Shimmering Stripes Blanket
Luminous bands of color seem to vibrate, mirage-like, in our Shimmering Stripes Blanket, but the allure of this project is no illusion. The power of color, the appeal of graphic simplicity, the joy when every stripe is a surprise… Pick up two different Nine-Note Bundles and have an unforgettable knitting experience!
While most of our Nine-Note projects keep the bundle’s gradient in order, you can trust in color magic for this one. Alternating bundles creates an overall pattern of two-color stripes, but by choosing each skein at random, you layer within that pattern subtle, unpremeditated shifts in color that result in a mesmerizing shimmer.
Totally gorgeous, but also very fun to knit… “One more stripe!” you’ll think, as you find yourself pulled along by the mystery of what’s next!
Each Nine-Note Bundle is a carefully calibrated scale of nine skeins of light worsted/dk weight yarn, ranging from very pale to very saturated. This very special yarn is made from some of the finest merino in the world and the softest-of-the-soft baby alpaca… It must be experienced to be believed! It’s bouncy and exquisitely soft, with beautiful complexity in every color.
Kick off the colorful fun by selecting two Nine-Note Bundles that sing in harmony together. For our blankets, we brought together Penny + Bluegrass (up top), Begonia + Tidewater (right above)…
… Apple + Pomelo (above), and Beautyberry + Wild Iris (below).
There are 12 Nine-Note Bundles to play with, and while we couldn’t knit all the possibilities, we did explore a bunch of color combos by wrapping the yarn around strips of cardstock. Here are the dazzling results of that really fun morning (and we name the colors in the pattern below)…
Unbelievably soft and an endless source of colorful fascination, this blanket will make a splendid gift for a very lucky baby, a color-loving friend or family member, or from yourself to yourself!
In easy-as-can-be garter stitch on size 7 needles, with the pleasurable suspense of choosing each new color to spur you on, the Shimmering Stripes Blanket will fly off your needles. Revel in the joy of knitting each stripe as the shimmering illusion takes shape!
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!
Designed by Purl Soho founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoShimmeringStripesBlanket, and #PurlSohoNineNoteBundle. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
You will need 2 of Purl Soho’s Nine-Note Bundles. One bundle includes…
- 9 skeins of 80% extra fine merino wool and 20% baby alpaca yarn. Each bundle is 900 yards/ 450 grams; approximately 1800 total yards required. For our samples we used the colors Apple + Pomelo, Beautyberry + Wild Iris, Penny + Bluegrass, and Begonia + Tidewater. (NOTE: This yarn is only available in the Nine-Note Bundle.)
You will also need…
- US 7 (4.5 mm), 47- or 60-inch circular needles
We came up with 11 sparkling combinations to inspire you, including the ones we knit for our samples! From left to right they are…
Sketchbook + Mulberry; Mulberry + Pomelo; Mulberry + Wild Iris; Penny + Bluegrass; Wishing Well + Bluegrass; Begonia + Tidewater; Wishing Well + Dragon Fruit; Beautyberry + Wild Iris; Penny + Dragon Fruit; Pomelo + Begonia; Apple + Pomelo
GAUGE
19 stitches and 38 rows (19 ridges) = 4 inches in garter stitch
NOTE: To ensure all your stripes are the same length, we recommend not cutting your swatch yarn, reusing it, and keeping tails short.
SIZE
Finished Dimensions: 42 inches wide x 38 inches long
NOTES
SLIP STITCHES
Slip all stitches knitwise with yarn in back.
CONSTRUCTION
Note that, for this blanket, you cast on the “long way,” which means the measurement from cast-on edge to bind-off edge will be shorter than the overall width of the blanket.
