Brookside Blanket Knitting Pattern - New!

On Super Bowl Sunday I published my newest blanket knitting pattern...the Brookside Blanket.  It's knit with super bulky yarn on big needles so it knits up very quickly.

I am so pleased with how this chunky, warm blanket design turned out.  I love the subtle block design.

Brookside Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Brookside Blanket Knitting Pattern - Knit with Super Bulky Yarn

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The Brookside Blanket is named for the Brookside neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri.  I grew up in this older, charming neighborhood.  The grid inspired pattern in the knitting reminds me of the grid layout of the neighborhood streets in Brookside.  The neighborhood blocks are lined with charming homes that were built in the 1920's.  There aren't any dead end cul-de-sac streets like so many newer suburban neighborhoods.  Nearly all of the streets are set up in a uniform grid.   

Brookside Blanket - Pattern includes directions for 4 sizes.

OCTOBER 2017 UPDATE:

The Brookside Blanket pattern now includes directions for SIX sizes:

Baby Blanket: 25" wide x 31" long
Small (Crib/Lap): 32.5" wide x 38" long
Medium Throw: 39.5" wide x 41.5" long
Large Throw: 43" long x 52" long
XL Afghan: 46.5" wide x 55.5" long
XXL Afghan: 50" wide x 59" long

It's easy to make your blanket longer by adding pattern repeats.  Adding an additional pattern repeat (the subtle block pattern in the center of the blanket) will add about 3.5" to the length of the blanket.  The pattern includes estimates for amount of additional yarn needed to add length to each size blanket.

Brookside Blanket is knit with super bulky yarn.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

Baby: 335 - 350 yards
Small: 480 - 510 yards
Medium: 640 - 680 yards
Large: 900 - 940 yards
XL: 1050 - 1100 yards
XXL: 1200 - 1250 yards

This blanket can be made with many super bulky weight yarns.  I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool from Michael's Craft Store.  This is a very soft, light weight yarn that knits up easily.  The colors are very nice as well.  The navy blue yarn I used is called 'Sapphire'.  This is a lovely shade of navy!  The ivory / white yarn I used is called 'Fleece'.

Other great yarn options for this blanket include Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick and Lion Brand Hometown USA.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend blocking your finished blanket for this pattern.  Blocking of this pattern will help flatten out the border edges nicely.  

Click here to read my completely updated blog post with step-by-step tips for blocking a blanket.

For the white blanket, I folded it in thirds and held it under cold running water at the kitchen sink.  I flipped the folded blanket over to get all sides moderately wet.  I covered my durable, Formica work table with an old sheet.  Then I carefully unfolded the wet blanket.  Then I spent some time adjusting all the edges so they were straight.  I checked dimensions with a tape measure to make sure I had the blanket evenly positioned and I looked the blanket from many sides to double check that the grid knitting pattern was as even as possible.  

Blocking recommended!  

I set up a fan to try to encourage quicker drying time!  The photo above was taken at night right after I arranged the blanket.  With the super bulky yarn, I found that I really did not need pins to hold the knitting in place.  (Note that it is important to set up this wet project on a water proof surface!)

By the next morning I could already tell that taking the time to block this blanket was worth it!  Even without pinning, the knitting remained in position.  The blanket was still very damp so I turned the fan on for a few more hours.  (Since this was set up in my home studio, I did not have the fan running all the time...it got too cold on chilly winter days!)  

Blanket blocking in progress.  The fan helps!

I think it took about a day and a half for the blanket to dry completely.  I am very pleased with how the blanket looks after blocking!

Brookside Blanket - after blocking!

I used US size 13 circular knitting needles which are 32" in length.  This length is essential to make a throw size blanket and accommodate all the stitches.  A little bit shorter length circular needle could be used for the crib or baby size blanket.  However, if you are going to buy only one set of circular needles for blankets...I'd pick at least 32" in length so you'll have the flexibility to make a larger size blanket if you decide to later. I used Knitter's Pride Nova Platina knitting needles.  I've used them for many projects and would definitely recommend these knitting needles.

The Brookside Blanket is an easy knitting pattern.  You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row pattern, cast off stitches and weave in ends.

As discussed above, blocking is recommended.  If you haven't blocked a project before, not to worry!  It's not that hard and you will be glad you did it.

If you would like to purchase the Brookside Blanket knitting pattern, it is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and in my Etsy shop.

Thank you so much for your interest in my knitting patterns!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio