purlJam

Textured Trapezoid Throw Blanket Skill Level: Intermediate

Description A cozy DK-weight throw worked flat from the bottom up. It begins at 144 stitches, flares gracefully with evenly distributed increases to 208 stitches over 20 rows, then continues in easy textured panels (seed, moss, basketweave and garter ridges) framed by a decorative garter-and-seed border. Finished size is approximately 38" wide at the top × 48–50" long (96.5 × 122–127 cm), ideal as a lapghan or small throw.

Materials

• DK yarn: approximately 1400–1600 yd (1280–1460 m)
• US 6 / 4.0 mm straight or circular needles (circular recommended for stitch count)
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers (optional, for panel tracking)
• Row counter

Gauge 22 sts and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking. Please swatch and adjust needle size if needed to match gauge.

Finished Measurements

• Width at cast-on edge: approx. 26¼" (66.5 cm)
• Width at bind-off edge: approx. 37¾" (96 cm)
• Length: approx. 48–50" (122–127 cm) (adjustable)

Abbreviations (US) k – knit
p – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
M1L – make 1 left (lift strand between sts from front to back, k through back loop)
M1R – make 1 right (lift strand between sts from back to front, k through front loop)
rep – repeat
pm – place marker
sm – slip marker

Notes

• Increases are worked as M1L/M1R pairs spaced evenly so the fabric flares smoothly without visible holes.
• After the increase band, stitch counts are constant at 208 sts.
• Texture panel multiples are written for post-increase count; lower section uses simpler seed/garter so shaping stays clean.
• Inline counts are confirmed with ✓.
• Block gently to open textures and even the flared shape.

Stitch Patterns Used Seed Stitch (even number of sts)
Row 1 (RS): *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1–2.

Moss Stitch (multiple of 2)
Rows 1–2: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rows 3–4: *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1–4.

Garter Ridges
Rows 1–2: Knit.
Rows 3–6: Stockinette (RS k, WS p).
Rep Rows 1–6.

Basketweave (multiple of 8 + 4 after increases)
Rows 1–4: *k4, p4; rep from * to last 4 sts, k4.
Rows 5–8: *p4, k4; rep from * to last 4 sts, p4.
Rep Rows 1–8.

Pattern Instructions

Lower Decorative Border Cast on 144 sts. Work 12 rows in Seed Stitch. Next row (RS): Knit (forms turning ridge if desired for a folded hem; optional). Work 8 more rows in Garter Stitch (knit every row).
(144 sts remain ✓)

Increase Band (144 sts → 208 sts over 20 rows)
Total stitches to add: 64.
Worked as 8 increase rows of 8 increases each, spaced every other row inside a 20-row window (well within the requested 18–24 rows).

Set-up (optional markers for even spacing): On first increase row you may place markers every 18 sts to guide placement; remove after band.

Increase Row A (RS – add 8 sts):
K9, M1R, *k18, M1R; rep from * 6 more times, k9.
(8 increases → 144 + 8 = 152 sts ✓)

Row B (WS): Purl (or continue Seed if preferred for texture continuity).

Increase Row C (RS – add 8 sts):
K10, M1R, *k18, M1R; rep from * 6 more times, k10? Wait—recalculate spacing for current count.
Even spacing method for any increase row:
K1, *k (current_sts ÷ 8 – 1), M1R; rep from * 7 more times, knit remaining sts.
Practical written-out sequence used:

Work the following 20-row sequence exactly:

• Row 1 (RS, Inc): K9, M1R, [k17, M1R] 7 times, k8. (144 + 8 = 152 sts ✓)
• Row 2 (WS): Purl.
• Row 3 (RS): Knit.
• Row 4 (WS): Purl.
• Row 5 (RS, Inc): K10, M1R, [k18, M1R] 7 times, k8. (152 + 8 = 160 sts ✓)
• Row 6 (WS): Purl.
• Row 7 (RS): Knit.
• Row 8 (WS): Purl.
• Row 9 (RS, Inc): K10, M1R, [k19, M1R] 7 times, k9. (160 + 8 = 168 sts ✓)
• Row 10 (WS): Purl.
• Row 11 (RS): Knit.
• Row 12 (WS): Purl.
• Row 13 (RS, Inc): K11, M1R, [k20, M1R] 7 times, k9. (168 + 8 = 176 sts ✓)
• Row 14 (WS): Purl.
• Row 15 (RS, Inc): K11, M1R, [k21, M1R] 7 times, k10. (176 + 8 = 184 sts ✓)
• Row 16 (WS): Purl.
• Row 17 (RS, Inc): K12, M1R, [k22, M1R] 7 times, k10. (184 + 8 = 192 sts ✓)
• Row 18 (WS): Purl.
• Row 19 (RS, Inc): K12, M1R, [k23, M1R] 7 times, k11. (192 + 8 = 200 sts ✓)
• Row 20 (RS, Inc): K13, M1R, [k24, M1R] 7 times, k11. (200 + 8 = 208 sts ✓)

(Note: Row 20 is also an increase row to complete exactly +64 inside 20 rows; WS rows remain non-increase. All M1R may be replaced by M1L on alternate inc rows for balanced lean if desired.)

After Row 20 you have 208 sts. Place a marker at each end of the central texture panels if desired.

Main Body (208 sts) Continue in textured panels for desired length (approximately 180–200 rows / 30–33" of body fabric to reach overall 48–50" including borders).

Suggested Panel Layout ( Panels version )

• Outer 10 sts each side: Seed Stitch border continuation.
• Next 24 sts: Garter Ridges.
• Next 40 sts: Basketweave (multiple of 8).
• Center 60 sts: Moss Stitch.
• Mirror the panels for the second half (Basketweave 40, Garter Ridges 24, Seed 10).
  208 = 10 + 24 + 40 + 60 + 40 + 24 + 10 ✓

Work even in established patterns until piece measures approximately 44" from cast-on edge (or desired length minus upper border). End after a WS row.

Upper Decorative Border With 208 sts:
Work 8 rows Garter Stitch.
Work 12 rows Seed Stitch.
Bind off loosely in Seed pattern.

Finishing Weave in all ends.
Block to finished measurements, pinning the flared sides evenly so the increase band lies flat and textures open.
Optional: add fringe or tassels along cast-on and bind-off edges.

Yarn Amount Note
Actual yardage varies with exact length and blocking. Order an extra skein if you plan a longer throw or denser border.

Enjoy your textured throw! The even increase band creates a gentle drape that looks intentional and polished while remaining fully intermediate-friendly.