Homespun Tumbling Blocks Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Homespun Tumbling Blocks Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Homespun Tumbling Blocks Afghan is a knitted blanket design from Lion Brand that creates a striking geometric pattern through colorwork. This finished blanket measures 40 inches by 60 inches without borders, making it an ideal size for a throw blanket or lap cover. The project uses the tumbling blocks motif, a classic three-dimensional optical illusion pattern created through strategic color placement and stockinette stitch construction.

Knitting Techniques and Methods

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. The main body of the afghan is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, flat fabric with a distinct right side and wrong side. The pattern utilizes colorwork techniques, requiring knitters to work from a chart while managing multiple yarn colors. When changing colors during knitting, the pattern specifies that yarn must be twisted on the wrong side from underneath to prevent holes in the finished fabric. The borders are constructed using garter stitch, which produces a textured, reversible fabric by knitting every row. Border increases are worked symmetrically at each end every other row to create shaped edges that frame the central colorwork design.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the primary fabric of the afghan body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Garter stitch is used for all four borders, created by knitting every row to produce a ribbed texture
• Increases are worked at the edges of the borders, adding one stitch at each end every other row for nine rows to create graduated edges
• Cast-on and bind-off techniques secure the beginning and end of the work

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun yarn (Art. No. 790), a bulky-weight yarn supplied in 6-ounce skeins. The color palette consists of three coordinated shades: 3 skeins of #315 Tudor (Color A), 4 skeins each of #321 Williamsburg (Color B) and #322 Baroque (Color C). The pattern notes that crafters may substitute colors of their choice while maintaining the same yardage and weight. Knitting needles required are Size 10 U.S. (Size 4 U.K.), measuring 6.00 millimeters in diameter.

Gauge and Sizing Information

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches equaling 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on Size 10 needles. Knitters are strongly advised to check their gauge before beginning the project to ensure the afghan reaches the intended 40-inch by 60-inch measurement.

Pattern Construction and Assembly

The afghan body begins with casting on 120 stitches using Color A. The main design is worked in stockinette stitch while following a colorwork chart. The chart pattern, which spans 94 rows, is repeated three times to create the full length of the blanket. After completing the charted rows, stitches are bound off to finish the central panel.

The finishing process involves adding borders on all four sides. The upper and lower borders are picked up and knitted across the 120-stitch width of the blanket using Color B, then worked in garter stitch with increases at each end every other row for 9 rows. Color C is then introduced and the border continues for 3 additional rows before binding off. The side borders follow the same technique, picking up 164 stitches along each side edge and working the same increase and color sequence. Finally, the short edges of the side borders are sewn together to create neat corners.

Preparation Notes

Before beginning, the pattern recommends winding each color of yarn into small balls and securing them with elastic bands. This preparation helps manage the multiple colors during the colorwork sections and prevents tangling while knitting.