Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket
It’s become clear over the past year that for some of you bigger IS better! Wanting, requesting, longing for more to knit… How could we not honor that? 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!
Four of Purl Soho’s own yarns went into this texture-rich blanket: Alpaca Pure, Worsted Twist, plus Flax Down and Line Weight combined to add a playful marled stripe to its neighboring fields of crisp colors and subtle heathers. Pick up all these yarns together with our Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket Bundle, available in three classic palettes: this cool Blue, sweet Pink and warm Yellow.
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
I can’t claim this one is better than the original, but it’s at least equal and certainly bigger! So for all of you who wanted more blanket to knit (and own!), I heard you loud and clear. This one is for you! –Laura
Update
OCTOBER 7, 2016
We have just added over two dozen gorgeous new heather and helix colors to our Line Weight, Alpaca Pure, and Worsted Twist collections, plus six new colors of Flax Down this past spring. What does this all mean?! Four new Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket Bundles, some subtle, some bold, all beautiful!
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!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
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 Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket Bundle, which includes 16 skeins of Purl Soho yarn (NOTE: This bundle is no longer available.)…
- Yarn A: 2 skeins of Line Weight, 100% merino wool; each skein is 494 yards/ 100 grams.
- Yarn B: 2 skeins of Flax Down, 43% baby alpaca, 42% extra fine merino, 15% linen; each skein is 219 yards/ 100 grams.
- Yarn C: 2 skeins of Alpaca Pure, 100% finest alpaca; each skein is 109 yards/ 100 grams.
- Yarn D: 2 skeins of Worsted Twist, 100% merino wool; each skein is 164 yards/ 100 grams.
- Yarn E: 2 skeins of Worsted Twist
- Yarn F: 2 skeins of Flax Down
- Yarn G: 2 skeins of Worsted Twist
- Yarn H: 2 skeins of Alpaca Pure
You will also need…
- US 8 (5 mm), 40-inch circular needles
Our Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket Bundle is available in three beautiful palettes. They are…
BLUE, pictured above
- Yarn A: Purl Soho’s Line Weight in Desert Blue
- Yarn B: Purl Soho’s Flax Down in Heirloom White
- Yarn C: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure in Artemisia Green
- Yarn D: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Heirloom White
- Yarn E: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Ash Gray
- Yarn F: Purl Soho’s Flax Down in Artemisia Green
- Yarn G: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Stillwater Blue
- Yarn H: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure in Oyster Gray
PINK, pictured above left
- Yarn A: Purl Soho’s Line Weight in Super Pink
- Yarn B: Purl Soho’s Flax Down in Pink Grapefruit
- Yarn C: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure in Paprika Red
- Yarn D: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Heirloom White
- Yarn E: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Ballet Pink
- Yarn F: Purl Soho’s Flax Down in Heirloom White
- Yarn G: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Peony Pink
- Yarn H: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure in Super Pink
YELLOW, pictured above right
- Yarn A: Purl Soho’s Line Weight in Storm Gray
- Yarn B: Purl Soho’s Flax Down in Toasted Charcoal
- Yarn C: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure in Oyster Gray
- Yarn D: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Dijon Yellow
- Yarn E: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Yellow Yellow
- Yarn F: Purl Soho’s Flax Down in Heirloom White
- Yarn G: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist in Tabby Gray
- Yarn H: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure in Heirloom White
Gauge
18 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch, holding Yarn A and Yarn B together
Size
42 inches wide x 72 inches long
Pattern
Begin + Increase
With one strand of Yarn A and one strand of Yarn B, cast on 5 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (right side): K2, make 1 left (m1L), knit to last two stitches, make 1 right (m1R), k2. [2 stitches increased]
Row 2: P2, knit to last two stitches, p2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used both skeins of Yarn B, ending with Row 2.
Cut Yarn A, and put it aside for later.
Join Yarn C.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the both skeins of Yarn C, ending with Row 2.
Join Yarn D.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have 251 stitches, ending with Row 2.
Continue
Still using Yarn D…
Row 1 (right side): K2, m1L, knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1.
Row 2: P2, knit to last two stitches, p2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used both skeins of Yarn D, ending with Row 2.
Join Yarn E.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used both skeins of Yarn E, ending with Row 2.
Join one strand of Yarn F and one strand of Yarn A.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used one entire skein of Yarn F, ending with Row 2.
Continue + Decrease
Join second skein of Yarn F with the strand of Yarn A.
Row 1 (right side): K1, ssk, knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1. [2 stitches decreased]
Row 2: P2, knit to last two stitches, p2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the entire second skein of Yarn F, ending with Row 2.
Cut Yarn A, and put it aside for the tassels.
Join Yarn G.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have used the both skeins of Yarn G, ending with Row 2.
Join Yarn H.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 5 stitches remain, ending with Row 2.
Bind off knitwise.
Make + Attach Tassels
Use Yarn A to make a Tiny Attached Tassel at each corner of the blanket. Visit our Tiny Attached Tassel Tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
Finish
Weave in the ends and block as desired!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
will be making this! once I do I will hopefully send you a picture! hope you have a lovely weekend!xx
Erika | Just That DIY
I would like to subscribe.
Hi Paula.
I have forwarded your request to our customer service team.
Thanks so much for writing in.
Laura
I have what’s probably a really silly question, but in the very beginning with casting on with one strand of A and B, do you end up with 10 stitches? And when you continue, do you only use yarn B so that both skeins are used up, or is it just that yarn B is a shorter length than A?
I hope that makes sense! I’m from England so I try to find similar yarns to use for sale here, I just want to make sure I don’t mess up this pretty blanket with a simple error 🙂
Hello Jade!
You will be knitting with both Yarns A and B simultaneously, as if they were one throughout the first section. IF this is a little bit hard for you to conceptualize, twist the strands together a little bit in order to pretend they’re one yarn. It creates a speckled affect that adds dimension and texture.
Hope this helps! -Alyson
when you transition to yarn C are you still knitting with two strands of yarn?
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for writing in! When you transition to yarn C, you will drop yarns A and B and continue on with just C.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Gorgeous!
I am just confused as to where I will be with Yarn A when I have used both skeins of Yarn B? It says to cut A and save. Are they different in yardage that I would still have A left when I have finished B? This may be a stupid question but I just like to completely understand the pattern!!
Thanks…
Hello Nancy!
You’re understanding is right! Yarn B has about 220 yards each and Yarn A has almost 500 yards, so you’re correct, you’ll have some of yarn A left after you finish both skeins of Yarn B. Save it to use at a later section of the blanket!
Enjoy! -Alyson
How many stitches should I have on my needle when I start decreasing?
Hello Louise,
You should have 251 stitches according to the pattern. Happy knitting! -Alyson
You really do spoil us with your beautiful patterns 🙂 Thank you x
Hi Laura – such a beautiful blanket! Is there any chance of a little video showing how to cast on with the two colours and knit the first few rows? I am a beginner and have never tried that cast on or those types of increases before. Would be so helpful to see it done!
Also, could you please advise the best weight of yarn to use for this blanket? DK throughout? Or Aran? As much as I love your yarn kits, they are a bit pricey for me. Thank you
Hello Sarah,
Knitting with two yarns at the same time can be a little overwhelming in theory, but its much simpler in practice! If it will help you visualize that the two strands are one, give them a little twist as you start off. You can use any type of cast on you’d like, but we prefer long tail cast on.
Take a look at our tutorial for increases here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/tutorials-knit/increases-tutorials-knit/. As for yarns, we used combinations of yarns that all could achieve 4.5 stitches per inch on US #8 needles. They are all about worsted weight.
We’re so glad you like the blanket! Enjoy! -Alyson
thank you so much for this pattern just finished a blanket about to start another such a clever idea
I have been dying to make this since I first saw the small square colorblock bias pattern…. now I absolutely must buy more yarn for my project backlog! HOWEVER, I must create a special pallet for the media room–with an OCD fiance the colors must coordinate perfectly. I can pick the oranges and bright greens, but do you have a guideline for how to organize the colors? The three pallets above don’t seem to follow an obvious pattern.
Hey Jennifer.
Thanks for writing in! The color order may seem unorganized, but I swear there’s a method to the madness. Yarn A (Line Weight) is pulled together with Yarn B (Flax Down) and also with Yarn F (Flax Down). The color order is pretty heavily based on these marled sections (where Yarn A is paired with B and with F) which isn’t really represented in the photograph of the unknit skeins.
One very important thing to note is that the pattern is written for the following yarn in the following order…
Yarn A: Purl Soho’s Line Weight
Yarn B: Purl Soho’s Flax Down
Yarn C: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure
Yarn D: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist or Worsted Twist Heather
Yarn E: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist or Worsted Twist Heather
Yarn F: Purl Soho’s Flax Down
Yarn G: Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist or Worsted Twist Heather
Yarn H: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure
There are such great colors in each yarn! The combinations seem endless. You’ll have to let us know what you end up choosing!
Thanks so much for writing in and please let us know if you have any questions.
Laura
Your patterns are so gorgeous! Thanks for posting.
I’m confused. In casting on the first 5, am I holding 2 strands and casting on both strands at the same time? Am I knitting with 2 strands after that?
Hello Carolyn,
You’ve got it right! You are holding two strands of yarn together as if they were one to start the blanket. If it helps you not get confused, gently twist the strands together while you’re starting out. Enjoy this lovely blanket! -Alyson
Like this pattern very much. Have you heard of “67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day?” (It’s on Facebook.) I think this would be a great pattern for the blankets they’re collecting.
Hello June!
We’ll check it out! Thanks for the tip! -Alyson
What are the colors that are shown in the photo. They don’t seem to be the three options that you provided in the kits.
Hello Aimee!
We made the sample with the Blue kit. The lighting in our studio does sometimes make the blues look a little more subdued.
Happy knitting! -Alyson
Hi! Your knits are colorful, I wish I could knit but I crochet only, I will plan to learn the knitting basics next, as soon as I’m done with crocheting your grandbaby blanket, will send a picture when is finish, is a gift for my first greatgrandson. Thanks for your instructions in advance, Att,
Tannia Rosario-Frank
Hello Tannia!
Thanks for writing in! We’d love to have you get into the knitting world! Glad you’re liking our patterns. Happy stitching! -Alyson
I’m still confused about how to start this pattern! So I cast on holding the two different-coloured strands together as if they are one, and then what do I do with yarn a? It says to repeat rows 1 and 2 until you’ve used both skeins of yarn b, but what about yarn a? Does it get mixed in with yarn b until it runs out? What is the reason for doing it this way?
Hello Sarah!
We used our Flax Down yarn for Yarn B, which has 219 yards, where our Yarn A, Line Weight, has almost 500 yards. Therefore you will be able to run out of both skeins of Yarn B before running out of Yarn A. Later in the pattern we recommend you use the remainder of yarn A in conjunction with a different yarn!
The reason for this is to create a speckled effect with the two different tones of yarn. We think it adds texture and a beautiful finished product! Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions! Best of luck! -Alyson
I’ve made a large rectangular blanket (sadly, not with your yarns as our Canadian dollar exchange rates kept me from your door) and would like to add that it is important to knit the garter stitch loosely: it will drape like a dream, leaving zero chilly spots.
Thanks for your tip Ila! Happy knitting! -Alyson
Why do you switch to a ssk at the end instead of the Ml?
Hello Susan!
M1 is a way to increase a stitch, while SSK is a method to decrease one stitch. The careful balance of increasing stitches to make the first half matched with decreasing to make the second half creates the blanket on the bias!
Enjoy! -Alyson
I would like to make this blanket (so lovely) in a less expensive yarn first, before investing in the wonderful yarns you have in your kit. Is it possible to get some suggestions for weights and amounts to achieve that project?
Hello Linda!
Any yarn that can achieve 4.5 stitch per inch gauge in a soft and squishy blanket texture would be ideal! We used many different heavy DK and worsted weight yarns, all with different yardages that totaled up to about 2300 yards.
Have fun with this lovely blanket! -Alyson
Thank you so much for the information. I am headed to the local store today for some yarn to give this a try!
Hi
I am new to knitting do you have patterns using only one colour yarn and also what is m1k and ssk.
Thanks
Hello Jacinta!
Welcome to the knitting world! Any project that uses multiple colors can always be adapted to a solid colored item. M1 and SSK are both abbreviations for techniques that create new stitches in the middle of a project, therefore increasing the stitch count by one. Take a look at our knitting abbreviates here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knit/terms/
Best of luck! -Alyson
Thanks for another great pattern! Way to go on the sizing — I like my lounging blankets at least 6 feet long so I can tuck them under my feet and still have enough to pull up to my chin.
Hi! This is so exciting! I made the throw size and love it so much! It was super fun to knit. I am really looking forward to making this big one. Thank you for working up the new pattern!!
I have a question about the colorway options: I LOVE all the yarns in the yellow option except for *gulp* the yellow yarns. Is there a world where I might be able to (even for a fee!) swap in two other colors — specifically the Worsted Twist in Paprika Red and the Worsted Twist Heather in Mixed Berry? This combo may not even look good together in real life, and feel free to tell me so! And making a swap like this may cause twelve kinds of headaches for you that you don’t even want to go near, I realize. But I thought I’d ask just in case there was some way we could make that work. 🙂
Thank you again for all the beautiful free patterns you all share. We are super grateful!
Hello Dr. B!
You of course can switch out the colors, but the best way to do it would be to purchase all the yarns separately. What a beautiful idea to add the rich berry tones to the color scheme! Paprika Red is like a rich jewel tone, and Mixed Berry is sort of purple-y. I would recommend doing Paprika Red with Red Cayenne instead to continue the ombre effect!
We’re so glad you enjoy our patterns! Happy Knitting! -Alyson
Thank you so much, Alyson! I really appreciate the help with the color substitution! I can’t wait to get started on this. The Purl Bee is the best!
Hi, Alyson — I just received my yarns in the mail, and your color suggestion was PERFECT! I highly recommend this combination! I bought all the yarns from the Yellow option *except the Yellows*, substituting Paprika Red and Red Cayenne for them instead. Those reds with the greys look really, really good. Thank you so much for your help!!
You’re so welcome! Glad you liked them! -Alyson
Can you use long tail cast on to start this project?
Hi Amanda.
Yes! I used a long tail cast on for this one myself.
Laura
So when you knit to the 251 stitches, then change directions should the side measure 42 inches? Reason I am asking is that I have 10 skiers of Madelinetosh that I would love to use to makes into a rectangle. I already made the square with silk Anzula ❤️❤️❤️
Hello Birdie!
Once you get to the 251 stitches, you’ll be at the half way mark! The length of the blanket should be 72″ and the bottom should be 42″ wide. It will look like a triangle at this point.
We’re so glad you like our patterns! Happy knitting! -Alyson
So to clarify, should we be halfway through the yarn at the point where we switch directions and begin decreases?
Hello Aro!
Since this blanket is a rectangle, the half way point is actually 1/2 way though the CONTINUE section.
The bottom edge will measure 42 at 251 stitches, but you are not at the half way point and the other side won’t measure 72 until you finish the CONTINUE section. Sorry if my previous comment was misleading!
Best of luck and happy knitting! -Alyson
Aro!
Laura here, I wrote and designed this pattern. I’m sorry for jumping in, I just wanted to correct something…
The half-way point is when you’ve worked half of the CONTINUE section.
In that first section of the pattern you make a triangle, then in the next section, CONTINUE, you make rhombus and then in the last section you finish up with another triangle. So it is half way through that CONTINUE section when you’ve completed half of the pattern!
I apologize for any confusion. Please do not hesitate to write us back with any questions.
Laura
Can you email me with what the number of stitches would be at the point when you shift from the continue section to the decrease section? That is, i have 251 sts and am ready to move to continue….but i’m still unclear when i move to decreasing on both sides. Your answer would be immensely helpful.
Hi Flo,
Thanks for writing in! I hope that I can help! Before beginning the “Continue + Decrease” section, you should have 251 stitches on your needles just as you did at the beginning of the “Continue” section. You move on to decreasing on both sides when you have used one entire skein of Yarn F, ending with Row 2.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you for answering but it’s not the answer exactly that i need. Since I am using different yarn, I was asking how many stitches would I have on the needle when I finish the “continue” section and need to begin the “decrease” section. It seems, if I look at yardage, that I should start the “decrease” section after I’ve used 1150 yards of yarn. Would that be the right calculation (half of 2300 yes total)? Thanks….. (I’ve begun the “continue” section already so I’m on my way….
Hi Flo,
Sorry for the delay! I am afraid that I am not quite sure how to help but I will do my best!
