783 Shea Lap Blanket - Knitting Pattern for Home in Valley Yarns Conway

783 Shea Lap Blanket - Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The 783 Shea Lap Blanket is a machine-washable blanket designed by Kirsten Hipsky, perfect for babies, children, adults, and families of all sizes. This knitting pattern creates a finished square blanket measuring approximately 38 inches square, featuring a soft, neutral aesthetic with understated eyelet detailing throughout.

What You Will Make

This project produces a versatile lap blanket suitable for multiple uses and recipients. The blanket's neutral shade and gentle construction make it an ideal gift or home accessory. The finished piece maintains its softness and durability through machine washing, making it both beautiful and practical for everyday use.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: The pattern incorporates eyelet stitch techniques, creating decorative openwork throughout the blanket
• Seamless construction: The blanket is worked as a single piece without seaming
• Worked flat: The project is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round
• Garter stitch: Used as the primary stitch base, providing structure and texture

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

This pattern employs several essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Garter stitch (k): The foundational stitch creating the blanket's main texture
• Yarn overs (yo): Used to create the eyelet lace pattern and decorative openings
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl1-k2tog-psso): A centered double decrease used in lace motifs
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease
• Purl (p): Used strategically in pattern rows to create texture variation

Materials Required

Yarn: 12 skeins of Valley Yarns Conway in color 03 Linen. This yarn is composed of 60% Pima Cotton and 40% Acrylic, with each skein weighing 50 grams and containing 127 yards. The DK weight yarn provides excellent drape and softness while maintaining durability.

Needles: US size 6 (4.00mm) needles or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The pattern calls for needles suitable for working flat.

Gauge: 5 stitches equal 1 inch in garter stitch. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the blanket to finish at the intended 38-inch square size.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore lace techniques. The combination of garter stitch foundation with eyelet lace elements provides an excellent introduction to decorative knitting while remaining manageable for developing skills.

Pattern Format

This design is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to complete pattern instructions and stitch charts for reference during your knitting project.