COLOR ORDER
RANDOM METHOD
We knit our blankets using the “organized chaos” method. To do the same, first decide which bundle will be Color A and which will be Color B. Then…
Grab four vessels (we used paper bags). Wind the entirety of your Color A bundle and place it into one bag, then do the same for the Color B bundle. When the pattern indicates to work Color A, close your eyes and select one color from the Color A bag, knit your stripe using this ball, then place the ball into a second bag for Color A. Follow the same logic for Color B stripes, closing your eyes and selecting a color from the Color B bag, knitting your stripe with it, then placing it into a second Color B bag. Repeat until all of the balls are transferred to the second set of bags, and your original bags are empty, then repeat the process one more time. Enjoy the surprise of what comes next!
OR REPLICATE OUR BLANKETS
If you’d rather not put your trust in controlled chaos and want to make your Shimmering Stripe Blanket just like one of ours, it’s important to keep your Color A and Color B bundles very organized! We recommend opening each bundle at the darkest side and labeling each skein as you wind it, as follows: the darkest color from each bundle is number 1, the next lightest color is number 2, the next lightest color is number 3, and so on to the lightest color, number 9. Then, simply follow along with Our Color Orders at the end of the pattern!
PATTERN
With Color A (see Color Order, above), cast on 200 stitches. We used a basic Long-Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (right side): Slip 1 (see Notes), knit to end of row.
Repeat Row 1 seven more times, ending with a wrong-side row. [5 garter ridges total on right side]
Cut yarn.
Join Color B (see Color Order), ready to work a right-side row.
*Repeat Row 1 ten times. [5 garter ridges worked]
Cut yarn.
Continuing with the same logic and alternating Color A balls and Color B balls, repeat from * until one Color B ball remains.
With Color B, repeat Row 1 nine times.
FINISHING
With wrong side facing you, loosely bind off knitwise.
Weave in all ends and gently wet block.
OUR COLOR ORDERS
NOTE: Remember, 1 is the darkest color in the Nine-Note Bundle, and 9 is the lightest!
APPLE + POMELO
- Apple 7
- Pomelo 9
- Apple 4
- Pomelo 5
- Apple 9
- Pomelo 4
- Apple 5
- Pomelo 2
- Apple 3
- Pomelo 1
- Apple 6
- Pomelo 6
- Apple 1
- Pomelo 8
- Apple 2
- Pomelo 3
- Apple 8
- Pomelo 7
- Apple 7
- Pomelo 9
- Apple 3
- Pomelo 7
- Apple 4
- Pomelo 3
- Apple 2
- Pomelo 8
- Apple 6
- Pomelo 5
- Apple 5
- Pomelo 1
- Apple 9
- Pomelo 6
- Apple 8
- Pomelo 2
- Apple 1
- Pomelo 4
BEAUTYBERRY + WILD IRIS
- Beautyberry 5
- Wild Iris 8
- Beautyberry 8
- Wild Iris 6
- Beautyberry 2
- Wild Iris 5
- Beautyberry 9
- Wild Iris 7
- Beautyberry 3
- Wild Iris 1
- Beautyberry 6
- Wild Iris 2
- Beautyberry 4
- Wild Iris 3
- Beautyberry 7
- Wild Iris 4
- Beautyberry 1
- Wild Iris 9
- Beautyberry 2
- Wild Iris 3
- Beautyberry 4
- Wild Iris 8
- Beautyberry 5
- Wild Iris 1
- Beautyberry 9
- Wild Iris 6
- Beautyberry 1
- Wild Iris 9
- Beautyberry 7
- Wild Iris 4
- Beautyberry 6
- Wild Iris 5
- Beautyberry 3
- Wild Iris 2
- Beautyberry 8
- Wild Iris 7
PENNY + BLUEGRASS
- Penny 8
- Bluegrass 7
- Penny 9
- Bluegrass 3
- Penny 5
- Bluegrass 8
- Penny 2
- Bluegrass 1
- Penny 7
- Bluegrass 4
- Penny 6
- Bluegrass 2
- Penny 1
- Bluegrass 6
- Penny 4
- Bluegrass 9
- Penny 3
- Bluegrass 5
- Penny 8
- Bluegrass 4
- Penny 6
- Bluegrass 2
- Penny 2
- Bluegrass 9
- Penny 4
- Bluegrass 8
- Penny 9
- Bluegrass 1
- Penny 5
- Bluegrass 7
- Penny 3
- Bluegrass 5
- Penny 1
- Bluegrass 3
- Penny 7
- Bluegrass 6
BEGONIA + TIDEWATER
- Begonia 2
- Tidewater 5
- Begonia 6
- Tidewater 9
- Begonia 1
- Tidewater 3
- Begonia 5
- Tidewater 2
- Begonia 4
- Tidewater 7
- Begonia 8
- Tidewater 6
- Begonia 7
- Tidewater 4
- Begonia 3
- Tidewater 1
- Begonia 9
