This class is open to advanced beginners. Students should be comfortable casting on, knitting, and working basic decreases. Previous experience with picking up stitches is helpful but not required; the technique will be demonstrated in class.

The Magical Blanket began as a hand-pieced fabric design Margaret created for a group quilt project. Realizing that the design had interesting possibilities as knitted fabric, she translated it into knitting, experimenting with the arrangement of light and dark colors to reveal new patterns within the repeating motifs. Image above is for the large blanket.

The result is a modular, no-sew knitted blanket constructed using very basic knitting techniques. The simple pattern stitches are quickly memorized, while changing the colors keeps the knitting engaging—you are always curious to see what pattern will emerge as the next piece is added.

In this workshop, students will work on the small 36′′ × 36′′ version of the blanket. They will learn the construction and techniques needed to create the blanket and will have the opportunity to practice them in class. Students will also receive the pattern for the full-size blanket so they can continue the project at home.

The class will cover:
• Mattress stitch for seaming garter stitch
• Invisible weaving of ends
• Modular construction
• How the arrangement of light and dark colors creates visual patterns
• Insights into the geometry underlying knitted designs

Download the homework here.

Download the supplies file here.