Projects made using Fifty Four Ten Studio patterns: Volume #3

It's so fun to see how knitters use my knitting patterns to make special items for their home, family and friends.  I've been keeping a list of projects that caught my eye for several months and now have them compiled here to share the third installment of: "How Knitters Use Fifty Four Ten Studio Patterns".

Click the links on each pattern name or photo to read more about each pattern on my blog.

All photos shared with the permission of each knitter.

Arielle Elizabeth's Lovely 'Happy Endings' blanket:

Arielle Elizabeth shared these beautiful photos of the Happy Endings blanket she made for her new home.  I love her rainy day work-in-progress photo...so cozy!

Cozy knitting!  Happy Endings blanket project. 

In her Instagram post Arielle Elizabeth wrote: "I absolutely love this pattern and the yarn is oOo so soft and washable too.  This pattern is available by the talented @fiftyfourtenstudio who made this project beyond easy to create and my dream of a large couch afghan come true!"  Thanks so much for the kind words!

Arielle Elizabeth used Lion Brand Color Made Easy for this project.  (It looks like it's the 'Wheat' colorway.)

Happy Endings blanket made by Arielle Elizabeth.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.


Derek's Fabulous 'All These Places' Blanket:

Last week, I discovered Derek's fabulous gray 'All These Places' project on Ravelry.  Derek used 'Oxford Grey' Lion Brand Pound of Love...knitting two strands together on US 11 knitting needles.  Knitting two strands of worsted weight yarn together is a great way to substitute for bulky weight yarn.  I love this close up photo of his project....beautiful stitches!

Derek's 'All These Places' blanket project looks fantastic!

Derek made the XXL size and added additional pattern repeats to make the blanket longer to be suitable for a tall friend.  Finished size is 51.5" wide x 72" long.  It looks fabulous!

Derek's finished blanket is 72" long!

All These Places blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.


Katie's Splendid 'Summer Sidewalk' Baby Blanket:

Katie knit this little baby blanket for her newborn son...and finished it just a couple weeks before he was born.  It's beautiful!  She used my 'Summer Sidewalk' blanket knitting pattern and Plymouth Encore Tweed worsted weight yarn in the 'Gray' colorway.

Katie's hand knit baby blanket using the 'Summer Sidewalk' pattern.

Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern is available on Raverly, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Liz's Cozy 'Westport Blanket':

Liz used Rowan Big Wool in the gorgeous 'Mallard' colorway for her Westport Blanket project.  Her blanket looks lovely and cozy...especially with this inviting breakfast tray!  It was so fun to discover Liz's project on LoveKnitting!

Liz's Westport Blanket looks super cozy!

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

Jennifer's Comforting 'All These Places' Blanket:

Jennifer finished her first blanket project!  She made this lovely gray blanket using my 'All These Places' knitting pattern.  She used Cascade 'Swaddle' yarn in colorway #208 and US 10 knitting needles.  Jennifer shared on Instagram that she made two of these blankets while a family member was battling illness.  It's heartwarming to know that knitting brought her some comfort as she reflected on happy memories when they traveled to many interesting places. 

Jennifer's All These Places blanket project looks lovely!

All These Places blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Dana's Gorgeous Shawl Inspired by the 'Meadow Lane Blanket' Pattern:

Dana has adapted my Meadow Lane blanket pattern to make this gorgeous shawl.  She is using Uneek Fingering weight yarn in colorway #3002.  She purchased the yarn at Knit-o-Matic and adapted the pattern to work with the thinner yarn.  She told me she cast on 100 stitches with 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles.  The results are lovely!  See more of her work-in-progress photos on Instagram at @danaraeknits.

Dana's shawl inspired by the Meadow Lane blanket pattern.

Click here to download the Meadow Lane blanket pattern *free* everyday on FiftyFourTenStudio.com or on Ravelry.

Claire's Pretty 'Making Plans' Blanket:

Claire shared her first hand knit blanket project on her @Alchemilla72 Instagram page.  She used my 'Making Plans' blanket knitting pattern along with Lion Brand Heartland worsted weight yarn in the 'Yellowstone' colorway.  Her blanket looks fantastic! 

Making Plans blanket knit by Claire with Lion Brand Yarn.

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Marcia's Marvelous  'On the Porch' Blanket:

Marcia knit this lovely baby blanket to give as a gift for her new great-nephew.  She used my 'On the Porch' blanket knitting pattern that is simple and easy to knit.  Her project looks fantastic!  She used Lion Brand Color Made Easy bulky weight yarn in the 'Kingfisher' colorway.  

