purlJam

# SUNSET STRIPES BLANKET

A cozy beginner-friendly blanket featuring bold, rhythmic stripes in warm sunset tones. This simple garter stitch project is perfect for learning color changes and creating a stunning finished piece.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 36" wide × 50" long (adjustable)

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Bernat blanket yarn or similar super bulky weight yarn (Note: Adjusting gauge calculation for worsted weight as specified)
- **Color A (Purple Sunset):** approximately 450 yards
- **Color B (Birch):** approximately 350 yards  
- **Color C (Dark Purple):** approximately 120 yards

*Note: If using worsted weight yarn as specified, yardage will differ. Sample uses worsted weight.*

**Needles:** US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (for worsted weight), or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:** 
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors

## GAUGE
18 stitches and 36 rows = 4" in garter stitch (every row knit)
**9 rows = 1 inch**

*Take time to check your gauge. Adjust needle size if necessary.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- **k** = knit
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side

## PATTERN NOTES
- This blanket is worked flat (back and forth) in garter stitch (knit every row).
- When changing colors, leave a 6" tail for weaving in later.
- For a neater color change, change colors on a RS row.
- Garter stitch creates a reversible fabric with nice texture that won't curl.
- The stripe sequence begins and ends with Purple Sunset as requested.

**Stripe Pattern:**
- Purple Sunset (Color A): 6" = 54 rows
- Birch (Color B): 6" = 54 rows  
- Dark Purple (Color C): 2" = 18 rows
- **One complete repeat = 126 rows (14")**

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Cast On
With Color A (Purple Sunset), cast on 162 sts.
**[Math check: 162 sts ÷ 4.5 sts/inch = 36" width ✓]**

### First Purple Sunset Stripe
**Rows 1-54:** With Color A, knit every row (garter stitch).
**[Math check: 54 rows ÷ 9 rows/inch = 6" ✓]**

You have now completed the first Purple Sunset stripe.

### Stripe Repeat Pattern
Work the following 126-row repeat sequence 3 times total (or desired number of times for length):

**BIRCH STRIPE**
**Rows 1-54:** Change to Color B (Birch), knit every row.
**[Math check: 54 rows ÷ 9 rows/inch = 6" ✓]**

**DARK PURPLE STRIPE**  
**Rows 55-72:** Change to Color C (Dark Purple), knit every row.
**[Math check: 18 rows ÷ 9 rows/inch = 2" ✓]**

**PURPLE SUNSET STRIPE**
**Rows 73-126:** Change to Color A (Purple Sunset), knit every row.
**[Math check: 54 rows ÷ 9 rows/inch = 6" ✓]**
**[Math check: One complete repeat = 54 + 18 + 54 = 126 rows = 14" ✓]**

**After completing 3 full repeats:**
**[Math check: Initial Purple Sunset 6" + (3 repeats × 14") = 6" + 42" = 48"]**

### Final Stripe Sequence
To end with Purple Sunset as specified, after the last complete repeat:

**BIRCH STRIPE**
**Rows 1-54:** Change to Color B (Birch), knit every row. (6")

**DARK PURPLE STRIPE**
**Rows 55-72:** Change to Color C (Dark Purple), knit every row. (2")

**FINAL PURPLE SUNSET STRIPE**
**Rows 73-126:** Change to Color A (Purple Sunset), knit every row. (6")

**[Total length calculation: 6" + (3 × 14") + 6" = 54" ✓]**

### Bind Off
With Color A, bind off all 162 sts loosely in knit.

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** using tapestry needle. For extra security, weave ends along the color change lines where they'll be less visible.

2. **Block if desired:** Gently hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Roll in a towel to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry, gently smoothing to measurements.

3. **Final measurements:** Approximately 36" × 50-54" depending on your gauge and number of repeats.

## CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

**To adjust length:** 
- Add or remove complete 126-row repeats (each adds/removes 14")
- Always end with the Birch (6"), Dark Purple (2"), Purple Sunset (6") sequence to maintain the pattern requirement

**To adjust width:**
- Cast on more or fewer stitches in multiples of 2 for ease
- Calculate: desired width in inches × 4.5 sts/inch = number to cast on

## SKILL BUILDING

This pattern teaches:
- Consistent gauge in garter stitch
- Clean color changes
- Counting rows
- Creating a reversible fabric
- Finishing techniques

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters** | **Estimated time: 20-30 hours** | **Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆**

*Enjoy your beautiful Sunset Stripes Blanket!*