At the end of the “Continue” section, you will have 251 stitches. With the “Continue and Decrease” section, you begin decreasing immediately on Row 1. After row 1 of the “Continue and Decrease” section you will have 249 stitches. With each odd numbered row in this section, you will decrease by 2 stitches. Assuming that you are using a different yarn and are not stranding the Line Weight (color A) like we do here, at the end of the “Continue” section, you will have used roughly 1500 yards of your yarn. You will have used all of color B (438 yards), color C (218 yards), color D (328 yards), color E (328 yards) and half of color F (219 yards).
I hope that this helps and that I answered your question! Please feel free to ask more questions and give us a call at the shop if you need more clarification!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you Cassy. I think this does help. It was about how much yardage is used by the end of the continue section before starting the decrease section and I think i’ve got the answer now. Sorry to persist in questioning…..
Hi Flo,
No worries! I am so glad that I was able to help!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you for another gorgeous and inspirational design.
Hi,
I am currently making this pattern and I’m a bit confused at the part where I am finished with two skeins of yarn B and I cut the yarn A. Then, when I join yarn C is that just one strand and, what about yarn D, also one strand? Would you, please, explain that part of the pattern? I have to confess, I’m using a different yarn.
Hi Olivia.
This blanket is made up of mostly worsted weight yarns. But there was a light worsted/DK weight yarn I wanted to add to the mix, so every time I work that lighter weight yarn, I added a single strand of Yarn A to it so that with the two together I’d be able to accomplish the right gauge. So, for this pattern with the yarns I used, while working with Yarn B and also Yarn F, I’m pulling a strand of Yarn A along with them.
If you’re working with other yarns… you can ignore Yarn A all together. Just work Yarn B, then Yarn C, then D then E….
I hope this helps!
Let us know if you have any questions.
Laura
Hello,
I love the new color-block knit blanket, but worry that it will be too big. I want a size in between the square one and this new large format. Would it be easy to alter the pattern if I am not a very experienced knitter?
Caroline
Hi Caroline.
I would recommend following the Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket pattern, but with thinner yarn. If you drop down to a light worsted/dk weight yarn, the blanket will come out smaller and the only modification you’ll have to make is your yarn choice! OR You could work the square Colorblock Bias Blanket pattern in a worsted/aran weight yarn. If you follow that pattern, but with a thicker yarn, you’ll end up with a larger blanket.
Let us know if you’d like other modification options!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Dear Laura,
Thank you for your response. Does this mean that if I use the Purl yarn you recommend for the large color block bias blanket (mostly worsted) for the smaller blanket, the result would be a somewhat larger small blanket? And if I understand that correctly, could you please help me figure out what I would need to order?
Thank you.
Hi Caroline.
Yes! You’ve got it.
Our original Colorblock Bias Blanket uses 7 skeins of light worsted/dk weight yarn, adding up to approximately 1400 yards. So we need to find you approximately 1400 yards of worsted/aran weight yarn.
I just love our Worsted Twist, Worsted Twist Heather and Alpaca Pure yarns. They’re all great choices for this blanket!
You could use…
6 skeins of Worsted Twist and Worsted Twist Heathers (164 yards each) and 4 skeins Alpaca Pure (109 yards each)
Or you could also mix in some other worsted weight yarns if you wanted to add some variety. The options are plentiful!
Just keep in mind that when you are working the Colorblock Bias Blanket… you switch from increasing to decreasing once you’re half way through with your total yardage! The pattern is written specifically for the yarns we used, but it’s a very easy pattern to modify as long as you keep that in mind!!
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
Ever since I’ve discovered your store I’ve been re-energised and inspired to knit again. So many lovely patterns I can’t wait to start.
With so much wool in my stash, I’ve started this beautiful blanket and as the wool I’m using is a different yardage, I’m wondering when I start the ssk how long (or even better how many stitches) should the blanket be?
Hi Anna.
I’m so glad you found us!
About the blanket… If you take a look at the pattern, just before the CONTINUE section, you’ll see that it instructs you to keep increasing until you’ve reached 251 stitches. At this point you’ll move on to the next section of the pattern.
I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I would like to order yarn for this project. I am planning to do the yellow color scheme but work like to substitute toasty colors for the first three grays. Could you recommend colors that would work for this change. Can’t wait to get started! Thank you!!
Hi Robin.
Thanks for writing in. I’d love to offer up some substitutions. Below I have listed out all of the gray yarns in the Yellow colorway with other color suggestions next to them.
Yarn A: Purl Soho’s Line Weight in Storm Gray – maybe try Sea Salt or Yellow Yellow
Yarn B: Purl Soho’s Flax Down in Toasted Charcoal – maybe try Heirloom White or Yellow Zest
Yarn C: Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure in Oyster Gray – maybe try Sea Salt
Let us know what you think or if you have any additional questions!
Best,
Laura
I would really love to knit this blanket. I know Purl Soho has beautiful yarns. Is there anyway I can knit this blanket at half the cost? Thank you for your help.
Hello Theresa!
We hear you! We totally understand that sometimes our yarn suggestions are more of an inspiration than a reality for many people. We are always happy to recommend less expensive (but still beautiful!) alternatives. In this case, we suggest that you try… any yarns that you are able to get 18 stitches = 4 inches gauge with. Try some of these: Purl Soho Worsted Twist (https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/worsted-twist.html), Madeline Tosh Merino (https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/tosh-merino.html) and Cascade 220 (https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/cascade-220.html).
Depending on the color way you’re interested in, you can definitely find a cheaper version of this pattern with a combination of these yarns! Please don’t hesitate to write again should you have more questions!
Thank you so much for asking. We’re sure that lots of other readers will thank you, too! -Alyson
Hi!
I am about to start this gorgeous project using a worsted weights yarn from my stash. In the ‘continue’ section of your pattern, you say continue to end of skein F, but are you able to give an idea of how many rows this might be? I ask so I can do a bit of planning to get an even number of rows in each stripe. If I follow the pattern until the shorter edge measures 42″, I won’t know how many rows that will be.
Thank you! 🙂
Emma
Hello Emma!
What a great use of your stash! The total blanket calls for about 2800 yards of worsted or heavy DK weight yarn. If you want each stripe to be about the same thickness, I would divide the yardage by 7 and use that as a starting estimate for the quantity of each color. We’re so happy you like this blanket! Enjoy! -Alyson
I’m a beginner knitter (can only do basic knit, purl and rib stitches) and I would love to make this blanket. But it’s a bit hard for me to understand this as I’m more of a visual learner. Would it be possible for you to make a video tutorial on how to start it and how to add the strings and just do an overall tutorial for this blanket?
Also, what does Gauge 18 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch mean? I’m new with terminology as well.
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Sona.
I’m so glad you wrote in!
We do not currently have any plans to make a video for this project, but the good news is that we do have videos of some of the techniques used in this pattern!
The two increases used are m1L and m1R, they are explained in this video: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/make-one-right-m1r-make-one-left-m1l/
The two decreases used are ssk and k2tog.
Here is a link to a video showing how to ssk: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/slip-slip-knit-ssk/
Here is a link to a video showing how to k2tog: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/knit-two-together-k2tog/
As for your question about gauge… 18 stitches = 4 inches means that if you measure your fabric, you should be getting 18 stitches in 4 inches. Here are two tutorials that touch on this topic:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/08/29/swatching-for-gauge/
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/12/06/tension-a-not-too-tight-tutorial/
If you have any questions at all, please let us know!
Thanks again for writing in.
Laura
I also love this blanket and love the idea of swapping out the yellow with the red. But I would like to make it bigger. Do I just add on the required number of stitches according to the stitch gauge in order to achieve the width that I desire. I am assuming that additional width will also automatically increase the length which is what I want. Is that correct. Then I assume you use all of the yarn up at its current size and would need to purchase extra of each color???
Hello, Jane!
Thank you very much for writing in! Sorry about the very delayed response! I am not sure I understand what you mean when you ask about adding on the required number of stitches to achieve a larger width, but I am going to try! This blanket is knit on the bias, so you begin with 5 stitches and increase until you’ve got 251 stitches on your needles. In the middle section of the pattern you’re no longer increasing, here you’re just adding length while keeping the same width. Then you move onto the decreasing.
So, to make this bigger you would need to work more increase rows and subsequently more decrease rows. Going off the gauge in the pattern, the 251 stitches would give you a diagonal width of about 55-inches. If you wanted to increase this width to, say 75-inches you would work the increase rows until you reached 337 stitches (instead of the 251).
