Colorblock Bias Blanket
Whenever I am faced with a pile of undeniably beautiful yarn, I turn to an old-friend-of-a-project, the Colorblock Bias Blanket. It is a project that never grows old; it soothes your knitting soul when you’re stumped by a contiguous sleeve or bogged down by too many bobbles; it inspires combinations of color and texture that never before seemed possible; and like all of my most treasured things, this pattern was handed down to me by my dear Aunt Julie.
Julie’s wild sense of color and unique personal style constantly inspire me to freely experiment with textures and values and tones. So recently, when I found myself strolling the aisles of Purl Soho with seven skeins in a vice-grip-like hug, realizing I couldn’t let a single skein go, I knew exactly how I could pull them all together.
I knit my Colorblock Bias Blanket in simple garter stitch, using three different hand-dyed, DK-weight yarns in a spectrum of seven amazing colors. Starting with pops of peach, I used Koigu’s crisp and lively Kersti Merino Crepe. Then to contrast with the smooth consistency of the Kersti, I moved on to Madelinetosh’s Tosh Merino DK, a single ply yarn that quietly shifts from thick to thin. Next I used Anzula’s luxurious Cricket , a blend of superwash merino, cashmere and a touch of nylon. Its machine-spun quality and soft, sandy colors add elegance and subtlety. And finally, I finished the blanket with two more skeins of quirky Tosh Merino DK.
The whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts (thank you, Aristotle). Each of these yarns has its own special personality, but together, they create a rich and complex fabric. You can create your own beautiful blanket with Purl Soho’s Colorblock Bias Blanket Bundle. Choose from three lovely colorways: this toasty Peach, cool Mint or burst-of-yellow Lemon! -Laura
Update: New Size
SEPTEMBER 3, 2015
It’s become clear that for some of you bigger IS better! And so, I am thrilled to introduce the Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket: our beloved square Colorblock Bias Blanket stretched and extended into an adult-size rectangle! -Laura
Update: New Yarns + Pattern
February 5, 2020
Previous versions of our Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket used colors and yarns that we no longer sell, much to everyone’s frustration! And this newest redux is a happy welcome, one that uses a truly special and sumptuous blend of Season Alpaca, Linen Quill, Worsted Twist, Cashmere Merino Bloom, Line Weight, and Mulberry Merino. Read all about it and get our updated version of this pattern here!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoRectangularColorblockBiasBlanket. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- A Purl Soho Colorblock Bias Blanket Bundle. The Bundle comes in three colorways: Peach (pictured above), Mint and Lemon (pictured below) and includes…
- Color A: 1 skein of Koigu’s Kersti Merino Crepe, 100% merino wool.
- Color B: 1 skein of Koigu’s Kersti Merino Crepe, 100% merino wool.
- Color C: 1 skein of Madeline Tosh’s Tosh Merino DK, 100% merino wool.
- Color D: 1 skein of Anzula’s Cricket, 80% superwash merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon.
- Color E: 1 skein of Anzula’s Cricket, 80% superwash merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon.
- Color F: 1 skein of Madeline Tosh’s Tosh Merino DK, 100% merino wool.
- Color G: 1 skein of Madeline Tosh’s Tosh Merino DK, 100% merino wool.
