How to Start With One Square to Make a Blanket

Circular knitting needles help manage the large number of stitches when the blanket is nearly finished.

Blankets that start with one small square, to which small strips are added on all sides again and again are also known as log cabin blankets because of their resemblance to stacked logs, and because of their old-fashioned appeal. These blankets are simple to knit and require no sewing of seams when the blanket is finished.

Things You'll Need

• 3,000 to 3,400 yards of worsted-weight yarn, in one color or many, to make a 55-inch-by-55-inch blanket
• U.S. size 7 circular knitting needles, 29 inches or longer
• Darning needle

Instructions

1. Cast on 20 stitches. Knit every row for 40 rows. Bind off all stitches. You have now completed a square in garter stitch and have 20 ridges on your square.

2. Turn your square clockwise and pick up 20 stitches from the side of the square, using a new color if desired. Knit every row for 18 more rows. Bind off all stitches. You have now worked one strip.

3. Turn your work clockwise and pick up 10 stitches from the vertical edge of your previous strip as well as 20 stitches from the bottom of your first square for a total of 30 stitches, using a new color if desired. Knit every row for 18 more rows. Bind off all stitches. You have now worked two strips.

4. Repeat step 3 to knit your third strip.

5. Turn your work clockwise and pick up 10 stitches from the vertical edge of your previous strip, 20 stitches from your original square and 10 stitches from the vertical edge of your first strip for a total of 40 stitches. Knit every row for 18 more rows. Bind off all stitches. Your work is now square again.

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5, adding 10 stitches to the number of stitches to be picked up in each step for your second round of strips, adding 20 stitches to the number of stitches to be picked up for your third round of strips, and so on until your blanket reaches 55-inch-by-55-inch square.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a baby blanket by using 1,300 to 1,450 yards of worsted-weight yarn and stopping when your blanket is about 36 inches by 36 inches.

References

• Bed, Bath and Beyond: Sizing Up Your Bedroom
• "Teach Yourself Visually Knitting Design"; Sharon Turner; 2007
• January One: How To Build A Log Cabin
• PurlBee: Log Cabin Washcloths