Marcia's 'On the Porch' blanket looks beautiful in blue!

The 'On the Porch' blanket pattern is designed for worsted or heavy worsted yarn.  It's very easy to adapt the pattern for a heavier weight yarn...such as bulky weight...by following the directions for one or two sizes smaller than you would like the blanket to turn out.

On the Porch blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

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Thank you so much to Arielle Elizabeth, Derek, Katie, Liz, Jennifer, Dana, Claire and Marcia for sharing their Fifty Four Ten Studio project photos....and for allowing me to share their beautiful photos with you here on my blog. 

Fifty Four Ten Studio blanket projects - Sept 2019

Click here to shop my knitting patterns on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

Click here to shop all of my patterns on Ravelry.  Most of my patterns are also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Click here to see the first post about customer projects from March 2019.

Click here to see the second post about customer projects from May 2019.

Click here to see lots of other Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that knitters have shared on Ravelry.

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How to share your photos and be considered for a future blog post:  

Instagram: Tag your photo with @FiftyFourTenStudio and #FiftyFourTenStudio.  (If your account is private, I won't be able to see your photo.)

Ravelry Projects: It's so fun to see all the Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that have been shared on Ravelry.

Email: My email address is in every pattern.  I love hearing from knitters!

Photos selected based on an attractive project and attractive, clear project photos.  An interesting story is also intriguing!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Free Blanket Knitting Pattern - Meadow Lane

I'm so happy to introduce this new free blanket knitting pattern - Meadow Lane.

The Meadow Lane blanket is very easy to knit with Aran, worsted, or DK weight yarn.  The pattern may also be used with other similar weight yarns.  Just pick the needle size that works best for your yarn and knitting tension. (See more info below.)

APRIL 2023: The Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern was originally published in 2017.  I recently updated the pattern instructions to reflect the gauge, yardage and measurements from a new project sample.  

Click here to download the updated PDF pattern file for the Meadow Lane Blanket.

Or, click here to download the pattern for free on Ravelry.

This pattern is very easy but once in a while knitters need a little extra help getting on track.  Here's a free PDF tutorial for the Meadow Lane Blanket to address the most common questions.

If you prefer super bulky weight yarn...check out my popular free chunky blanket knitting pattern....The Boulevard Blanket.

The Boulevard Blanket - free pattern for super bulky weight yarn.

The Meadow Lane blanket is the lighter weight version of the two blankets.

At first glance you might think this blanket is simple garter stitch.  Look again!  An easy K4, P4 repeat pattern creates a subtle vertical stripe effect.

This pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX SIZES:
approximate dimensions after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 28" wide x 30" long

Small Blanket: 30" wide x 36" long

Medium Throw: 34" wide x 37" long

Large Throw: 38" wide x 44" long

XL Afghan: 42" wide x 46" long

XXL Afghan: 47" wide x 50" long 

It's very easy to make any of the blankets longer...just work additional rows until the blanket is the desired length or you run out of yarn. Be sure to purchase more yarn than noted below if you want to make your blanket longer.

ARAN OR WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:
Amount of yarn needed for each blanket size...

Baby: 670 - 700 yards

Small: 850 - 880 yards

Medium: 1000 - 1050 yards

Large: 1300 - 1400 yards

XL: 1500 - 1600 yards

XXL: 1850 - 1950 yards 

The pattern includes estimates for approximately how much additional yarn is needed to add about 2" to the length of each blanket size.

This pattern will work well with worsted, Aran, DK, or other similar weight yarn.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.

YARN UPDATE 2023: The yarn I used for this blanket project has been discontinued.  However, the pattern will work with many worsted or Aran #4 weight yarns.  

Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling (100% Acrylic) - This is not your grandmother’s 1970’s acrylic yarn!  It’s very soft to the touch… not scratchy or ‘sticky’.  I love how this stitch pattern works with this yarn!  Available in a large selection of attractive colorways including ‘Silver Heather’, ‘Mustard’ and ‘Turquoise Heather’ (shown in photo below).  Machine washable and dryable. Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon

Lion Brand Heartland (100% Acrylic) - Nice stitch definition and a lovely, soft texture.  Great for blanket projects.  A nice selection of muted heathered and tweedy colorways that are perfect for home décor projects.  Machine washable on gentle cycle.  Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon

This yarn has been discontinued.  See notes above about other yarn suggestions.

