purlJam

# Cozy Reader's Ripple Blanket

**Description:**
A plush, oversized throw featuring a gentle chevron wave pattern (The Ripple). Designed specifically for Mainstays Chunky Chenille, this blanket is ultra-soft and works up quickly using large needles. It features two large pockets specifically designed to hold your current reading books or e-readers while you snuggle up.

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner

**Finished Dimensions:**
*   Width: Approx. 50 inches (127 cm)
*   Length: Approx. 60 inches (152 cm)

**Materials:**
*   **Yarn:** Mainstays Chunky Chenille Yarn (Super Bulky / Jumbo weight).
    *   Color A (Olive): 7 skeins (approx. 220 yards)
    *   Color B (Ivory): 7 skeins (approx. 220 yards)
    *   *Note: This yarn has very short yardage per skein (31.7 yd). To reach a 60-inch length, you need substantial yardage. Total estimated yardage: ~440 yards.*
*   **Needles:** US 35 (19 mm) or US 50 (25 mm) circular knitting needles (at least 32-inch cord length to hold the weight of the blanket).
*   **Notions:** Large tapestry needle (for weaving ends), scissors, measuring tape.

**Gauge:**
Approx. 6 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch.
*Exact gauge is not critical for this blanket, but it affects the final size and yarn usage.*

**Abbreviations (US Terminology):**
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (decrease). Insert needle into next 2 stitches and knit them as one.
*   **kfb:** knit front and back (increase). Knit into the front of the stitch, do not drop it off the needle, then knit into the back of the same stitch.
*   **Rep:** repeat
*   **RS:** Right Side (the front of the work)
*   **WS:** Wrong Side

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Part 1: The Blanket
*Note: This pattern uses a "Garter Ripple" stitch, meaning you knit every row. There is no purling in the main blanket pattern.*

**Cast On:**
With **Color A (Olive)**, cast on **75 stitches**.
*(Math check: 6 repeats x 12 sts = 72 sts + 3 edge sts = 75 sts).*

**Foundation Rows:**
**Rows 1-4:** Knit all stitches (Garter stitch border).

**Ripple Pattern:**
Proceed with the ripple pattern. You will change colors every 6 rows (or desired stripe width).

**Row 1 (RS):**
Knit 1, K2tog, K3, Kfb, *Kfb, K3, K2tog, K2tog, K3, Kfb; rep from * to last 7 sts, Kfb, K3, K2tog, Knit 1.
*[Inline Math Check: The repeat `Kfb, K3, K2tog, K2tog, K3, Kfb` takes 12 stitches and results in 12 stitches. The counts remain constant at 75 sts.]*

**Row 2 (WS):**
Knit all stitches.

**Row 3:** Repeat Row 1.
**Row 4:** Knit all stitches.
**Row 5:** Repeat Row 1.
**Row 6:** Knit all stitches.

**Color Change:**
Switch to **Color B (Ivory)**. Do not cut Color A if you are comfortable carrying it up the side; otherwise, cut leaving a 6-inch tail to weave in later.

**Rows 7-12:** Repeat Rows 1 and 2 (3 times) using Color B.

**Continuing the Pattern:**
Repeat the stripe sequence (6 rows Color A, 6 rows Color B) until the blanket measures approximately 58 inches long, or you are nearly out of yarn.

**Final Border:**
Switch to (or finish with) the color you have most left of.
**Next 4 Rows:** Knit all stitches.

**Bind Off:**
Bind off all stitches loosely. *Tip: If you bind off too tight, the end of the blanket will pull in. Use a larger needle to bind off if necessary.*

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### Part 2: The Book Pockets (Make 2)
*The pockets are knit separately as simple squares to ensure they are sturdy enough to hold a book without distorting the chevron waves.*

**Cast On:**
With **Color A or B** (your choice), cast on **15 stitches**.

**Rows 1-30:** Knit every row (Garter Stitch) until the piece measures approx. 9 inches square.
*Adjust number of rows until it is a square shape.*

**Bind Off:**
Bind off all stitches.

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### Part 3: Assembly & Finishing

1.  **Weave in Ends:** Use your fingers or a large tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn tails on the blanket and the pockets. Because Chenille can unravel, tie a small knot at the very end of the tail before hiding it inside the stitches.
2.  **Placement:** Lay the blanket flat with the Right Side facing up. Position the two pockets on the bottom section of the blanket (approx. 6 inches up from the bottom edge and 6 inches in from the side edges).
    *   *Note: Place the pockets centered on a "downward" wave of the chevron so it sits relatively flat, or on the flat border section if you made the border deep enough.*
3.  **Sewing:** Using a matching color of yarn, sew the sides and bottom of the pockets securely onto the blanket. Leave the top edge open.
    *   *Tip: Double-stitch the top corners of the pockets, as this is where the stress of the book weight will be.*
4.  **Final Check:** Insert a book to test the pocket strength.

**Care Instructions:**
Hand wash gently or machine wash on delicate/cold in a laundry bag (to prevent snagging). Lay flat to air dry. Do not iron chenille yarn.