I hope this answers this your questions. If you need further assistance, please let us know!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
Thank you for the pattern for this super easy blanket! I completed it in the BABY size for my niece in a color palette of pinks, cream, gray and teal. She absolutely loves it, turned out beautiful. I belong to a large knitting group in Westchester and several women already said they want to make it too!
I recently knitted the Colorblock Bias Blanket for my newborn daughter with Anzula’s Cricket yarn. My 6 year old son is obsessed with the blanket and asked me to make one for him. I was going to make the Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket with Anzula’s For Better or Worsted and Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure. Is the Alpaca Pure as soft as the Anzula cashmere blend yarns? Could you also help me put together a color way? Red is his favorite color so I was thinking of using the For Better or Worsted in Red Shoe, then Madam, followed by Alpaca Pure in Gray Fig and Sea Salt, then For Better or Worsted Au Natural, Alpaca Pure Artemesia Green and For Better or Worsted Seabreeze. Would you tweak this combination? Thanks!
Hello, Julie!
Thank you so much for writing in and sorry for the very late response! I am so glad that your children adore these blankets! I really like your idea of combining the Alpaca Pure with the Anzula. I think the Alpaca pure is as soft as the Anzula (maybe even softer!).
I think your colorway sounds awesome, the only thing that I would change would be switch out the Madam with Candied Apple. Often Madam reads more like a purple than a red. You can see the Candied Apple in action in our Hudson Bay Inspired blanket: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/11/23/whits-knits-hudsons-bay-inspired-crib-blanket/. It looks as thought we are out the Candied Apple in our Web store, but you can always call our NY store (212)420-8796 as they can ship it to you!
Thank you for your comment!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I see the pattern recommends 40-inch, size 8 circular needles. Is it possible to knit this blanket on 32-inch, size 8 circular needles? Thank you, Dawn.
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for your message and our apologies for the greatly delayed response! You could try to use a shorter circular needle. However, you may have a hard time fitting all the stitches onto a 32 inch needle given that at it’s widest, you will have over 250 stitches on the needle.
I hope that this was helpful!
Cassy
Hi. Love this blanket! I was wondering how much yarn the tassel takes? I was thinking of using a bit of each color in it. So how much yarn should I set aside?
Thanks!
Hello, Anne!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! Using a bit of each color for the tassel is such a wonderful idea! We used nearly 30 yards for each tassel. If you have further questions please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hi!
I’ve fallen in love with this gorgeous pattern, and I was wondering… Is it possible to knit it with a thinner yarn and of course a smaller-sized circular needle?
I really want to make myself this blanket but it’s a bit too big for me (this blanket is way longer than I am!), and I wanted to make sure the pattern will work nicely before I get started…
Thank you for any help you’ll be able to give me!
Hello Morgane,
Thank you for your question. You might like to look at the original version of this blanket. It is a much smaller 33 in x 33 in but it is easy to adjust the size. Gather the yarn you would like to use, add up the total yardage of your yarn and divide it by two. Work the Increase section until you have knit 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 other half of your yardage. You can also improvise the pattern and knit the first increase section until you are happy with the diagonal length and then start decreasing. Since the blanket is striped you can just buy yarn as you need it or grab from your stash. I hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.
Happy knitting,
Allison
Thank you for the help Allison!
I looked at the original version of the blanket like you suggested and I’m going to knit this one, adjusting the size so it’s a little bit bigger, but not too much.
As for the pattern, I haven’t got all of the yarn needed yet, so I might just go with my instinct and see how the stripes go!
Have a nice day!
I would like to make this throw for my granddaughter to take to college this fall. She will be a freshman and the blanket will be a little bit of home for her. Her favorite colors are dark blue and green. Using the yarns you’ve indicated in the pattern, are there suitable colors in each to stay with the blue/green color scheme? Would you be willing to advise me? I knitted the color block throw for my daughter and she loves it. The diagonal design is even more striking!
Hello Linda,
Thanks for writing in and I think it’s a wonderful idea to give this blanket as a gift! Unfortunately we currently do not have the resources to customize patterns, but there is a stunning array of beautiful blues and greens on the website. The beauty about this blanket is that you use a multitude of different shades of a color, so you can’t go wrong! Good luck and happy knitting!
Best,
Adam
I was interested in knitting this as a baby blanket. Where can I access or can I access only the pattern? Thanks so much. It is beautiful 🙂
Hi Mary,
We so glad that you are interested in knitting the Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket. The pattern can be found for free above. Additionally, you may be interested in the original square Colorblock Bias Blanket. The pattern for it can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/04/27/lauras-loop-colorblock-bias-blanket/
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi there,
Firstly, thanks for the great pattern!
I am knitting this with other yarns of equivalent skein length, I am at 247 stitches and I am not yet on Yarn D, nor am I anywhere near the 42″ width. Should I start the decreasing at 251 stitches anyways or wait until I am partway through Yarn D and closer to the width that I should have at the end?
Cheers.
Hi Ruby,
Thanks for your kind words! Firstly, make sure that you are measuring your width from the bottom edge, as this is on the bias. If you are not at 42″ width, it could be that your yarn is too small to get gauge. Also, you could be knitting too tightly. If you are close to the 42″ width, please note that with wear the blanket will eventually stretch. Conversely, if you are still no where near the prescribed width, you should keep going in pattern until your blanket is wide enough. That being said, this pattern is very simple to manipulate and you can basically decide when you want to stop adding length, so long as you don’t run out of yarn. I hope this helps you!
Best,
Adam
Best,
Adam
Love this pattern! I’ll be using a number of different yarns with varying yardage and am trying to make sure I know when to move onto each new section. I understand that I will stop increasing and begin the “Continue” section when I have 251 stitches on the needle. Based on the above comments, I also know that the halfway mark of the project is half way through the Continue section. However, it is unclear when I should begin the Continue/Decrease section. According to the written pattern, you begin the Continue/Decrease section after having used 1531 yards of yarn (Yarns A/B through the first skein of F). Is there a better way to determine when to begin decreasing or should I just measure by yardage?
Hi Marie,
Thanks for writing in! This blanket is beautiful in many yarn types. Since you will be using yarns of various yardages, I would simply mark when to move on by counting stitches. Calculating yardage can be tricky and it is much easier to decide when to decrease based on width or stitch count. If you are using different yarns than what we used, I think it would be less stressful to “freestyle” stripe the blanket and change yarns as you need it. That sounds fun and exciting to me! I hope this helps and good luck! I’m sure the blanket will be stunning!
Best,
Adam
hi! I just finished making the color study blanket and I would love to make this blanket in your worsted twist yarn (it’s my favorite). How many skeins do you think I would need? thanks!
Hi Anna,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! Unfortunately we currently do not have the resources to customize patterns, but I am certain that you will need about sixteen skeins just as the pattern. I hope you enjoy knitting this!
Best,
Adam
Hello! I am a beginner knitter, but I would love to make this afghan with the yarn i have. Do you also have video tutorials for this kind of a pattern?
Thank you! Love your work!
Hello Ayesha,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! Fortunately this pattern is adaptable to all yarn sizes. You simply increase until you have your desired width and follow the pattern from there. Just make sure that your yarns are all of similar gauge. Good luck and happy knitting.
Best,
Adam
Dear Purl Soho,
Thank You for the wonderful and most generous Mother’s Day gift. All the patterns are wonderful. I especially like the blanket. It allows one to play with color and realize that your huge yarn stash is there for a reason 🙂 It reminds me of a painters’ palette- mixing until finally the color is perfect. Thank You Again, Best Regards, Denise
Hi Denise,
Thank you so much for the kind words! I hope the blanket goes well for you!
Best,
Adam
Hello! I have the Mint colorway kit from the Colorblock Bias Blanket. Would it be possible to suggest colors to add to the kit to make the rectangular version?
Also, is it possible to use the same yarn as the Colorblock Bias Blanket to knit the Chevron Baby Blanket pattern?
Hi Rehana,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern. I think you’ll have to double the yarn amount if you want to make the rectangular blanket. Two bias kits combined do not equal the size of the rectangular blanket because the Koigu Kersti has much less yardage. To make up for this, you should purchase seven more skeins of Madelinetosh DK and Anzula Cricket. Because this is a DK weight instead of a worsted, it would be smart to purchase an eighth skein just to be safe.
Here are my suggestions:
Anzula Cricket:
Seabreeze
Elephant
Seaside
Madelinetosh DK:
Well Water
Sea Salt
Thunderstorm
Night Bloom
Hope you like it,
Adam
Hi, I would like to knit this in a grey and deep turquoise blue, any suggestions? Thankyou
Hello Yolande,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! I suggest that you buy the yarns for the yellow colorway of this blanket listed in the pattern except for the yellows. Instead, you will replace the yellows with turquoise. I recommend that you look at Madelinetosh Merino in color “Esoteric” or Anzula – For Better or Worsted in color “Teal”. These are beautiful yarns and will make your blanket pop!
Best,
Adam
If I am using this pattern with my own set of colors of yarn do I still need to start the blanket with two strands or can I just use one strand of my singular color? Will the stitch size be off and should I use two strands of the same color instead? Hope this makes sense. Sorry, I’m new to knitting!
Hi jdg,
Great question! For this blanket we used worsted weight yarn and yarns held together that would yield the same gauge as worsted weight. The first section uses a light fingering combined with a DK that knits up as a worsted weight. If you are using your own combination of yarns, a good rule of thumb is to use all worsted weight yarn and you will yield a similar effect to our lovely blanket!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Dear Purl Soho,
I have been dreaming of making this blanket and have finally gotten down to it! I am using a mix of acquired and gifted worsted weight yarns and am trying to figure out the yardage used in this quilt to know if I have enough and also where to begin decreasing. Your tips would be much appreciated!
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for contacting us! This blanket takes approximately 2300 yards of worsted weight wool. I think you’ll need more for the tassels though. Thanks again and happy knitting!
-Adam
Could you tell me please, if I intend to knit this with worsted weight yarn only, and not holding any yarns together, what yardage of yarns would I need (approximately). Thank you!
Hello Merideth,
Thanks for writing us! This blanket takes approximately 2300 yards to complete. Our blanket is in worsted weight too and we held yarns together to account for some yarns being a little thinner than others. Good luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I want to knit this in a variegated worsted, how would I know when to change my rows (stop increasing, start decreasing) when I’m not using different yearns? Do I go by length or number of stitches?
Thanks!
Hi Nadine,
What a great idea! The lovely thing about this blanket is that it is so adaptable! If you would like to make a blanket of the same size, you can knit until the sides measure 33 inches and then begin decreases. You could also knit until you have knit a little less than half of the yarn that you have for the project and then begin decreases!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thanks for your prompt response!
Hello! is there any way to know how many stitches I should have before I start the ‘continue and decrease’ stage? Thanks!
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for writing us! This pattern isn’t so much about stitch count as it is about width. If you measure your bottom edge from the point of the triangle to right before your needle, you’ll know how wide you’ve knit. Keep increasing on both sides until the blanket reaches 42″ and then you should be ready for the increase/decrease section. Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I enjoyed making this but wanted to note that I ran out of Yarn H – needed to get two extra skeins! All the other yarn yardage worked fine…
I love this pattern but would like to make it into a baby blanket. How much one color yarn would I need? Can you help me adjust the pattern so I can make it into a baby blanket? Thank you for your help in advance.
Hi there!
Thanks for the kind words! I’d be glad to help you out with this. A worsted baby blanket takes roughly 1200 yards of wool. This doesn’t include the tassels though! Best of luck on the project!
-Adam
Hello, I haven’t crochet and I was just starting to knit many years ago, but your yarns are very tempting! Could your Rectangular Colorblock Bias Blanket be made into a baby blanket and if your willing to help how would I alter the pattern and how much of each color yarn and kind would I need.
Thank you,
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Great question! We initially made this blanket as a smaller, square shaped blanket that would work well as a baby blanket! A link to that pattern and the material list can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/04/27/lauras-loop-colorblock-bias-blanket/
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi! Can I use only Madeline tosh DK? If so, how many skeins will I need and will I have to knit two colors togther? Or was that just for the thinner wool
Hi there!
Thank you for writing us and for your interest in this pattern! You can definitely use Madelinetosh DK for this blanket and no, you won’t have to double it. We haven’t knit this up in DK weight, but I would say that you’d need around 2600-2800 yards for DK weight. I hope this helps you!
Happy knitting!
-Adam
Can I also see the photos flat? Thanks so much y’all!
Hi! I was sad to see that your Blue bundle is no longer available, so I just ordered the yarns individually. However, Yarn C is currently out of stock. I’m wondering if I could start from the end and work back to color A and hopefully that one will be available by the time I get to it. Thanks!
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for writing in! You can absolutely knit from the opposite end! Additionally, if you have any interest in substituting another color, I would recommend trying Alpaca Pure in Oatmeal Gray Helix. Either way, I think that the resulting blanket will be lovely!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you! Can’t wait to get started 🙂
Shouldn’t the VERY first row be:
Row 1 (wrong side): P2, K1, P2.
???
Hi Barb,
Thanks for writing in! In the original pattern you increase immediately. If you’d like to p2,k1,p2 for the very first row, you can. I don’t think it would make much of a difference. Thanks again!
-Adam
I love the look of this blanket. Thinking of ordering a yarn bundle BUT I can’t seem to find the finished size. Did I miss the dimensions?
Thank you.
Hi Judith,
Thanks for writing in! The finished measurements of this blanket are 42 inches wide x 72 inches long.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello:
A question for Laura. I am planning to use the same yarns to make a bias scarf (smaller rectangle). My question is whether the two-stitch stockinette border should stay two stitches or whether I can reduce it to one? Was the decision of the two-stitch border made for aesthetic reasons only or structural reasons?
Thanks!
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for the question! The stockinette border is purely aesthetic, so you can do a one stitch border if you want or no border at all! The garter stitch will keep the scarf lying flat, so any border will do. Best of luck!
-Adam
Love to start knitting here in the Netherlands! One question: do I understand correctly that this blanket is knitted with a double strand? The pattern says you need to cast on stitches with 2 strands…
Hello, Gaby!
Thank you for your question! You are correct, this pattern begins with a double strand! For this blanket we used 4 different yarns, Line Weight, Flax Down, Alpaca Pure, and Worsted Twist. These yarns have differing gauges so, to get the gauge of the blanket parts of the blanket are worked with a doubled strand and other parts are worked with a single strand.
Please let us know if you have further questions and again, thank you for writing in!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi! Thanks for this great pattern. I’ve been working on the blanket for awhile now, and just as I was coming to the end, I noticed that the final corner is too long, and it not in line with the rest of the blanket. As far as I know, I’ve decreased properly, switching to ssk and k2tog for the second and third last stitches. Not sure how I managed this! Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Shayda,
Thanks for writing in! I think that when you steam/wet block this that you’ll be able to even everything out. The blanket is so heavy that it can warp easily from turning it so many times. Let me know if you still have trouble after blocking. I’d be glad to help!
-Adam
Hi Purl Soho, I bought about 2600 yds of worsted weight yarn for this blanket. If I want to use all of the yarn in this blanket (including the tassels), at what yardage should I start the “Continue” step and at what yardage should I start the “Continue + Decrease” step?
To clarify, I read in the comments for the original colorblock bias blanket that if you want to use all the yarn you have in a stash, you simply increase until you’ve used up about half of your yarn, and then decrease to the end. For the rectangular colorblock bias blanket, should I just start the “Continue” step after using 1/3 of my total yarn and then the “Continue + Decrease” step after using 2/3 of my total yarn? Or something else?
Hi Emily,
Thanks for writing in! You are completely correct! You’ll use 1/3 of your yarn for the increase, 1/3 for the straight portion and 1/3 for the decrease. As for the tassels, I’d make these before hand so you can then weigh your yarn accordingly. Best of luck and let us know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
I’m so confused. I am working on size 11 needles and chunky yarn. the width of my blanket from needle to needle is 58 inches at this point. Any idea what I do now to make it into a rectangle? thinking I may have to frog some of it. I looked all over the internet for help and your site is the closet I’ve found for what I’m trying to do. Thank you so much!
Hi Betsey,
Thanks for writing us! The width of your blanket if you’re knitting on the bias is actually either edge (selvedge). In order to make a rectangular shape on the bias you will decrease one side and increase the other. This will make the sides parallel. When you want to finish the blanket you can start decreasing on both sides and this will bring the final shape to a rectangle. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Hello
Apologies for the silly question but…
Ive only just started working with circular needles. It’s not clear to me if this blanket is knitted in the round or if the pattern uses circular needles as if they were straight needles?
