Noro Bias Stripe Afghan Blanket Knitting Pattern

Noro Bias Stripe Afghan

What Is Being Made

The Noro Bias Stripe Afghan is a knitted blanket and throw designed to finished measurements of approximately 42 x 60 inches (106.5 x 152.5 centimeters). This project creates a striking chevron pattern through the strategic seaming of multiple knitted strips worked in contrasting colors and stitch techniques.

Project Structure and Construction

The afghan is constructed from six individual strips—three of Strip 1 and three of Strip 2—which are then seamed together along their long edges and alternated to create the distinctive chevron visual pattern. This modular approach allows crafters to work on manageable sections before assembling the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its design:

• Worked Flat: All strips are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters of all skill levels.
• Increases and Decreases: The strips are shaped using increase stitches (kfb—knit into front and back) and decrease stitches (ssk—slip, slip, knit and k2tog—knit two stitches together) to create the bias row shaping that forms the chevron effect.
• Seaming: Long edges of the strips are sewn together using the seamed technique, with strips alternated to build the final chevron pattern.
• Stripe Pattern: Color stripes are created by alternating between two yarn colors (designated A and B) in a repeating pattern throughout the work.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Noro Bias Stripe Afghan uses basic knitting stitches combined into a structured pattern:

• Garter Stitch: The initial foundation rows are worked in garter stitch (knit every row), creating a stable base for the strips.
• Bias Row Pattern: The primary stitch pattern repeats over four rows, combining knit and purl rows with strategic increases and decreases. Strip 1 uses increase shaping (kfb at both ends) followed by decrease shaping (ssk and kfb), while Strip 2 reverses this sequence with kfb and k2tog increases and decreases. This creates the directional bias that produces the chevron effect when strips are alternated.
• Stockinette Stitch Elements: The bias rows incorporate stockinette stitch principles with knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, contributing to the fabric's drape and visual texture.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Bias Stripe Afghan requires specific materials to achieve the intended finished product:

• Yarn A: 11 balls (1¾ ounces/50 grams each) of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in color #28 Charcoal, providing a solid neutral base color.
• Yarn B: 10 skeins of Noro Kureyon in color #95, contributing the contrasting striped color and characteristic Noro color variation.
• Needles: One pair of size 9 (5.5 millimeters) needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge.
• Gauge: The pattern requires 14 stitches and 28 rows to equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) over the bias row pattern using size 9 needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as Easy, making it suitable for knitters with basic experience. The straightforward stitch techniques, simple color changes, and modular construction method provide an accessible introduction to more advanced shaping and seaming techniques.