- US 6 (4 mm), 32-inch circular needle
- 7-inch piece of cardboard or other stiff material for making the tassels (optional)
PEACH
- Color A: Kersti in #1111.5
- Color B: Kersti in #1133
- Color C: Tosh Merino DK in Paper
- Color D: Cricket in Au Natural
- Color E: Cricket in Gravity
- Color F: Tosh Merino DK in Charcoal
- Color G: Tosh Merino DK in Calligraphy (if looking for a substitution, try the color Whiskers)
LEMON
- Color A: Kersti in #0000
- Color B: Kersst in #2100
- Color C: Tosh Merino DK in Paper
- Color D: Cricket in Au Natural
- Color E: Cricket in Gravity
- Color F: Tosh Merino DK in Charcoal
- Color G: Tosh Merino DK in Calligraphy (if looking for a substitution, try the color Whiskers)
MINT
- Color A: Kersti in #0000
- Color B: Kersti in #1051
- Color C: Tosh Merino DK in Paper
- Color D: Cricket in Au Natural
- Color E: Cricket in Gravity
- Color F: Tosh Merino DK in Charcoal
- Color G: Tosh Merino DK in Calligraphy (if looking for a substitution, try the color Whiskers)
Gauge
22 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch
Size
- Blanket: 33 inches by 33 inches; 46 inches by 46 inches on the diagonal (without tassels)
- Tassels: 6½ inches long
To modify the finished size: This blanket is knit on the bias, from corner to corner. Using the entirety of each skein, you increase every other row for the first half of your total yardage and decrease every other row for the second half. If you’d like to change the size of this blanket, add up the total yardage of your yarn and divide it by two. Following the spirit of the Increase section, work half (or a little less, to be on the safe side) of your total yardage. Then continue to the section titled DECREASE, and using the second half of your yardage, follow the remainder of the pattern.
Pattern
Prepare for Tassels (Optional)
From your wound ball of Color A, wind a second smaller ball of approximately 30 yards and set aside. Repeat with Color G.
Begin Blanket and Increase
With Color A, cast on 5 stitches, leaving a 15-inch tail (which you will use later to secure the tassel). We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (wrong side): P2, knit to last two stitches, p2.
Row 2 (right side): K2, make 1 left (m1L), knit to last two stitches, make 1 right (m1R), k2. [2 stitches increased]
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the entire skein, ending with a wrong side row.
With Color B, work Row 2 and then repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the entire skein, ending with a wrong side row.
With Color C, work Row 2 and then repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the entire skein, ending with a wrong side row.
With Color D, work Row 2 and then repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the entire skein, ending with a wrong side row.
Decrease
With Color E…
Row 1 (right side): K1, slip slip knit (ssk), knit to last 3 stitches, knit 2 together (k2tog), k1. [2 stitches decreased]
Row 2 (wrong side): P2, knit to last two stitches, p2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the entire skein, ending with a wrong side row.
With Color F, repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the entire skein, ending with a wrong side row.
With Color G, repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 5 stitches remain, ending with a right side row.
Bind off in pattern on wrong side. Cut yarn, leaving a 15-inch tail.
Make Tassels
For full instruction on how to make a tassel, please see our Tassel Tutorial.
The tassels for the Colorblock Bias Blanket are 6 1/2 inches long and to make them I used a 7-inch long piece of cardboard. I wrapped the cardboard approximately 60 times, using almost all of the 30 yards that I had set aside at the beginning of the project.
Make one tassel using Color A. Make a second tassel using Color G.
Attach the Tassels
Thread one of the two tails from the top of the tassel onto a tapestry needle. Weave the tail along one edge of the blanket. Repeat with the second tail, weaving it along the other edge of the blanket.
Thread the cast on (or bind off) tail from the blanket onto a tapestry needle. Bring the needle through the head of the tassel, then draw the needle through the cast on (or bind off) edge from back to front. Pull taut.
Tightly wrap the tail a few times around the place where the tip of the blanket meets the top of the tassel.
Bring the tapestry needle through the wraps and down the center of tassel. Remove the tapestry needle and trim the tail to match the length of the tassel.
Finish
Weave in remaining tails and block as desired.
Hello there! I would also like to request photos of both the square and rectangular sizes of this marvelous pattern.
Also, you had mentioned that the kits have been discontinued. Is it possible to order these yarns from you online?
Thanks so very much,
Martha
Hi Martha,
Thanks for writing in! I have sent along the photos that you requested to your email address!