- Tidewater 8
- Begonia 3
- Tidewater 5
- Begonia 1
- Tidewater 9
- Begonia 4
- Tidewater 1
- Begonia 7
- Tidewater 4
- Begonia 2
- Tidewater 8
- Begonia 9
- Tidewater 3
- Begonia 5
- Tidewater 6
- Begonia 8
- Tidewater 2
- Begonia 6
- Tidewater 7
LEARN ABOUT NINE-NOTE BUNDLES + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
The gorgeous gradient of our Nine-Note Bundle makes this project sing! A carefully calibrated scale of nine skeins ranging from very pale to very saturated, there is beautiful complexity in every harmonious color. A light worsted/DK-weight yarn, our Nine-Note Bundles are a mix of 80% of the softest extra fine merino wool in the world and 20% incredibly soft baby alpaca… It must be experienced to be believed!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our growing collection of Nine-Note Bundle knitting patterns and cast on!
More Worsted/Aran-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of light worsted/DK-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop merino wool yarn
- Shop alpaca yarn
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!
This blanket is gorgeous and exactly what I am looking to knit for my 18 year-old daughter as a gift. I’m worried the size is way too small for a throw or afghan. Is there any way to make it bigger? I see the yarn in the bundles are not sold separately. Is there any leftover yarn? Could I add a row or two to each color? Thank you for any advice!
Hi Sarah,
So glad to hear that this pattern has caught your eye! This pattern uses up the entire two bundles, so make a larger blanket, you’ll need to purchase a third bundle. You’ll be able to make a large throw with three bundles!
All the best,
Lili
I love the look of these blankets but I only crochet. Thoughts on how to adapt to crochet please?
Hi Char,
Thanks for writing in! This pattern is very adaptable, so you could definitely make a crochet version. I would recommend working single (or double, if you prefer) crochet stitches across each row, changing colors in the same manner we recommend. I would suggest purchasing a third bundle though, since crochet tends to be denser than knitting and requires more yarn.
Please let us know how your crochet blanket turns out if you end up trying this!
All the best,
Lili
These blankets are so much fun!
After reading the information above about two methods of choosing color order for this blanket, I’m confused which method was used for your examples.
You state, “We knit our blankets using the “organized chaos” method” by blindly choosing the next skein of color A or B.
But then you state, “OR REPLICATE OUR BLANKETS-
If you’d rather not put your trust in controlled chaos and want to make your Shimmering Stripe Blanket just like one of ours” – then give specific directions on color order.
I am just wondering which method was used in the blankets shown. I would love to think I am open to random chaos, but maybe need a little reassurance that all will be ok in the end 🙂
Hi JoEllen,
Thanks for writing in! We used the random method for our samples, but we kept track of each color we used so that other knitters can replicate our samples if they wish!
All the best,
Lili
Love the colors! If I wanted to make this bigger, could I use three bundles? If so, do you know about how long I’d make the rows and how many rows I’d get out of each skein?
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for writing in! You can definitely make this blanket bigger by using a third bundle. I’d recommend knitting the blanket in the same manner as the pattern and just work in an extra stripe of the third bundle. You can also modify this blanket by changing the stitch count. To modify this pattern you will want to start with a gauge swatch. You will then measure your stitches per inch and multiply that number by the desired width of your blanket and that will give you your cast on number.
