Since Ann Asked

Making a blankie of mitered squares is Easy Peasy. Decide how big you want your squares. I chose 5" and 10".

Then, trust the gauge on the ball band and use that size needle (in this case, about 5 st/in and size 8).

Cast on 2 X the number of stitches you need (50 on the small squares (25 X 2) and 100 on the big ones). Mark the center of the row.

RS: Knit to 2 stitches before the marker, k 2 tog, slip m, k 2 tog, knit to the end
WS: knit across.

When 4 stitches remain, k 2 tog, remove marker, k 2 tog. On next row (WS) k 2 tog and fasten off.

One square made.

You'll pick up stitches along an edge to make the next square, casting on at either the beginning or the end of the row for the other half of the miter. Just keep picking up new squares as you finish each. These are pretty when planned, and (I think) almost prettier when totally unplanned.

The best part? No seaming. And if you weave in the ends as you go, when you finish the last square, you're done!

You can also make a GIGANTIC mitered square for a baby blankie (for a 40" square at 5 stitches per inch, start with 400 stitches, place the marker between stitch 200 and 201). You start with lots of stitches, but every other row is shorter than the one before.

December's 6-inch square

Because it's December and most of us have little time/ability to concentrate, here's another 6-inch square. I know we'll hear specifics about the new campaign very soon, but right now I'm much better off doing things that are small and easy! This one is just enough more interesting than garter stitch to keep you awake. I'm sure the stitch has a name, but I don't know it.

Square #4 (December)

multiple of 2 sts, 4 rows

Block directions:

Rows 1 and 2: *k1, p1* across
Rows 3 and 4: knit

Cast on 30 stitches.
Knit 4 rows (2 ridges).
Keeping first 2 and last 2 stitches in garter stitch (I find it helpful to place a marker to remind me that those 2 stitches are outside the pattern), work in pattern stitch for your magic number of rows– i.e., the number of rows you determined in block 1 would give you a 6-inch block. For me, that’s 42 rows – I will knit 42 rows of pattern stitch for every block I make, in each stitch pattern. For you, it may be 38 or 44; just do what works for you.
Knit 4 rows (2 ridges).
Bind off.

What are your favorite blanket patterns?

Hi, everyone -- I've always liked that corner-to-corner crocheted blanket pattern, but haven't tried it yet (I knit WAY better than I crochet). Could one of you supply the link? And, if anyone else out there has a specific pattern you love -- I'm looking only for patterns that you, personally, have road tested and can recommend -- please post the link and a description here, for others who may need that information. I'll gather them all together in a week.

If, in the box that says "Labels for this post" you type the words (without the quotation marks) "blanket patterns" that will make it really easy for blog readers to search.

My plans to knit blanket squares at the Philadelphia Folk Festival this past weekend were foiled by Mother Nature. It was simply too hot to touch wool -- mid-90s (for you non-U.S. knitters, that's mid-30s) and viciously humid. Oh well -- we'll try it this week instead.

--Elizabeth