For the square Colorblock Bias Blanket, a number of the yarns have been discontinued (Madeline Tosh Tosh DK is no longer made). You could certainly use all Anzula Cricket and Kersti, plugging in for the missing Tosh colors. For the rectangular version, a number of the colors in the original blue version have been retired and are not available. We do have a variety of other bundles for this lovely blanket that are available. If you have questions about a color arrangement, we would be happy to help!
Best,
Cassy
If I wanted to add in a third yarn to swap for the Tosh Merino DK is there another option asides from the Cricket or Kersti that you may please recommend?
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for reaching out! If you wanted to use a third yarn along with the Cricket or the Kersti, then I’d suggest taking a look at our Cashmere Merino Bloom or Brooklyn Tweed’s Arbor as good options. Both are lovely yarns that come in a wide range of colors and will work with both the Cricket and Kersti. The Cashmere Merino Bloom will have a softer feel overall than the Arbor because of it’s fiber content, but either would be a wonderful option for your blanket!
Warmly,
Kelsey
Thank you so much for the response!
Hi Jan,
Thanks for writing in! Check your email!
Best,
Cassy
I am looking for the color blocked blanket pattern featured in Martha Stewart Living , Feb. 2018 magazine. Level one
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for writing in and we are so glad that you are excited about your blanket! The blanket featured in the magazine is our Shadow Study Blanket!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi,
If I don’t add the tassels, how do I make the corners where the tassels are supposed to go into a point?
Thanks!
teddy
Hi Teddy,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly make this lovely blanket without the tassels! I made one myself and did not alter the corners at all. I found that once the blanket was complete, the slight difference in the corners was barely noticeable. That said, if you would like them slightly more rounded, the best way to do so is to use the tails from casting on or binding off to sew them into a bit more of a rounded shape!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi,
What are the dimensions of the original bias blanket? Thank you.
Kathy
Hello Kathy,
Thank you for reaching out! The dimensions of this blanket are 33 inches by 33 inches; 46 inches by 46 inches on the diagonal.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi there
Looking to knit the colorblock bias blanket in the peach color. Can you give suggestions for that with something you are currently stocking?
Thank you
Hello Tracey,
Thank you for reaching out! For the peach color way I would suggest looking at Manos Silk Blend Semi Solid and Multi yarn to substitute Tosh DK. The Manos Silk Blendcomes in 50 gram skeins so you might need two each of them, though I would not get them wound just in case you need to return them within 6 months for store credit.
I would suggest the colors “Natural” as a substitute for “Paper”, “Black” as a substitute for “Charcoal”, and “Dove” as a substitute for “Calligraphy”.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Looking for the Bias baby blanket pattern. Or, is it the same as the regular pattern?
Hi!
Thanks for writing in! This blanket can work well for a lovely throw on your couch or as a baby blanket! We do not have an alternate version specifically for babies but this one is quite a good size. You may want to choose to leave the tassels off if you are giving it to a little one!
Best,
Cassy
Hello. I was hoping you could share the dimensions/diagram of this baby blanket as you did for the larger version. I’m substituting some of the yarn and trying to figure out how wide each section/color should be. Thank you!
Hi Carol,
Thanks for writing in! We have measured the stripes and I will include the measurements below. Just a note… the width of each stripe is the based on the size of each skein. Even if you use the very same yarn that we used here, the width of your stripes may vary based on your personal gauge. Tighter knitters will see thinner stripes using the whole skein and looser knitters will see wider stripes. However both knitters should create blanket of similar proportions. The beauty of this blanket is in the variance in width so let your creativity fly!
That said, the approximate measurements of the stripes are, from peach across to gray: 8″, 4″, 6.5″, 6″, 6″, 6.5″, 11.5″
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I just asked about a photo of the color block bias blanket. I would also like to get your suggestions for yarn and a color way for a baby blanket with a little pink.
Thank you!
