Library Blanket
Book lovers meet knitters! The design for our Library Blanket takes a page from a brimming bookshelf filled with fanciful books, dreamed up in a world where blues and purples meet pinks and oranges… A pretty wild tale!
As much as stories, we love color. By pulling two yarns together, we grew our palette exponentially and were able to create all these glorious marles that blend and contrast, blur and delineate, whisper and shout!
One strand is our single-ply Line Weight merino wool, a soft and cozy little filament that adds a downy glow. And the other is Linen Quill, a fine highland wool, alpaca, and linen blend that brings down-to-earth texture and stunning color.
Making this blanket is just as absorbing as a juicy novel. All in simple garter stitch, you work the horizontal stripes as you’d imagine, but for the “books” (aka the vertical stripes), you work the stripes while picking up from the top edge of the last horizontal stripe. Easier done than said, but the long and short is no sewing!
A full cast of colors and an epic knitting adventure, curl up with this good knit! Our Library Blanket Bundle writes the book on beauty with its selection of absolutely gorgeous yarn… Pick one up and cast on!
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!
UPDATE: SAME CONSTRUCTION, NEW DESIGN
FEBRUARY 2022
Borrowing a page from the Library Blanket’s clever construction, our Side Street Blanket moves from the library to the streets with its beautiful bird’s-eye view of a city neighborhood. We used the same combination of Linen Quill and Line Weight to create an entirely new map of gloriously marled colors! You can find the Side Street Blanket here!
Designed by Purl Soho founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson.
Share your progress + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoLibraryBlanket, #PurlSohoLineWeight, and #PurlSohoLinenQuill. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
Our Library Blanket Bundle (Note: The Library Blanket Bundle is no longer available) makes one Throw-size blanket and includes (shown above, top to bottom and left to right)…
- 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Line Weight, 100% merino wool yarn, in Heirloom White. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 494 yards; approximately 484 yards required. (We used almost an entire skein. Make sure you knit on gauge, or pick up an extra skein of Heirloom White if you’re nervous about running out. If you don’t wind it into a ball and don’t use it, you can return it for store credit!)
- 1 skein of Line Weight in Bright Flamingo, approximately 267 yards required.
- 1 skein of Line Weight in Red Plum, approximately 385 yards required.
- 2 skeins of Line Weight in Lotus Flower, approximately 588 yards required.
- 2 skeins of Line Weight in Blue Jeans, approximately 558 yards required.
- 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Linen Quill, 50% fine highland wool, 35% alpaca, and 15% linen, in Pale Oats. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 439 yards; approximately 404 yards required.
- 1 skein of Linen Quill in Super Orange, approximately 259 yards required.
- 1 skein of Linen Quill in Dark Iris, approximately 237 yards required.
- 1 skein of Linen Quill in Crocus Bud, approximately 119 yards required.
- 4 skeins of Linen Quill in Cobalt Blue, approximately 1378 yards required.
NOTE: For a Crib-size blanket, you’ll need just one skein of each color, except Linen Quill in Cobalt Blue. For that color, you’ll need two skeins!
You’ll also need…
- A free Library Blanket Template available here.
- US 7 (4.5 mm), 40-inch circular needles
NOTE: Want to try out your own color combinations? One of our wonderful customers designed this Color Preview Tool to help visualize your own creative color mixing. Thank you Liz!
Gauge
20 stitches and 40 rows (or 20 ridges) = 4 inches in garter stitch, holding one strand of Line Weight and one strand of Linen Quill together
Note: We recommend swatching in a Color Combo that doesn’t require much yarn for the blanket, like Color L: Super Orange LQ + Bright Flamingo LW.
Sizes
Crib (Throw)
Finished Dimensions: 40 inches wide x 33½ inches long (40 inches wide x 58 inches long)
Sample: The blanket pictured here is Throw size.
Notes
Yarn Doubled
You will double the yarn throughout this pattern, pulling one strand of Linen Quill and one strand of Line Weight together.
Cutting Yarn
When you switch to a new color and the pattern says “cut yarn,” cut both strands of the colors you are dropping, unless the following color combination uses one of the same colors. In that case, you should just cut the one color you won’t be using.
Color Combo List
A: Cobalt Blue Linen Quill (LQ) + Red Plum Line Weight (LW)
B: Super Orange LQ + Heirloom White LW
C: Cobalt Blue LQ + Lotus Flower LW
D: Cobalt Blue LQ + Blue Jeans LW
E: Pale Oats LQ + Heirloom White LW
F: Dark Iris LQ + Red Plum LW
G: Pale Oats LQ + Bright Flamingo LW
H: Cobalt Blue LQ + Bright Flamingo LW
I: Crocus Bud LQ + Lotus Flower LW
J: Dark Iris LQ + Blue Jeans LW
K: Cobalt Blue LQ + Heirloom White LW
L: Super Orange LQ + Bright Flamingo LW
M: Dark Iris LQ + Lotus Flower LW
N: Pale Oats LQ + Lotus Flower LW
O: Dark Iris LQ + Heirloom White LW
P: Crocus Bud LQ + Bright Flamingo LW
Q: Pale Oats LQ + Blue Jeans LW
R: Pale Oats LQ + Red Plum LW
S: Super Orange LQ + Lotus Flower LW
T: Dark Iris LQ + Bright Flamingo LW
Horizontal Stripe Section
Knit every row.
Vertical Stripe Section
Row 1 (right side): Knit to marker, slip marker, slip last stitch of Vertical Stripe Section, knit next stitch of Horizontal Stripe Section, pass slipped stitch over to join Vertical Stripe Section to Horizontal Stripe Section, turn work.
Row 2 (wrong side): Move working yarn between needles to back of work, knit to end of row, slipping marker when you come to it.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2.
Pick Up For Horizontal Stripe Section
Orient blanket with cast-on edge at the bottom and Vertical Stripe Section across the top. With right side facing you and with specified color, pick up and knit one stitch between each garter ridge along selvage edge, starting with upper right hand corner of blanket. Be sure to start picking up between cable-cast-on row of Vertical Stripe Section and first garter ridge, and finish picking up between last garter ridge and bind-off row from the Vertical Stripe Section. [200 stitches on the needle]
NOTE: For help with picking up stitches, please visit our tutorial and scroll down the page to the Along A Vertical Edge: Garter Stitch video.
Schematic
Want to see it bigger? Click here and view the schematic as a PDF!
Pattern
NOTE: As you work, always hold together one strand of Linen Quill and one strand of Line Weight (see Notes, Yarn Doubled). The Color Combo List (see Notes) tells you which two colors to hold.
With Combo A, cast on 200 stitches.
Horizontal Stripe Section 1
With Combo A, work Horizontal Stripe Section (see Notes) for 4 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn (see Notes).
With Combo B, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo C, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 2½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
Vertical Stripe Section 1
At the beginning of next row, with right side facing you and Combo D, use a cable cast on to loosely cast on 1 stitch, place marker (pm), loosely cast on 19 stitches. [220 stitches]
Work Vertical Stripe Section (see Notes) until Combo D measures 6 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo F, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo G, work Vertical Stripe Section for 4 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo A, work Vertical Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Vertical Stripe Section for 5 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo H, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo I, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo B, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo D, work Vertical Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo J, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo K, work Vertical Stripe Section for 4 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo L, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo C, work Vertical Stripe Section until all stitches from previous Horizontal Stripe Section have been worked, removing marker on last row and ending with a right-side row.
Next Row (wrong side): Bind off knitwise and cut yarn.
