Fenne Blanket Knitting Pattern

Fenne Blanket in Berroco Topaz

What is Being Made

The Fenne Blanket is a beginner-friendly knitted throw blanket designed by Amy Christoffers. This finished blanket measures approximately 48 inches wide by 60 inches long, making it an ideal size for a cozy lap blanket or throw for a sofa or bed. The blanket features a geometric patchwork design created through a clever construction method combining individual knitted squares and triangles that are sewn together to form a cohesive rectangular piece.

Construction Method and Design

The Fenne Blanket uses an innovative modular knitting approach where separate geometric components are knitted individually and then assembled. The blanket is constructed from 31 squares and 18 triangles that are sewn together into 9 diagonal strips, which are then joined to create the final rectangular blanket. This method allows knitters to work on manageable pieces rather than managing a large project on the needles, making it particularly suitable for beginners who may find large blankets intimidating.

Knitting Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The primary technique involves increasing and decreasing stitches to create the geometric shapes. Squares are constructed by starting with a single cast-on stitch, then increasing one stitch every row for 50 rows to reach 54 stitches at the widest point, then decreasing one stitch every row until a single stitch remains. Triangles are created by casting on 54 stitches and then decreasing one stitch every row until completion. This increase-and-decrease method creates the characteristic triangular and square shapes that form the blanket's design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Fenne Blanket is worked entirely in Garter Stitch, one of the most fundamental and beginner-friendly stitch patterns in knitting. Garter Stitch is created by knitting every row, which produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including kfb (knit front and back) for increasing stitches and k2tog (knit two together) for decreasing stitches. The gauge is 18 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches in Garter Stitch after blocking, which is an important measurement for ensuring the finished blanket reaches the correct dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Fenne Blanket pattern calls for Berroco Topaz yarn in colorway #1223 Brocade. A total of 12 balls of yarn are required, with each ball weighing 100 grams. Berroco Topaz is a yarn choice that works well for creating blankets with good drape and texture. The pattern specifies size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additionally, a tapestry needle is required for weaving in ends and sewing the individual squares and triangles together during the finishing process.

Finishing and Assembly

After all 31 squares and 18 triangles are completed, the blanket is assembled by sewing the pieces together following a provided diagram. The diagram indicates the knitting direction for each component, ensuring that the finished blanket has a cohesive appearance. The squares and triangles are first sewn into 9 diagonal strips, then these strips are joined together to form the final rectangular shape. Once assembly is complete, all yarn ends are woven in using the tapestry needle, and the blanket is blocked as desired to even out the stitches and achieve the finished measurements.

Skill Level and Suitability

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it an excellent choice for beginner knitters. The straightforward Garter Stitch construction combined with the modular approach means that knitters only need to master basic knitting techniques: casting on, knitting, increasing with kfb, decreasing with k2tog, and binding off. The pattern avoids complex stitch patterns, colorwork, or shaping techniques, focusing instead on building confidence through the completion of manageable individual pieces that combine into an impressive finished project.