After the dramatic colorwork of Twists of Fate Colourwork Knit Cape by Sue Sindrey last week, I’m switching gears completely with a deceptively simple knitting idea that proves just how much possibility can be hiding in a few familiar stitches.
The Knitting Sequence Textures Baby Blanket, Placemat and Mug Rug by Nancy Lekx from ANPTmag Issue 66 begins with something almost every knitter knows how to do: knit 4, purl 2. But here’s where it gets interesting. By changing the number of stitches cast on and adjusting what happens at the end of the row, Nancy creates three different textured fabrics from that same basic sequence.
I love projects like this because they remind us that knitting doesn’t always need complicated techniques to hold our attention. Sometimes changing the rhythm of familiar stitches is enough to create something completely unexpected. And with a baby blanket, placemat, and mug rug included, you can explore the idea on three very different scales. Did someone say, ‘Baby Blanket’??
skill level Easy
time Start with the quick mug rug, move on to the placemat, or settle in with the soft and squishy baby blanket
ideal for Newer knitters, texture lovers, baby gifts, useful home accessories, experimenting with stitch sequences, and knitters looking for relaxing projects with an interesting result
you will practice knit stitches, purl stitches, sequence knitting, following stitch patterns, changing cast on counts, working one-row repeats, serpentine knitting, reading written instructions, reading charts, and creating textured knitted fabric
finished size Baby Blanket 22” x 25” [56 x 63.5cm], Placemat 16¼” x 13” [41.25 x 33cm], Mug Rug 6¾” x 7½” [17 x 19cm]
Knitting Sequence Textures Baby Blanket by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 66; photo by Carla A. Canonico
The baby blanket is the easiest of the three and uses a simple one-row repeat. Nancy works it on a larger needle at a looser gauge than the other projects, giving the blanket a softer, squishier feel that is just right for a baby.
The placemat takes the same basic sequence in another direction by working it in a serpentine manner. The pattern includes both written and charted instructions, making these projects a wonderful opportunity to see how small structural changes can completely transform knitted texture.
The projects were featured in ANPTmag Issue 66, our Postcards issue. Fabric postcards were at the heart of this issue, celebrating small handmade pieces that can carry creativity, affection, and a very personal message from one person to another. In a digital world, there is something especially meaningful about making something tactile with our own hands and sending those good feelings out into the world. Nancy’s sequence knitting projects fit that spirit beautifully. They invite us to experiment, notice what happens, and discover how a simple idea can grow into something useful and beautiful.
Get the Knitting Sequence Textures Baby Blanket, Placemat and Mug Rug pattern here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/knitting-sequence-textures-baby-blanket-placemat-and-mug-rug/
Get ANPTmag Issue 66 print version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-66-print-version/
Get ANPTmag Issue 66 digital version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-66-digital-version/
Knitting Sequence Textures Placemat and Mug Rug by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 66; photo by Carla A. Canonico
Which would you knit first, the baby blanket, placemat, or quick little mug rug?
Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag knitting project I’ll share with you!