Berroco Blanket Knitting Pattern

Berroco Olividae Knitted Throw Blanket

What is Being Made

The Olividae is an intermediate-level knitted throw blanket designed by Åsa Buchta. This finished blanket measures approximately 41 inches wide by 52 inches long, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or providing warmth on a lap or bed. The throw features a sophisticated two-color striped construction that combines visual interest with elegant simplicity.

Construction Method

The Olividae throw is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing the knitter to create the full width of the blanket without seaming. The construction employs alternating stripes of the main color and contrasting color throughout the piece. To streamline the knitting process, the main color yarn can be carried along the edge while working contrasting color stripes—the yarns are twisted together at the beginning of right-side rows to secure them. The contrasting color is broken between stripes, meaning the yarn is cut and rejoined rather than carried. This approach balances efficiency with yarn management.

Pattern Stitch and Techniques

The Olividae features a repeating pattern stitch that creates an open, lacy texture characteristic of intermediate knitting. The pattern stitch is based on a 14-stitch multiple plus 1 additional stitch, and it repeats over 12 rows. Key knitting techniques used throughout include:

• Yarn overs (yo): These create decorative holes and openings that give the blanket its airy, lace-like quality
• Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog) and slip-slip-knit (SSK) decreases balance the yarn overs and shape the pattern
• Garter stitch edges: The first and last stitch of each row are worked in knit stitch to create neat, finished selvage edges
• Striping: The pattern alternates between 6 rows worked in the main color and 4 rows worked in the contrasting color, creating a rhythmic visual pattern

The pattern stitch combines knit and purl stitches strategically. Right-side rows feature the decorative yarn overs and decreases that form the lace pattern, while wrong-side rows in the main color are worked in reverse stockinette (purling across), and wrong-side rows in the contrasting color are worked in garter stitch (knitting across). This combination of techniques creates texture and visual depth.

Yarn and Materials

The Olividae is designed to be worked with Berroco Bozzolo yarn, a luxurious fiber choice. The pattern calls for 5 balls of Berroco Bozzolo in colorway #10836 Blue Metalmark for the main color and 3 balls in colorway #10801 Sycamore Tussock for the contrasting color. Each ball weighs 100 grams. The throw is worked on a 32-inch circular needle in size 8 (5 mm), or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in the pattern stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning the project to ensure proper sizing and to avoid unexpected yardage requirements.

The throw is cast on with 225 stitches using the contrasting color, establishing a foundation for the striped design. The blanket is blocked after completion to set the gauge and even out the lace pattern, which enhances the drape and finished appearance of the piece.