I have always loved patchwork quilts, especially those with classic geometric designs. Weston’s Starfleet baby blanket is derived from a vintage patchwork pattern for woven fabrics. Like knitting, quilting has many names for the same thing. Names for this patchwork design include Evening Star, Sawtooth Star, Morning Star, and Starburst. This knitting pattern offers directions for both 3-color and 5-color versions. Solid bands are worked around the patchwork star blocks, then joined using either a three-needle bind off or grafting. The three-needle bind off join will leave a slight ridge. The grafted join will look seamless. Links are provided for both options. Note that garter stitch is easier to graft than stockinette because it uses the same steps on both front and back needles.

Weston’s Starfleet is knitted using a reversible pickup (RPU) so that there is really no right or wrong side—ideal for a blanket. This pickup also allows tails to be partially hidden while working it. See the “Needle Tip” article in this issue for directions and photos. The following directions use a version of German short rows plus a single wrap-and-turn, but other options can work as well.