Rowan Checkerboard Blanket Knitting Pattern

Rowan Checkerboard Knitted Throw by Kaffe Fassett

Project Overview

The Rowan Checkerboard is a large knitted throw blanket designed by renowned colorist Kaffe Fassett. This project creates a finished piece measuring approximately 76 cm (30 inches) wide and 255 cm (100½ inches) long, making it a substantial home accessory suitable for draping over furniture or using as a decorative blanket.

Construction Techniques

This throw is constructed using multiple advanced knitting techniques to create its distinctive checkerboard pattern. The primary construction method is bottom-up knitting, where stitches are cast on and the piece is worked upward to the desired length. The pattern employs both intarsia and fair isle techniques to incorporate the multiple colors required for the checkerboard design. Intarsia allows for large blocks of solid color by using separate yarn bobbins for different sections, while fair isle techniques enable color changes across rows. The throw is worked seamlessly in stockinette stitch throughout the main body, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.

Stitch Work and Pattern Details

The entire throw body is worked in stockinette stitch (abbreviated st st), beginning with a knit row. The pattern is charted and worked over 180 rows, which are repeated three times, followed by an additional partial repeat of rows 1 to 90. This systematic repetition creates the consistent checkerboard pattern throughout the length of the throw. The edging is worked separately using a crochet technique, adding a finished border around the entire outer edge. The crochet edging uses treble stitches (tr) worked in the round, with three trebles worked into each corner point to maintain shaping and two trebles worked for every three rows along the straight edges.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Checkerboard uses Rowan Felted Tweed yarn throughout, a wool-based yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and color vibrancy. The pattern requires eleven different colors from the Felted Tweed range:

• Yarn A – Zinnia 198: 2 x 50gm
• Yarn B – Pink Bliss 199: 1 x 50gm
• Yarn C – Barbara 200: 1 x 50gm
• Yarn D – Iris 201: 2 x 50gm
• Yarn E – Turquoise 202: 2 x 50gm
• Yarn F – Electric Green 203: 2 x 50gm
• Yarn G – Vaseline Green 204: 2 x 50gm
• Yarn H – Lotus Leaf 205: 2 x 50gm
• Yarn I – Peony 183: 2 x 50gm
• Yarn J – Seafarer 170: 3 x 50gm
• Yarn K – Delft 194: 3 x 50gm
• Yarn L – Seasalter 178: 1 x 50gm

The total yardage is distributed across these carefully selected colors to create the vibrant, multi-colored checkerboard effect characteristic of Kaffe Fassett's design aesthetic.

Tools and Equipment

The project requires two sets of needles and one crochet hook. For the main throw body, 4mm (US 6) knitting needles are used to work the stockinette stitch pattern. A 3.50mm (US E4) crochet hook is used for the final edging round. The tension is set at 24 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters measured over patterned stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles, ensuring proper sizing and drape of the finished throw.

Skill Level and Finishing

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate to advanced skills, as it requires proficiency with intarsia and fair isle color-work techniques, chart reading, and seamless construction methods. After all knitting and crocheting is complete, the throw should be pressed according to the finishing instructions provided in the pattern information page, which