in making?
Warmly,
Gianna
For this particular pattern it says to slip the first stitch of each row to get a clean edge. Would you also slip the last stitch to get a finished edge on on the other side of the blanket?
Hi Specs,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes you will slip the first stitch of each row but not the last. When you do this it will create the boarder on both sides of the blanket since you start out every row with a slip stitch!
I hope this clears things up!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi there
I am using Paint Box Yarns Simply chunky. Would I use the same pattern for the same Desired length?
Thank you
Hi V,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend starting off by working a gauge swatch and comparing it to the written gauge of the pattern. If your gauge is consistent you can go forward with the pattern as written or you can make any necessary adjustments!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Can you help me figure out how many Super Soft Merino skeins I would need for the lap blanket? I was going to make the crib blanket but I’d love to go bigger.
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! For a lap version of this blanket in Super Soft Merino I would suggest 2 skeins of each color! Keep in mind that the original pattern uses Maxima which is a worsted weight yarn and Super Soft Merino is a bulky weight, so I suggest using a US 11 needle instead and working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to see how your gauge compares to the pattern and if there are adjustments you need to make!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
If I wanted to make this slightly larger by using 9 skeins of Maxima, would you suggest casting on more stitches to make it wider as well as longer? If so, how many more?
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for reaching out! I think this blanket would be excellent with 9 skeins! I would make it a bit wider as well as longer, so I would recommend extending the width to about 40″ so approximately casting on 162-164 stitches!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Super helpful, thanks so much!
I’ve done this blanket, or versions of it, several times and usually use the Manos Maxima. My questions are about color and numbers of skeins.
Baby’s nursery is beige and cream. Was thinking of primarily sand and natural, with some meltaway mint. Is there any other color that might give it a bit more punch? Hesitant about cotton candy, because don’t want it to be too “girly.”
And how many skeins might I need? Think I’ve used 7 before but can’t remember.
Thanks.
Hello!
Thanks for writing in. Maxima is such a special yarn, so I’m happy to hear that you’re interested in knitting with it again! I love the color Meltaway Mint, and I actually do think that Cotton Candy complements it really nicely (and I don’t find it too “girly” at all!). But if you’re interested in a color that would give it more punch, you might want to consider Prince or Pewter. Both these colors are more saturated than Cotton Candy, but they still fit in with the overall palette of Meltaway Mint.
You’re also completely correct that this project takes 7 skeins! Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hi –
Thank you for such a pretty color combo idea! I want to do the same colors etc but want to do an ~5” seed stitch border and stockinette main field. Would I cast on the same amount of stitches to get the dimensions you listed above?
Thank you!!
Hi June!
Thank you for your question! To add a seed stitch border to the edge of this blanket, I recommend making a small swatch in seed stitch to measure how many stitches and rows per inch you are getting, which will help you determine how many stitches of the 142 you need to reserve for the seed stitch border! If you notice your gauge differs in seed stitch versus garter stitch, then I suggest adjusting your cast-on amount with that gauge measurement in mind to maintain the dimensions of this blanket.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi,
I am a very beginner knitter in my old age, and I just joined a prayer shawl group. I want to make this pattern (using one color) for a lap blanket, but I would like to include a boarder on all sides. How many stitches should I add or use of the 142 cast on to make a boarder? Instead of garter stitches, should the boarder be seed stitch? Of course, I want all sides to be the same width.
I am confused, but I am going to stick with it.
Thank you for your help.
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for writing in! That sounds like a fun idea, and it’s actually very open-ended. How wide would you like the border to be? Depending on how much of a border you’d like in addition to the main blanket, the number of stitches would be different. If you’d like the blanket to be the same dimensions as we designed it to be, then you can keep the same cast-on number, but if you’d like to have the border in addition to the size of the blanket, then you can cast on more stitches.
Let me know what your preferences are for these aspects of the project! Once I know that, I can give more specific recommendations for how to go about adding the border.
All the best,
Lili
I would like to make the beautiful super easy lap blanket with the original 7 colors but substituting cherrywood for mahongany and either black or loam for the chocolate brown. To make it just a bit bigger, I would like to add one more stripe. Can you suggest a color and where in the pattern it might go?
Thanks so much!
Hi Katie,
Thanks for reaching out! I’d recommend adding the color Ion between Stratus and Pewter. Hope this helps you plan your project!
All the best,
Lili
Great! Thank you!
What does it mean to slip the 1st stitch of every row knitwise with the yarn in back to get an even edge?
Thanks.
Hi Connie,
Thanks for reaching out! This means that instead of knitting the first stitch of every row, you will slip it instead. To slip a stitch, just transfer it from your left needle to your right needle. In this pattern, you’ll want to make sure your working yarn is in back of your work (held as if you were going to knit that stitch) while you slip the stitch. The remaining stitches on each row are knit as normal!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you!
Hi I’m new to knitting and I would like to try making this blanket but I’ve got lots of DK yarn would I be able use it, and if I wanted to make it 36 x 36 inches it’s for a charity. How many stitches do I cast on and needle size please.
Hi Parveen,
Thanks for reaching out! Here’s how you can determine the cast-on number for any weight yarn: First, you will want to knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like (36 inches) and cast on the nearest whole number. Then you can follow the pattern as written! We generally recommend using anywhere between size US 4 and size US 7 needles for a DK weight yarn, but you can use whichever you prefer. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili