Looking Forward: A modern, reversible blanket knitting pattern
Introducing my new reversible blanket knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn: Looking Forward.
The Looking Forward blanket design features an eight-row repeat stitch pattern that creates a modern triangular geometric design that is reversible! The blanket looks exactly the same on both sides.
Looking Forward blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio. Click here to buy the pattern.
Looking Forward blanket knitting pattern has instructions for six blanket sizes…from baby blanket up to XXL afghan.
The pattern is also available. on Etsy.
As of January 2021, this pattern has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Ravelry for both clarity and overall results.
Looking Forward blanket is easy to knit with worsted, heavy worsted or Aran weight yarn.
INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:
Unfortunately, this is the year of canceled plans and adapting to a different experience than planned. It can seem like there’s a lot missing from our lives as events, trips, gatherings and traditions are put on hold.
Right now, I’m trying to accept the uncertainty of 2020. As plans have changed, there have been some unexpected moments that have created special memories.
But, like everyone else, I’m looking forward towards more “normal” days to come.
This geometric stitch pattern looks the same on both sides of the blanket.
As you knit the 8-row repeat pattern, the neatly arranged triangles appear as a reminder to keep looking forward.
Click here to purchase the Looking Forward blanket knitting pattern.
I love how this blanket turned out! Modern, yet classic. The solid color yarn in a light shade allows the interesting stitch pattern to shine. I used Spud & Chloe ‘Sweater’ heavy worsted weight yarn in the ‘Sweet Roll’ colorway. (More about the yarn below!)
Looking Forward blanket knitting pattern design is reversible! It looks exactly the same on both sides.
Looking Forward blanket is reversible!
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES:
This blanket pattern….like almost all of my blanket knitting patterns…offers lots of size choices so you may select the size that fits your project needs. Pick the size that suits your purpose, your yarn budget, the amount of yarn you have on hand, and the amount of time you would like to spend on the project.
Approximate sizes using heavy worsted weight yarn, after blocking...
Baby Blanket: 23.5” wide x 27” long
Small Blanket: 26.5” wide x 32” long
Medium Blanket: 31” wide x 35” long
Large Throw: 36” wide x 42” long
XL Throw: 40.5” wide x 48.5” long
XXL Afghan: 46” wide x 55” long
Finished size may vary depending on yarn weight and gauge used.
Any of the sizes may be made longer by adding pattern repeats. Each pattern repeat adds about 1.25” to the length of the project. Pattern includes estimates for additional yardage needed to make each size longer.
WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:
Baby: 450 - 470 yards
Small: 600 - 630 yards
Medium: 760 - 800 yards
Large: 1050 - 1120 yards
XL: 1330 - 1430 yards
XXL: 1800 - 1900 yards
Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your project.
Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension. Finished size and amount of yarn needed may vary depending on yarn choice and gauge….so buy extra yarn just in case!
This pattern will work well with many worsted or heavy worsted or Aran yarns.
The stitch pattern will show up best with a solid color yarn.
For the blanket shown in the photos, I made the Baby size blanket and used three skeins of Spud & Chloe ‘Sweater’ heavy worsted weight yarn in the ‘Sweet Roll’ colorway. This beautiful yarn is a blend of superwash wool and organic cotton. The stitch definition is fantastic!
Spud & Chloe ‘Sweater’ worsted weight yarn in the ‘Sweet Roll’ colorway. I have used this yarn for several blanket projects… it’s lovely!
I purchased this yarn at Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri. Look for Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn at local yarn shops! Here’s a link to a directory of shops that sell Blue Sky Fiber’s Spud & Chloe yarns.
GAUGE:
Pattern stitch with US size 8 needles: approximately 16 stitches & 24 rows = 4”
The pattern instructions include directions for testing gauge using the stitch pattern.
Exact gauge is not essential. This stitch pattern will look best with fairly tight stitches.
Keep in mind that a significantly different gauge may require more yarn.
KNITTING NEEDLES:
I used US size 8 knitting needles Knitter’s Pride Nova Platina circular knitting needles.
Choose the needle size that gives the best appearance with your yarn and your knitting tension. This design will look best with fairly tight stitches.
The blanket is knit flat in one piece, back and forth on long circular knitting needles in order to accommodate the number of stitches. Click here to read more about this topic on my blog post.
The blanket is knit in one piece, back and forth on long circular needles. I used ring style stitch markers to keep track of the stitch pattern.
EASY KNITTING PATTERN:
This pattern is easy to knit for a confident knitter.
You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.
UPDATE - CUSTOMER PROJECTS:
As of January 2021, this pattern has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Ravelry for both clarity and overall results.
Deanna made this beautiful lavender blanket using Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton in the ‘Lilac’ colorway. [photo shared with permission]
Looking Forward blanket made with Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton in ‘Lilac’. It’s gorgeous!
This beautiful Looking Forward blanket project (below) was made by Ravelry knitter @ourense using Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn. Gorgeous stitches! [photo shared with permission]
Ravelry knitter @ourense using Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn for their Looking Forward blanket project. Simply beautiful!
“Fantastically written patterns. Very clear, easy to follow and detailed! Love the information regarding adjusting the finished size. My finished piece was gifted, and loved.”
BLOCKING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
For best appearance, blocking of finished knitting is highly recommended. Click here to see my blog post with tips on blocking.
Before blocking….the garter stitch border was wavy and would not stay flat…
BEFORE BLOCKING: The garter stitch border would not stay flat.
BEFORE BLOCKING: The edge of the blanket was wavy and the side borders would not stay flat. Click here to see all my tips about how to block a blanket.
BLOCKING: After soaking the blanket in cold water, the blanket is carefully arranged on mats and pinned in place. Click here to see ALL of my blocking tips!
AFTER BLOCKING (below): This blanket was completely transformed by blocking.
To give you an idea of how much this blanket changed… before blocking my little blanket measured 19” wide x 26.5” long. After blocking the blanket measures 23.5” wide x 27” long. The width increased by 4.5”!
The best part is blocking trained the blanket to lay flat so the stitch pattern *pops* and the garter stitch border is neat and flat.
Looking Forward blanket knitting pattern… after blocking. Blocking completely transformed this project!
WHERE TO PURCHASE THE PATTERN:
FiftyFourTenStudio.com: Click here to purchase.
Ravelry: Click here to purchase on Ravelry.
Etsy: Click here to purchase on Etsy.
May you find comfort and peace in your knitting.
Take care,
