Summer Reading Blankie

This is a knit take on the classic Zig Zag Crochet afghan that’s a perfect cozy blanket for air-conditioned days. Two coordinating colors are enhanced by narrow sections of white reverse stockinette stitch.

Skill Level: Easy

Size: Approx. 38” x 38”, blocked

Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4” [10cm] in Waves pattern

Gauge is not critical to this project, but may affect the amount of yarn needed.

Materials

Yarn:

Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% Cotton, 20% Merino wool; 215 yards [197 meters]/100 grams): #CW 100 Cotton Ball (A), 2 skeins

Brown Sheep Serendipity Tweed (60% Cotton, 40% Wool; 210 yards [192 meters]/100 grams): #ST52 African Violet (B), 2 skeins; #ST60 Sweet Pea (C), 2 skeins

Needles: US size 7 (4.5mm): 30” circular needle or size to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle

Special Stitches

CDD (Centered Double Decrease): Sl 2 sts tog knitwise to RH needle, knit next st, pass 2 sl sts over knit st. Center st wil lie on top of other 2 sts.

Waves Pattern (multiple of 14 sts + 1)

Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 (RS): K1, *yo, k3, ssk, yo, CDD, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, k1; rep from * across.

Rows 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10: Purl.

Rep Rows 1-10 for pattern.

Pattern Notes

Circular needle is used to accommodate large number of sts. Do not join, work in rows.

Pattern

Blanket

With A, CO 197 sts.

Knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row.

**Change to B, work 10 rows of Waves pattern.

Change to A, knit 2 rows, purl 1 row, knit 2 rows.

Change to C, work 10 rows of Waves pattern.

Change to A, knit 2 rows, purl 1 row, knit 2 rows.

Rep from ** until there is a total of 19 Waves pattern repeats (9 of color B and 8 of color C). With A, knit 2 rows, purl 2 row, knit 1 row.

Bind of knitwise on RS. Do not cut yarn; leave last st on RH needle.

Side Borders

With A, pick up and knit 3 sts for every 4 rows along side edge.

Knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row.

Bind off knitwise on RS.

Rep Border along remaining edges.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block.