After you have created your gauge swatch you can weigh it in grams and divide the square footage (in inches) of your swatch by the total number of grams. This will give you your grams per square inch which you can then use to calculate your yardage I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Hi-I have 3 of the pink 9 note bundles. I was going to make the other blanket-but I like this one better.
Suggestions on how to use all three of the bundles in the same color way?
I’d like to use all three if possible.
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for writing in! I would suggest knitting your sections based on the saturations in the bundle. You can do this by first knitting a stripe in the lightest color followed by a stripe of the darkest color next and then continuing on in the same fashion. I think this would make a great monochromatic version of this pattern that allows you to play around with the bundles in a fun way. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
I am so excited to make this blanket1 I would like to add a. third bundle to make a larger throw for couch. How do I incorporate the third bundle in the pattern? I am thinking of the wishing well and dragon fruit combination? Thank you!
Hi Jenner,
Thank you for writing in! To modify this blankets stripes, you will add an additional stripe of the 3rd bundle and rotate the stripes between the 3 bundles. For example, for stripes 1,2 & 3, you can use a color from each bundle to blend your stripes wonderfully with a fun contrast of colors. I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any other questions.
All the best,
Gavriella
Another question! I see that bluegrass bundle is sold out. If I wanted to make a blanket with three bundles of wishing well, how would I do the color order? Looking to make a larger throw for a couch.
Thank you!
Hi Jenner,
I would suggest knitting your sections based on the saturations in the bundle if you decide to use a single colorway. You can do this by first knitting a stripe in the lightest color followed by a stripe of the darkest color next and then continuing on in the same fashion. I think this would make a great monochromatic version of this project that will give a beautiful result!
What cast on number would make a good baby blanket size? Curious if I could make two out of the two bundles.
Thank you
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for writing in! To modify this pattern you will want to start with a gauge swatch. You will then measure your stitches per inch and multiply that number by the desired width of your blanket and that will give you your cast on number. If you are working in the same gauge as the pattern, you will multiply 4.75 by the desired size of your pattern.
The total square footage of this blanket size is 1596 square inches which divided in half means you could use the same yardage as this pattern for two 28×28 inch blankets. I’d just like to note that you will want to be very careful to only use half of each skein per blanket if you’d like to go with this option. The easiest way to do this is by weighing each skein before use. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hi!
I just finished knitting the Nine Note Seed Stitch Wrap in Wild Iris. I loved the yarn and the color! I’d like to knit the Shimmering Stripes Blanket in the Wild Iris but I’m not sure the Beauty Berry would work for me. I know this is a lot to ask, but I’d like to ask your opinion about using one of the following colors with the Wild Iris : Apple, or Pomelo, or Begonia? I like bright colors , but I’m also looking for a nice contrast and not sure if any of those colors would work well with the Wild Iris.
Thank you so much for your help!
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for writing in and we definitely always welcome these kinds of questions! I think Wild Iris and Apple would make the most wonderful combination and would stripe beautifully together. I believe the contrast of purples and greens will give a bright pop of color just as you are looking for! I hope this helps but please let us know if there is anything else we can help with!
All the best,
Gavriella
I was think as I was looking through the colors you had put together. I think you need one called Sunshine (mostly yellow? Or Sunrise with shades of yellow and shades of orange. Would be an awesome color for summer. Thoughts? Or maybe 3 colors for Sunrise or possibly call it Subset and add in some red.
Hi Geraldine,
Thank you for sharing those ideas! I think a 3 color version with yellows and oranges sounds like a wonderful combination! I’ll be sure to share your ideas with our team!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hi. Im wondering how this blanket would work in seed stitch? Could I follow the instructions as is?
It’s lovely
Hi Mary,
Thank you for writing in! Although we haven’t tried this technique, we definitely encourage you to give it a try! Please let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Gavriella
This is gorgeous & enticing… anyone tried using this technique for scarves?