Horizontal Stripe Section 2
With Combo K, work Pick Up For Horizontal Stripe Section (see Notes). [200 stitches]
With Combo K, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo L, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo M, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo D, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo I, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo D, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
Vertical Stripe Section 2
At the beginning of next row, with right side facing you and Combo H, use a cable cast on to loosely cast on 1 stitch, place marker, loosely cast on 49 stitches. [250 stitches]
Work Vertical Stripe Section until Combo H measures 2½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo B, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Vertical Stripe Section for 9 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo N, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo J, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo K, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo L, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo O, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo D, work Vertical Stripe Section for 4 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo P, work Vertical Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo C, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo Q, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo B, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo F, work Vertical Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo G, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo A, work Vertical Stripe Section until all stitches from previous Horizontal Stripe Section have been worked, removing marker on last row and ending with a right-side row.
Next Row (wrong side): Bind off knitwise and cut yarn.
Horizontal Stripe Section 3
With Combo D, work Pick Up For Horizontal Stripe Section. [200 stitches]
With Combo D, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
If you’re making the Crib size, bind off and weave in ends. If you’re making the Throw size, leave stitches on needles and cut yarn.
Vertical Stripe Section 3
At the beginning of next row, with right side facing you and Combo C, use a cable cast on to loosely cast on 1 stitch, place marker, loosely cast on 7 stitches. [208 stitches]
Work Vertical Stripe Section until Combo C measures 6½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo L, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo G, work Vertical Stripe Section for 4 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo A, work Vertical Stripe Section for 10 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo B, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo K, work Vertical Stripe Section for 8 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo D, work Vertical Stripe Section until all stitches from previous Horizontal Stripe Section have been worked, removing marker on last row and ending with a right-side row.
Next Row (wrong side): Bind off knitwise and cut yarn.
Horizontal Stripe Section 4
With Combo A, work Pick Up For Horizontal Stripe Section. [200 stitches]
With Combo A, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
With Combo N, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo C, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
Vertical Stripe Section 4
At the beginning of next row, with right side facing you and Combo A, use a cable cast on to loosely cast on 1 stitch, place marker, loosely cast on 34 stitches. [235 stitches]
Work Vertical Stripe Section until Combo A measures 4½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo B, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo H, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo F, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo Q, work Vertical Stripe Section for 4 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo I, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo G, work Vertical Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo C, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo K, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo P, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo E, work Vertical Stripe Section for 6 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo L, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo R, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo N, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo S, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo J, work Vertical Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo B, work Vertical Stripe Section for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Cut yarn.
With Combo D, work Vertical Stripe Section until all stitches from previous Horizontal Stripe Section have been worked, removing marker on last row and ending with a right-side row.
Next Row (wrong side): Bind off knitwise and cut yarn.
Horizontal Stripe Section 5
With Combo T, work Pick Up For Horizontal Stripe Section. [200 stitches]
With Combo T, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row.
With Combo B, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row.
With Combo J, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 1 inch, ending with a wrong-side row.
With Combo C, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 3 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
With Combo D, work Horizontal Stripe Section for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
Bind off loosely and cut yarn.
Weave in the ends and you’re done!
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!
I can’t find the link to download the schematic – does not appear to be active here or in downloaded PDF. Thanks for the pattern and your help.
Hi Anita,
Thanks for reaching out! The schematic does not automatically print with the PDF, but can be found by clicking the link directly below the image of the schematic above, or by clicking right here!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Love this blanket and the vibrant colors! What’s the skill level? Would you say an intermediate-level knitter can tackle this project? Thank you. Susana
Hi Susana,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for reaching out! This blanket is surprisingly easy! You will be working in simple garter stitch, and other than knitting, the only skills you will need are picking up stitches and a type of decrease that involves passing a slipped stitch over another stitch, which is similar to binding off. Everything is explained in the pattern and we have a very helpful tutorial for picking up stitches, so I hope you give it a try!
Best,
Julianna
Thanks, Julianna, this site is so helpful and supportive. I will definitely give it a shot! Susana
What a beautiful blanket! Hopefully, it will take longer to knit it than the awful virus sticks around. My very best to all of you at Purl Soho and thank you for the wonderful patterns and yarn you’ve given us over the years. Take care, be vigilant and we’ll see you in better times.
I’d like to use a different yarn than linen quill. What would you
recommend?
Hi Chana,
Thanks for reaching out! You could use just about any fingering weight yarn in place of Linen Quill. Posy, Brooklyn Tweed Peerie, and Koigu KPM and KPPPM would all be great alternatives!
Best,
Julianna
Hermosa manta, gracias por compartir. Espero poder hacerla.
OMG!!! This is so fabulous!! I love the colors, although they are a bit outside my usual color palette. Just wondering if you had considered any other colors and if so, what were they. Stay safe and healthy!!!!
Hi Jody,
Thank you so much for the kind words! We don’t have any other color palettes put together, but I would be happy to make some recommendations! Is there a particular color or tone that you would like to feature?
Best,
Julianna
I would like a different color scheme too. Maybe substitute greens for the blues. I have no blue in my house. All warm colors.
Hi Karen,
How lovely! I would recommend using the following colors:
1 Line Weight in Heirloom White
1 Line Weight in Pink Apricot
1 Line Weight in Red Pine
2 Line Weight in Cosmic Yellow
2 Line Weight in Frond Green
1 Linen Quill in Pale Oats
1 Linen Quill in Mustard Seed
1 Linen Quill in Juniper Green
1 Linen Quill in Calendula Orange
4 Linen Quill in Fresh Pickle
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Any chance you can share a pic with these alternate colours? I, too, am smitten by the pattern/project but interested in alternate colourway perhaps with yellows, pinks, and greens.
Many thanks for inspiring projects, lovely yarns and your great shop!
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte,
Thank you so much for the kind words! With our New York store closed and limited staff at our warehouse, I’m afraid we don’t have anyone available to take a picture at the moment. You can get a pretty good idea using either Paint for Microsoft or Paintbrush for Apple! If you right click on the thumbnail image of a color you like, you can copy the image, and then paste it into Paint or Paintbrush. You can do this for all the colors you are thinking of using to see how your palette will go together!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
After studying the pattern and tones used I decided to move ahead with the colours as originally designed. Pretty stoked about it. Was able to get needles from my LYS online. Thanks PurlSoho. I’m so sorry NYC is going through such a horrible time. We are all at risk I know but NYC has been hit so hard. I love NYC and visiting you when I’m there. Fondest.
Hi Juliana,
I was wondering the same thing, but more so without pinks/purples, like how there’s the warm and cool Tonal Blanket proposed colors. This one, however, might benefit from some contrasting colors, but I generally have a hard time with that much pink/purple vibrancy for myself, while I find it stunning in general!
Since there are many of these questions: what might you consider in putting together dfferent color palettes for this blanket for ourselves (I could see doing a lovely earth or fal toned palette, spring, grayscale, etc)?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
I’m happy to share my process for putting together a palette! For this blanket, I try to mimic the values of the yarn, as well as add a few contrasting colors to make everything pop. Line Weight in Heirloom White and Linen Quill in Pale Oats will work with any color scheme, so I wouldn’t change those colors. Next, I would pick your favorite mid-toned (not too dark, not too light) color to go in the place of Cobalt Blue, since that will be the dominant color in the blanket. To replace Line Weight in Bright Flamingo and Linen Quill in Super Orange, you should pick something really different! If you look at a color wheel, orange is directly opposite blue, which creates a lot of excitement in our blanket, so you could pick colors that are opposite from your dominant color or a bright neon or two. After that, you can choose a few lighter and darker colors that are near your dominant color on the color wheel to fill out the rest of the palette.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know what you come up with!
