Learn to Hand Knit a Cozy Butterfly Cable Blanket

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Casting On
4. Knitting the Borders
5. Creating the Butterfly Stitch
6. Continuing the Pattern
7. Measuring the Blanket
8. Finishing the Blanket
9. Tips and Tricks
10. Conclusion

Knitting a Cozy Butterfly Cable Baby Blanket

Knitting blankets can be a satisfying and enjoyable craft, and creating a butterfly cable pattern adds a touch of elegance to any blanket. In this tutorial, we will be exploring a unique version of the butterfly stitch using pearls between the cables. This pattern is perfect for making a soft and cozy baby blanket. We will cover all the steps from casting on to finishing the blanket, as well as provide tips and tricks along the way. So grab your knitting needles and let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's gather all the materials we need for this project. You will need:

1. Four skeins of Bernette Blanket Big yarn in your desired color.
2. Scissors for cutting the yarn.

Make sure to choose a color that you love, as it will add a personal touch to your finished blanket. If you plan on making a larger size blanket, consider getting additional skeins of yarn to ensure you have enough. Now that we have everything we need, let's move on to casting on.

Casting On

To start knitting your butterfly cable baby blanket, we will begin by casting on 26 stitches. Follow these steps to cast on:

1. Create a slipknot by making a loop with the yarn.
2. Insert your knitting needle through the loop and pull the working yarn through.
3. Cinch the slipknot tight with both the working yarn and the tail.

Once you have cast on your 26 stitches, we will flip the work over to the back and pull the working yarn through the middle of the back. This will ensure that our first row starts from the right side of the blanket. Now let's knit the borders.

Knitting the Borders

For this pattern, we will be knitting the borders of the blanket to give it a neat and finished look. Knitting the borders will also help the blanket lay flat. Follow these steps to knit the borders:

1. Knit the first stitch.
2. Following the butterfly stitch pattern, knit the next 4 stitches.
3. Continue alternating between knitting 4 stitches and creating butterfly cables.
4. Knit the last stitch to complete the row.

It's important to note that this pattern is a two-row pattern. So for the next row, we will skip the border stitch and start by purling the pearls and knitting the butterfly stitches. Now that we understand the basic pattern, let's dive into creating the butterfly stitch.

Creating the Butterfly Stitch

The butterfly stitch with pearls is the highlight of this blanket pattern. It adds a touch of elegance and complexity to the overall design. To create the butterfly stitch, follow these steps:

1. Knit the second stitch of the four knit stitches, crossing it under the first stitch. This creates the base of the butterfly cable.
2. Knit the first stitch over the second stitch to complete the butterfly cable.
3. Repeat the process for the remaining two stitches, crossing the fourth stitch over the third stitch and knitting the third stitch.

After each set of butterfly cables, we will do a pearl stitch. This adds a delicate pop of texture to the blanket. Now that we have learned the butterfly stitch, let's continue the pattern.

Continuing the Pattern

To continue the pattern, we will repeat the steps for creating the butterfly stitch and knitting the pearls. Let's summarize the pattern:

1. Create a set of butterfly cables by knitting the second stitch under the first and the first stitch over the second. Then, cross the fourth stitch over the third and knit the third stitch.
2. After each set of butterfly cables, do a pearl stitch. This will add texture and dimension to the blanket.
3. Continue repeating these steps until you reach your desired blanket length.

Remember to count your stitches periodically to ensure you are maintaining the correct number. Don't worry if the pattern looks a bit confusing at first. As you continue, it will become more clear. Now let's move on to measuring the blanket.

Measuring the Blanket

To ensure that your blanket has the desired size, it's important to measure it as you knit. Use a measuring tape to gauge the length of your blanket. For a baby blanket, aim for a size of around 30 by 36 inches. Adjust the pattern accordingly if you want a larger throw blanket. Once you've reached your desired length, let's move on to finishing the blanket.

Finishing the Blanket

After you've reached your desired length, it's time to finish the blanket. We will do one final row of knitting to complete the border, then cast off. Follow these steps to finish the blanket:

1. Knit the edge stitch.
2. Follow the pattern of knitting and purling as established.
3. Knit the last stitch to complete the row.
4. Cut the yarn a few inches from the work.
5. Cinch it tight and tie a knot to secure the end.
6. Trim off any excess yarn.

To give your blanket a polished look, you can tuck in the loose ends and sew them together using a needle and thread. This will prevent them from unraveling over time. And just like that, your cozy butterfly cable baby blanket is complete!

Tips and Tricks

• When knitting the blanket, make sure not to skip any stitches. Count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure accuracy.
• If you are a beginner to the butterfly stitch pattern, it's recommended to count and double-check your stitches frequently.
• Experiment with different yarn colors to create unique and personalized blankets.
• Consider doubling the pearl stitches and adding an additional butterfly cable if you want to make a medium to large size throw blanket.

Conclusion

Knitting a butterfly cable baby blanket is a rewarding project that results in a beautiful and cozy creation. This unique version of the butterfly stitch adds an elegant touch to any blanket, making it the perfect gift or keepsake. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in this tutorial, and don't forget to personalize your blanket by choosing your favorite yarn colors. Happy knitting!