Splatter Tumbling Blocks Baby Blanket in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran - Free

Splatter Tumbling Blocks Baby Blanket in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran

What is Being Made

This is a knitted baby blanket measuring approximately 36 inches by 43 inches when blocked. Designed by Susie Bonell, the blanket features a sophisticated geometric pattern with a decorative border, making it an elegant heirloom-quality piece suitable for gifting or personal use.

Craft and Techniques

This project is executed entirely through knitting, classified as an advanced or experienced-level pattern. The blanket employs multiple knitting techniques to create visual interest and dimension:

• Seed stitch borders frame the main design on all sides, providing a neat, textured edge
• The tumbling blocks pattern creates an optical illusion of three-dimensional cubes through strategic placement of knit and purl stitches
• Stitch markers are used to delineate pattern sections and maintain consistency across rows
• Blocking is required to achieve the final dimensions and even out the geometric pattern

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined in precise sequences to achieve the tumbling blocks effect:

• Knit stitch (K) and purl stitch (P) form the foundation of all pattern work
• Seed stitch creates the textured borders by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard arrangement across rows
• Tumbling blocks pattern uses a 24-row repeat that alternates between blocks of knit and purl stitches in varying widths (ranging from 1 to 5 stitches), creating the illusion of interlocking three-dimensional cubes
• Cast on (CO) and bind off (BO) techniques secure the beginning and end of the blanket

Materials and Tools

This blanket is crafted using premium superwash merino wool, chosen for its durability and washability—essential qualities for baby blankets:

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran Splatter in color #01 (Lilacs); 100% Superwash Merino Wool; 6 skeins required, with each skein containing 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and 150 yards (137.5 meters)
• Needles: US 9 knitting needles
• Additional tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for pattern management
• Gauge: 4 stitches equal 1 inch in stockinette stitch, which is critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions

Pattern Structure

The blanket begins with 150 cast-on stitches and is constructed with a systematic approach to organization. The first 7 rows establish a seed stitch border at the bottom. The main body is then set up with 5 stitches of seed stitch on each side for side borders, with the central 140 stitches devoted to the tumbling blocks pattern. This border-and-center approach ensures a finished, professional appearance while allowing the geometric pattern to take center stage.