Sometimes you need a little afghan. This project as written comes out long but narrow (ours is about six feet long and almost three feet across), so it's perfect for folding over and draping over one lap, wrapping around your shoulders, or using over two laps when you feel like a good snuggle. This knitted lap blanket project uses moss stitch, a simple pattern stitch of four repeating rows. If you want to make your afghan wider, just cast on more stitches. Keep with multiples of two stitches to ensure the stitch pattern will work.
Stitch Pattern
Moss stitch is the most popular of the broken rib patterns, patterns where one or more columns of ribbing are broken up every one or more rows. The single rib pattern here changes every other row and results in a very pleasing nubby texture.
Finished Measurements
Approximately 36 inches wide and 72 inches long
Gauge
18 sts and 20 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Moss Stitch
Watch Now: How to Moss Stitch
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Equipment / Tools
- US 9 (5.5 mm) 24 inch circular needle
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Materials
Materials
- 900 to 1,000 yard heavy worsted weight yarn
Instructions
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Cast On Stitches
Cast on 144 stitches using your favorite method. Do not join in the round.
Tip
Afghans can get heavy. The circular needle helps distribute the weight of the piece as you knit flat back and forth.
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Start Moss Stitch
Repeat the following four rows for Moss Stitch:
Row 1: *Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: *Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end.
Row 3: *Purl 1, knit 1; repeat from * to end.
Row 4: *Purl 1, knit 1; repeat from * to end. -
Work Body of the Afghan
Join a new ball of yarn as needed until you are close to the end of the last one. Bind off in pattern.
Tip
To ensure you have enough yarn left to bind off, check the length of yarn remaining is at least four times the width of your project.
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Finishing
Using the yarn needle, weave in tail ends of yarn.
Make the Pattern Your Own
The moss stitch blanket pattern is easy to modify because you can make it longer by just continuing to knit. Of course, that may mean you use more yarn. Consult standards on bed and blanket sizes, or use a tape measure to find the dimensions that will suit your needs.
Also, experiment with different yarns to customize your afghans. Or use the same yarn in different colors, making several throws that you could switch out in your home seasonally.