Plymouth Yarn Striped Double Stranded Blanket Knitting

Plymouth Yarn Striped Double Stranded Blanket

What Is Being Made

This is a striped baby blanket created using the Dreambaby DK yarn from Plymouth Yarn. The finished blanket measures approximately 36 inches wide by 44 inches long, making it an ideal size for a crib or stroller. The design features multiple horizontal stripes in soft pastel colors, creating a gentle, soothing aesthetic perfect for a nursery.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby DK, a double knit weight yarn worked with two strands held together throughout the entire project. The color palette includes:

• 6 balls (50g each) of color 100 White as the main color (MC)
• 2 balls (50g each) of color 129 Pink Rose as contrast color 1 (CC1)
• 2 balls (50g each) of color 147 Cameo Pink as contrast color 2 (CC2)
• 2 balls (50g each) of color 145 Aqua as contrast color 3 (CC3)

The double-stranded construction creates a thicker, more durable fabric ideal for baby blankets, while the DK weight yarn remains soft and gentle against delicate skin.

Needles and Notions

This blanket is worked on US Size 10 (6mm) circular needles in either 24-inch or 32-inch lengths. Circular needles accommodate the large number of stitches required for the blanket width while remaining manageable throughout the project.

Gauge and Finished Specifications

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking while holding two strands of yarn together. This gauge ensures the blanket will reach its intended dimensions and drape appropriately.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This beginner-friendly blanket employs several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Garter Stitch – Used for the top and bottom borders (2 inches each) and for the first and last 8 stitches of every row throughout the project. This creates a textured, non-curling edge that frames the blanket and prevents rolling.
• Stockinette Stitch – The main stitch used for the body of the blanket, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance.
• Double Stranding – Two strands of yarn are held together as one throughout the entire project, increasing yarn weight and creating a thicker, warmer fabric without requiring bulky yarn.
• Color Blocking – The blanket features horizontal stripes created by changing contrast colors at regular intervals while maintaining the white main color, producing a sophisticated striped pattern.
• Blocking – Light blocking is recommended to even out the stitches and help the blanket lay flat.

Pattern Construction

The blanket begins with casting on 135 stitches and working a 2-inch garter stitch border. From there, the pattern alternates between 4-inch sections of stockinette stitch with different color combinations. The stripe sequence rotates through the three contrast colors (Pink Rose, Cameo Pink, and Aqua) paired with the white main color, creating visual interest while maintaining balance. After reaching 42 inches in length, the pattern concludes with a final 2-inch garter stitch border before binding off all stitches.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, requiring only knowledge of basic knitting stitches: casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, and binding off. The straightforward construction with minimal shaping and the repetitive nature of the stripe pattern make this an excellent project for knitters developing their foundational skills.