GAUGE:

I used US size 8 knitting needles and my gauge in pattern stitch is about 15 - 16 stitches = 4".

Exact gauge is not essential for this pattern.

It's more important to pick the needles that work best for your yarn and your knitting tension.

TEST KNITTING:

To test the pattern and decide which needle size is best for your yarn....cast on 20 or 28 stitches with the needle size suggested for your yarn.  Work in the stitch pattern as noted in the pattern....

Row 1: *K4, P4; repeat from *, end K4
Row 2:  same as Row 1 (be sure to start the row with K4)

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until work measures about 2" or more.  It can take at least 2" of knitting for the subtle vertical line effect to show up.  If your stitches are too loose the pattern may not show up as desired so try switching to one needle size smaller.  If you think your knitting is too tight...try one needle size larger.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PATTERN:

You can download the Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern for free on Ravelry or click here to get the instant download PDF. 

Thanksgiving is just about a week away.  I'm looking forward to spending lots of time with my family over the holiday week.  Hope you have a nice holiday if you are celebrating Thanksgiving in the U.S.!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Meadow Lane - easy blanket knitting pattern - FREE!

Prairie Fields - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - Prairie Fields.

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

This blanket is designed for use with worsted weight yarn.  The pattern may also be used with DK, Aran or other similar weight yarns.  Just pick the knitting needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn.

This blanket is fun to knit!  I loved using this stitch pattern....it's just simple knit and purl stitches.

You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern in standard US knitting terms, cast off stitches and weave in ends.  Blocking of the finished blanket is highly recommended!  (More on that below!)

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern.

Prairie Fields is named for the beautiful farms...with crops planted in orderly rows...that surround my hometown of Kansas City. I live in a suburb of Kansas City...on the Kansas side of the State Line.  Though our neighborhood is definitely suburban....beautiful prairie fields are not too far away.

I love the texture of this stitch pattern!

This pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes!  The blanket shown in the photos is a size small...crib or lap size blanket.

SIX BLANKET SIZES
approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 28" wide x 31.25" long
Small Crib/Lap Blanket: 31" wide x 35" long
Medium Throw: 34" long x 38.75" long
Large Throw: 38" wide x 42.5" long
XL Afghan: 42.5" wide x 46.25" long
XXL Afghan: 46.75" wide x 50" long

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Adding one pattern repeat will add about 3.75" to the length of the blanket.

Of course...be sure to purchase additional yarn if you plan to make your blanket longer!  The pattern includes estimates for how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.

WORSTED WEIGHT YARN

Baby: 680 - 700 yards
Small: 840 - 870 yards
Medium: 1030 - 1060 yards
Large: 1260 - 1300 yards
XL: 1600 - 1650 yards
XXL: 1900 - 1950 yards

This pattern will work well with many worsted weight yarns.  The pattern will also work well with DK, Aran or other yarns that are similar in weight to worsted.

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn.

EXACT GAUGE NOT ESSENTIAL

I used US size 7 circular knitting needles and my gauge was about 17 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches.

When you select your yarn do a test swatch in stockinette stitch with the needle size recommended for your yarn.  Cast on about 25 stitches and knit in stockinette stitch for a few inches.

You may find that you need a smaller or larger needle size depending on the thickness of your yarn and your knitting tension.  If your knitting seems too tight...switch to a needle size one or two sizes larger.  If your knitting seems too loose...go down a needle size or two.

Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance....without worrying about exact gauge.

Just keep in mind...a different weight yarn may require more...or less...yarn.  So...plan ahead by purchasing extra yarn just to be sure you have plenty.

Prairie Fields blanket knit with Cascade 220 Superwash.

BLANKET SHOWN IN CASCADE 220 SUPERWASH

I used Cascade 220 Superwash in the color 'Lake Chelan Heather' #859 that I purchased at The Yarn Barn in Lawrence, Kansas.

This was the first time I have used Cascade 220 Superwash....it's just lovely!  Easy to knit...100% superwash wool...220 yards per skein at a reasonable price for very nice quality yarn...it's a great choice for blankets!  And...this yarn comes in so many beautiful colors!

The Yarn Barn is a lovely store that has been in Lawrence for many years.  In addition to the fantastic selection in the shop, they also publish a fabulous catalog that includes a huge selection of yarn. If you like traditional mail order...using a catalog and calling someone in person...give them a call!  And, if you are near Lawrence, Kansas this store is worth the stop!  (There's also an amazing fabric store across the street if you are into sewing and quilting....Sarah's Fabrics.)

