Hayfield 4840 Blankets Knitting Pattern

Hayfield 4840 Blankets in Baby Blossom DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Hayfield features four distinct blanket designs, all crafted using Hayfield Baby Blossom DK yarn. The collection offers versatility for knitters seeking to create beautiful, finished blankets suitable for babies and home décor. Two designs measure approximately 61 x 76 cm (24 x 30 inches), while two larger square blankets measure approximately 90 x 90 cm (35½ x 35½ inches), providing options for different project scales and yarn requirements.

Blanket Designs Included

• Garter Stitch Blanket: A classic 61 x 76 cm design using straightforward garter stitch texture throughout
• Square Pattern Blanket: A larger 90 x 90 cm square blanket featuring patterned stitch work
• Blanket with Irish Moss Stitch Borders: A 61 x 76 cm blanket incorporating Irish moss stitch detailing around the borders for added visual interest
• Diagonal Garter Stitch Blanket: A 90 x 90 cm square blanket worked with diagonal garter stitch construction

Techniques Used

All blankets in this pattern collection are worked flat on straight needles, meaning they are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The designs employ bottom-up construction, where knitters begin at the base and work upward to completion. These blankets are seamless, eliminating the need for seaming pieces together after knitting, which streamlines the finishing process and creates a unified, professional appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. Garter stitch, created by knitting every row, forms the foundation for two of the designs and provides a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape. Irish moss stitch appears as a decorative border element on one blanket, adding dimensional texture and visual complexity. The square pattern blanket incorporates patterned stitch work, while the diagonal garter stitch blanket uses directional construction techniques. Additional techniques referenced include increases and decreases for shaping, and knit into stitch below (k1below), a technique that creates visual effects within the fabric.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

All four blankets are designed to be knitted using Hayfield Baby Blossom DK yarn, a double knitting weight yarn supplied in 100g balls. Specific yarn quantities vary by design: the Garter Stitch Blanket requires 3 balls (shade 357), the Square Pattern Blanket requires 4 balls (shade 351), the Blanket with Irish Moss Stitch Borders requires 2 balls (shade 352), and the Diagonal Garter Stitch Blanket requires 4 balls (shade 350). A single pair of 4mm knitting needles (UK size 8 / USA size 6) is required for all designs.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 42 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when worked in garter stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements. Blocking is recommended for professional results: the completed blanket should be pinned to measurements, covered with damp cloths, and left to dry completely.

Special Yarn Considerations

For shades of Hayfield Baby Blossom DK that feature pink and green spots, the pattern provides specific guidance to ensure proper color placement. Knitters should unwind a small amount of yarn from the ball before beginning to check whether green or pink spots appear first. If green spots appear first, knit from the outside of the ball; if pink spots appear first, either rewind the yarn or knit from the inside of the ball. This technique ensures that the printed flower motifs appear above the leaf details in the finished fabric.

Difficulty Level

These blanket patterns are classified as intermediate difficulty, making them suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle projects involving pattern work, shaping techniques, and larger yardage commitments.