Hi Pam,
Thanks for writing back! We are happy to help with a colorway! I would suggest Kogiu Kersti 2121, Kogiu Kersti either 1143 or 1153, Anzula Cricket Au Natural, Anzula Cricket Seaside, Anzula Cricket Gravity, Anzula Cricket Elephant and 2 skeins of Koigu Kersti 2403. I think that this will make a lovely blanket!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi! I absolutely love the Peach bundle, but I noticed you’re out of stock of most of the colors… Could you perhaps suggest substitutes in the Cricket yarn?
I really love this color way so much and haven’t had much luck finding something similar… I’d just really love some replacement color suggestions.
Thank you so much!!
Hi Maizey,
Thanks for writing in! I am happy to help! Sadly Tosh DK has been discontinued by MadelineTosh. We are happy to help with replacing them! For the peach bundle, I would suggest Kogiu Kersti 1111.5, Kogiu Kersti 1133, Anzula Cricket Au Natural, Anzula Cricket Seaside, Anzula Cricket Gravity, Anzula Cricket Elephant and 2 skeins of Koigu Kersti 2403. I think that this will make the blanket as close as possible to the original!
Best,
Cassy
Can you please tell me how many stitches to cast on? Did I miss that somewhere in your very detail directions?
HI Jo,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely blanket, you will cast on 5 stitches! It is listed under the Pattern section under Begin Blanket and Increase!
Best,
Cassy
Mine is a question and not comment. Love this pattern but haven’t started it yet since my daughter hasn’t picked out colors yet. I would like it if you could tell me how to do the “M1L” and “M1R”–it is the increase? Please share the instruction with me. thank you
Hi Trudi,
Thanks for writing in! We have an excellent tutorial for both the Make 1 Right and Left! I hope that helps, and happy hunting for the perfect colors!
Best,
Julianna
Hi, um a newbie and a little confused with row 1 directions. Knit what to the last two stitches? I’m missing how you have enough loops to p2. Thanks for the help
Hi Cece,
Thanks for writing in! Row 1 is a bit confusing at first – you only have 5 stitches on your needle, so you will purl 2, then only knit 1 stitch, and you will already be at the last two stitches of the row, and will purl those 2. Since you add stitches on Row 2 and then repeat Rows 1 and 2 for quite some time, each time you work Row 1 you will have more stitches to knit in the middle before you get to the last two stitches.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi,
Could you please send me a picture of the square blanket out flat as it is hard to get a picture of the whole blanket?
Thank you,
Hello Kieta,
Thank you for writing! I just e-mailed you a photo of this blanket straight on.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
This is a gorgeous pattern. Do people machine wash it?
Hello Cherie,
Thank you for reaching out and your kind words! I would recommend hand washing this blanket, unless you did the whole thing in Anzula’s Cricket because this yarn is Super-wash.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I too would love a picture of the blanket flat, as I’m deciding how many colors to use and really could use a visual. I can’t wait to start this modern blanket for my expectant niece. Thanks!
Hello Julie,
Thank you for writing us! I just sent you a photo. Let us know if you have any other questions and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi, I’m working through this pattern and am about halfway. There are 7 skeins but I am to start reducing after colour D (4th skein). Leaving only 3 skeins to reduce. This means I’ll be left with more reducing to get to the end corner. Should there be 8 skeins? Thanks
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for reaching out! Are you using the the yarns that we list as the recommended yarns? If so, Yarns A and B are both 50 grams skeins rather than 100 grams so they each have half the yarn quantity of the rest of the yarns- so no need to worry! 🙂
Warmly,
Marilla
I am interested in making the colorblock bias blanket for my granddaughters. One is 3 and one is two and they are a bit larger/taller than other kids their age, so I was thinking child size rather than baby blanket. The blankets would have to be washable, because my daughter and daughter in law will never hand wash a blanket with working full time and running back an forth to day care, so I see you suggest the Anzula’s cricket yarn. I am hopeless at picking out colors. Do you have suggestions for me? Also how do I order the yarn and about how much will it cost? I will also need the knitting needles. I do hope this is not a hard project for someone whose knitting skills are fairly simple. I am excited, but a little nervous about trying this.