Julianna
Excellent suggestions for putting together your own palette – keeping in mind value , dominance and color complements. You do understand color well. Thank you for this suggestion.
Wow–thanks Julianna! Your thinking on this will certainly stay with me beyond this pattern. Thanks for taking the time to explain!
Love this blanket! Could I use the same yarn bundle if I wanted to knit
the blanket in all horizontal stripes?
Also, would 1 throw-size bundle make 2 baby blankets?
Hi Mary Sue,
Thanks for the kind words and for writing in! Yes, I think you could make a wonderful striped and marled blanket with this bundle! Our bundle includes a fair amount of extra yarn even for the throw blanket, so as long as you play around with the stripes a little bit, you should have plenty of yarn for two baby blankets.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi Julianna–Thanks for the reply. Actually, I was wondering if you could recommend subs for the Red Plum and Dark Iris. Thanks.
Hi Jody,
I think Line Weight in High Tide and Linen Quill in Stillwater Blue would fit beautifully into the color scheme instead!
Best,
Julianna
Those are great suggestions. I love High Tide–I recently finished the Nature’s Palette blanket which is just gorgeous. Stay safe and healthy!
Best,
Jody
I am a novice knitter and a tight knitter. I generally have to go up one or two needle sizes in order to get gauge. How much more of each color should I order? This is a gorgeous throw and I cannot wait to begin. Thanks!
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for reaching out! As long as you knit a gauge swatch and adjust your needle size accordingly, you shouldn’t need any extra yarn when knitting the blanket at the correct gauge. If you would like to get a bit extra to be on the safe side, the two colors that you come the closest to using up are Line Weight in Heirloom White and Linen Quill in Pale Oats, so you might want to get an extra skein of each of those!
Best,
Julianna
This may be one of the most beautiful and interesting-looking piece I’ve ever seen. My “virus goal” though is to attack all undone and unstarted projects but I’m sure tempted!
I would like to make this for my son to take to college. Can you recommend any machine washable yarn alternatives? Wishing you health.
Hi Sara,
Thanks for writing in! Although it doesn’t come in the same color palette, I think you could create a beautiful combination of colors using our machine washable Posy and Cattail Silk yarns!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you sooo much for this lovely pattern and all your wonderful instructions!
All the Best to you and yours
Connie
Thank you, lovely people at Purl. As always, this is a wonderful pattern. The schematic is a real work of art —thanks to whomever put so much work into its creation.
I hope you’re all well.
Thank you for a beautiful and time-consuming project! We need it!
I am working from home but have plenty of time to knit. Am currently working on another blanket based on a Purl Soho pattern, and may incorporate some of these techniques within it.
Thanks again.
Sorry if I missed something but it looks like there should be two sizes of this blanket? The specifications say that the crib size is 40 inches wide x 33½ inches long (40 inches wide x 58 inches long)
Sample: The blanket pictured here is Throw size.
Just confused as I would like to make the larger size and don’t see how to order that. I want to make sure I order the right bundle.
Thank you!
Hi Jane,
Thanks for writing in! Our bundle is enough for the Throw size of the blanket! We don’t have a bundle for the crib blanket, but if you would like to make that, you just need one skein of each color, except for Linen Quill in Cobalt Blue, which you will need two of.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
The pattern instructions don’t seem to clarify between crib and throw size. Does the crib size just end earlier than the throw size, meaning all horizontal and vertical sections are not worked? I would like to make the crib size but am unsure how to get started. Do I still cast on 200 stitches? I would assume so because of picking up sts for the vertical stripe sections.
Never mind. Sorry, I should have kept reading in the comments! Thanks for all of the helpful feedback on others’ questions. I can’t wait to get started!!
Oh my gosh I love this blanket and will definitely make this a winter project! Thank you!
Adding on to Jane’s comment, where are the instructions for the larger size mentioned (40″x58″)??
Do you have a bundle for that, or recommendations for how much yarn would be needed for that larger size?
Thank you.
Hi Kit,
Thanks for reaching out! Both the throw and crib sizes start out exactly the same; however, for the crib blanket, you will end the blanket after Horizontal Stripe Section 3. For the throw, you will carry on and knit the rest of the pattern, starting with Vertical Stripe Section 3. Our Library Blanket Bundle is the right amount of yarn for the larger throw size blanket. If you prefer to knit the crib size, you will only need one skein of each color, except for Cobalt Blue, which you will need two of.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Just stunning!!
My question is could I knit this with two strands of linen quill, which I love and have an abundance of? If yes, would you send your thoughts on mixing colors to achieve the marled look?
Thanks for your reply in advance.
Lois
Hi Lois,
Thanks much for the kind words and for writing in! Yes, you could certainly use two strands of Linen Quill instead! I’m sure you could mix and match the colors you have on hand to create a wild and wonderful marled blanket, but if you wanted to pick colors close to our original blanket, I would make the following substitutions:
1 Line Weight in Heirloom White – Linen Quill in Heirloom White
1 Line Weight in Bright Flamingo – Linen Quill in Bright Flamingo
1 Line Weight in Red Plum – Linen Quill in Rhubarb Pink
2 Line Weight in Lotus Flower – Linen Quill in Purple Smoke
2 Line Weight in Blue Jeans – Linen Quill in Dark Denim
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
This is so beautiful! Do you think US7/36″ circular needles will work? Looks like you’re all out of stock in the 40″.
Hi Shelley,
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, although it might be a bit of a squeeze, you can fit the stitches on a 32″ or 36″ needle. You might want to have some point protectors on hand to make sure everything stays put when you put your knitting down!
Best,
Julianna
I would like to make the crib blanket. How would I adjust the schematic? Thank you!
Hi Allise,
Thanks for reaching out! Both the throw and crib sizes start out exactly the same; however, for the crib blanket, you will end the blanket after Horizontal Stripe Section 3. For the throw, you will carry on and knit the rest of the pattern, starting with Vertical Stripe Section 3.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi Julianna! I love this pattern so much and am so impressed with how the colors have come together. The contrast of the flamingo pink and white and vivid purple (lotus flower + dark iris) section in particular is so awesome! What a joy to have such an exciting project during these challenging times!
Some of the colors are a little bit out of my preference, in particular the combo of lotus flower x cobalt blue sections. Can you recommend anything that uses more turquoise colors: for example line weight true turquoise, linen quill true turquoise or eggshell blue or green turquoise? I thought about substituting the cobalt blue for the true turquoise and leaving the rest of the colors as they are, but did not know how it would go with the other colors (in particular with blue jean or lotus flower).
I would love to hear your thoughts on possible color selections! Otherwise, I will try and build my own with the advise you gave Sarah above. I’m most inspired by the Kingfisher palette: https://www.instagram.com/p/B5vtQNIBCie/
Thank you!
Hi Erika,
Thanks for reaching out! Turquoise and purple are vibrant and lovely together, so I do think you could simply switch out Cobalt Blue for True Turqouise if you wish! Blue Jean would also be fine with True Tourquoise, but if you wanted to enhance the overall blue-green tone of the blanket, you could substitute High Tide for Blue Jean.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you so much! I ended up buying the original color scheme and am really loving this knit — but am highly considering making a second one with turquoise 😉
I have twin grandsons, so I would love to make this blanket in crib size for each of them. Do you sell the bundle in crib size (and is it cheaper than buying each skein individually)? And what level of knitter is required for this project? Thanks!