Hi Amahl,
That sounds like a great idea! You could definitely use this technique to make a Shimmering Stripe Scarf version of this pattern! Please let us know if you have any questions!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hi,
I love looking at your web sight. I want to make a baby blanket for a boy baby whom lives in Florida. He will be their first child. I have been knitting for many years but have avoided striping. I saw a baby blanket featured in an earlier sight. I tried downloading. I think the color bundle I liked was Peninsular. Is the wool machine washable. I would like to order the pattern and blanket and am looking forward to your reply.
Hi Rita,
Thanks for writing in! You can find our Super Easy Baby Blanket pattern on this page, and you can order the bundle right here. I’m afraid that the Peninsula bundle is currently out of stock, but we’re hoping to have it available again in just a few weeks!
All the best,
Lili
I love this blanket. Since Bluegrass is sold out, how do you think Penny would look with Wishing Well or Tidewater? I love the look of Penny and Bluegrass and want to get as close to that as possible.
Hi Sarah,
I think both of those color palettes would be perfect to pair with penny. I’d go with Tidewater for a more muted palette and Wishing Well for a more vibrant feel. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Gavriella
I did swatches using size 7 and 8 needles. The size 7 needle was 3 3/4 inches wide and 4 inches long. The 8 in needle was 4 inches wide and 4 1/4 long. Which needle should I use? How do I adapt pattern? I want to make sure I have enough yarn.
Hi Jill,
Thanks for reaching out! When swatching, it’s best to make a large gauge swatch (larger in both length and width than 4 inches), so that you can take the measurement from the central stitches, avoiding the edge stitches where the tension is uneven. I would generally recommend making a 6×6 inch swatch, so for this blanket I’d recommend casting on 29 stitches. Once you’ve knit the swatch to approximately a square, you can measure the number of stitches and rows in the central 4 inches! I’d also recommend blocking your swatch before measuring for the most accurate gauge.
All the best,
Gavriella
Do you have the Pattern in baby blanket dimensions and how many skeins to purchase?
Hi Marka,
I’m afraid we don’t have pattern instructions for a baby blanket size but I think the following could help you customize the pattern. To modify this pattern you will want to start with a gauge swatch. You will then measure your stitches per inch and multiply that number by the desired width of your blanket and that will give you your cast on number. If you are working in the same gauge as the pattern, you will multiply 4.75 by the desired size of your pattern.
The total square footage of this blanket size is 1596 square inches which divided in half means you could use the same yardage as this pattern for two 28×28 inch blankets. I’d just like to note that you will want to be very careful to only use half of each skein per blanket if you’d like to go with this option. The easiest way to do this is by weighing each skein before use. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Gavriella
I’m looking for a pattern other than a blanket any ideas??
Hi Colleen,
I’d recommend our Rising Tide Scarf or the Arpeggio Cowl but you can also browse our full Nine Note pattern collection for more ideas!
Happy making,
Gavriella
I would like to make a larger throw and see in the comments above that you recommend a third bundle. I love the penny/bluegrass colorway….what third bundle do you recommend? Since I’d prefer the throw to lean more blue, a second bluegrass? How would I work in the extra stripes? Thanks!
Hi Danielle,
A second Bluegrass bundle would be a lovely choice! That would be my preference, over any other color, since the shade of blue won’t clash, and you’ll still get a lot of variation with all the different values.
All the best,
Lili
I’m wondering how 2 bundles of the same color (sketchbook) using the chaos pattern would work ?
Hi Chris,
That’s a fun idea! It would create a totally random stripe pattern, so it’s hard to predict. But over all, it will be all shades of gray!
All the best,
Lili
I think I know the answer, but let me ask to be sure. The pattern says that Color A has a total of 8 rows, ending on WS, and Color B has 10 rows, but both have 5 garters ridges worked. Is that because Color A has the cast on row as well? Thanks!
Hi Michele,
Yes, that’s correct! The first garter ridge of Color A comes from the cast-on!
All the best,
Lili