Favorite Blanket Knitting Patterns to Keep Cozy

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Is there anything better than coming home after a long day and cozying up on the couch with a nice, warm blanket? It’s one of my favorite things to do in the cooler months. This is the time of year when my mom would begin knitting blankets to have in time for the coldest depths of winter weather. The feeling of extra soft knit fabric to drape over yourself as you craft or to sit by the fire with is always a wonderful feeling. We’ve rounded up five of our all-time favorite blanket knitting patterns from the Interweave archives.

Above: Rivers Blanket by Margaret Holzmann

Choose just one to create, or get the whole collection to fill your home with gorgeous handknitted blankets and afghans.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Blanket, a Throw, and an Afghan?

Kelmscott Throw

You can never go wrong with a reversible throw. Depending on which side of the blanket you display, you can easily shift the way a room looks—and both sides will look beautiful. The Kelmscott Throw, designed by Anna McDonald Kelly, features stunning double knitting colorwork. The blanket is knitted in a 100% wool yarn, ensuring that you will be perfectly warm when you bundle up with it. Tassels are added on the corners for a touch of dimension and fun.

Graphic Afghan

Combine knit and purl stitches in a geometric pattern to create the Graphic Afghan by Sarah Fama. This high-impact afghan is an easy exploration of texture and shapes. It’s another fully reversible blanket, so both sides are beautiful to display. Worked in a superwash bulky wool on large needles, the project is a surprisingly quick knit that will keep you warm.

Aran Heirloom Blanket

Cables, and bobbles, and more cables, oh my! The Aran Heirloom Blanket, designed by Deborah Newton, is a texture lover’s dream. Combine various chunky cable patterns to create an eye-catching blanket. The large blanket is knitted in five strips, making it more manageable to knit. The sample showcases a Merino felted yarn for extra coziness. This piece will become the must-have blanket in your space and is perfect for movie nights or taking a quick nap on the couch.

Rivers Blanket

Incorporate bold color into your space with the Rivers Blanket, by Margaret Holzmann. The angular swirls in the sample are knitted in shades inspired by the classic Hudson Bay blanket color scheme. The blanket knitting pattern is available in several sizes and is worked in sixteen different pieces before being put together. This makes the blanket practical to work on when traveling. This blanket makes a wonderful gift—choose your loved one’s favorite hues for a more sentimental piece.

Generational Throw

When I think of family heirloom pieces, I think of classic, yet stunning work. The Generational Throw, created by Paula Levy, updates the traditional counterpane blanket. This piece incorporates beautiful elements inspired by Paula’s yard. Bobbled butterflies pop off the blanket and flower motifs decorate the corners. All in all, there are 24 different motifs on this blanket. These motifs are worked separately before being joined. Drape this over a favorite chair when not in use to add some elegant décor.

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My parents still talk about the knit blankets my great-grandmother would craft and how special they were. Blankets make the perfect gift, either for your loved ones or for yourself. Knitted blankets and afghans are great family heirlooms, loved by all. This collection of knitted blanket and afghan knitting patterns will not only expand your knitting skills, but also become treasured favorites of your family.

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Editors’ Favorite Blanket Knitting Patterns