On the Porch

**On the Porch** is a simple, modern blanket knitting pattern. It is easy to knit using only knit and purl stitches, with instructions that are clear and beginner friendly. Knit in one piece, this design is a popular choice for modern baby blankets and relaxed, everyday throws. The pattern is written for worsted, heavy worsted, or Aran #4 weight yarn and looks attractive in solid colors or gently variegated yarns. Suitable for a wide range of fibers, including cotton, acrylic, or wool. **This is the pattern I most often recommend to new knitters.** *On the Porch blanket is inspired by childhood memories of summer evenings on my grandparents’ screened porch. The simple textured stripe design reminds me of the old, painted wood floor of their porch.* > *Buy 3 or more of [my knitting patterns][2] at the same time and receive 15% off your order. No coupon code. Use ‘Add to Cart’ and discount will automatically be applied when 3 or more patterns are in the cart. Offer cannot be applied to prior purchases.* **DIRECTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES:** Approximate sizes after blocking… Baby Blanket: 28” wide x 30.5” long Small Blanket: 30” wide x 35” long Medium Blanket: 33.5” wide x 38” long Large Throw: 38” wide x 41” long XL Throw: 42” wide x 47” long XXL Afghan: 46" wide x 50" long Finished size may vary depending on yarn weight and gauge used. Any of the blanket sizes may be made longer by adding pattern repeats. Each pattern repeat adds about 1.5” to the length of the blanket. Pattern includes estimates for additional yardage needed to make blankets longer. **WORSTED OR ARAN #4 WEIGHT YARN:** Baby: 600 - 620 yards Small: 730 - 750 yards Medium: 880 - 900 yards Large: 1100 - 1150 yards XL: 1400 - 1450 yards XXL: 1600 - 1700 yards Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your blanket. This pattern will work well with many worsted weight yarns. For best appearance, choose a yarn with good stitch definition. I used Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Worsted in the ‘Drift’ colorway for the off-white blanket. This yarn is lovely! It’s a “heavy worsted” that is very soft and luxurious. The pattern may also be used with DK or Aran weight yarns. Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn. Finished size and amount of yarn needed may vary depending on yarn choice and gauge....*so buy extra yarn just in case!* **GAUGE:** Stockinette stitch with US size 9 needles: approximately 15 stitches & 20 rows = 4” Exact gauge is not essential. I used US size 9 knitting needles…but choose the needle size that gives the best appearance with your yarn and your knitting tension. Significantly different gauge may require more yarn. **CIRCULAR NEEDLES:** Knit flat, in one piece, back and forth on circular knitting needles. In order to accommodate the large number of stitches, long circular needles are recommended. **SKILL LEVEL:** Easy / Beginner You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends. *Blocking of finished knitting is recommended.* This pattern uses standard U.S. knitting terms. Written pattern with row by row instructions. [1]: http://bit.ly/OnthePorch5410BLOG [2]: http://bit.ly/5410StudioRavelry