Traditional Japanese embroidery techniques have been inspiring textile artists for centuries. Kyoto-based designers Meri Tanaka and Tokuko Ochiai used knitting to interpret one such technique, called Kogin, which is traditionally used to add warmth and durability by stitching decorative cotton motifs onto hemp kimonos. Worked in three contrasting colors, a repeating pattern of large slip-stitch diamonds is overlaid on a contrasting ground of garter stitch. Working the main motifs in a white or cream yarn over a backdrop of dark colors highlights the embroidered look while creating bold, textural motifs that will be right at home in modern interiors.

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Please note: the stitch patterns used for this blanket include written as well as charted instructions.

Construction

Blanket is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up.

Finished Dimensions

Twin Bed

• W: 59½″/151 cm × L: 98″/249.5 cm

Yarn

• 3408 yards/3116 meters C1, 1584 yards/1448 meters C2, and 860 yards/786 meters C3 of DK-weight wool yarn
• Shown in Brooklyn Tweed Arbor (145 yards/50 g) in colors Thaw (C1), Sashiko (C2), and Burnished (C3)

Gauge

• 19 stitches & 40 rows (20 ridges) = 4″/10 cm in blocked Kogin Pattern

Needles

One 40″/100 cm or longer circular needle in size needed to obtain gauge

• Suggested size: US 7/4.5 mm

Tutorials for all special techniques listed below are included:

• Knitted Cast-On
• Reading Charts
• Blocking

Skill Level

2 out of 5: Adventurous Beginner