I could get so addicted to knitting this blanket! There’s something deeply comforting about a simple square – it’s the kind of project you can pick up and knit in an evening or over a weekend (depending on how much time you can dedicate to yourself and your knitting). And each square gives you that little sense of achievement… the best kind of knitting feeling! The squares are knitted corner to corner, so something a little different but still simple.

Once you’ve knitted your squares, the fun really begins – playing around with how to join them together. This version is the one I finally settled on, but there were plenty of other layouts I loved too. I hope you enjoy arranging yours – it’s part of the joy of this pattern.

The Baile Blanket is one of eight patterns I designed especially for Yarndale 2017. I named them all using Irish words and Baile (BAL-yeh) means place or home – the perfect name for a blanket that wraps you in comfort, wherever you are.

Check out my video on how to join garter stitch edges together – it’s a lovely, relaxing technique to learn.

CONSTRUCTION
Each square is knitted flat from corner to corner then joined together.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, increase, decrease, simple striping and colour change, cast off. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch.

YARN
Two 100g hanks of WYS Bluefaced Leicester DK in shade A and B.
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 225m/246yds per 100g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
4mm.

GAUGE (tension)
21 stitches and 38 rows to 10cm square over garter stitch.
I obtained this gauge with 4mm needles. It is important to obtain gauge so do swatch and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

SIZE AND FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Each square measures 12cm x 12cm.
The finished blanket size is approx. 72cm x 72cm (6 x 6 squares)

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.