Knitted Baby Blanket in Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle Colorspun

Knitted Baby Blanket in Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle Colorspun

Project Overview

This knitted baby blanket is a beginner-friendly design crafted from Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle in the Colorspun colorway. The finished blanket measures approximately 43 inches wide by 47 inches long, making it an ideal size for a crib or lap blanket. The design uses a simple yet visually interesting stitch pattern that creates texture and dimension while remaining accessible to knitters of various skill levels.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The blanket requires 7 balls of 100g Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle yarn shown in color 7201. Plymouth Yarn Encore Boucle is a textured yarn known for its distinctive boucle construction, which adds visual interest and a soft, spongy texture to finished projects. The total yardage is determined by working until nearly all yarn is used, making this an efficient pattern that maximizes your yarn purchase.

Knitting needles required are US 11, and the gauge is measured at 2.5 stitches per 1 inch over stockinette stitch. This relatively loose gauge contributes to the blanket's soft, drapey quality.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch that forms the base of this pattern
• Purl stitch (p): Used in alternation with knit stitches to create texture
• Stockinette stitch: The gauge measurement reference, though the blanket uses a modified pattern
• Casting on: The pattern calls for loosely casting on 108 stitches to establish the blanket's width
• Binding off: Completed loosely to maintain the blanket's soft, flexible edge

Stitch Pattern Details

The blanket features a simple two-row repeating pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches in blocks. The pattern structure is as follows:

• Row 1: Knit 12 stitches, then repeat the sequence of purl 12 stitches followed by knit 12 stitches across the entire row
• Row 2: Purl 12 stitches, then repeat the sequence of knit 12 stitches followed by purl 12 stitches across the entire row

These two rows are repeated continuously until the blanket reaches approximately 47 inches in length or until you have nearly exhausted your yarn supply. This alternating knit and purl pattern creates a subtle textured surface that is both visually appealing and tactilely pleasant, while the boucle yarn adds additional dimension and softness to the finished piece.

Construction Method

The blanket is worked flat in rows from one end to the other. The pattern emphasizes loose tension throughout—both in the initial cast-on and final bind-off—which ensures the blanket remains soft and flexible rather than stiff or constrictive. This approach is particularly important for baby blankets, where comfort and drape are essential qualities. After completing all rows and binding off, all yarn ends are woven in to finish the project.

Design Credit

This pattern was designed by JoAnne Turcotte and is offered as a free design with yarn purchase through Plymouth Yarn Company.