Aran Knit Sampler Afghan in Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool - 864

Aran Knit Sampler Afghan in Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool

Project Overview

This Aran Knit Sampler Afghan is an experienced-level knitting project that creates a finished blanket measuring 45 inches by 65 inches. The design showcases five distinct Aran knit patterns that are knitted separately and then sewn together following an assembly diagram, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to master multiple traditional cable and texture techniques in one comprehensive throw.

Materials and Tools

This afghan is crafted using Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in Natural, requiring 6 balls of yarn (150-098). The project calls for Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 9 (5.5 mm) for the main fabric work, along with Lion Brand Double-Pointed Needles in Size 9 for executing cable crosses and twists. A Large-Eye Blunt Needle Set of 6 is needed for seaming the completed pattern sections together.

Gauge and Pattern Structure

Each of the five pattern sections measures 10 inches (25.5 centimeters) across, and checking gauge is essential before beginning. The afghan is constructed as a modular sampler, with Pattern I being made in two separate panels, allowing knitters to practice and perfect each stitch technique before moving to the next pattern variation.

Stitches and Techniques

This sampler afghan employs several advanced Aran knitting techniques:

• RTK (Right Twist with Knit) – A decorative twist stitch created by skipping a stitch, knitting into the next stitch without removing it, then knitting the skipped stitch and dropping both stitches together
• RTP (Right Twist with Purl) – A variation combining a knit twist with a purl stitch, executed by skipping one stitch, knitting the second stitch, then purling the skipped stitch before removing both from the needle
• LT (Left Twist) – The mirror image of the right twist, created by skipping a stitch, knitting the next stitch through the back loop, then knitting the skipped stitch
• BC (Back Cross) – A cable cross worked by slipping one stitch to a double-pointed needle and holding it in back, knitting two stitches, then purling one stitch from the held needle
• FC (Front Cross) – A front-facing cable cross executed by slipping two stitches to a double-pointed needle and holding in front, purling one stitch, then knitting two stitches from the held needle

Pattern I Details

Pattern I, which is made twice for the afghan, begins with casting on 48 stitches. The pattern features a 12-row repeat that combines right twist stitches with cable crosses and slip-stitch texture. Rows 1 and 3 establish the right-side pattern with alternating knit, purl, and right twist sections. Rows 4 through 9 introduce slip stitches held with yarn in front and cable crosses using double-pointed needles, creating dimensional texture. The pattern repeats are framed with edge stitches to ensure clean selvage edges for seaming.

Construction Method

The afghan is assembled by knitting all five pattern sections individually and then sewing them together using the included assembly diagram. This modular approach allows for flexibility in layout and makes the project more manageable for experienced knitters tackling complex stitch work.