Hi Malinda,
Thanks for writing in! We do not have a bundle for a crib sized blanket, but to knit two, you will only need to add a one skein of Linen Quill in Pale Oats to our bundle! Also, this blanket is surprisingly easy! You will be working in simple garter stitch, and other than knitting, the only skills you will need are picking up stitches and a type of decrease that involves passing a slipped stitch over another stitch, which is similar to binding off. Everything is explained in the pattern and we have a very helpful tutorial for picking up stitches, so I hope you give it a try!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you for this gorgeous pattern! I would love to make this using a single strand of yarn instead of two. What yarn weight would you suggest?
Thank you!
Sara
Hi Sara,
Great question! I would recommend using our Linen Quill Worsted for a single strand version of this blanket!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you!
If I did the single strand of worsted, how would I figure out the yardage? This part is tricky for me!
Thanks for your help!
Hi Sara,
You will need 2300 yards total to knit this blanket using a single strand!
Best,
Julianna
Hi, I used to knit but have taken it up again seeing as we’re on lockdown here. However I am stuck. I have horizontal stripes done and am now starting the vertical stripes. I have cast on 20 stitches with cable system. I knit to the marker and am now stuck. Do you have any videos I could watch to see where I go from here. Many thanks. I love the pattern and can’t to continue.
Stay safe.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have a video for this step, but you will essentially be working an skp decrease, which you may have done previously. Another way to think of this is that, after slipping the stitch after the marker and knitting the next stitch, you will pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch just as if you were casting off a stitch. After that, you will turn your work, leaving the rest of the stitches in the row unworked, and knit back to the beginning of the vertical stripe. I think the pattern will become apparent after a few inches!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi! I am in love with this blanket and bought the bundle, but I only crochet. Any ideas on how to translate this pattern into crochet?
Hi Leena,
Great question! I would recommend crocheting a swatch in half double crochets using a strand each of Line Weight and Linen Quill held together on a US H or I hook. You can then use your stitches and rows per inch to figure out how many to chain for the first 40 inch wide Horizontal Stripe Section and follow our schematic to see how long to work each stripe. It will probably be easiest to work each Horizontal Stripe and Vertical Stripe section separately and then seam or crochet the blanket together when you are done. Crochet, on average, takes a bout a third more yarn than knitting, so you may want to order an extra skein of each color to be on the safe side!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Do you have any non-wool yarns you would suggest as a replacement for this pattern? I’m allergic to lanolin but would really like to make this pattern, even in different colors.
Hi Stefany,
Great question! I think this blanket would be absolutely amazing in Cattail Silk, our machine washable 100% silk! You would still use two strands held together, but your gauge should be almost the same, and since it comes in 36 colors, I’m sure you can put together a gorgeous palette.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
It doesn’t say anywhere that you recommend re-setting the dyes for these yarns. I am in the process of doing that for the Muhuroosa blanket so it’s on my mind. Are we pretty confident that these colors won’t run?
Hi Inka,
Thanks for reaching out! We mostly recommend re-fixing dye for hand dyed yarns like Posy. The Line Weight and Linen Quill yarns we use for this blanket are commercially dyed, which is a very different process from hand dyeing. This usually results in more more stable and color-fast yarns. We sample and work with Linen Quill and Line Weight (and all of our yarns!) all the time, and we haven’t experienced any color bleeding with either one, so I don’t think you have anything to worry about!
Best,
Julianna
My kit just arrived ???
I love this pattern and the colors used in the pattern! Since it was harder than usual for me to visualize alternate color schemes, I made a color palette preview tool for this pattern in JavaScript and Canvas: https://lizdenys.com/journal/articles/library-blanket-color-preview-tool.html
I hope this helps other people who are interested in making this gorgeous pattern in other colors!
Hi Liz,
Thank you so much for writing in! Your tool is incredible! Our team has been experimenting with different color combinations all morning, and the results are absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your inventiveness and talent – I’m sure this many knitters will find this extremely helpful! We are planning on sharing this link in our main story above, and would also love to share on our Instagram stories. Do you have an Instagram account we can tag?
Thank you again, and keep being amazing!!
Best,
Julianna
My Instagram is @lizdenys. I’m excited you are enjoying the color picker tool!
I have the same question as Karen about “attaching” the vertical stitches to the horizontal knitted section. I understand about slipping the stitch after the marker, knit the next stitch and passing the slipped stitch over the knitted one–but do I need to do a wrap and turn or simply turn the knitting, put the yarn in back and knit? The directions are really not clear when one goes from horizontal band to the vertical section. I’d love clarification–also since a stitch is decreased when one does the bind off each time–doesn’t that change the patterning? I’d appreciate any help.–Thanks, Patty
Hi Patty,
Thanks for reaching out, and I hope I can clarify this step a little more! There’s no need to work a wrap and turn, as the decrease will disguise any holes from turning in the middle of the row – all you have to do is move your yarn to the back and knit! You are correct that you will be decreasing one stitch on each right side row, but this is what changes the stripes from horizontal to vertical. At the beginning of the vertical stripe section, you will still have all 200 stitches from the horizontal stripe section on the needle, and will cast on an additional 20 stitches for the vertical stripe. On every right side row in this section, you will knit 19 of these stitches, and then work the skp over the 20th stitch of the vertical stripe and one stitch from the horizontal section to join them together. Each time you work this row, you will be using up one more stitch from the 200 until you have worked all the way across the blanket and are left with just 20 stitches of the vertical stripe, which you will bind off before beginning the next horizontal stripe.
It is somewhat difficult to visualize if you haven’t tried this type of technique before, but it really is quite easy to knit! I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thanks for the information about beginning the vertical row for the Library Blanket.
As I am knitting this row it looks like is is slanted. Will that work out at the end of the row?
I love your patterns and yarns. Every time I’m in N.Y. I visit your shop and buy more yarns. Hope your store will be able to open soon. Pat Edwards
Hi Pat
Thanks for reaching out! The blanket may look a little slanted when joining to the horizontal row, most likely because of the way your needles are pulling on the blanket. As long as you are joining one stitch on every Row 1 (right side) to the horizontal stripe, it will be fine, and will seem to “straighten out” the vertical section the more knitting you add on. If you put the 20 stitches on another small needle, they would be in a straight line. I hope this helps, and let us know if we can help you further!
Happy knitting
Jessica
Thanks. My understanding is that you only ssk to the horizontal on the right side not every row. Is this right. Still having trouble with it.
Thanks for your time. I love the blends of color you have selected for this Library Blanket. Pat
Hi Patti,
Yes, you will be slipping the last stitch of the Vertical Stripe Section, knitting the next stitch of the Horizontal Stripe Section and passing the slipped stitch over every right side row. So glad you are enjoying the colors, and I’m sure yours will turn out beautifully!
Best
Jessica
Hi:
I’m not there yet, adding the vertical stripes, but I cannot visualize adding the 19 stitches. Once they are cast on, what then? Are you rotating them to be perpendicular
( __l <- ) to the the horizontal stripe and then knitting down, connecting, and then knitting up again? ( ___III )
I think I get it from there on out…
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes that is correct! You will be orienting it so that those 19 stitches are perpendicular to the horizontal stripe and will ultimately become part of the vertical edge. You will then knit down across them connecting the row to the horizontal stripe and then working back up!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Is there a cast-on method you would suggest?
