Duran Duran’s “Rio” is one of those songs that lovers of 80’s music practically know by heart thanks to its catchy words and distinctive melody. This blanket was inspired by a member of my local stitch group who just had a beautiful baby girl lucky enough to share a name with this classic song.

Rio Dances in the Sand was originally knit as a group project that my local knitting group made to welcome baby Rio into the world, but it is such a versatile project that it can easily be undertaken by an individual. The blanket is made up of square and triangle pieces that are each knit separately and then sewn together. The individual pieces knit up quickly — each piece is knit in garter stitch, but the mitered style of the square pieces and the multiple colors keep the construction interesting. Once the pieces are done, they are stitched together (it’s great practice for anybody with a seaming phobia!).

Finished size:

• CHART A (Rectangle): Height 49”/125cm, Width 42”/107cm
• CHART B (Square):Height 42”/107cm, Width 42”/107cm

Yarn:

• Worsted weight yarn , Chart A: 2800-3200; Chart B: 3000-3500 yards. Actual amounts will vary, depending colors chosen and used. (Sample shown used 15 skeins of Cascade 220 Superwash, 100% superwash wool, 13 different colors.)

Needles /Notions:

• 1 set US 7/4.5mm straight needles, or needles needed to obtain gauge.
• Darning needle
• Stitch markers
• 1.7 yds/1.6m of 45”/1.2m wide backing fabric, optional.(Sample show used 100% cotton fleece.)
• Sewing needle and thread, optional

Gauge:

• 20 sts x 36 rows = 4”/10cm garter stitch

OTHER PATTERN DETAILS:

• file size: 957kb
• 4 pages filled with color photos, charts and detailed instructions; with active links
• 2 sizes and blanket designs offered.