Twist Collective Sprocket Blanket Knitting Pattern

Sprocket Blanket by Barbara Gregory

What Is Being Made

Sprocket is a 35-inch square knitted blanket and throw designed by Barbara Gregory for Twist Collective. This finished piece creates a sophisticated home accessory suitable for layering on beds, sofas, or chairs. The square format makes it versatile for various interior design applications while remaining manageable in size for knitters of different experience levels.

Primary Techniques Used

This blanket employs multiple advanced colorwork techniques to achieve its patterned design. The primary method used is slip stitch, also called mosaic knitting, which allows knitters to create complex color patterns while working with only one color per row. This technique simplifies the knitting process compared to traditional stranded colorwork, as it eliminates the need to manage multiple colors simultaneously across a single row.

The intarsia method is also incorporated into the design. Intarsia is used specifically on contrast color rows to create distinct color blocks and figures within the blanket. When working intarsia sections, separate yarn balls are joined for each color change, and colors are intertwined at color transitions to prevent holes in the fabric. This technique is particularly effective for creating defined motifs and geometric patterns.

Seaming is used to finish the blanket, indicating that pieces are joined together to create the final 35-inch square dimensions.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The slip stitch technique forms the foundation of the pattern work. In slip stitch knitting, stitches are transferred to the right needle without being knitted or purled, with the working yarn held to the wrong side of the fabric. Stitches are slipped purlwise for most knitters, meaning they are slipped in the orientation that prepares them for the next row. The slipped stitches carry color from the preceding row into the current row, creating the visual pattern effect.

Proper tension is essential when working slip stitches. The working yarn should be carried loosely behind slipped stitches to prevent puckering in the finished fabric. Stitches must be kept spread out on the right needle during the slipping process, and the working yarn should not pull them together as subsequent stitches are worked. When beginning right-side rows, the working yarn is brought under any unused yarn before working the first stitch.

The color not being actively worked is carried loosely up the side of the piece, maintaining consistent tension throughout the blanket.

Materials and Yarn

The blanket is constructed using Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a 100% Extra Fine Merino yarn. This fiber choice provides softness and durability suitable for a blanket that may receive regular use and washing. The yarn is worked at a yardage rate of 98 yards per 1¾ ounce (50 gram) ball.

Three colors are used in the design:

• 4 balls in #522 Teal (Main Color)
• 7 balls in #694 Spring Leaf (Contrast Color 1)
• 1 ball in #571 Classic Navy (Contrast Color 2)

The color palette combines cool tones, with teal and spring leaf creating the primary color interaction, while classic navy provides accent detail through the intarsia figures.

Needles and Tools

The blanket is worked on a Size 7 US (4.5 mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) long. Circular needles are used even for flat knitting projects of this size to accommodate the stitch count comfortably. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge, as proper gauge is essential for achieving the finished 35-inch square dimensions.

Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, a sewing needle for finishing, pins for blocking or seaming, and approximately 1 yard (0.9 meter) of light-colored fabric for any structural support if desired.

Pattern Structure and Complexity

The blanket uses charted patterns to guide the colorwork sections. Charts indicate where color changes occur and when the intarsia method should be applied. The combination of slip stitch and intarsia techniques creates visual interest while maintaining a manageable knitting experience, making this project suitable for knitters with intermediate to advanced colorwork skills who are comfortable reading charts and managing multiple yarn colors.