Hi Nancie,
Great question! We use a long tail cast on for this and many of our projects, but you could also use a cable cast on if you prefer!
Best,
Julianna
Hi! I’m hoping you can help me figure out why the PDF wont print properly for me. I can view the PDF schematic just fine on my computer but when I try to print it, it automatically resizes and only lets me print the top left of the schematic. I’m on Chrome if that helps.
Hi Ana,
Thank you for reaching out! I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble printing the schematic PDF for this project! It sounds like a print preset on your computer is causing this problem. Once you click the printer icon, a window should pop up with several options for adjusting your print layout, pages, etc. There should also be a ‘More Settings’ option, which will allow you to adjust your paper size (8.5″ x 11″), margins (default should be fine), and scale. Typically the scale should be 100% but it sounds like yours might be set higher by default. Playing around with reducing the scale of your print should solve this issue!
I hope this helps!
Gaby
Just a little confused where, at the very beginning of instructions for the VERTICAL STRIPE SECTION 1, you write that there will result 220 stitches after the cable cast on. Are you just indicating that I will have now cast on 220 stitches – even though the vertical stripes are 20 stitches “tall”? Why do I need to know that? (Sorry if the question sounds dumb…)
Hi Robert,
Thank you for writing in! When knitting larger projects, many people find it helpful to know exactly how many stitches they should have on their needle at the beginning or end of a section. I hope that makes sense!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
Confused about casting the stiches for vertical panel.
Hi Meena,
Thank you for writing in! You’re going to be casting on the vertical stitches using a cable cast on method; our tutorial for this technique is linked here! I hope that helps.
Happy knitting!
Gaby
hello! i love this blanket have have just finished row C, but I am a little freaked out about the next step and hoped someone could help me. The next step is to cast on, it says 1 then 19 stitches but 220 in parenthesis. Does this mean I cast on 220 stitches? But I only had 200 to start with? And another dumb question, is the vertical section knit horizontally by switching colors a bunch of times, or is it knit in a different orientation, and if so how do those rows connect? I have been knitting for a couple years but am intimidated by this, sorry if these are obvious questions! Thanks so much, I think my brain is just scared haha
Hi Sara,
Thank you for writing in with these great questions! It sounds like you’re on the right track! You’re correct to cast on 1 then 19 stitches in color D to begin the vertical section; (220 stitches) is simply letting you know how many stitches you should end up with total on your needles. To knit the vertical section you’ll be working your way horizontally across the blanket, joining one of the 200 stitches still on the needle from row C with your vertical stripe color in every Row 1 repeat. While it can seem intimidating at first, I promise you will get the hang of it in no time! Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
Thanks for the message it helps. Another question – I am still abit confused about the 220 stitches. If I knit the start of each vertical row with one of the horizontal
stitches, wouldn’t it be 200? I read the section pick up but have never done it before so maybe that’s where my knowledge gap lives. Also, for the vertical part, should I use the same needles? I have the blanket on my circular needles. I am trying to wrap my head around that part!
Hi Sara,
Thank you for writing back- I’ll do my best to explain! You’ll want to keep your blanket and 20 additional cast-on stitches on the circular needle you’ve been using so you have access to the horizontal stitches as you knit this section. In Row 1 of the Vertical Stripe Sections you’ll be knitting the 19 stitches up to your marker, then joining one of the 200 horizontal stitches with your first cast-on stitch according to the pattern instructions, essentially only working with the 20 cast-on stitches and the one horizontal stitch that works as a join. Every time you work a Row 1 repeat you will have one less horizontal stitch on your needle, so that by the time you reach the end of your vertical section you will have zero horizontal stitches left and just the 20 vertical stitches. I hope that makes sense, let us know how it goes!
Best,
Gaby
I’m confused at this spot, too. I think I might have started my cable cast on wrong, because when I get to the k of the skp step at the end of row 2, the very first horizontal stitch is still on my left needle. Seems to me, it should be the second stitch of the horizontal row that I should be knitting as a prelude to turning it and starting row 3. Am I wrong about that or did I start my cable cast on wrong?
Hi Heather,
Thanks for reaching out! This actually sounds correct! When you work the SKP, the slipped stitch should be the first stitch that you casted on, or the last vertical stitch, and the knit stitch will be the first available stitch of the horizontal section. When you pass the slipped vertical stitch over the knit horizontal stitch, this will bind the two sections together!
Best,
Julianna
Is there a way y’all could post a video on Instagram YouTube or on here on how to transition from horizontal to the virtual strips and back to horizontal??
Hi Sydnie,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we don’t currently have the resources to create a video tutorial for this pattern, but I will certainly pass your request along to the creative team! To work the vertical stripes, you’ll be knitting back and forth on your 20 new cast on stitches, joining 1 stitch from your 200 horizontal stitches at the end of every Row 1 repeat. I hope this makes sense and helps a bit!
Best,
Gaby
This is starting to make more sense to me now. I can see from the photos the other direction. I was also wondering if a video can be posted. However, it’s just one of those things thats probably super intimidating at first but once you do it, you’re fine. Thank you Gabby for the helpful responses!!
Hello !
I just started knitting this blanket and not sure about the knitting terms in English …
I assume that after an horizontal stripe you end the row and have with a long band that you will be picking up from ..
Then don’t you need shorter needles to do the vertical
stripe?
Would it be easier to knit all the horizontals and join 2 horizontals with the vertical at once?
Also what are the wrong and right sides ?
I would be so happy to get answers to this …
This is such a beautiful blanket !
Thank you so much !
Corinne
Hi Corrinne,
Thank you for writing in! You bring up some great points and ideas! Our intention with this blanket was to spare the knitter as much binding off and seaming as possible when connecting the various sections. By casting the 20 vertical section stitches onto the same needle as the live horizontal stripe stitches, you avoid the process of binding off all the horizontal stitches only to seam, pick up, or join them back up again to your vertical section! The idea is to save time and effort by joining as you knit, connecting one stitch from the horizontal section to the vertical section at the end of every Row 1 (rs) repeat. Of course, some people might prefer to knit the pieces separately and seam them together, which is perfectly fine- I encourage you to do what feels right for you! Since the first horizontal section is all garter and is the same on both sides, you can mark the ‘right side’ when your knitting measures 4″ and you’re about to cast on your vertical stitches. I hope this all helps!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
Love all your designs!!! Always a delight to click on your emails. Need to know finished size of blanket as it looks wider then 40”
Thanks,
Martha
Hi Martha,
Thank you for writing in! I can confirm that the throw size pictured above is indeed 40″ wide and 58″ long! The person holding the blanket is a bit petite so that may contribute to the illusion of a larger size. I hope that helps!
Best,
Gaby
I have read the directions and I understand how to change from the horizontal row to the vertical rows. That said, I am concerned about maintaining the proper dimensions of a flat even blanket. A knit stitch isn’t square… So if I cast on and knit 200 stitches width for the horizontal, and then I knit 200 rows for the vertical… Won’t the blanket flare out and pucker in the vertical sectionS? Or pull in width wise for the horizontal sections?
Hi Irene,
Thanks for writing in with this question! The vertical sections in this blanket consist of two-row repeats: in Row 1 you’ll join your vertical section to one of the horizontal stitches, and in Row 2 you’ll be knitting back across your vertical stitches to the starting position. By working two vertical rows for every 1 horizontal stitch, you’ll actually be working about 400 rows for the vertical section. I hope that makes sense and helps!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
I see, you’re right – but that still seems to make the blanket pucker. For a sweater when you pickup stitches, it’s never an even ratio. It seems the same would apply here.