Knitting with Cascade 220 Superwash in 'Lake Chelan Heather'.

BLOCKING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I highly recommend blocking this blanket after you have finished knitting and weaving in the ends.

Click here for a link to my blog post about how to block a blanket.

Here's what this blanket looked like BEFORE blocking...

Before blocking!

Before blocking the knitting was bumpy and puckered...especially along the sides next to the garter stitch border.

Here's what the blanket looks like AFTER blocking...

Prairie Fields blanket - After blocking!

Blocking makes everything about the blanket look better!  The texture of the pattern shines and flat stockinette stitch sections of the blanket are smooth and neat.

WHERE TO BUY THE PATTERN

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

If you like knitting blankets with worsted weight yarn you might also like these other blanket patterns I designed: Summer Sidewalk, On the Porch and On the Map.

It's fall in Kansas City!

It's feeling more like fall around here in Kansas City.  The leaves are turning beautiful colors and it's much cooler...time to pull out my collection of cozy blankets.  We like to keep our house pretty cold in the fall and winter so we always have warm blankets around to wrap up and keep warm!

Thanks so much for your interest in my knitting patterns!  Hope you have a fabulous day!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

New Cozy Blanket Knitting Pattern - Winter Dance

I'm so excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - Winter Dance.

Winter Dance blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

I love the chunky texture of this blanket!  It's big, thick and cozy....perfect for cold winter nights.

Winter Dance - cozy, chunky blanket knitting pattern. 

It was so fun to design this blanket as a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company!

I used their popular Wool-Ease Thick & Quick super bulky yarn in the color 'Denim'.

Lion Brand is offering a kit to make the Winter Dance afghan!  The kit includes enough yarn to make an extra-large afghan (46" x 57") using the lovely 'Denim' blue colorway.

I have used Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for many projects and I am always very pleased with the results.  This was the first time I used the 'Denim' shade of blue and I absolutely love it!  I will definitely use this lovely blue yarn in future projects.

Winter Dance afghan blanket - fun to knit with super bulky yarn!

I loved knitting this blanket!  The center pattern is a four row repeat that is very easy to remember. The blanket is framed by a classic, easy-to-knit seed stitch border.

This blanket design will look great with just about any decorating style.

My denim blue version of the Winter Dance blanket will be a favorite in our home for years to come!

Winter Dance blanket knitting pattern - shown in XL Afghan size.

I made the "XL" size...it's a big, cozy afghan!  It's about 46" wide and 57" long.

The pattern includes instructions for six sizes so you can knit a blanket for just about anyone.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX SIZES:
approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby/Infant Blanket: 30" wide x 32" long
Small - Crib/Lap Blanket: 34" wide x 39.5" long
Medium Throw: 38" wide x 44" long
Large Throw: 42" wide x 48" long
XL Afghan: 46" wide x 57" long
XXL Afghan: 52" wide x 60" long

Any of the blanket sizes may be make longer by adding additional pattern repeats.

This blanket is fun to knit with super bulky yarn & big needles.

SUPER BULKY YARN:
This pattern is designed for use with super bulky yarn.

Yardage needed...

Baby: 300 - 320 yards
Small: 460 - 480 yards
Medium: 570 - 600 yards
Large: 690 - 730 yards
XL: 900 - 950 yards
XXL: 1100 - 1165 yards

My favorite choice for this blanket is Lion Brand's Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in a solid color.  This yarn is 20% wool and 80% acrylic...so it has a lovely soft, woolly texture.  This yarn is available in lots of colors!

This blanket would also look wonderful knit with Lion Brand Hometown USA. Hometown USA is a good choice if you prefer a yarn without wool.  It's available in lots of colors!  Check out 'Washington Denim' if you like a color similar to the one I used.  My other favorite shades in Hometown USA are 'Dallas Grey' and 'Houston Cream'.

The texture of the pattern will show up best with solid color yarns.

Be sure to purchase additional yarn if you plan to add length to your blanket.  The pattern includes estimates on how much additional yarn is required to add pattern repeats.

A seed stitch border frames my Winter Dance blanket.

TIP: To keep the edges 'clean'...transition from one skein of yarn to the next somewhere in the middle of a row.  It's easier to hide the woven-in ends in the center of a row on the wrong side of your knitting.

Weaving in the ends on my new blanket.