Thank you,
Robin
Hello Robin,
Thank you for reaching out! This blanket is 33″x33″ which is a pretty standard baby blanket size. If you are interested in making this blanket larger you would just add more increase and decrease rows which will make both the width and the length larger. The other option is to make our Rectangular Bias Blanket which is a larger version of the same blanket, though the yarns used are hand wash the pattern might give you some inspiration for your version of our blanket.
As far as yarns go Cricket is a washable yarn so I think it could be a great options for you. Are there particular colors that your grand children are fond of? I think the for this blanket it is nice to start with a pop of color and then go into some more neutral options.
In terms of cost, because You will need to add some skeins to make this blanket larger as the original uses up all the skeins listed, if you add two skeins to the original 7 making a total of 9 Cricket skeins . This will come to $310.50.
Because you are knitting a blanket you will need circular knitting needles to accommodate the width of your blanket. We recommend US 6, 32-inch circular needle.
To Order your yarn, you will just need to select your colors, put them in your shopping basket and proceed to checkout.
I hope this answers some of your questions and let us know if we can further clarify anything for you!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I love this pattern and have made two blankets so far. I just started a third. I’ve found that the final corner always ends up stretched out because the weight of the blanket pulls the knitting down. Blocking and adding a border helps, but I’m wondering if you have any tips to avoid this. Thanks!
Hi Abby,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately this can happen with any large, heavy project, especially when you end up with only a few stitches on the needle as you do in this blanket. The only real remedy would be to make sure the weight of the blanket is well supported on your lap and chair and keep the knitting needles as close to the blanket as possible while working the final corner so that most of the weight is on your lap, rather than hanging off your needles.
Best of luck and I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thank you for this pattern. I have had one new grand-baby each year for the last five years and am working on my fourth color bias blanket as requested by the mommas. Now they want me to knit up ones for themselves as throws. Puff , puff ! It’s a commitment of time and resources but loved by the women in this family .
Hello Debbie,
You have some serious knitting stamina! It is so lovely to hear how loved this pattern is in your family. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi There! I am finishing off this blanket but making it more as a mother’s shawl/baby wrap, so it’s triangular. Has anyone out there done this, too? What bind-off would you recommend to convert this into a pattern?
Hello Hannah,
Thank you for reaching out- this sounds like a lovely Idea! I would bind off loosely with a basic bind off.
Let us know how it goes and happy knitting!
-Marilla
It came out just great! The basic bind off keeps the edge looking fairly consistent with the sides. Thanks for the tip! I love how it turned out!
-HH
Your site is beautiful. I love the design and am looking forward to using it. My computer skills are horrible. Please help me sign up correctly. I am a “real senior” looking to join the new age, Joyce
Hi Joyce,
Thanks so much for the kind words! All of our website content is available without signing up or logging in, so feel free to browse as you wish! Our patterns and project ideas can be found by clicking “Create” in the upper left corner, and our online store can be found by clicking “Shop.” I hope you enjoy and find some crafting inspiration!
Best,
Julianna
Hello,
I have a question about the edge. Why are increases done 2 stitches in, but decreaaes are done 1 stitch in from the edge?
Very curious,
Lovely yarn
Hi Wren,
Thanks for reaching out! When working M1L and M1R increases, the added stitches appear on the side of the previous or following stitch, so the two stitch border creates an uninterrupted line. When decreasing, however, the decreases create a line that becomes part of the border, so working only one stitch before and after looks very similar to working two stitches before and after increases.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Morning
I am working on your beautiful color bias blanket . Would you please share the dimensions of each of the color blocks . I had the change some of the yarns and are not sure what these blocks should measure. Also the over all demension of this adult blank should be ?
Thank you
Hi Jill,
Thanks for reaching out! While we don’t have exact measurements of the color blocks in the blanket, since it can vary based on the yardage of the yarns you select, our total blanket size was 33 by 33 inches square. If you want to maximize the size of the blanket with the yarns you have picked you, you will simply need to add up all the yardage of your yarns and work the increase section of the blanket until you have used up a little less than half of your total yardage. You should then have plenty of yarn to work the decrease section.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hello,
I too would love a photo of the whole blanket so I can get a sense of how the whole thing looks.
Thanks so much!
Cedar
Hello Cedar,
Thank you for reaching out! I will send one along to you. 🙂
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi there, love the pattern, but I’m having issues with edges. One side looks nice and clean and the other is sloppy and twisted. I’ve started and restarted 4 times making sure to pull everything tight so it’s not too loose, but I’m getting everything twisted! I’m so frustrated. So other people have the same issue ever?
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for writing in, and I’m sorry to hear you are having trouble with your edges! We haven’t had any reports of this issue before, so I would suggest reviewing our tutorial on M1R and M1L to make sure you are working both increases correctly – since only one edge is turning out messy, I suspect you may be working either M1R or M1L incorrectly.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi,
I am about to start knitting your blanket, but I’m wondering why you do the M1L on the right hand side of the knitting and M1R on the left hand side of the knitting?
I would like to do this in pink instead of peach. Some of your previous suggestions are no longer available. Do you have any recommendations with your current yarn?
Thanks,
Cath.
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for reaching out! Since the increases blend into the garter stitch body of the blanket, rather than the stockinette border, they are angled inward toward the center of the blanket. We do still carry Koigu Kersti and Anzula Cricket, although we no longer carry Madeline Tosh Merino DK. I would suggest substituting either Flax Down or Cashmere Merino Bloom in its place. For a pink toned version of the blanket, you could try the following colors:
Color A: Kersti in #1153
Color B: Kersti in #1150
Color C: Cashmere Merino Bloom in Wheat Flour
Color D: Cricket in Au Natural
Color E: Cricket in Gravity
Color F: Flax Down in Stonewall Gray
Color G: Flax Down in Peach Stone
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I am interested in making the Colorblock Bias Blanket. I understand that the peach bundle is ‘currently out if stock’. I tried to order the yarns individually from your website, but found that most (if not all) the yarns/colors were unavailable, My questions are: do you anticipate that the bundle or the individual yarns will be available in the near future? If not, can you help me make some substitutions?
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we no longer carry Madeline Tosh DK so we will not be restocking the original bundle – I’m so sorry about that! I would suggest substituting either Flax Down or Cashmere Merino Bloom in its place. You can still use the original peachy Kersti colors, and a full bundle would be:
Color A: Kersti in #1111.5
Color B: Kersti in #1133
Color C: Cashmere Merino Bloom in Wheat Flour
Color D: Cricket in Au Natural
Color E: Cricket in Gravity
Color F: Flax Down in Stonewall Gray
Color G: Flax Down in Rose Granite
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Do you have a copy of the previous pattern that was posted a year ago? It takes me a while to complete these blankets and I had started on the old pattern – I’m now where I need to decrease for the final corner but am confused on where I’m at with the new pattern. Any help is appreciated!
Hi Kennedy,
Thanks for reaching out! We actually haven’t made any changes to this pattern since it was released. Is it possible that you started with our Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket pattern instead? It starts very similarly but, since it is a rectangle instead of a square, has a different middle and end.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Beautiful blanket pattern! I, too, would love to have an image of the full blanket opened up, as well as an image of the full rectangular larger version. Thank you!
Hello Mary,
Thank you for writing! I just sent along an e-mail to you. Let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I so wish I could do this one, but that merino would eat me alive. There are so many beautiful wools – I just can’t ever use them.
Hi,
I am interested in making this blanket for my “soon to arrive baby”. I was wondering if I can use the Worsted cotton yarn (https://www.purlsoho.com/worsted-cotton.html) instead of the suggested yarn in the pattern. If so, how many yards of each color would I need (I am thinking 7 colors) and what needle size will be good? Should I knit with yarn singled or doubled? Also, can you send a full picture of this blanket to my email.