Hi Irene,
Thanks for writing back! When picking up stitches along a garter edge its typical to pick up one stitch for every two rows (or ridge). The stretchy nature of garter stitch also allows for quite a bit of flexibility. I hope this helps!
Best
Jessica
I have five garter rows of this wonderful blanket to finish and then I’m done. I’ve enjoyed every minute of knitting with your lovely yarn and this fabulous pattern. I would however welcome some ideas to use up the left over yarn I have. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Hi Ann,
Great question! I’m happy to recommend some scrap-friendly projects! I think you could mix and match your leftovers to create a beautiful Strata Scarf or a lighter-weight version of our Colorflow Garter Wrap. You could also create a few smaller accessories, such as our Tiny Stripes Hat or Dappled Hat, Mitten, or Handwarmers – this could be a great way to get a head start on holiday gift knitting!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I’m half-way through this beautiful pattern (having conquered the horizontal to vertical challenge), and I am not pleased with my edges. Would you recommend a suitable edging for the two sides? I love your store and visit whenever we are in NYC. Stay well.
Hi Kathleen
Thanks for reaching out! Thank you for the kind words about our store! A few options to tidy up the edges would be to pick up stitches and add a small border on the long edges. To do this you would need to pick up 1 stitch for every stitch on the vertical edge, and one stitch for every ridge on the horizontal edge. I would keep the border in garter for a continuous and coordinated look. Another option would be to add a slip stitch edge crochet or single crochet edge. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting
Jessica
Hi Purl Soho
I’m looking forward to knitting this blanket. It looks like there are four yarns that are out of rock as of today:
LW-heirloom white, lotus flower and blue jeans
LQ- Pale oats
Any info on when these may be available OR comparable substitutes for these?
Thank you so much!
Mimi
Hi Mimi,
Thanks for writing in! Although a few of the individual yarns are out of stock, our Library Blanket Bundle that contains everything you need is currently available!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi folks! Thank you for making such a beautiful pattern as the Library Blanket! I have lots of time to make this, so the answer to this question is not a rush. For the Vertical Stripe section 3, it says to cast on 1 st, place marker, then cast on 8 stitches, to give a total of 208 stitches. Should that be to cast on an additional 7 stitches to make 208, or to cast on an additional 8 stitches to make 209 stitches? This is probably pretty picky, but I do want to do this as precisely as I can. Thanks so much!!
Hi Peg,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! It should be cast on an additional 7 sts for a total of 208 sts. An updated version with the correction is now available on the website.
Happy knitting,
Oscar
Hi,
I’ve just completed & enjoyed this pattern and want to know the best way to block it, if at all since u don’t mention blocking in your pattern?
Thank you!
Hi Judy,
Congratulations on your finished blanket, and great question! Oftentimes garter stitch blankets like this one don’t necessarily have to be blocked. The textured surface of garter stitch will hide any minor stitch or tension irregularities and lays flat all on its own, so if you’re happy with your blanket now, you don’t have to block it. If you would like to, however, I would suggest wet blocking if you have enough space to lay it flat for a few days while it dries, or you could steam block it!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I’d also like to use a single strand of worsted and did see your response to another knitter as to the yardage needed, BUT . . . how does one figure out how much of each color? The pattern uses 10 different skeins, which make 20 different color sets. I’m sure the 20 sets aren’t of equal yardage! Is there an (easy) mathematical formula to figure this out? Thanks!
Hi Gretchen,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to re work this pattern for a worsted weight yarn, however under the MATERIAL section we share how many yards are required for each color we used in the blanket!
I hope this helps!
Gianna
What is the finished size of the full throw?
Thanks
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! The finished size of the throw should be 40 inches wide x 58 inches long!
All the best,
Gianna
Just wondering if you have any idea when this will be back in stock? It’s the perfect late fall project.
Hi Lianne,
Thanks for reaching out! While I can’t say exactly when this bundle will be back in stock it should be back fairly soon! If you haven’t already, I recommend going to the product page and adding your email in and we will email you as soon as we have the bundles available again!
All the best,
Gianna
Thanks Gianna – already have 🙂
Julianna,
I absolutely love this blanket but need your expertise on a few different colors. I am after a Scandinavian theme so red, blues, greys instead of the purple tones. I love the cobalt but would need substitutes for LQ (Dark Iris and Crocus Bud) and substitutes for LW (Red Plum and Lotus Flower). After the substitutes are picked, then maybe a suggestion on the the orangey reds and white/creams that would look best. I like Super Orange and Red poppy. Also, should the doubled up strands be LQ + LW throughout? I have a screen shot of a color combination I am trying to duplicate if you want me to send to you. Thank you!!
Julianna,
I just sent an email and should add that I like these blues and greys to work with perhaps but open to your advice:
LQ-cobalt, grey denim, dark denim
LW- night blue, blue jeans, , dove gray, fieldstone, river rock
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sorry I am just getting back to you, it appears both of your comments got sorted into the spam folder and we also never received your email! I am more than happy to help with this and would love to suggest a beautiful Scandinavian theme! I would recommend:
* 1 skein Line Weight in Heirloom White
* 1 skein of Line Weight in Red Pine
* 1 skein of Line Weight in River Rock
* 2 skeins of Line Weight in Dove Gray
* 2 skeins of Line Weight in Blue Jeans
* 1 skein of Linen Quill in Pale Oats
* 1 skein of Linen Quill in Super Orange
* 1 skein of Linen Quill in Red Poppy
* 1 skein of Linen Quill in Dark Denim
* 4 skeins of Linen Quill in Cobalt Blue
And follow the combinations:
A: Cobalt Blue Linen Quill (LQ) + River Rock Line Weight (LW)
B: Super Orange LQ + Heirloom White LW
C: Cobalt Blue LQ + Dove Gray LW
D: Cobalt Blue LQ + Blue Jeans LW
E: Pale Oats LQ + Heirloom White LW
F: Red Poppy LQ + River Rock LW
G: Pale Oats LQ + Red Pine LW
H: Cobalt Blue LQ + Red Pine LW
I: Dark Denim LQ + Dove Gray LW
J: Red Poppy LQ + Blue Jeans LW
K: Cobalt Blue LQ + Heirloom White LW
L: Super Orange LQ + Red Pine LW
M: Red Poppy LQ + Dove Gray LW
N: Pale Oats LQ + Dove Gray LW
O: Red Poppy LQ + Heirloom White LW
P: Dark Denim LQ + Red Pine LW
Q: Pale Oats LQ + Blue Jeans LW
R: Pale Oats LQ + River Rock LW
S: Super Orange LQ + Dove Gray LW
T: Red Poppy LQ + Red Pine LW
I hope this helps and please let us know how this turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Any advice about how to scale the Library Blanket up to create a king size bed cover? I would use the original color scheme.
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for reaching out! I think the easiest way to adjust this for a king size is to double the pattern! So you can buy double the yarn from what we recommend (some of the colors that don’t use a full skein you may be able to get away with 1!) For the vertical sections double the width and for the horizontal sections you could double the width of each color in the section or repeat the section twice to keep the same proportions!
I hope this helps, this sounds like such a fun project so feel free to reach out with any more questions and please let us know how this goes!
Warmly,
Gianna
Gianna, thanks for writing back so fast!
