Essential Effortless Afghan
Everyone needs an afghan or two to throw over the couch for chilly days, and the more basic, the better. The Essential Effortless Afghan is a super-simple knit blanket pattern that can be adapted to fit any color scheme or decorating theme. Beginners learning how to knit a blanket will appreciate this easy knitting pattern, which is pieced together from five knitted strips. Made using the stockinette stitch, this is one of the easiest beginner knitting patterns in existence and is sure to impress. Don't miss this chance to wrap yourself in the quick and easy comfort of this classic checkerboard pattern.
Knitting Needle Size8 or 5 mm
Gauge1 stitches, 2 rows, 3 inches. stockinette stitch
Materials:
- RED HEART Super Saver [7 oz (198 g), 364 yd (333 m)]
- Color A: 313 Aran, 2 skeins
- Color B: 382 Country Blue, 2 skeins
- Color C: 380 Windsor Blue, 2 skeins
- Susan Bates Knitting Needles: 5 mm [US 8]
- Yarn needle
Gauge:
17 sts = 4” [10 cm]; 24 rows = 4” [10 cm]. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge.
Measurements:
Afghan measures 37½” [95 cm] square
Abbreviations:
A, B, C, etc = Colors A, B, C, etc
K = knit;
mm = millimeter
P = purl
st(s) = stitch(es);
( ) = work directions in parentheses as indicated
Instructions:
Strips 1 and 4:
With A, cast on 33 sts.
Row 1 (Right side): Knit across.
Row 2: P1, (K1, P1) across.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 7½” [19 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop A.
With B, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 15” [38 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop B.
With C, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 22½” [57 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop C.
With A, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 30” [76 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop A.
With B, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 37½” [95 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2.
Bind off all stitches in pattern.
Strips 2 and 5:
With B, cast on 33 sts.
Row 1 (Right side): Knit across.
Row 2: P1, (K1, P1) across.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 7½” [19 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop B.
With C, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 15” [38 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop C.
With A, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 22½” [57 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop A.
With B, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 30” [76 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop B.
With C, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 37½” [95 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2.
Bind off all stitches in pattern.
Strip 3
With C, cast on 33 sts.
Row 1 (Right side): Knit across.
Row 2: P1, (K1, P1) across.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 7½” [19 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop C.
With A, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 15” [38 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop A.
With B, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 22½” [57 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop B.
With C, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 30” [76 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2. Drop C.
With A, repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern until piece measures 37½” [95 cm] from cast on edge, ending by working Row 2.
Bind off all stitches in pattern.
Finishing:
Thread yarn needle with desired color. With right sides together, using the photo as a guide and matching rows, sew strips together in numerical order.