Berroco Penneech Blanket Knitting Pattern

Berroco Penneech Knit Blanket

What is Being Made

The Berroco Penneech is a modular knit blanket and throw designed by Mel Kennelly. This intermediate-level project creates a finished blanket measuring approximately 49 inches wide by 64 inches long (124.5 cm x 162.5 cm). The blanket is constructed from individual geometric squares in varying sizes that are sewn together to form the complete piece, making it an ideal project for knitters who prefer working on smaller, portable components rather than managing a large work in progress.

Construction and Assembly Techniques

The Penneech employs a modular, bottom-up construction method where squares are worked flat and then seamed together following a specific assembly diagram. This approach offers several advantages: knitters can work on individual squares in any order, making the project convenient for travel or working in short sessions. The pattern includes directional arrows indicating how the diagonals on each square should be oriented during assembly, ensuring proper visual flow across the finished blanket.

Assembly is accomplished using the mattress stitch, a professional seaming technique that creates nearly invisible seams by working through the edge stitches of adjacent pieces. This method is particularly effective for garter stitch blankets, as it produces clean, flat seams that maintain the blanket's drape and appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The blanket is worked primarily in garter stitch, a fundamental knit stitch pattern created by knitting every row. Garter stitch is prized for blanket projects because it produces a reversible fabric with excellent drape, warmth, and durability. The pattern incorporates strategic decreases to shape each square into a geometric form. Specifically, the pattern uses SSK (slip, slip, knit) and K2tog (knit two together) decreases, which are worked symmetrically on either side of a center stitch marker to create balanced, tapered squares.

Square Sizes and Yarn Color Distribution

The blanket features two different square sizes that are combined to create visual interest and dimension:

• Small Squares: 7½ inches (19 cm) per side, cast on with 68 stitches
• Large Squares: 15 inches (38 cm) per side, cast on with 136 stitches

The color composition uses five distinct shades of Berroco Ultra Wool yarn:

• 8 Small Squares in Delphinium (C1)
• 10 Small Squares in Bark (C2)
• 4 Small Squares and 2 Large Squares in Bear (C3)
• 6 Small Squares and 2 Large Squares in Rosemary (C4)
• Additional squares in Chick Pea (C5)

This multi-color approach creates a patchwork effect, with the varied square sizes adding textural depth and visual complexity to the finished blanket.

Materials and Gauge

The Penneech is knit using Berroco Ultra Wool, a 100% wool yarn that provides warmth, durability, and excellent stitch definition. The project requires approximately 18 balls of yarn distributed across the five colors. Knitters work with size 8 (5 mm) circular needles (32 inches/80 cm length) and a stitch marker to track the center decrease point on each square. A tapestry needle is essential for the mattress stitch seaming that joins the completed squares.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring that the squares align properly when seamed together. The pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning and taking time to block finished squares for accurate measurements.

Skill Level and Blocking

Rated as an intermediate-level project, the Penneech is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable with basic decreases and seaming techniques. The repetitive nature of the square construction makes it an excellent project for building confidence with decreases and maintaining consistent gauge. Blocking is recommended to ensure accurate measurements and to even out the garter stitch fabric before assembly.