Doubling the pattern should give enough yarn, but not sure how to end up with a piece that is 107″ wide by 92 ” long. Doubling everything would yield something 80″ wide by 116″ long. How would you adjust the pattern so that the rectangle ends up wide enough and not too long? (I feel I should be able to figure it out myself but my brain is stuck!)
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for writing in again, I am happy to help! Basically you will re-adjust the proportions a bit when doubling to get a wider blanket that is not too long. You can adjust the pattern width by changing the cast on, assuming that your gauge will be consistent with the pattern I would recommend casting on 535 stitches for 107″ (I do recommend working a gauge swatch prior to begin!) and then luckily the way the pattern works you can kind of play around with the vertical and horizontal sections and customize them as you go to achieve the overall length you desire!
I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any more questions or comments going forward!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you Gianna, it makes sense now!
Hi folks, and Happy Holidays to all!
I’m having a wonderful time knitting my library blanket! I am near the end of the first vertical stripe section, and I have a question about weaving in the ends. Did you weave in the ends of the vertical stripe before picking up for the horizontal stripe, or did you pick up for the horizontal stripe with the vertical ends hanging and just weave in all the ends when the blanket was finished?
Thanks so much!
Hi Peg,
Thanks for reaching out! We did all of the finishings once the blanket was finished! You can weave in the ends as you go, but since you are picking up stitches and working each section I would recommend weaving all the ends once you finish knitting! I also suggest checking out our Weaving in Your Ends tutorial for some great technique options! Happy Holidays!
Warmly,
Gianna
Why does color A look so much do different online than it does in person? It looks very blue online but is very purple in person?
Hi Kristine,
Thanks for reaching out! Which color are you referring too? Please feel free to send us a photo of the skein to our email [email protected] to confirm it is the correct skein.
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello is there a way to have invisible seams on the wrong side of the blanket? In other words, eliminate the line of bumps from the new color?
Thank you!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately when switching colors, especially in garter stitch, there will always be a line of bumps present on the wrong side of the fabric indicating the color change.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hello!
I completed the throw size blanket and still have quite a bit of yarn left over. Any pattern suggestions for the leftovers?
Thanks!
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for reaching out! Depending on how much yarn you have left over, I would recommend checking out our Best Friend Hat and Boyfriend hat! You can use Line Weight + Linen Quill together for either of these!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’d like to make this with a worsted weight.
Please advise
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for reaching out! Since this pattern uses 2 fingering weight yarns held double on a US 7 you should certainly be able to use a single strand of worsted weight yarn with a similar effect! I do recommend working a gauge swatch first to insure that you are consistent with the gauge of the pattern prior to beginning.
As for making the throw bigger, what dimensions did you have in mind?
Warmly,
Gianna
Any tips on making this throw even bigger?
Hi! Do you know when this blanket bundle will be back in stock? Thanks!
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for reaching out! Although I don’t have a firm estimate on when this bundle will be back in stock, we should be getting Line Weight and Linen Quill in within the next month or so! The best way to stay notified is to add your email on the Library Blanket Bundle product page and we will send you an email as soon as it is available on our site!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you! Yes, I am on the email list for the Library Blanket bundle. 🙂
Are there any other color recommendations? I love the pattern, but the purples don’t work well for me. Thank you.
Hi Candace,
Thanks for reaching out! I am happy to suggest another color palette for you, do you have colors in mind you would prefer over the purples? We also have a great tool one of our wonderful customers made called the Color Preview Tool, you can experiment with different color combinations to see the overall outcome of the blanket! You can find that here: Color Preview Tool
Warmly,
Gianna
I LOVE this design! Think there could be a crochet option????
Hi Ali,
Thanks for reaching out! We currently only offer this as a knit pattern but thank you for expressing your interest! I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
Warmly,
Gianna
I was happy someone else asked this question! I just had hand surgery so can’t knit but am able to crochet and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pattern …
Hello: the blanket is beautiful. I am considering knitting this pattern using lots of worsted weight from my big stash. I will not be doubling my strands and therefore would appreciate your advice on what size needle would work best. I think #8, but please advise.
Hi Paula,
Thanks for reaching out! I think the Library Blanket is a great project for stash-busting! Since you’re going to be using a worsted weight yarn held alone, I think you could either stick with the US7’s called for in the pattern or go up to a US8. I’d suggest you knit up a little swatch before you begin, just to ensure that you like the gauge and adjust from there if need be!
I hope this helps, and happy knitting!
Warmly,
Kelsey
Thank you, Kelsey. Will make a swatch. All the best, Paula
Is the gauge made using both colors.
Hi Cathleen,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes that is correct, the gauge is based off of knitting with the 2 strands together as one!
I hope this helps!
Gianna
Thanks
Hi, I am panicking. I accidentally used crocus bud LQ instead of Lotus Flower LW for combo C. Should I take out the 2 inches I have knotted already and start over or should I just leave that combo in for the first combo C section? Will it ruin the blanket if I leave it in? Help!
Hi Cyndi,
Thanks for reaching out! No worries, this should be totally fine! As long as you are happy with this color combination you can certainly finish this section with Crocus Bud instead of Lotus Flower and it won’t cause any problems. I would just be sure going forward to use the correct color combinations to insure you have enough yarn to complete each section!
Please let me know if you have any more questions, happy knitting!
Gianna
I am about to start my first VERTICAL set of stripes. I don’t really understand how to do this. Do I pick up 1 stitch from the horizontal section, then cable cast on the 20, knit back down, and then pick up the next horizontal-section stitch? Please explain! thanks, Paula
Hi Paula,
Thanks for reaching out! After you complete the Horizontal section you wont start by picking up a stitch but you will actually begin with the right side facing you and using your color Combo D to Cable Cast On to loosely cast on 1 stitch, then place marker, then you will loosely cast on an addiction 19 stitches, so you should have 20 new stitches total and one stitch marker placed. You will then begin working the Vertical Section starting by knitting down to the marker (across the stitches you just cast on) slip marker, slip last stitch of Vertical Stripe Section (the first stitch you cast on) the you will knit the next stitch of the previous Horizontal Stripe Section, and then pass the stitch you just slipped over that stitch to join Vertical Stripe Section to Horizontal Stripe Section!
I hope this clears things up!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thanks! I’m almost there – I’ll let you know if I’m still confused!
Hi Gianna,
I just got my yarn (I’m making the side street blanket) and swatching away. I suggest doing a knit cast on for the first stitch then cable cast on the rest of the way. It prevents the bump. I am having trouble getting my subsequent rows to be as tight as those in your pictures. Do you sl as if to p or k? sl to k seems a little bit better but it still looks a bit awkward. I’ll try tightening up when I turn and knit on the wrong side (the first st). thanks for any ideas.
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for reaching out! I responded to your comment on the Side Street Blanket pattern page but wanted to add it here as well since it may be helpful for other customers!
That is an excellent question, this same thing came up last year (since we don’t specify in the pattern) so I worked up swatches slipping both ways. Pulrwise would be the go-to way to slip the stitches, but I actually found that slipping them knitwise looked just as good and I actually preferred that method. One other tip I have is to be extra careful when slipping/working the slipped stitches not to overstretch them, this can make things look a little uneven and messy. However, if you block the blanket when finished that will also help make your stitches look more uniform and even.
Warmly,
Gianna
I read that there will quite a bit of leftover yarn. I would like to make this blanket a little longer. if I can know which yarn will have the most left, I can make those horizontal rows a little thicker.
