Diagonal Baby Blanket, and How To Do a Yarn Over

When I first started knitting I would scour the Lion Brand free patters, because it was pretty much the only brand of yarn I was familiar with and liked, and I didn't know about Ravelry yet. I had found this Diagonal Baby Blanket pattern, which is pretty and simple, but I was intimidated by the yarn over, and just couldn't get it. I was also intimidated by the thought of using circular needles. I guess I was a wimp… And really, I had no reason to be afraid; this is a beginner pattern, and a great way to learn how to make a yarn over, and work diagonally.

Anyway, I recently saw a few pictures of diagonal knit blankets, remembered the pattern, and decided to give it a try. I haven't finished it yet, but I will give you my notes so far, as well as a little video (my first knitting video!) on how to do a yarn over in the knit stitch.

Though this project would be great in a cozy merino wool, I am using Wool-Ease Worsted, because it's affordable in bulk, and machine washable. I found a pretty, neutral grey, which is great for any age or gender. I was able to get six skeins in the same dye-lot, and it seems this thing will probably come out to be about 32"-36". We will see.


Pattern Notes

I don't really like the way this pattern starts out. It's a bit skimpy, going almost immediately into the yarn over (yo) "eyelet," which just looks weird and won't match the other corners very well. So I changed it, twice.

Version 1 (the blanket I'm working, now) and Version 2

The pattern says to cast on five stitches, and then go into the yarn overs in row 2.


Version 1 (grey):
Cast on 3st
R1   knit across  (3st)
R2   knit across  (3st)
R3   k2, inc.*, k1  (4st)
R4   k3, inc., k1  (5st)
R5   continue from LB pattern, Row 2

Version 2 (green):
Cast on 3st
R1   knit across  (3st)
R2   knit across  (3st)
R3   k2, inc., k1  (4st)
R4   k3, inc., k1  (5st)
R5   k4, inc., k1  (6st)
R6   k6
R7   continue from LB pattern, Row 3

My blanket is in V1, but when I was making my video yesterday, I decided to try it another way, and I like it much better. The reasons:  1) the eyelet starts on center, with just one whole, whereas V1 has a doubled up whole that isn't quite center, and  2) because the corner has a much cleaner look, and I think it won't stand out too much from the other corners.

notice the double-"eyelet" when I tug the corner...

* I am not sure what the increase I used is called (the tutorial was in French), but there are several tutorials out there for an invisible increase.


Video Tutorial

Here is a little video to help you get that yarn over!

The Take Away

I really like this pattern. It works out nicely in a right angle, so you should have a perfect (or almost perfect) square when you are done. You could do baby blankets, throws, and even a king size blanket for a bed. I also like the simplicity of the pattern - it's almost meditative - which makes it a great one for working while listening to music, having conversations, or watching your favorite movie (I'm looking forward to making a good size one during the holidays, nice and cozy). It's also very gender neutral and works with multiple styles and decors, from modern to classic.


Project Stats
Yarn:   Lion Brand, Wool-Ease Worsted, in Grey Heather
Needles:   Clover Takumi bamboo circular, 5mm
Pattern:   Lion Brand, Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket



If you want to see what I am up to, check out the Instagram, @ WorkingYarns

Until next time,

Stephanie
Working Yarns