So I started knitting a blanket for my boyfriend’s mom on 10/10 and I’m about 80 rows in. The dimensions are supposed to be 50 x 55 according to the pattern, but I just measured the width and it’s 44”. I REALLY don’t want to start over. I think I’m just going to say it’s a “lap blanket”. Question is, how long do you think I should make the length? I was going for 70” but now that seems like weird dimensions. I should mention, I’m afraid of blocking it because I don’t want to ruin the effect of the yarn (Mirasol Tapiche, which is a beautiful alpaca/merino blend).
Gorgeous blanket and a thoughtful gift !
Don’t be afraid to block the blanket. Simply wash according to the instructions on the ball band (I like a no-rinse wool wash like Euclan or Soak), gently squeeze out excess water and lay out flat to dry. The blanket will be even more beautiful if that’s possible.
If you want an idea of what it will look like, make a small swatch, wash and dry as you intend with the blanket. It’ll give you confidence in working with the larger blanket.
I don’t usually bother to pin it out. It’ll eventually be washed and the recipient probably won’t be pinning out either.
Thank you both! You have given me the confidence to try blocking (a swatch first) and to knit a lap-sized blanket! I am still disappointed in myself that I didn’t measure the width or put 2 and 2 together earlier. But this will have to do!
Just a thought - cables are often tight straight off the needle but tend to relax under their own weight while in use, so you may find that your blanket turns out to be the original size!!
I wanted to give an update on my blanket! I cast off on 12/9…exactly 60 days later! I soaked it today using Euclan and pinned it up. When I cast off it was 43 wide x 53 long. On the blocking boards it’s 60 wide x 66 long! I know it’ll probably end up somewhere in between those dimensions but I’m feeling so much better about the size.
This is a hundred times nicer than the pattern photo. You’ve made me really want to make one of these although I know I can’t work with the weight. It’s stunning!
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