Felted and Mended Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Felted and Mended Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand creates a unique felted and mended afghan blanket that combines traditional knitting with creative embroidery techniques. The finished blanket measures approximately 42 x 56 inches (106.5 x 142 cm) after the felting process, making it an ideal size for a cozy throw blanket. Designed as an easy-level project, this pattern encourages personal creativity through freeform embroidery work on felted blocks.

Construction Technique

The afghan is constructed using a block-based method that combines knitting, felting, and embroidery into a multi-step creative process. The pattern requires knitting twelve rectangular blocks that transform into squares during the felting process. After the blocks are individually felted, embroidery is worked onto the felted surface, and the decorated blocks are then sewn together to create the finished afghan. This technique allows crafters to express creativity through the embroidery stage, with the pattern specifically designed to accommodate freeform, simple shapes rather than complex designs.

Knitting Stitches and Techniques

The blocks are worked entirely in stockinette stitch, abbreviated as St st, which involves knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. This fundamental stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric that felts beautifully. Each block begins with casting on 76 stitches and continues in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 21 inches (53.5 cm) from the beginning, then is bound off. The gauge for this pattern is 16 stitches plus 22 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Felting and Embroidery Process

The felting process is a crucial element that transforms the knitted rectangles into squares while creating the textured surface for embroidery. Blocks are machine washed on a hot wash with a cold rinse cycle using detergent and several pieces of clothing to provide agitation. The machine drying process further felts the blocks. The pattern notes that embroidery motifs are meant to be freeform and simple, encouraging crafters to vary the scale or number of stitches to create different effects. Optional masking tape can be used to outline simple shapes such as squares or triangles on the felted surface to guide embroidery placement.

Materials and Tools

This pattern utilizes a combination of premium wool yarns from Lion Brand. The primary yarn is Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool in Oatmeal, with 4 balls required for the main blocks (designated as A). Accent colors include Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Chili (1 ball, designated as B) and Lion Brand Wool-Ease Yarn in Clove (1 ball, designated as C). The pattern calls for Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 9 (5.5 mm) and a set of 6 large-eye blunt needles for finishing and embroidery work. The combination of Fishermen's Wool and Wool-Ease yarns provides excellent felting properties while offering color variation for the embroidered details.

Pattern Features

• Skill Level: Easy, making it accessible to knitters of various experience levels
• Final Size: Approximately 42 x 56 inches (106.5 x 142 cm) after felting
• Block Construction: Twelve knitted rectangular blocks that become square after felting
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
• Creative Flexibility: Pattern encourages freeform embroidery and personal design choices
• Multi-Technique Project: Combines knitting, felting, embroidery, and assembly

Design Philosophy

The Felted and Mended Afghan pattern is specifically designed to encourage creativity and personal expression. Rather than prescribing exact embroidery designs, the pattern provides a framework for crafters to develop their own freeform motifs. The felting process creates a forgiving surface for embroidery work, and the mended aesthetic celebrates handmade imperfection. This approach makes the project suitable for crafters who want to create a one-of-a-kind blanket that reflects their individual artistic vision while maintaining the structure and warmth of a traditional afghan.