The Golden Ratio is a place where art meets math. We find the golden ratio when we divide a line into two parts so that the whole length divided by the long part is also equal to the long part divided by the short part. This ratio is usually rounded to 1:1.618.

Shapes and designs created using this ratio are famously aesthetically appealing, so what better place to start for a beautiful wrap or lap blanket than a so-called golden rectangle where the long edge is (as close as we can get in knitting to) 1.618 x the short side? And to demonstrate some of the other fascinating properties of this ratio, how about we construct this by adding together squares?

And to make things even more interesting, the decrease lines at the center of the mitered squares are used to approximate the line of a golden spiral (sorry folks, I couldn’t think of a way to make curved line!).

For a final layer of mathematical deliciousness, color changes are used within each square to mark the division of the line of the edge with the golden ratio (as accurately as one can in knitting)!

Options are provided for 2 sizes and three gauges: the smaller (S) wrap/baby blanket is worked in fingering and the large wrap/lap blanket is worked in either DK (M) or worsted (L).

Sizes

S (M, L): 46.5 (99, 99)“ 118 (251, 251) cm wide and 29 (63, 63)” 73 (160, 160) cm deep

Yarn
S: Space Cadet Celeste (100% Superwash Merino, 490yds 450m/100g).
M: Space Cadet Astrid (100% Superwash Merino, 230yds 210m/100g).
L: Space Cadet Cressida (100% Superwash Merino, 230yds 210m/100g).

Number of skeins - C1 is also used for the border. The sample (in size S) used the colors in parenthesis.

Skeins
Color 1 (fat free chocolate) - S: 1 M: 4 L: 4
Color 2 (steadfast) - S: 1 M: 1 L: 1
Color 3 (look up) - S: 1 M: 1 L: 1
Color 4 (feather) - S: 1 M: 1 L: 1
Color 5 (frigia) - S: 1 M: 3 L: 2
Color 6 (fathoms down) - S: 1 M: 6 L: 5
Color 7 (silver) - S: 2 M: 15 L: 13
Color 8 (dark skies) - S: 1 M: 11 L: 9

Needle
S (M, L): US 2 (6, 8) 2.5 (4, 5)mm circular
Or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge

4” 10cm in garter stitch after blocking =
S: 28 sts and 57 rows
M: 22 sts and 42 rows
L: 18 sts and 32 rows Gauge is not critical for this piece but will affect the final overall dimensions and yarn usage.

Notions
Tapestry needle, stitch marker