Pattern Block Afghan

Free Pattern: Pattern Block Afghan
I wanted to do something a little different than just seed stitch, and since I don't like working with several different yarns, and I hate seaming, this is what I came up with. Its just very simple blocks of stockinette and seed stitch worked in a variegated yarn. I used a chunky yarn, because of course, I love fast and easy. You can't tell in the picture, but the way the block of pattern sit beside each other, it sort of looks woven. I wasn't trying to do that, but it looks cool.

Supplies:
US #15 circular needles (at least 29" in length)
10 (11*) skeins Bernat Softee Chunky in Harmony (134 yrds or 80 grams per skein)
*note - I only had a few feet left over from the 10th skein. If you join your yarn by color so it looks continuous, an extra skein would be useful. If you don't use the extra skein, see my pattern for Chunky Ankle Socks, here, it uses the same kind of yarn.
6 stitch markers or pieces of contrasting yarn

Finished Measurements:
Approx. 4' X 5' 8"

Gauge:
10.25 sts X 14 rows = 4"

Directions:
Cast on 123 stitches using cable cast on.
Work 7 rows seed stitch border (*k1, p1* repeat to last stitch, k1) - on 7th row, work 4 sts, place marker, *work 23 sts, place marker* repeat between *'s 4 more times, work last 4 sts
Begin pattern rows.

For rows 8-39, 72-103, 136-167, & 200-231:

sm = slip marker

1 - (rs) k1, p1, k1, p1, sm, k23, sm, *p1, k1* 11 times, p1, sm, k23, sm, *p1, k1* 11 times, p1, sm, k23, sm, p1, k1, p1, k1
2 - (ws) k1, p1, k1, p1, sm, p23, sm, *p1, k1* 11 times, p1, sm, p23, sm, *p1, k1* 11 times, p1, sm, p23, sm, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat these 2 rows 15 more times (total of 16 repeats)

For rows 40-71, 104-135, & 168-199

1 - (rs) k1, p1, k1, p1, sm, *k1, p1* 11 times, k1, sm, k23, sm, *k1, p1* 11 times, k1, sm, k23, sm, *k1, p1* 11 times, k1, sm, p1, k1, p1, k1
2 - (ws) k1, p1, k1, p1, sm, *k1, p1* 11 times, k1, sm, p23, sm, *k1, p1* 11 times, k1, sm, p23, sm, *k1, p1* 11 times, k1, sm, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat these 2 rows 15 more times (total of 16 repeats)

Rows 232 - 238 - work seed stitch border (*k1, p1* repeat to last st, k1)

Bind off in pattern, weave in ends & enjoy!

Tips:
Knittingpatterncentral.com has great instructions for cast on methods.

This pattern is free for personal use only. Please do not use for profit unless all proceeds go to charity.

Puppy's Dumbell Toy

Free Pattern: Puppy's Dumbell Toy

I've wanted an English Bulldog for years, and my husband finally found the perfect one! Her name is Sunny and she's the sweetest little puppy you could ask for, plus she gets along with all of the family and their pets. What more could you ask for? Well, I might ask that she not try to eat my yarn. It seems Sunny has a yarn fetish. I have a basket of all my leftover yarn balls that she finds irresistable. So, I guess I'll have to start making dog toys. This one is felted so little puppy teeth don't get caught in the stitches and pull it apart.

Supplies:

US #8 double point needles

Small amount of 100% wool (I used Galway Paint color #801)

This would be a great project to use up leftovers, add stripes to use those little bits

Row Counter

Yarn Needle

Stitch Marker

Gauge:

Not too important

Directions:

Cast on 9 stitches (3 sts on each needle) and join to begin knitting in the round. Knit one base round.

Round 1: Knit

Round 2: K f&b (6 sts on each needle)

Rounds 3 & 4: Knit

Round 5: K1, k f&b (9 sts on each needle)

Rounds 6 & 7: Knit

Round 8: K2, k f&b (12 sts on each needle)

Rounds 9 - 18: Knit

Round 19: K1, k2tog (8 sts on each needle)

Rounds 20 - 49: Knit

Round 50: K1, k f&b (12 sts on each needle)

Rounds 51 - 60: Knit

Round 61: K2, k2tog (9 sts on each needle)

Rounds 62 & 63: Knit

Round 64: K1, k2tog (6 sts on each needle)

Rounds 65& 66: Knit

Round 67: K2tog

Round 68: Knit

Stuff lightly (felting will shrink toy so don't stuff too tight). Cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches, pull tight and weave in ends. Felt. You can felt in the washing machine, but it's not too good for shaping. I put mine through one wash cycle, and finished felting by hand to shape. Dry, and have fun with your best friend!

Tips:

Knittingpatterncentral.com has great instructions for knitting in the round.

This pattern is free for personal use only. Please do not use for profit unless all proceeds go to charity.