Thanks
Theresa
Hi Theresa,
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!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi everyone! Just finished my beautiful rectangular color block bias blanket and I need to block it. What’s the best way? This is not machine washable, is it?
Thanks!
Christine
Hi Christine,
Thanks for contacting us! If you are using our yarn you’ll want to hand wash the blanket or steam it. I think steaming it would be just fine. Best of luck!
-Adam
I am. (It’s gorgeous!) Will do. Thanks, Adam
How to begin…bought the Purl Soho kit in blues and was amazed at the softness and the colors of all the yarns. I have completed the blanket and am again amazed at the textures of the knitted fabric. I’ve been knitting for decades with beautiful fibers but this is the best. Knitters–don’t miss the satisfaction of knitting and enjoying this blanket in the designers fiber selections. I plan on making another one. Thank you Purl Soho. I’ll be back.
Hi Gran,
Thank you so much for your kind words! They made our day!
Best,
Cassy
I’ve been looking at this blanket in the blues for some time now, but it looks like you no longer have all the colors from the original bundle available. If I wanted to take the yarns and colors from the Yellow bundle, ditch the 4 yellow colors, and replace them with 2 blue colors (one in a navy if possible), would you be able to make suggestions?
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for writing in! I love the idea! I would suggest substituting the yellows for Worsted Twist in Timeless Navy and either Stillwater Blue for a darker look or Faded Blue for a lighter color.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Please excuse the newbie question. If I’m using yarn that’s all the same type but just different colors, do I still knit the two strands together for some sections, and just one strand for other sections…. or do it exactly as written? Seems to me that if I use all consistent yarn, then part of the blanket will be thicker than other parts. Thanks! Can’t wait to dive in.
Hi Helena,
Thanks for writing us! If your yarn is all the same gauge, you won’t have to double up in sections of the pattern that tell you to. We did this in our version because the base yarn was not thick enough to achieve an even gauge. Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I just did a test swatch to make sure I know how to do everything, and it feels like my starting and ending corners are not nearly as pointy as the other two, and not anywhere near as crisp as in your photo. Do I need to start/stop with five stitches on the needle, or can I take it down to three, or one? Or… do the tassels somehow pull the corners into a point? Thank you! I’ve mastered everything needed for this blanket except that last point.
Hi Helena,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct. The starting and ending corners are a bit squarer than the other 2 corners. However, these are the corners that you are attaching the tassels to and that covers and mitigates this to the point where it is not noticeable. Given the pattern, it is not possible to start with 3 stitches as it would not maintain the 2 edge stitches on each side.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I frogged a blanket I was working on and came across your pattern… I really want to try and make it with the yarn I currently have. It is medium yarn. Will this work with this pattern, and would I just skip doing the two strands together? Thanks!
Hi Hayley,
Thanks for writing in! This blanket can easily be knit using a variety of weights of yarn. Here we use worsted weight yarns and yarns in combination that yield a worsted weight. We also have a square version that uses DK weight yarn. To change the pattern to accommodate the weight of yarn that you will be using, you will knit to the width of the blanket using needles appropriate for your yarn instead of to a particular stitch number.
The twos strands will not be necessary as we used them here to create some additional texture and it allowed us to use some thinner yarns in combination to create a worsted weight to go along with the other worsted weight yarn that we used!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi! I have a question….. ejem you told continue…… you don’t how stiches we should finishe this part….. and how stiches we should have to begin continue and decrese….si could you help me? Excuse me for muy english…. thanks
Hi Inma,
Thanks for writing in! I hope that I can help! At the end of the “Continue” section, you will have 251 stitches. With the “Continue and Decrease” section, you begin decreasing immediately on Row 1. After row 1 of the “Continue and Decrease” section you will have 249 stitches. With each odd numbered row in this section, you will decrease by 2 stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thanks Cassy! I know that you want to say…… but I’m knitting with tangles so I don’t Know when I have to decrease…. thanks for everything!
Why are the beginning instructions (for Row 1 and 2) different for the colorblock square blanket and the rectangular colorblock blanket? Seems both should be the same.
Hi Gayle,
Thanks for writing in! While the two rows are in a different order, they are the same pattern. This was just a personal decision for the designer and does not alter the pattern. You can choose to begin either on the purl row or the knit row and you will have the same result!
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Hi there, I finished my blanket and love it! My only disappointment is that within a month or so, the tassels turned into stiff fuzz-balls. Doesn’t seem like the right yarn to do tassels with.
Hi Juliana,
Oh no I’m so sorry this happened to you! Thankfully the tassels are replaceable. This also happened a little to our store sample because the Line Weight is a single ply yarn. I suggest you find a nicely-coordinating plied yarn to make tassels with for replacements. If the yarn is superwash, even better! Again, so sorry about this!
-Adam
Hello I have only just found your beautiful website and am eagerly awaiting my first order of Luxurious yarn and beautiful scissors. My question to you is, I am a beginner knitter and want to make this blanket but thought I would try the square first. I noticed that you have a diagram for the rectangle Blanket but not for the square. Are you able to provide a diagram for the square blanket. I’m a bit nervous getting it right, as I have to convert the yardage to metric and want to use DK yarn so there is a lot of substituting. Thanks so much. Giorgina
Hi Giorgina,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words. We do not currently have a schematic available for the square version of this blanket but I do have the measurements for the width of each stripe!
From peach Koigu across:
8″, 4″, 6.5″, 6″, 6″, 6.5″, 11.5″
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Sacanes of yarn, how many would I need for this blanket smaller one
In one color and a yarn that feels really soft
Thank you
Looking for a blue not to light maybe a little deeper blue
Hello Gail,
Thanks for writing in! This blanket is made with a worsted weight yarn. What dimensions are you thinking of making? This will determine how many skeins of yarn you will need.
I think this blanket will be beautiful in our Worsted Twist or Anzula’s For Better or Worsted. I hope this os helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions.
-Marilla
Thank you to the wonderful helpers and knitters at Purl Soho! I just completed my Rectangular Bias Blanket and am so excited for a warm item in my living room…and one that has a punch of color!
I wish I could upload photos here of the finished project. Excellent pattern and tutorials. I can’t wait to visit this shop when I’m in NYC next!
My question concerns the schematic. If you add up all the inches of the colors From A to H, it comes to 80.25″. Yet the dimensions are 72″ long. Can you clarify this for me? Many thanks.
Hello Mary,
Thank you for your question! The reason for this is because the color stripe measurements are on the bias rather than the actual length of the blanket.
I hope this clears things up- Happy Knitting!
-Marilla
When knitting color C, the pattern says knit both skeins, but the drawing of the pattern says that color C should be about 6″. If I knit Botha skeins of C I will have more than 6″. Should I be following the drawing or the written pattern? Sorry if this is a stupid question!
Hello Sara,
Thank you for your question – It is not stupid at all! If you are using our Alpaca Pure for color C then you will use it all for the 6″, however if you are using a deferent yarn with more yardage you might not use all of it. Either way you should follow the drawing and knit for 6″. I hope this clears things up!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Somewhere very early in the pattern I missed a single stitch increase and now have an even number of stitches. Should I increase until 250 (vs 251)? Will this disrupt the pattern overall? Thanks!
Hi Tamara,
Thanks for writing in! Not to worry! So long as you have only missed one stitch, you should be ok! I would increase to an even number of stitches and just make a note that at the end, you will be decreasing to an even number before casting off.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I cannot find Size 8, 40-inch needles anywhere locally. Can I use size 8, 36 or 48-inch needles instead?
Hi Kris,
I would recommend using the size US8 48″ circulars so that your stitches aren’t all squeezed on a smaller needle.
Happy knitting!
Carly
Helio
I buy only 12 purl soho worsted twist balls.
Is good to knit this rectangular pattern???
Hi Olga,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely blanket, if you wanted to use Worsted Twist, you would need 14-15 skeins to equal that yardage we used. You can also knit this blanket a bit smaller if you would like. To do so, you would increase until one of the outer edges measures 36 inches (rather than 42) and then knit the middle section until you have the amount of yarn left that you used for the first section.
This blanket does look great in just about any yarn and I think that a version just using Worsted Twist would be lovely!
Best,
Cassy
Hi there! I’m a beginning knitter. I am having trouble with my edges on this blanket. One side looks great, but the other is very loose and almost knotted on the very outside stitch. I had a similar problem on a scarf. Any advice? Some sources say to slip the first stitch and purl the last of each row to help with loose edges. I might try that unless you have a better idea.
