Paintbox Yarns Bobo Bubble Stitch Blanket & Beanie Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Bobo Bubble Stitch Blanket & Beanie

Project Overview

The Bobo Bubble Stitch Blanket & Beanie is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Chloe Elizabeth Birch. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a coordinating set consisting of a soft blanket and matching beanie hat, both featuring the distinctive bubble stitch texture.

What Is Being Made

• Blanket: A finished blanket measuring 27 inches wide by 31¼ inches long (68.5cm x 79cm)
• Beanie Hat: A fitted hat available in six sizes to accommodate ages 0-3 months through 18-24 months, with circumference options ranging from 13 inches to 17¼ inches (33cm to 44cm)

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch featured in this pattern is the bubble stitch, which creates a textured, dimensional surface ideal for blankets and hats. The bubble stitch technique involves a specialized knitting method where stitches are worked into rows below the current working row, creating enclosed "bars" of yarn that form the characteristic bubble texture.

Additional stitches and techniques include:

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (p): Used in combination with knit stitches for pattern construction
• K4 below technique: A specialized method where the knitter works into a stitch located four rows below the next stitch on the left needle, allowing stitches above to unravel down and enclose the yarn bars within the newly created stitch
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Used in sections of the pattern for smooth fabric
• Repeat patterns: Instructions use square brackets to indicate sections that should be repeated a specified number of times

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern uses Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a double-knit weight yarn available in four coordinating colors:

• Ocean Blue (A)
• Misty Grey (B)
• Peach Orange (C)
• Pastel Green (D)

For the Hat: 3 balls of 1¼oz/100g Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (one ball each of Ocean Blue, Misty Grey, Peach Orange, and Pastel Green, with an additional ball of one color). Optional: a 2¼-inch pom pom maker for finishing.

For the Blanket: 3½oz/100g balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, consisting of one ball each of Ocean Blue (A) and Peach Orange (C), and two balls of Misty Grey (B), plus one ball of Pastel Green (D).

Needles and Tools

• Pair of US 3 (3.25mm) knitting needles
• Pair of US 6 (4mm) knitting needles
• Optional pom pom maker (2¼ inches)

Gauge and Tension

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies two gauge options depending on needle choice:

• Using US 5 (3.75mm) needles: 22 stitches and 36 rows to 4 inches (10cm) measured over bubble stitch
• Using US 6 (4mm) needles: 20 stitches and 33 rows to 4 inches (10cm) measured over bubble stitch

Knitters should swatch their gauge before beginning to ensure the finished blanket and hat achieve the intended dimensions.

Pattern Notes and Terminology

The pattern is written using US knitting terminology, with UK terminology provided in italics in round brackets for international knitters. Yarn quantities are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Paintbox Yarns recommends using only the specified Paintbox Yarns Simply DK for best results, as substituting alternative yarns may affect the finished item's appearance and drape.