Starboard Throw Blanket Knitting Pattern

Starboard Throw Blanket Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Starboard Throw is an easy-level knitting pattern designed by Teresa Chorzepa and published by Lion Brand Yarn. This downloadable PDF pattern (L40071) creates a finished throw blanket measuring approximately 29 x 29 inches (73.5 x 73.5 cm), making it an ideal size for a decorative accent piece or lap blanket for an ecommerce craft store.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a square throw blanket worked in a diagonal construction method. The blanket features a color-blocked striped design created by changing yarn colors throughout the project. The diagonal approach and strategic increases and decreases create a visually interesting geometric pattern while maintaining the simplicity appropriate for an Easy (Level 2) skill level.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Starboard Throw employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters:

• Diagonal construction: The entire throw is worked diagonally in a single piece rather than assembled from separate components
• Increases: The pattern uses the kfb (knit in front and back) increase method during the first half of the project to expand the blanket dimensions
• Decreases: Mirror increases are performed during the second half to shape the blanket back to its finished dimensions
• Color changes: The pattern incorporates a stripe sequence that requires changing between four different yarn colors
• Circular needle technique: A circular needle is used throughout, which accommodates the large number of stitches as the blanket expands

Stitches Used

The Starboard Throw is constructed using Garter stitch exclusively, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch is one of the most fundamental and versatile knitting stitches, producing a thick, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that appear on both sides of the work. This stitch choice makes the pattern accessible to knitters of all experience levels while creating a durable, reversible blanket with excellent drape and warmth.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn, a premium acrylic yarn available in multiple fiber compositions. The yarn is used in four coordinating colors to create the striped effect:

• White (Color A): 1 ball
• Mustard (Color B): 1 ball
• Aqua (Color C): 1 ball
• Colonial Blue (Color D): 1 ball

Lion Brand Vanna's Choice is composed of 100% Premium Acrylic for most colorways, with some variations including a small percentage of rayon for enhanced softness. Solids are packaged at 3.5 ounces (100 grams) with 170 yards (156 meters) per ball, while specialty colorways vary slightly in yardage. This yarn choice provides durability, easy care, and consistent color availability for pattern reproducibility.

The pattern requires a 29-inch Boye Aluminum Circular Knitting Needle in Size 9, which accommodates the expanding stitch count during the first half of the project. A Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needle Set of 6 is recommended for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the project.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 14 stitches over approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in Garter stitch. Matching gauge is essential to ensure the finished blanket reaches the intended 29 x 29 inch dimensions and that the specified yarn quantities are sufficient. Knitters should prepare a gauge swatch before beginning the full project, adjusting needle size if necessary to match the specified gauge.

Pattern Structure

The Starboard Throw follows a two-phase construction method. During the first half of the project, one stitch is increased on each row, causing the blanket to expand diagonally. This phase continues until the blanket reaches its maximum width. During the second half, one stitch is decreased on each row, gradually narrowing the piece back to a point and creating the finished square shape. Throughout both phases, the knitter follows a stripe sequence that incorporates the four coordinating yarn colors to create visual interest and depth.