This is a lovely pattern for beginners who want to explore what knit and purl stitches can do. Each square features a heart made using simple purl stitches within the knit stitches – it’s gentle, rhythmic and so satisfying to watch the design appear.

The blanket is made up of these squares, so you can take it one at a time and build it up at your own pace. It’s also a great project for playing with colour – you can go bold with bright shades or keep it soft and natural. I’ve knitted it in lots of different yarns and tones over the years, depending on who it’s for!

One of my favourite versions uses three undyed shades of Bluefaced Leicester DK – ecru, light brown and brown – for a calm, earthy feel. But there are so many possibilities. It’s one of those patterns that’s easy to fall in love with… and easy to get a bit addicted to!

CONSTRUCTION
Squares knitted flat and joined together.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, cast off. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch.

YARN
One 100g hank each of WYS Bluefaced Leicester DK – undyed in shade A, shade B and shade C.
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 225m/246yds per 100g
OR
One 50g ball each of Hjertegarn merino cotton in 14 different shades.
50% merino wool & 50% cotton, 120m/131yds per 50g*

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
4mm.

GAUGE (tension)
22 stitches and 34 rows to 10cm square over pattern. 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 11.5cm x 12.5cm
The finished blanket size is approx. 57cm x 75cm with the 3 shades
OR approx. 68cm x 87cm with the 14 shades

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.