Knitted Color block afghan Pattern

Knitted Color Block Afghan Pattern by Lion Brand

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand creates a sophisticated color block afghan measuring 44 inches by 56 inches. The design features a striking arrangement of colored panels joined together to form a cohesive blanket throw, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking to combine multiple colors in a structured, visually appealing composition.

Construction Method

The Color Block Afghan is constructed using a strip-based assembly technique. Rather than knitting the entire blanket as one piece, this pattern involves creating six separate vertical strips that are later joined together using flat seaming. This modular approach allows knitters to work with manageable sections and makes it easier to manage multiple colors throughout the project. After all strips are completed and joined, a decorative border is added around the perimeter of the finished afghan.

Color Arrangement and Materials

The afghan features six distinct color blocks created using Lion Brand Homespun yarn in the following color palette:

• 1 skein of #307 Antique (Color A)
• 2 skeins of #312 Edwardian (Color B)
• 2 skeins of #311 Rococo (Color C)
• 2 skeins of #318 Sierra (Color D)
• 1 skein of #301 Shaker (Color E)

The specific color arrangement across the six strips follows the sequence: A, C, E, A, C, B in the first row of panels, with B, D, A, D, B, E completing the second row. Knitters also have the option to substitute colors of their choice to customize the afghan to their preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The main afghan panels are worked using reverse stockinette stitch, which creates a textured, ribbed appearance. The pattern stitch for the panels alternates between knit rows on the wrong side and a combination of knit edges with purled centers on the right side, creating the characteristic reverse stockinette texture. The gauge for this stitch pattern is 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches when worked on Size 10 needles.

The border incorporates more complex colorwork techniques, including slip stitch patterns that create visual interest through color changes. The border construction involves picking up stitches along each edge and working multiple color transitions, including increases worked on right-side rows to shape the border. Slip stitches are executed both with yarn in back and yarn in front to create a cohesive pattern while managing multiple colors.

Equipment Requirements

This project requires Size 10 U.S. (6.00 mm) knitting needles in both straight and circular configurations. The circular needle is specifically used for the border sections, which are worked back and forth rather than in the round. Having needles in both formats ensures proper gauge and allows for the different construction methods used throughout the project.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge of 12 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches is essential for obtaining the proper finished dimensions. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure the afghan reaches the intended 44 by 56 inch size. After all strips are joined with flat seaming and the border is complete, all ends are woven in to create a polished, finished appearance. Border corners are joined using flat seaming to maintain the clean lines of the color block design.