Paintbox Yarns Check Me Out Bed Throw Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Check Me Out Bed Throw

What is Being Made

The Check Me Out Bed Throw is a colorful knitted blanket designed as an intermediate-level project. This finished bed throw measures 75 cm (30 inches) wide by 203 cm (80 inches) long, making it a substantial piece suitable for draping over a bed or using as a decorative throw blanket. The project showcases vibrant color work through its construction.

Techniques Used

This bed throw is worked flat on knitting needles, meaning the piece is created in rows back and forth rather than in the round. The primary technique employed is fairisle, a traditional color-work method that allows multiple colors to be incorporated into the knitted fabric in a controlled, patterned way. Fairisle knitting creates intricate designs by carrying yarn colors across the back of the work, enabling the creation of complex, multi-colored patterns without the need for separate pieces or appliqué.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches as the foundation for the fairisle color work:

• Knit (K) – the basic stitch that forms the primary fabric
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern variation
• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the smooth, classic stitch created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, which serves as the base for the fairisle pattern

The pattern is written using UK knitting terminology with US terminology provided in parentheses for international crafters.

Materials Required

Yarn: The Check Me Out Bed Throw is made using Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran yarn in 50g balls. The project requires a total of 20 balls distributed across nine coordinating colors:

• 3 balls of A – Daffodil Yellow
• 3 balls of B – Buttercup Yellow
• 3 balls of C – Mustard Yellow
• 3 balls of D – Candyfloss Pink
• 3 balls of E – Bubblegum Pink
• 3 balls of F – Lipstick Pink
• 3 balls of G – Kingfisher Blue
• 3 balls of H – Dolphin Blue
• 3 balls of I – Sailor Blue
• 2 balls of J – Blood Orange

Cotton Aran is a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition for color work and creates a fabric with excellent drape suitable for a bed throw.

Needles and Hooks: The project requires 4.5mm (UK 7 – US 7) knitting needles for the main knitting work. A 4.5mm (UK 7 – US 7) crochet hook is also included in the materials list, likely for finishing techniques such as edging or binding off.

Tension and Gauge Information

Achieving the correct tension (gauge) is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over fairisle using 4.5mm needles. Before beginning the bed throw, crafters should knit a tension swatch at least 13 cm (5 inches) square to verify their gauge. If your swatch contains more stitches and rows than specified, use thicker needles; if it contains fewer, use thinner needles. Working to the correct tension ensures the finished bed throw will measure the intended dimensions and that yarn quantities will be accurate.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate, indicating it is suitable for knitters with some experience. While the fairisle technique and color work add complexity beyond basic knitting, the use of straightforward stitches and flat construction makes it accessible to those who have mastered fundamental knitting skills and are ready to explore color-work techniques.