Clap in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Worsted - Downloadable PDF

Clap Blanket in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Worsted – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Clap is a beautifully textured knitted blanket pattern designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated advanced beginner, making it an excellent project for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to explore more structured stitch work, including twisted rib and cable techniques. The finished blanket is offered in three sizes — small, medium, and large — giving knitters flexibility depending on their intended use, whether as a crib blanket, lap blanket, or a more generous throw.

What Is Being Made

The Clap pattern produces a knitted blanket with a richly textured surface. The design combines a moss stitch border running along both edges of every row with a central field of twisted rib and cable patterning. The result is a fabric that has both visual interest and a satisfying tactile quality, well suited to a baby or nursery setting given the softness of the recommended yarn. The blanket is photographed in Silver 10011, a cool, neutral shade that highlights the stitch definition beautifully.

Sizes and Construction

The pattern is worked flat in rows on a single pair of needles, beginning with a cast-on of 153 stitches (small), 195 stitches (medium), or 237 stitches (large). Construction is straightforward and worked from one end to the other without seaming, making it a satisfying single-piece project. The stitch pattern is built around a 42-stitch pattern repeat, which is worked 3 times across for small, 4 times for medium, and 5 times for large, with the 48-row pattern repeat continuing throughout the length of the blanket.

Techniques Used

• Moss stitch border: The first and last 5 stitches of every row are worked in moss stitch (also known as seed stitch), creating a neat, non-curling edge that frames the central pattern panel on both sides.
• Twisted rib: The central section of the blanket begins with a twisted rib foundation, worked over 8 rows before transitioning to the main chart pattern. Twisted rib is created by knitting and purling through the back loop, which produces a denser, crisper rib than standard ribbing and adds excellent stitch definition.
• Cable knitting: A cable needle is listed as required equipment, indicating that the main chart pattern incorporates cable crossings. Cables involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the front or back, working subsequent stitches, then working the held stitches — creating the characteristic rope-like or braided motifs associated with traditional knitting.
• Chart reading: The main body of the blanket is worked from a stitch chart, repeating a 42-stitch by 48-row pattern. This is an important skill for advancing knitters and is well within reach for those at the advanced beginner level.
• Needle changes mid-project: The pattern begins on 4mm (US 6) needles for the initial moss stitch and twisted rib section, then changes to 5mm (US 8) needles for the main chart pattern. This technique ensures the border and body have the correct tension and drape.

Stitches Used

• Moss stitch (seed stitch) — alternating knit and purl stitches, offset on every row to create a bumpy, reversible texture
• Twisted knit stitch (K1 tbl) — knitting through the back loop to twist the stitch
• Twisted purl stitch (P1 tbl) — purling through the back loop
• Cable stitches — worked from chart using a cable needle
• Standard knit and purl — used throughout for structure and pattern transitions

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern is designed specifically for Rowan Baby Cashsoft Worsted, a premium yarn sold in 50g balls. This yarn is a soft, worsted-weight blend ideal for baby and nursery projects, offering warmth and a