How To Knit A Blanket – Painted Sky Throw
This easy blanket knitting pattern is stunning, and simple enough for beginner knitters. I’m including a little step-by-step guide on how to knit a blanket, as well as the detailed pattern for this gorgeous Painted Sky Blanket!
You can also grab the ad-free, printable version on Etsy HERE or the kit from Lion Brand Yarn HERE!
Isn’t it so pretty?! While it uses the easiest knit stitches, the Lion Brand Mandala Ombre color changing yarn really makes this blanket shine. There are SEVERAL beautiful colorways, so do check them out HERE! But you can also totally make it in a solid color.
You’ll find that I’ve written the pattern for both a baby blanket size, as well as a throw blanket, so you’re covered. It really is a perfect go-to type of pattern for so many occasions.
What I love most about this project is how simple it is to work, but you still don’t get bored. Between the varied sections of garter knit and stockinette, as well as the color flow, it’s just super fun.
AND, you can use any worsted weight #4 yarn that you like. If you would love it in a solid color, go for it! Obviously, there are endless options of worsted weight yarns out there to choose from. 🙂
What Type of Yarn To Use To Make a Blanket?
For babies, soft cottons or very soft acrylic blends are great. They really should be washable! I really do like this Mandala Ombre for just about anyone.
For throw blankets, the sky is the limit! Wool is nice and warm, and acrylic blends are often washable which is nice.
Keep scrolling for the full, detailed pattern below! But first, I want to give you a little explanation and step by step instructions on how you’ll knit this blanket.
You will need three skills to make a blanket, including this beauty!
You need to know how to cast on stitches, the knit stitch, and the purl stitch. These are your standard beginner skills. So here we go! 🙂
How To Knit A Blanket
Supplies:
Knitting needles (likely circular needles to fit all the stitches), yarn, scissors, and a measuring tape!
First, you will pick your yarn! I chose Lion Brand Mandala Ombre for this blanket, and US size 8 knitting needles.
- Step 1: Cast On Stitches – this is where you will place stitches onto your knitting needle. The pattern will tell you how many to cast on. In the video below, you can see how to cast on your stitches!
- Step 2: Knit – Next, you will knit across each row. The knit stitch is all you need to make a blanket! In this pattern, you will knit across rows to make garter stitch sections. If you only know how to knit, feel free to knit each row until your blanket is as long as you like!
- Step 3: Knit & Purl – This blanket has sections of stockinette, which is created by making one knit row, followed by one purl row. This is the quintessential stitch you see out there on sweaters, blankets and more. Once you’ve got this pattern down, you’re a true knitter. Lol
- Step 4 – Finally, you will cast off your stitches! Just a simple knit cast off will do. There are tons of YouTube videos that you can search up to see “how to cast off”. In the image below, the blanket has been cast off and is ready to cuddle. You can see the sections of garter (all knit stitches) and the sections of stockinette (knit and purl rows).
So that’s all there is to it! Now, let’s get to this beautiful blanket that you can make for you or your friends, babies, kids, etc. 🙂
Remember, you can also purchase the ad-free printable version from my Etsy shop HERE!
Painted Sky Blanket Easy Knitting Pattern
Description:
Choose your favorite shade of hand dyed look yarn and create this stunning, soft blanket to elevate any cozy space! Available in an amazing array of colors, there is a shade for everyone.
This blanket is a play on color and texture as you work two very simple stitch patterns throughout. You’ll never have to make a color change. Available in a baby/child’s size and throw size!
150 g/skein & 344 yds/skein Pattern uses 330 g (977 g)
US Size 8 5.0mm, 36” or longer, circular knitting needles (blanket is knit flat)
Scissors
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Size (approximate):
You can make this in two different sizes!
Baby 28” x 33” pictured
Throw Blanket 48” x 57” (colored striping will appear longer and thinner than the baby size)
*Baby size directions are listed first, and Throw directions are listed 2nd in () throughout pattern, unless otherwise noted. See Pattern Notes for further instructions on how to adjust the size of the blanket.
Gauge:
Approximately 15 sts and 21 rows in 4” x 4” in stockinette stitch
Pattern Notes:
You will begin with a garter stitch border. Next, you will move into the pattern repeat which includes a 9 stitch garter trim on each of the sides. Finally, a garter stitch edge is knit to finish the blanket.
The pattern calls for circular needles in order to comfortably hold all of the stitches on the needles, but the blanket is knit flat. To adjust the length, simply follow the pattern until your blanket is the desired length (keep in mind the final garter stitch edge length as well).
To adjust the width, cast on any multiple of stitches to achieve your desired width. Easy peasy! Keep yarn needs in mind when adjusting the length and width of the blanket!
Have fun!
Abbreviations (US) & Skills:
k – knit
p – purl
st – stitch
sts – stitches
RS – right side
WS – wrong side * – repeat
Cast on 105 stitches (180 sts for Throw)
Stitch count remains the same throughout the pattern.
Beginning Garter Edge
Rows 1 Knit each st across the row.
Repeat row 1, working knit stitches across each row until the section is 3” long.
Stockinette Section
Row 1 Knit each st across the row. (RS)
Row 2 K6, purl each st across to the last 6 sts, k6. (WS)
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until the Stockinette Section is 3” long.
Garter Section
Rows 1 Knit each st across the row.
Repeat row 1, working knit stitches across each row until the section is 3” long, ending on a WS row.
Continue alternating the Stockinette Section with the Garter Section until you’ve reached your desired length (about 11 sections in TOTAL for the Baby size and 19 sections for the Throw), ending with a Garter Section.
Cast off and weave in ends.
That’s it!
I hope you loved knitting this beauty. It’s so simple, but I love it for that reason. Sometimes this simplest are the prettiest.
Another great option for total beginners is my Yellowstone Throw as it only uses the knit stitch!
More Blanket Knitting Patterns
- Quick & Easy Knit Blanket Patterns
- Billowy Quilted Knit Throw Blanket Pattern
- Heirloom Knit Blanket Pattern
- Two Stitch Throw Knitting Pattern
- Fall Cuddler Knit Blanket
Tips For Knitting Blankets
- If you want to make it quick, choose a pattern with big, thick yarn and large needles!
- If there are new stitches to try, it’s always good to practice on a small swatch first! Then move onto the blanket to avoid frustration.
Happy blanket knitting and making my friends! I really hope you enjoyed this simple, but beautiful Painted Sky Blanket today.
XO
Jessica
Sponsored by Lion Brand Yarn – all opinions are 100% my own.