Hi Megan,
Thanks for writing in! This is quite perplexing! You can certainly try slipping the first stitch of each row to get a neater edge! On the right side, you will slip the first stitch purlwise with the yarn in the back and on the wrong side you will want to slip the stitch knitwise with the yarn in the front. The slipped stitch will count as your first stitch on each row.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you! Here’s what I ended up doing: Row 1: s1wyib, k2, m1L, ~knit~ m1R, k1, s1wyib, P1. Row 2: s1wyib, P2, ~knit~ P1, s1wyiF, p1. I still have some difference in tightness on the two sides, but it is less noticeable.
Hiya! Just getting started…I got the piping plover color bundle and I’m wondering if you have color assignments on that bunch like you do with the other… i.e. which is my yarn a?
ooo! i figured it out myself. by looking. with my eyes. 🙂 standby for more questions.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! We do indeed!
Yarn A: Line Weight in Dove Gray
Yarn B: Flax Down in Heirloom White
Yarn C: Alpaca Pure in Lucky Magpie
Yarn D: Worsted Twist in Oatmeal Gray
Yarn E: Worsted Twist in Artemisia Green
Yarn F: Flax Down in Artemisia Green
Yarn G: Worsted Twist in Salt + Pepper
Yarn H: Alpaca Pure in Tabby Gray
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi
Love this rectangular afghan and can’t wait to get started .Want to make it all in knitting worsted but confused as to doubling the yarn which would make a very heavy blanket .Not understanding how to begin . IS it made in one piece or sections sewn together ?Please gelp with how to start as it looks like two colors on first aection?Have made 3 stitch one but confused as how to do rectangle one .Thanking u in advance .
Hello Rita,
Thank you for reaching out! This blanket is knit all in one piece from one corner to the opposite corner using increases and then decreases. If you are using worsted weight yarn for the whole blanket you will not double it, but simply knit the whole blanket single strand.
I hope this helps!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I have LOVED knitting this blanket! Very clever pattern and interesting to make. I used my own yarn and I am at the point of tassels. I will be making them with an aran weight yarn and the tiny attached tassel method may not work with 20 yards of this weight. Have you other tassel attaching suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Jarvis,
Thanks for writing in! I would recommend following our regular Tassel tutorial and attaching the tassels by tying the tails to the corner of the blanket and weaving them in securely.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I knit the blanket in worsted, had gauge of 8 stitches per inch and did pattern until measured 42 inches and was at 251 rows (which I read in one of the comments was half way) and started decrease and it came out square, 42 inches by 42 inches. What did I do wrong as I would like it to be the 42 by 72 it shows. Thanks.
Hello Pat,
Thank you for reaching out! It sounds like you may have skipped the middle section of the pattern. After you do your increases, but before you do your decreases, there is a portion of the pattern under “Continue” where you are increasing at the beginning of the row and decreasing at the end. This is the part of the pattern that creates a rectangle rather than a square.
I hope this clears things up for you and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi
I’m halfway through knitting the final colour section in alpaca pure. So far my tension has been accurate and the dimensions of the stripes match your diagram. But this final colour is knitting up to a bigger gauge and I will not have enough yarn to finish the decreases to 5 stitches – I estimate I will get 2/3 complete with supplied yarn. Even with blocking this section is bigger and distorts the rectangular shape.
Have others had this problem? I have undone back to penultimate yarn and thought I might try with 4.5mm needles instead?
Do you have any suggestions please?
I’m based in the UK and New York is a long trip for an extra skein of yarn!
Hello Louise,
Thank you for writing us! This sounds incredibly frustrating. What gauge are you getting with the Alpaca Pure? Does is match the gauge you got with Alpaca Pure in section C? If all else fails, the quickest fix would be if you have a bit of leftover yarn from another one of stripe in the blanket you could add a small stripe at the tip of the blanket.
Let us know how it is going and we can figure out a solution that works best for you!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
If I just wanted to select my own colors from worsted twist, how much yardage would I need ? Thank you.
Hi Diane,
Thanks for writing in! We did use nearly all of each skein of yarn, so if you would like to use all Worsted Twist, you would need 7 skeins.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
is it possible to make this with 10 skeins of worsted weight yarn, 5 colors A,B,C,D,E,E,D,C,B,A? The reason I chose 10 skeins was to get the correct yardage. When would I change colors? I’m afraid if I chose just 4 colors my yardage wouldn’t match
Hi Jill,
Thanks for reaching out! It is hard to say if you have enough yarn since different yarns often have different yardages per skein. In this case, we used 1,150 yards total, so as long as your yarn adds up to at least that many yards, you do have enough for the full blanket. It is a bit tricky to figure out when to switch colors so they mirror perfectly along the length of the blanket, but I think it might work out to take note of where in your color scheme you switched from the “Begin + Increase” section to the “Continue” section and make sure you begin the “Continue + Decrease” section at the same point in the second half of the color sequence – for instance, if you switched immediately after ending your Color B, you would want to do your second switch immediately before beginning Color B on the second half of the blanket.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I am knitting this blanket with DK weight yarn and need to know when to start the continue portion and for how long before starting the continue and decrease portion. Thanks for your help.
Hi Myrna,
Thanks for reaching out! As soon as the sides of your starting triangle measure 42 inches or your desired blanket width, you will be ready to start the “Continue” instructions. You will then work these rows until your long edge measures 72 inches, or your desired blanket length, and work the “Continue + Decrease” instructions as written!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi I really love this pattern, but I’m just wondering if you have any suggestions on how I can scale this down to about a 35”x45” dimensions. I know you guys have a square smaller sized one, but I really love the rectangular shape more than the square.
Hi Alaha,
Thanks for reaching out! Fortunately it is quite easy to scale this blanket up or down! As soon as the sides of your starting triangle measure 35 inches or your desired blanket width, you will be ready to start the “Continue” instructions. You will then work these rows until your long edge measures 45 inches, or your desired blanket length, and work the “Continue + Decrease” instructions as written!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi Julianna,
I’m not a beginner knitter, but I live in France, and I’m not used to your instructions as “K1, K2tog, P1, P2…”
Could you please let me know how to get the “translation” in french or just tell me what it means, even in english ?
Thank you so much for your help, I hope I will succeed, your blanket and the colors are so beautiful !!
Hello Carme,
Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words! “K1, K2tog, P1, P2” written out is- Knit one, Knit two together, Purl one, Purl Two. I hope this is helpful and let us know if you have any further questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
Hi, I’m a newish knitter and I’m wondering if it’s possible to adjust this pattern to use a stitch that isn’t garter — I have a fantasy blanket in which yarn A+B or H is in seed or moss stitch and the rest is a single color in stockinette (I know I’d also need to create a bigger border to help it lay flat). But I can’t tell if the m1R/L means it’s not really possible to do anything other than garter. Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Hi Niki,
Great question! While you could certainly substitute seed stitch, stockinette, or another simple stitch pattern as an all over pattern without making any changes, I would suggest knitting a swatch alternating a few stripes of stockinette and seed stitch to see if you are happy with the result before trying to incorporate two stitch patterns. Seed stitch tends to turn out wider than stockinette stitch, so this may result in wavy or uneven edges and affect the overall shape of the blanket.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi. I have read through all the comments and I understand the parts that seem to be confusing people. Ironically, my question goes to something much simpler. Why do the increases chosen turn into the main body and away from the edging? It would seem like it should be the other way around, i.e. the first increases should tilt right and the last, left instead of the way the pattern is written. Is this just a design choice? I am curious. Thanks
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for writing in! By angling the decreases so they point away from the stockinette edging and into the garter stitch body of the blanket, they do blend into the garter a bit better; however, the effect is quite subtle since they are worked inside of the garter stitch, so if you prefer to work your increases in the usual direction you certainly can!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
HI! question… I am at the continue section but I initially miscounted have accidentally knit an extra 2 rows so I have 253 stitches. Do I need to undo those rows or can I proceed and begin to knit 2 together at the end of this one? each side measures 42″
I”VE COME SO FAR!!!!
xxxthank you for your helpxxxx
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! I personally wouldn’t worry about two extra stitches! You can start the Continue section now, and you won’t have to make any adjustments in the Continue + Decrease section since you will be decreasing back down to 5 stitches no matter how many you start with.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I love the 72″ length, but I would like a wider blanket — at least 52 inches wide. Can this pattern be increased for a wider blanket?