Thanks
Shweta
Hi Sweta,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have a picture of this blanket laid out flat, but I think your plan sounds wonderful! This blanket is very easy to adapt for different weight yarns, so I would recommend using Blue Sky Worsted Cotton held single on a US 9 needle and following the pattern as written. You will need to work the “Begin Blanket and Increase” instructions until you are halfway through your yarn, so if you go with 7 colors, you will need to weigh your fourth ball of yarn as you knit and switch to the “Decrease” instructions when you have 50 grams left.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Are the kit skeins the same length as the individually sold skeins for the baby blanket?
Hi Katelyn,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we no longer stock the bundle for this particular blanket, but yes, we did include full sized skeins of each yarn used in the blanket!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
For the Colorblock Bias Blanket, how does it fit onto a 32 inch circular needle? Directions say to use entire skein of 4 colors each on the increase… each skein is 274 yards!
Thanks
Hi Gina,
Thanks for reaching out! Because this blanket is knit on a diagonal, you will reach the “widest” part of your project at the end of the increase section. Although I don’t have a specific stitch count, you should have around 250 or 350 stitches for the two sizes. Typically knitting needles can accommodate around 12-14 DK stitches per inch, so a 32 inch needle should be just fine for either of these stitch counts. If you are knitting the larger blanket and prefer a little more room on your needles, you may opt for a 40 inch circular needle! Something else to note is that the first two colorblocks are knit in Koigu Kersti which are much smaller skeins at 114 yards, so the first two stripes will be smaller. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
I just love this blanket. I see the bundles are no longer available. I was wondering if there is any chance this situation will change in the near future.
Hi Margot,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we no longer carry Madeline Tosh DK so we will not be restocking the original bundle – I’m so sorry about that! I would suggest substituting either Flax Down or Cashmere Merino Bloom in its place. You can still use the original peachy Kersti colors, and a full bundle would be:
Color A: Kersti in #1111.5
Color B: Kersti in #1133
Color C: Cashmere Merino Bloom in Wheat Flour
Color D: Cricket in Au Natural
Color E: Cricket in Gravity
Color F: Flax Down in Stonewall Gray
Color G: Flax Down in Rose Granite
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Love this blanket! I’d love to have a photo of the blanket out flat, so that I can visualize it. I’m knitting it in a worsted weight with 5 gradients. Trying to figure out how to gauge the depth of each colour stripe. Any suggestions? Also, has anyone figured out how to add a new colour without the line of colour on the wrong side?
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t currently have the resources to re-photograph this blanket, however we offer a schematic as a visual aid for the finished blanket in our undated pattern: Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket In New Yarns + Colors!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi Purl Soho Team – It is still snowing here in Colorado, so I guess I am STILL in blanket season. Having just completed my 3rd blanket on #15 needles, I am again turning to you for inspiration, on a smaller size needle, to give my hands a rest. Your projects always get me so excited. So, I am looking at the Color Block Bias Blanket, and was wondering if I could crank it out in worsted weight yarn. I am sure it would make it larger, which is a good thing, as all my kids are over 6 feet. Without me doing my math, do you have any idea HOW BIG it might be? Thanks for being there.
Hi Patti,
Thanks for reaching out! I am also in Colorado so I can totally relate to the snow day blanket projects!
This is an excellent blanket, and we actually used a combination of yarns that work up to about the same weight as a worsted yarn! So you can actually knit the pattern as written using a worsted weight yarn and it should come out to be the same dimensions. I recommend working a gauge swatch first just to see how your gauge compares to the gauge of the pattern. I also recommend following our new and improved version of this pattern! You can find that here: Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket In New Yarns + Colors
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi there! I made the rectangular version of this blanket and loved it! Does this smaller version have a measurements chart I can follow (as the rectangle does)? Thank you!
