Sirius Blanket Knitting Pattern

Sirius Blanket in Berroco Vintage Handpaint

What is Being Made

The Sirius Blanket is a rectangular knit throw designed by Åsa Buchta, measuring approximately 38½ inches by 54 inches (98 cm x 137 cm). This is an ideal size for a cozy lap blanket or decorative throw for furniture. The blanket is constructed by knitting from one short end to the other, creating a finished piece that combines color blocking with textural stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Vintage Handpaint yarn, a premium hand-painted option that adds visual interest and depth to the finished blanket. The color palette consists of 7 hanks of #5213 Royal Amethyst (the primary color) and 2 hanks of #5230 Blushing Rose (the secondary color), with each hank weighing 100 grams. The combination of these two jewel-toned colors creates an elegant, sophisticated aesthetic.

Knitters will need 40-inch circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm), or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are used for this project despite the rectangular shape, allowing for easy management of the large number of stitches and providing comfortable knitting for extended sessions.

Techniques and Construction

The Sirius Blanket employs a straightforward construction method that makes it suitable for beginner-level knitters. The blanket is knit as a single rectangle from one short end to the opposite short end, working continuously in rows. This approach simplifies the finishing process, as there are no separate pieces to seam together.

A key construction feature involves carrying yarn up the side between stripes. When switching between the two colors during pattern work, the unused yarn can be carried along the edge rather than being cut and rejoined, reducing the number of ends to weave in and creating a neater finished edge.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The blanket begins with a ribbed setup worked over 2 inches (5 cm), which provides a stable, finished edge and helps prevent curling. This ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 rib pattern.

The main body of the blanket features a Pattern Stitch that repeats over 8 rows and works over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1. The pattern stitch structure is as follows:

• Rows 1 and 3 (Right Side): Worked in the primary color (Royal Amethyst), these rows are knit across.
• Rows 2 and 4 (Wrong Side): Worked in the primary color, these rows are purled across.
• Row 5: Worked in the secondary color (Blushing Rose), this row begins the slip stitch detail with the sequence: knit 1, then repeat slip 1 stitch with yarn in front and knit 1 across the row.
• Row 6: Worked in the secondary color, this row is purled across.
• Row 7: Worked in the primary color, this row offsets the slip stitches with the sequence: knit 2, then repeat slip 1 stitch with yarn in front and knit 1 to the last stitch, finishing with a knit stitch.
• Row 8: Worked in the primary color, this row is purled across.

The slip stitch technique (abbreviated as "sl 1 wyif," meaning slip 1 stitch with yarn in front) creates a subtle textural element and helps blend the color transitions. This stitch is worked by slipping a stitch from the left needle to the right needle without knitting it, with the working yarn held in front of the work. The slip stitches create a neat, professional appearance where colors meet.

Gauge and Finishing

The specified gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when working the Pattern Stitch on the larger size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. This gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important step in achieving the correct finished dimensions. Checking gauge before beginning the project is strongly recommended to ensure the blanket reaches the intended measurements.

Skill Level

Rated as an