When you are finished knitting and weaving in the ends, I highly recommend blocking this blanket. Read my recent blog post for lots of tips on blocking a handknit blanket.

Knitters often ask if my blanket patterns are reversible...this one is not reversible.  This blanket definitely looks prettier on the "right side".

Winter Dance - chunky blanket knitting pattern.  Love the texture!

You might be wondering about the name for this blanket.  Let's just say that it's named in memory of a dear friend who was like an aunt to me.  She loved all of the seasons...especially a beautiful, snowy winter day.

Winter Dance blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Thanks so much for your interest in my patterns!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

New Blanket Knitting Pattern - On the Map

I'm so happy to announce my newest blanket knitting pattern - On the Map.

The On the Map blanket is easy to knit with worsted weight yarn.  The pattern includes instructions for six sizes...see details below.

The pattern is now available on Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

On the Map - easy blanket knitting pattern.

I love maps!  In fact, I still prefer paper maps to using a GPS.  Ask my family and they will tell you that I bring our well worn 2005 Rand McNally Atlas on every road trip.  I have written dots, arrows and notes on the map showing the location of favorite restaurants and convenient gas station stops, as well as travel dates and times, for just about every trip we've taken in the last 12 years.  It's sort of like a trip journal!

My 'On the Map' knitting pattern also reminds me of the way much of Kansas City (my hometown) was planned with a very even, grid system of streets.  The tiny squares in the knitting pattern remind me of the intersections of the main thoroughfares in our city.

Enough about my obsession with maps!  Here's some more info about the pattern...

I really enjoyed knitting this blanket with Valley Yarns 'Valley Superwash' in the color 'Colonial Blue' from WEBS.  This yarn is lovely!  It's made of 100% extra fine merino wool. It's so soft and a delightful to knit with.  And...the color really speaks to me...it reminds me of my childhood home where this color could be found in almost every room.

WEBS offers a kit to make my On the Map blanket using the same yarn shown in these photos!  Visit their website for the details.  How nice that they offer the kit (yarn and pattern) in a choice of all six blanket sizes!

I used Valley Yarns 'Valley Superwash' yarn in 'Colonial Blue'.

Directions for 6 Sizes:

Approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby: 28.25" wide x 31" long

Small (Crib/Lap): 30" wide x 34" long

Medium Blanket: 33" wide x 43.5" long

Large Throw: 37.75" wide x 46.5" long

XL Afghan: 42.5" wide x 50" long

XXL Afghan: 47.5" wide x 53" long 

Any of the blanket sizes may be made longer by adding pattern repeats.  The pattern includes estimates for additional yarn needed to add length to each blanket size.

Worsted Weight Yarn:

Baby: 600 - 620 yards

Small: 710 - 730 yards

Medium: 970 - 1000 yards

Large: 1240 - 1280 yards

XL: 1500 - 1550 yards

XXL: 1750 - 1850 yards

Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your blanket.

I made the medium size blanket (shown in the photos) which is about 33" wide and 43.5" long.  I used about 980 yards of yarn.

This pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn. And, it may also be used with DK or Aran weight yarn or similar.  Just pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  Finished size and amount of yarn needed may vary based on the weight of the yarn used.

On the Map - easy to knit blanket pattern with directions for 5 sizes.

I used US size 9 circular knitting needles.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  

My gauge was about 15 stitches to 4" in stockinette stitch. Exact gauge is not essential.  However, you may use a bit more yarn (or less) if your gauge is significantly different.

I have had a few knitters ask me about how I maintain such clean edges on my blanket knitting projects.  One key is to change from one skein of yarn to the next in the middle of a row of knitting.  The only reason I would do an end of the row change is if I was changing from one color to another. 

End of the row changes are great when making a project with seams...such as a sweater.  However, with a blanket I would much rather weave in the ends in the middle of a row...like in the photo below.

Blocking Finished Blanket Improves Appearance:

Another way to improve the overall appearance of your finished blanket is to carefully block the finished knitting with blocking mats and pins.

Here's what my blanket looked like before blocking...

On the Map Blanket - BEFORE BLOCKING

Notice how the stockinette stitch section is sort of puckering and the entire middle section of the blanket looks kind of lumpy.  The purl stitches that make up the 'dots' in the pattern appear almost lost.

Here's the blanket after blocking.  The stockinette stitch areas are completely flat and smooth...almost like it was ironed!  Now the purl stitches that make up the 'dots' in the center pattern really pop.  And...the puckering situation is gone.  The seed stitch border gives a lovely texture contrast to the smooth stockinette stitch.