Hi Tabrell,
Thanks for reaching out! You can find this information under the MATERIALS section of the pattern, we break down each yarn, color, and the yardage used for each one. Line Weight in Bright Flamingo, Linen Quill in Super Orange, Dark Iris, and Crocus Bud are the colors that use the least amount of yarn, about half of the skein will be leftover.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I am working the first Vertical Stripe section, AGAIN. The first time I slipped the last stitch of the Verticle Stripe PURL-WISE. But the wrong side looks smoother & more like the garter stitch pattern than the right side which has a raised edge. So I ripped it out & started over slipping the last stitch KNIT-WISE. It looks better, but still looks more like the garter stitch pattern on the wrong side than the right side. I feel like I am doing something wrong Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for reaching out! If you would like, please send our customer service team a photo of your work to [email protected] and we can troubleshoot what may be going on from there!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’d just like to say thank you for this pattern! I’m in the UK so buying the kit wasn’t really an option because of postage and duty. I made my version using a lot of colours in Aran weight yarn, and I’m really proud of it. Like others I found the edges a bit uneven when I moved between the horizontal and vertical sections. I tried an i-cord edging which came up too bulky so I did a simple crochet edge.
Hi Sue,
Thanks for writing in! We would love to see your finished blanket! You can email us a photo of your blanket to [email protected] or if you are on Instagram you can share your photo and tag us at @purlsohobusyhands or use the hashtag #purlsohobusyhands
Warmly,
Gianna
I love this library blanket pattern. Although, I don’t knit, I imagine it in a crochet version. The book lover in me thinks this is absolutely amazing. Thank you Joelle!
Thank you for designing the pattern. I retired as a WA State Public Librarian. A big title for a great career. I am also a knitter and have been accepted on five juried shows. I usually make hats and add vintage collected I purchased while in Paris and Amsterdam.
I am considering making the blanket with author’s names and book titles.
Sincerely,
Laura Luppino
I love the blanket and have finished Horizontal Section 1 and Vertical Section 1 and just added 200 stitches knit wise to the Section 1 vertical in order to begin Horizontal Section 2. What has been created is a very narrow seam. Did I add the stitches correctly? Is there a way to avoid the seam on the wrong side? Thanks!
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you are all set and on the right track! Unfortunately, when working garter stitch like this, having a seam on the wrong side is inevitable and can’t be avoided.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi there,
I am about to start my Library blanket with DK yarn. I have done a gauge swatch. I will be using 4.5 mm. My question is about the switch from the first horizontal section to the first vertical section. (I am not going to make as many yarn colour changes as your suggestion.)
The instructions say cast on 1 stitch and then 19 stitches. I understand this but you have not included instructions on how to anchor the stitches to the top of the horizontal section. My guess is that at the end of each row you are to pick up one stitch of the last row of the horizontal. Can you please let me know if this is correct? The tutorial that you have sent me to does not explain this explicitly.
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for reaching out! When you go to cast on the stitches, you use the Cable Cast On method, when working this cast on you use the previous rows final stitch to begin the cast on, this anchors it in place! Also when you work the first row it will furthermore anchor the cast new cast on in place:
Row 1 (right side): Knit to marker, slip marker, slip last stitch of Vertical Stripe Section, knit next stitch of Horizontal Stripe Section, pass slipped stitch over to join Vertical Stripe Section to Horizontal Stripe Section, turn work.
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna
Thanks for this. Is it possible to do a drawing?
I think I understand your instructions. I am still on the first 4 inch horizontal and think I have got it, but not 100%.
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your response! Certainly! Please email our customer service team at [email protected] and they can help you further from there!
Warmly,
Gianna
Any chance the Colour Preview Tool could be updated to include all the yummy new colours?
Hi Fran,
Thanks for reaching out! I believe the Colour Preview Tool does currently include all the colors available in Linen Quill and Line Weight! Was there a particular color you were looking for and couldn’t find?
Warmly,
Kelsey
Hi Fran, if there’s any yarn you want to preview that isn’t in the list, you can specify the name and color fields directly instead of picking a named yarn from the drop down list. Most updated browsers just show a little colored rectangle for the color field, but you can click to change it.
Hi again Fran – I just updated tool for the new colors!
As far as the vertical stripes go, I use longer dpns or shorter circulars of the same size to knit the first row after casting on 19sts. (Put a needle keeper or a rubber band on the end to stop the stitches slipping off, if necessary.) That way you always knit back onto the longer main blanket on a wrong side row and don’t have to wrestle so much with the growing blanket. Unless you’ve perfected reverse knitting that is…..
No blocking needed?
Hi Elizabeth!
Thank you for your comment! Blocking your blanket is up to you, however we usually suggest gently wet blocking as desired. One tip that might help if you do choose to hand wash your blanket is to fold it and put it in a large pillowcase to prevent stretching the stitches too much while soaking! We also have a full tutorial for how to block a hand knit item, if you’re interested!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi! I’m considering knitting this as a baby blanket – I was wondering if you had any recommandations for machine-washable yarn substitution? Love the yarn combination but I’m afraid the “hand wash” part of the care instructions will deter the recipient… Thank you!
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out! I’d be happy to help you select yarn for your project!
First, I would recommend checking out Buttercup Cotton as a substitute for Linen Quill and Line Wight. Buttercup Cotton is spun from 100% organic cotton, and it can be washed and dried by machine on a low setting.
Another option would be using Santolina. Its super soft with a fiber content of 70% organically grown cotton, 20% rayon from bamboo, and 10% hemp. The care instructions for this yarn are also to machine wash and dry on a low setting.
The yarn in this project is held doubled, so you can use both of these yarns to knit your blanket. You will need 10 colors total, so it might also help to select colors from both Santolina and Buttercup Cotton.
I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any questions.
All the best,
Carly
It would be cool if you could provide instructions for sampler-sized versions of your patterns. Mini projects would make it less daunting than a full project to gain the required skill set while creating something pretty.
Hi Barbara,
I think that’s a great idea! I’ll pass along your interest in seeing something like this to the design team. Thanks for sharing!
All the best,
Lili
I finished the Library blanket in time to gift it for Christmas. Unfortuatley, they have no experience with anything that is not wash and wear.
What directions should I provide for care of the blanket? I am particularly concerned with washing/drying and preventing color bleed.
Thanks.
Jane
Hi Jane,
What a lovely gift! We are so happy to hear that you finished the blanket! We recommend giving the blanket a good blocking before giving to the receiver. We also recommend giving some hand-washing directions along with the blanket and just letting them know they can lay it out to dry. You could also check out our sweater washing tutorial to gather some information to share in your gift directions.
All the best,
Gavriella
To clarify, when you start the vertical sections, you cast on extra stitches to the row you have just worked. You then knit back along that row and pick up the bottom of the last horizontal row? This would sort of bend the extended end of the horizontal row 90 degrees. I’m only a beginner and sometimes find it hard to visualise!
Hi Alice,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct! I like to think of this technique like a capital ‘L’ with the finished stripe being the long leg of the ‘L’ and the new stitches being the little horizontal leg at the bottom! I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
I’d like to purchase the library bundle on sale – though I’ve a few questions. 1) what are the measurements? 2) is there another yarn that is machine washable with similar bright colors that would work with the library pattern (my husband is a library lover!) 3) with the bright yarns, do they need to be washed prior to being knitted to avoid bleeding into one another afterwards
Thank you
Hi Joan,
That’s a great question! I think our Cattail Silk could make a wonderful alternative and you can also see all of our machine-washable fingering-weight yarns here. I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella