Rowan Stardust Throw Blanket Knitting Pattern

Rowan Stardust Throw by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Stardust Throw is a knitted blanket designed by Martin Storey. This finished throw measures approximately 91 cm (35¾ inches) wide and 107.5 cm (42¼ inches) long, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or using as a cozy lap blanket. The throw is worked in a classic combination of ribbed and patterned sections that create visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

Techniques Used

This throw is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning you begin at the cast-on edge and work toward the final bind-off. The piece is worked seamless and flat, using a circular needle to accommodate the width of the project while working back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This approach eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish.

The pattern incorporates cable knitting techniques, specifically the C8B cable cross stitch, which involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle, working stitches from the main needle, then working the held stitches to create twisted rope-like texture. This cable stitch is repeated throughout the throw's patterned sections, adding dimensional interest and visual depth to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Stardust Throw uses the following key stitches:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the pattern
• Ribbed pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a regular sequence (K2, P2 repeat), worked at both the beginning and ending edges of the throw for a neat, elastic finish
• C8B cable stitch (cable 8 back), which creates the main decorative element of the throw by crossing groups of stitches over one another

The pattern is worked from a charted design with a 43-stitch repeat that is repeated 5 times across each row. The chart is worked 9 complete times through its 36-row sequence, then partially worked once more through row 32, creating the overall length and pattern progression of the throw.

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan Stardust Throw is knitted using Rowan Softyak DK yarn in the colorway Albany 255. You will need 12 balls of 50-gram yarn to complete this project. The throw is worked on a 4mm (US 6) circular needle at least 80 cm (32 inches) long, which provides adequate width for the 237 cast-on stitches. A cable needle is required for working the cable crosses throughout the pattern.

The recommended tension is 26 stitches and 35 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) when measured over the pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions and ensuring the throw drapes properly.

Pattern Construction Overview

The throw begins with a cast-on of 237 stitches and is worked in a three-part structure. The first section consists of 12 rows of ribbed pattern (K2, P2 repeat), which creates a neat, finished edge. The main body of the throw is then worked from the charted cable pattern, with the 43-stitch repeat worked across the width. This charted section is repeated multiple times to build the length of the throw. The throw concludes with a final 12 rows of ribbed pattern that mirrors the cast-on edge, followed by binding off in rib to maintain the elastic finish. This symmetrical construction ensures a balanced, professionally finished blanket suitable for display or everyday use.