Hi Melody,
Thanks for writing in! While we do not have a graphic for the measurements of this version, we have measured the stripes, and I will include the measurements below. Just a note: The width of each stripe is the based on the size of each skein. Even if you use the very same yarn that we used here, the width of your stripes may vary based on your personal gauge.
That said, the approximate measurements of the stripes are, from peach across to gray: 8″, 4″, 6.5″, 6″, 6″, 6.5″, 11.5″
All the best,
Lili
Hi there,
I’m embarrassed to say that several years ago I bought a Good Wool bundle with the idea of making the “original” small version of this blanket. The Good Wool bundle comes with 5 skeins (not 7) so stupid question: do I just knit with the first 3 skeins for increase and the last 2 skeins for the decrease? I want to make a blanket for the Linus project and this pattern seems ideal. Thank you so much!
Hi Deb,
Thanks for writing in. You can absolutely knit this project with the 5 colors of Good Wool! You will need to knit with the first 2.5 skeins for the increase and then the remaining 2.5 skeins for the decrease, so that the shape comes out even on both sides. For the middle skein that’s split between the two sides, you can tell how close you’re getting to the halfway point by weighing the remaining skein! Each skein is 100g, so just check every once in a while, and once you’re down to 50g left, you can start the decreases. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you so much Lili!
Hello! I really love Purl Soho’s patterns as they always look sophisticated and really let the yarn shine. However, i have had trouble with this pattern once i start to decrease. I have redone the decrease section twice now and it still seems that i am not decreasing at the same rate as my increases and then this second half of my blanket starts to become (or rather stay) too wide. I suspect perhaps it may have to do with how tight i do my k2tog / ssk – though, I am not an experienced knitter and am not sure. Do you have any tips?
Hi Cassie,
Thanks for reaching out about this. To be honest, it’s pretty hard for me to figure out what the issue may be without seeing your project. It would be super helpful if you could send along photos of your work to customerservice@purlsoho.com, so we can visualize what’s going on! We’ll keep an eye out for your message there.
All the best,
Lili
Hi!
I’m on my second color of this blanket and was wondering if you had a tips on weaving in the ends when switching colors? I’m still fairly new to knitting.
Thank you!
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for reaching out! We have a wonderful tutorial, Weaving In Your Ends, that shows a handful of great options to weave in your ends! For this pattern, I would suggest using the GARTER, WEAVING IN ENDS WITH DUPLICATE STITCH technique.
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Love this pattern, and just bought the yarns for it. The skeins are not the same size yardage as those listed in your pattern, although they are DK weight. Other than the stripe measurements listed above, do you know the approximate number of rows per each of the stripes. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Hi Pat,
Thanks for reaching out. That’s actually a tough question for me to answer, since this is a very old pattern that we’ve redone a few times already! So I’m afraid I don’t know how many rows there are per color block. The easiest way to figure that out may just be to count the garter ridges in the photos–each ridge is equivalent to 2 rows!
All the best,
Lili
hi! i’m having some trouble picking out yarn for this pattern and would love some help. I need it to be machine washable, so the substitutions for the tosh dk given in prior comments won’t work for me. I’m also considering something with a pop of green, maybe kersti 2332 and 1533 for the first 2 skeins, but concerned that might clash with the blue in the blanket? it’s so hard to tell the colors on screen… anyway would love some thoughts! thanks!
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reaching out with your question! Based on your yarn preferences, I would recommend taking a loot at our Morning yarn! Morning is a machine washable yarn, spun from 75% organically grown cotton and 25% yak! The yak adds just enough softness and texture to make this yarn a staple in every stash!
The colors of Morning in particular stand out to me as something you might like, since the Kersti 2332 is so similar to Morning’s Cucumber Ice color way. If you do like the color variety of Kersti, I think that the greens you’ve chosen go perfectly well with darker blues like Kersti 1045.
I hope these recommendations help! Please feel free write in again with any questions!
All the best,
Carly