Diagonal Squares Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Diagonal Squares Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Diagonal Squares Afghan is a stunning throw blanket designed by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand Yarn. This knitting pattern creates a finished blanket measuring 47 x 58 inches (119.5 x 147.5 cm), making it an ideal size for a cozy throw. The project is classified as an Easy skill level (Level 2), making it accessible to knitters with basic experience who are ready to explore colorwork techniques.

Design and Colorwork Technique

This afghan features a distinctive diagonal squares colorwork design created by knitting on the bias. The bias knitting technique allows the squares to appear to run diagonally across the blanket, creating a dynamic visual effect. The pattern combines Lion Brand Vanna's Palettes and Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarns to achieve the colorwork appearance, resulting in a sophisticated and visually interesting finished piece.

Construction Method

The blanket is constructed from individual squares that are knitted separately and then assembled. The pattern requires knitting multiple squares, with specific instructions for Square 1 (made 21 times) and Square 12 (made once). Each square measures approximately 11 x 11 inches (28 x 28 cm) when completed, allowing for modular construction that makes the project manageable in sections.

Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is Garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges that work beautifully for colorwork projects. The garter stitch provides excellent stitch definition for the diagonal squares design while remaining simple enough for intermediate knitters to execute successfully.

Yarn Materials

This pattern calls for a carefully curated color palette using Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn in the following quantities and colors:

• Dusty Blue (Color A): 7 balls
• Colonial Blue (Color B): 2 balls
• Honey (Color C): 1 ball
• Rose (Color D): 1 ball
• Dusty Purple (Color E): 1 ball
• Dusty Green (Color F): 1 ball
• Terracotta (Color G): 1 ball
• Beige (Color H): 1 ball

Lion Brand Vanna's Choice is a premium acrylic yarn available in multiple fiber compositions. The solid colors are 100% premium acrylic, while certain variations include 92% acrylic with 8% rayon or 96% acrylic with 4% rayon. Each ball of solid Vanna's Choice contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides 170 yards (156 meters) of yarn. The total yardage needed for this project is approximately 860 yards.

Tools and Equipment

The pattern requires Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 9 (5.5 mm) as the primary needles for square construction. Additionally, the project calls for a circular knitting needle in Size 9 (5.5 mm) that is 40 inches (101.5 cm) long, which is used for assembling and finishing the blanket. A set of Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needles is recommended for weaving in yarn ends and assembling the squares.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches equals 4 inches (10 cm) when working in Garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring that the finished blanket matches the intended dimensions and that the yardage provided is sufficient. Individual gauge may vary from person to person, and adjusting needle size can help achieve the correct gauge if needed.

Pattern Details

Pattern Number L40264 includes corrections that were applied on July 8, 2014. The pattern provides detailed instructions for creating the individual squares that form the basis of the blanket design, with specific stitch counts and row instructions for each square type. The modular approach allows knitters to work on the project in sections, making it ideal for those who prefer portable knitting projects.