Aran Knit Sampler Afghan in Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool - 80801AD

Aran Knit Sampler Afghan in Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool

Project Overview

This Aran Knit Sampler Afghan (Pattern Number 80801AD) is a classic wool throw blanket designed for experienced knitters. The finished afghan measures 45 x 65 inches (114.5 x 165 cm), making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or displaying as a decorative heirloom piece. The project combines traditional Aran knitting techniques with multiple textured stitch patterns to create visual interest and depth throughout the design.

What Is Being Made

This is a modular blanket composed of 16 individual blocks that are knitted separately and then sewn together according to an assembly diagram. Each block features different Aran-inspired pattern stitches, allowing knitters to practice and showcase various cable and twist techniques. The sampler approach provides an excellent learning opportunity while producing a sophisticated finished piece suitable for gifting or personal use.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The afghan employs several signature Aran knitting techniques that create dimensional texture:

• RTK (Right Twist with Knit): A decorative twist stitch created by skipping a stitch, knitting the next stitch without slipping it off the needle, then knitting the skipped stitch and removing both stitches together
• RTP (Right Twist with Purl): A variation of the right twist that incorporates a purl stitch, combining knit and purl elements for textural variation
• LT (Left Twist): Created by skipping a stitch, knitting the next stitch through the back loop without slipping it off, then knitting the skipped stitch and removing both stitches together
• BC (Back Cross): A cable technique where one stitch is slipped to a cable needle and held in back while knitting two stitches, then purling the held stitch
• FC (Front Cross): A complementary cable technique where two stitches are slipped to a cable needle and held in front while purling one stitch, then knitting the held stitches

These techniques are worked across 5 different pattern stitches distributed among the 16 blocks, creating a sampler effect that showcases the versatility of Aran design.

Materials and Tools

The project requires Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool yarn in Oatmeal colorway, with 6 balls of yarn needed to complete the afghan. This wool choice provides durability and warmth appropriate for a heirloom blanket. Knitters will need Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 9 (5.5 mm) for the main fabric work, along with Lion Brand Cable Needles (Set of 2) to manage the cable and twist stitches throughout the pattern. Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6) are included for seaming the blocks together and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Skill Requirements

This pattern is rated for Experienced knitters due to the complexity of the Aran techniques and the assembly process. The gauge is measured by block rather than traditional stitch gauge: 1 Block = 10 inches (25.5 cm) wide. Checking gauge is essential to ensure the finished afghan reaches the specified dimensions and that the yarn quantity is sufficient. Knitters should swatch and adjust needle sizes if their gauge produces fewer or more stitches and rows per block than the pattern specifies.

Construction Method

The afghan is constructed using a block-by-block approach, which breaks the project into manageable sections. Individual blocks are cast on with 48 stitches and worked in rows following specific stitch patterns. Once all 16 blocks are completed, they are sewn together using the included blunt needles and following an assembly diagram provided in the pattern. This modular construction method allows for flexibility in working pace and makes the project portable for knitting on the go.