Thanks!
Hi Mary Jane,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, you can definitely modify this pattern to make it wider! To do so, when working the “Begin + Increase” section, continue repeating rows 1 and 2 until the sides of your triangle measure your desired width. You can then follow the rest of the pattern as written.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello,
I purchased your last kit of the abalone shell colors, and have used half of it to knit a crib blanket. It turned out to be one of my favorites! I like to wash baby blankets before giving them to the recipient. How do you recommend I wash this — it is fairly heavy — and still keep it looking freshly knitted? Also, the edges of my decreasing rows are a bit rippley looking. Do you have any suggestions on how to avoid this in the future and fix the current blanket?
Thank you for the fabulous patterns! Your website is the first place I look for new projects and supplies!
Hi Ann,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for reaching out! Although the blanket is large, I would recommend hand washing it and laying it flat to dry, as this should also serve to block the blanket and fix your uneven edges. You will be following the basic principles in our How To Hand Wash A Sweater tutorial, just scaled up for the blanket. If you don’t have a large enough bucket to fit the blanket, you may have to use your bathtub to soak it, and as long as you avoid agitating the blanket and are careful to support the weight of the blanket while taking it out of the water, it should turn out just as beautiful, if not more so, after washing!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
The pattern says to begin the m1L and m1R starting on the first row. Since the cast on stitch creates two peices of yarn instead of just the one in between the two stitches…which piece of yarn do I use? All of the tutorials show there is just one “latter” between the two stitches. None show the cast on stitch of two. The pattern doesn’t indicate to first knit a row so I don’t know what to do! Thanks for your help!
Hi Alicia,
Thanks for reaching out! When working a M1l or M1R starting from the cast on row, instead of using a “latter” like you would when a row has already been worked, you will use the base of the cast on stitch to make the new stitch!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi…I’m a bit confused by your pattern…as it is written in your pattern, you have noted just before the section CONTINUE, that we end with 251 stitches. In a post earlier you have said that at the end of the CONTINUE section there should be 251 stitches.
Which one is it as right now I have worked to 251 stitches by increasing one stitch at each end of row 1 of pattern.
Please clarify as I have already knit and your pattern is not very clear.
Please clarify: how many stitches should I have before I begin to decrease on one side of row 1?
Please clarify: how many stitches at end of CONTINUE section of pattern or before I begin CONTINUE + DECREASE section of pattern?
Thank you,
Rita
Hi Rita,
Thanks for reaching out! The pattern is correct as written. You should repeat Rows 1 and 2 of the BEGIN + INCREASE section until you have 251 stitches, ending with row 2, before moving on to the CONTINUE section.
I hope this clears things up!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you for your response.
I am knitting the blanket in one colour of a worsted weight yarn.
As I am not changing colours, I would ask if you know how many stitches I should be at before I begin decreasing at both ends of the blanket? This was not answered in your previous response and would be helpful for those using only one colour of yarn.
Thank you
Rita
Hi Rita,
You actually maintain the 251 stitches throughout the CONTINUE section since in Row 1 you are both making 1 stitch and decreasing 1 stitch at the same time! You should still have 251 stitches once you finish the CONTINUE section and move on to the CONTINUE + DECREASE section. If you are only using 1 color, I would recommend referencing the diagram shown above the pattern to keep track of the measurements of each “color section” so you know when to begin the decreasing.
I hope this clears things up!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you. It kind of answers my question. I guess because I am using only one colour it is a bit more of a measuring thing.
Thank you again for your quick response.
Rita
Hi Rita,
Yes that is correct, when using one color you will need to rely on measurements since once you increase to 251 stitches, the stitch count will remain the same throught the CONTINUE section until you begin decreasing on both sides.
All the best,
Gianna
Thank you.
Thank you for explaining how to keep the 251 stitches throughout the CONTINUE section. I thought these Rows 1 & 2 were the same as Rows 1 & 2 in the BEGIN + INCREASE section.
Hello
I would like to knit the pattern with 12 ply wool
Do I just go down a size in my needle to achieve the correct size
Thanks
Jan
Hi Jan,
Thanks for reaching out! I would suggest starting off by working a gauge swatch with the yarn and an appropriately sized needle, from there you can compare your gauge to the gauge of the pattern and make adjustments accordingly!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Your patterns are beautiful and enjoy so many of them. I have a question on this blanket. I am knitting with Malabrigo Rios worsted yarn that is washable, as they have animals. I wish to follow the similar dimensions (throw size), so do you start your decrease around 36″ on the top (left) long edge? The increase section works for me at 251 stitches on US 7 needles. Thank you for your help with this conversion.
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for reaching out! Perhaps the best way to visualize where to begin your decrease is by measuring along the left diagonal. If you’re looking at our measurements chart for the blanket, you’ll see that this diagonal is labeled 42″. So I would knit until your left diagonal reaches 42″, and then begin your decreases for the top left long edge! Hope this helps, and let me know if you’d like me to clarify more.
All the best,
Lili
I am about to start this blanket but the size is scaring me. I don’t see a diagram for the smaller size option and wonder if there is any way to adjust the given dimensions for something in between.
Hi Terry,
Thanks for writing in. You can absolutely knit a smaller sized blanket! The way this pattern works is that you knit until you’ve run out of yarn on each skein, so what you could do is simply knit until you’re halfway or so through a skein, and then switch colors. That way, the blanket will automatically come out smaller! Hope this helps.
All the best,
Lili
Writing this on 6/21/22.
Are there any bundles currently available that I can buy for this rectangular blanket? Specifically interested in the blue or yellow. And what is the cost of the bundle?
Thanks
Hi Terri!
Thank you for writing in! We unfortunately do not have a bundle available for this blanket as some of the yarns have been discontinued, however if you would like to reach out to us at [email protected], we would be happy to help provide some yarns and prices for this blanket!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi,
I have 9 colors of blue sky organic cotton. I was going to hold them double and try to knit a baby blanket using this pattern. Do you think if I follow the pattern and knit until each skein is gone that would make a nice size baby blanket? I don’t like them too small and to be honest, I wouldn’t mind allowing for shrinkage either because I’d be shocked if my daughter didn’t accidentally throw it in the dryer at least once. 🙂
Thanks. Cindy
Hi Cindy!
Thank you for reaching out! Since Blue Sky Fibers Worsted Cotton is a worsted weight yarn, I think holding two strands together would be too thick for this pattern. However, you could knit one stripe in each color and follow our Super Easy Baby Blanket pattern! With 9 colors instead of 7, your blanket will be larger than in the pattern too, especially since you are using a worsted weight yarn.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Margaret
I would like to knit the colorblock bias blanket in blue which is very beautiful as shown. Since you don’t have all of the colors available, would you put together a “kit” and provide other similar color options and be sure to include the light gray and off white tones. I am knitting it for my daughter’s wedding shower gift and want it to match her bedroom color pallette. Thanks!
Hi Robin,
Thank you for asking! We’re glad to hear this blanket caught your eye, and while we are currently unable to make a custom kit for this project, I have listed below the in-stock yarns and colors I suggest for this blanket:
Yarn A: 2 skeins of Line Weight in Clear Sky
Yarn B: 2 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom in Heirloom White
Yarn C: 2 skeins of Plenty in Mint Blue
Yarn D: 2 skeins of Worsted Twist in Heirloom White
Yarn E: 2 skeins of Worsted Twist in Ash Gray
Yarn F: 2 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom in Heirloom White
Yarn G: 2 skeins of Worsted Twist in Stillwater Blue
Yarn H: 2 skeins of Plenty in Ash Gray
I hope this helps you get started on your daughter’s blanket!
All the best,
Margaret
I am starting the Colorblock bias rectangular. How can I calculate to make it wider and longer than 42X72?
Thank you
Barbara
Hi Barbara!
Thank you for asking! To make a larger blanket, I suggest working more repeats of Rows 1 and 2 in the first section with Yarn A and Yarn B held together to create a triangle that is taller than 23″. Since each of the following stripes are based on this initial triangle, this is the best spot to establish a larger size! You will likely need more yarn to do this as well. To determine a specific width and length for your blanket, I would refer to your gauge swatch to determine how many stitches and rows per inch you are getting. This way, you can add a corresponding number of rows and stitches to the first triangle for your desired additional length and width.
I hope this helps you make a larger blanket!
All the best,
Margaret