Swans Island Bunkie Blankie Blanket Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Bunkie Blankie Knitted Baby Blanket

What Is Being Made

The Bunkie Blankie is a classic baby blanket designed by Michele Rose Orne, featuring the traditional stripe patterns characteristic of Swans Island blankets. This finished blanket measures 28¾ inches wide by 38½ inches long, making it an ideal size for a crib or infant wrap. The blanket is worked flat on straight needles and is rated as an easy-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with basic skills.

Techniques Used

This blanket is created using stripe work and flat knitting techniques. The stripes are formed by changing colors at the beginning of right-side rows, with the pattern notes providing guidance on carrying non-working yarn along the edges for small two-row stripes. The blanket features a reversible design with interesting texture on both sides, eliminating any distinction between right and wrong sides. After knitting is complete, crafters have the optional opportunity to embroider the Swans Island "weaver's mark" as a sign of authenticity and to commemorate the handcrafted heirloom quality of their creation.

Stitches Used

Linen stitch is the primary stitch used throughout this entire blanket. Linen stitch is worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, alternating between knit and slip stitches on the right side, and purl and slip stitches on the wrong side. This classic stitch creates a woven appearance on the face of the fabric while producing a seed stitch-like texture on the reverse side, contributing to the blanket's reversible appeal and sophisticated visual interest.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Main color requires 5 skeins of Swans Island Natural Colors 100% Organic Merino Wool in worsted weight (100 grams, 250 yards per skein). The contrast color requires 1 skein of Swans Island Pure Blends, blending 85% Organic Merino Wool with 15% Alpaca, also in worsted weight (100 grams, 250 yards per skein). The pattern photo shows the blanket knit in Natural and Seasmoke colorways.
• Needles: US Size 10½ (6.5 mm) straight needles, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Gauge: 6 stitches by 9¼ rows equals 1 inch when working linen stitch
• Additional Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, row counter (optional), and small sharp-pointed scissors for optional embroidery work

Pattern Format

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF document, allowing crafters to access the complete instructions, abbreviations, and stitch charts digitally. The pattern includes detailed technical information, finished dimensions, and comprehensive notes on color changes and stripe creation to ensure successful completion of this heirloom-quality baby blanket.