On the Map Blanket - AFTER BLOCKING

See tips on blocking a blanket on this blog post and on this blog post.

I have to admit....I have been knitting for over 40 years (I can't believe it's been that long!) and I had never blocked a piece of knitting until early 2016!  I have found that blocking has improved the final appearance of every blanket I have blocked.  

My 'On the Map' blanket knitting pattern is now available on Ravelry. Craftsy, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Thanks so much for reading and for your interest in my knitting patterns.  I have lots of knitting plans in the works right now that I'm looking forward to sharing with you in the months to come.

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Graph Paper - New Chunky Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to announce my newest chunky blanket knitting pattern - Graph Paper.

This blanket is fun to knit with super bulky yarn.  The finished blanket is warm and cozy!

Graph Paper blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Graph Paper - Blanket Knitting Pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

I loved using Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky yarn for this design!  This yarn is so soft and luxurious!  It has a lovely texture with great stitch definition.  The yarn is easy care, machine-washable 100% superwash wool and is available exclusively at WEBS.  This gorgeous yarn is available in a beautiful selection of colors.

I selected 'Light Blue' yarn color for this design when I was in the early stages of test knitting ideas.

Testing blanket knitting pattern ideas with Valley Superwash Super Bulky.

If you have seen my Instagram feed, you know that blue is my favorite color!  I fell in love with this beautiful light blue yarn.

Valley Yarns - Valley Superwash Super Bulky in 'Light Blue'

When I finished knitting this blue blanket I had not decided on a name for this pattern. (Often I decide on a pattern name while I'm working on the blanket.) After making a list of pattern name ideas I realized I wasn't thrilled with any of the names so I took a break to work on other things.

A couple hours later I realized that this blue blanket reminded me of graph paper...both in it's classic square pattern design and the light blue color that is often used for the printed lines on graph paper.

This new blanket design reminded me of graph paper!

I have always liked graph paper...ever since I was the only girl in my middle school drafting class.  Years ago I was a real estate appraiser and used graph paper to sketch out the layout of each house I inspected for appraisal.  These days, I like using graph paper for working out knitting pattern designs, especially for Intarsia or duplicate stitch designs.

This repeating squares pattern reminds me of graph paper.

FIVE SIZES:
The pattern includes instructions for five (5) sizes.  Approximate sizes after blocking:

Baby/Infant: 30" wide x 35.25" long
Small/Crib/Lap Blanket: 37.5" wide x 39.5" long
Medium Throw: 41.5" wide by 43.75" long
Large Throw: 45" wide x 48" long
XL Afghan: 48.75" wide x 56.5" long

It is easy to make any of the blankets sizes longer.  Details are included in the pattern instructions, including estimates of how much additional yarn is required.

I made the the large throw and I love how it turned out!  This blanket is big, soft and so cozy!

Graph Paper - Blanket Knitting Pattern

SUPER BULKY YARN:

This blanket is very easy to knit with super bulky yarn (single strand).  Yardage required for each size:

Baby: 440 - 460 yards
Small: 615 - 640 yards
Medium: 745 - 775 yards
Large: 880 - 920 yards
XL: 1150 - 1200 yards

If you prefer to knit with worsted weight yarn...you might like my new On the Map blanket knitting pattern. Read more about it here on my blog.

Graph Paper - chunky blanket knitting pattern.

CIRCULAR KNITTING NEEDLES:
I use long circular knitting needles to accommodate the large number of stitches.  The blanket is worked flat, back and forth...basically the same as knitting with straight needles.  However, the two needles happen to be connected by a long cord.

I loved knitting with this beautiful yarn - Valley Superwash Super Bulky.

I used a couple of stitch markers to mark the transition to the garter stitch edge and the pattern changes for the squares in the main body of the design. It's an easy pattern but a few markers reduce the time needed to verify stitch counts.

I highly recommend blocking the finished blanket.  Blocking really helps straighten and even out the stitches. For best results, use blocking mats and blocking pins to secure the blanket in place while it dries.  Read more about blocking on this blog post.

Graph Paper - this chunky blanket is so soft & cozy!

Graph Paper blanket knitting pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading about my knitting patterns. I love knitting and designing and feel very fortunate to spend time doing something I love.  If you are interested, you can see all of my knitting patterns on Ravelry or on Craftsy.

Happy knitting! Have a fabulous day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio