Time for a Log Cabin blanket KAL

Log Cabin Blanket KAL 2024

New for Autumn 2024 - a shiny brand new knitalong and e-book for you

All about the joys of Log Cabin Blankets.

If you enjoyed my Mitered Square Blanket KAL you’ll definitely want to catch this.

It will run in much the same format over 4-6 weeks, starting in September - and as with previous KALs please don’t worry - I’m not expecting you to churn out a king sized blanket in a month.

Instead the aim is to introduce you to the concept of Log Cabin Style blankets. To the different shapes and styles you can construct and to give you the tools and the inspiration to create a truly unique Log Cabin blanket of your very own.

Each week will feature instructions on how to knit a Log Cabin style square - each of them will be different and will give you an idea of how the basic concept can be used to create a multitude of different possibilities - all from the same building blocks.

The four blocks will work together, so if you want, you can knit each of them and then stitch them into a small, lap-sized sampler blanket as a starter project . Or you can downsize each one and use them as test pieces for your own log cabin adventure.

Why Log Cabin style?

• Perfect for stashbusting and using up random yarns from your stash

• Endlessly adaptable - you can go as large or as small as you like

• A great opportunity to play with colour

• Relaxing garter stitch for the win - no stress knitting here

• An ideal knitting project to keep you company in autumn/winter

Dates for your diary

• After purchase you will receive a pre-KAL information sheet, just so you know what materials you need to get together and what to expect.

• The dedicated Facebook group for the KAL will open towards the end of August so that you can all gather and chat about your plans in advance.

• The first week of our KAL will be Mon Sep 16th and a new block will be released each Monday for 4 weeks.

• There will then be two-week period where folks can discuss their plans for their own log cabin blanket and I’ll be on hand to offer any help that might be needed.

• The Facebook group will remain open as long as it’s needed.

How to knit a log cabin blanket

A basic log cabin blanket block knit with leftover DK weight yarn on 4mm needles.

One of the things I love most about log cabin blankets is that you really are free to knit them however you like. Once you have the basics of the construction sorted out you can freestyle to your hearts content. They can be used to stashbust and use up scraps or you can purchase to fit a particular design -  the choice is yours. This tutorial will show you how to knit a square log-cabin block which is the building block for most types of log cabin blanket construction.

To start with you need to knit a central patch - garter stitch is by far my preferred stitch for this as the squares lie flat and don't roll. I have seen spectacular log cabin blankets knit in seed stitch but that's a a level of commitment I'm really not prepared for.

BLOCK 1

Cast on 15 stitches and knit 30 rows and then cast off - you will have 15 garter ridges. If it helps, stick a bulb or safety pin into the right side to help you although technically at this stage but sides are the same. If you get into the habit of slipping the first stitch purlwise (with the yarn in front) this creates a neat slipped stitch edge and will make the job of picking up stitches later so much easier.

Starting block 2 - with stitches picked up along the side of block 1

BLOCK 2

With colour 2 (green, here) align block 1 with the right side up and the cast on edge towards you. Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the left hand side of block 1. Knit 29 rows - the pick up and knit row counts as 1 row - until you have 15 garter ridges. Cast off.

Starting block 3 - with stitches picked up along the side of block 2 and the cast on edge of block 1

BLOCK 3

With right side facing and colour 3 (light brown), pick up and knit 15 stitches along the left hand side of block 2 and then 15 stitches along the cast on edge of block 1 (30 stitches in total). Knit 29 rows - 15 garter ridges then cast off.

BLOCK 4

With right side facing and colour 4 (pale green), pick up and knit 15 stitches along the left hand side of block 3, and the other side of block 1. Knit 29 rows, Cast off. Spotting a pattern yet?

BLOCK 5

With colour 5 (gold), pick up and knit 15 stitches along the left hand side of block 4, 15 stitches along the cast off edge of block 1 and 15 stitches across the other side of block 2 (45 stitches in total). Knit 29 rows. Cast off.

This completes your first full block and you’ll see that block 1 is fully enclosed by the surrounding 4 blocks.

You can now continue in the same manner, always remembering to turn the work 90 degrees clockwise. You pick up stitches along the side of the block just worked and across to the end of the piece, adding more blocks as you go. You can keep going until the blanket is the desired size or you run out of yarn.

PIN FOR LATER

A log cabin blanket with a difference

I do love a good traditional log cabin blanket but sometimes it's nice to switch things up a little and I found myself wondering whether I could combine my twin loves of log cabin and mitered squares. 

And it turns out that you can.

The Log Cabin-ish blanket uses a series of blocks constructed in the traditional log cabin style but rather than each round of blocks overlapping at the corners, this leaves the corners free to be joined with little mitered squares.

Using a yarn with colour contrast adds visual interest and makes for something a little bit different.

This blanket is sized to create a small lap-sized or baby blanket (approx 37" square) but it could be easily sized up if you have sufficient yarn. The beauty of log cabin blankets is that you can just keep going until your yarn supply - or patience - is exhausted.

As ever, the pattern is available to buy through my Payhip store at the link below. If you would like a copy for your Ravelry library please just email me at the address in the footer of the pattern and I can sort that out for you.