In the first part of our series, I mentioned three dishcloth patterns I used as the basis for blocks when I knit Cupcake’s Big Girl blanket.

Today I wanted to share the basics of each square, and the math that helps you modify patterns or select motifs to fit within the basic framework - and end up with a bunch of blocks that are the same size.

The block framework/recipe

I mention in the pattern notes on my Ravelry entry for this project that all the squares in my blanket are either 31 or 32 stitches wide. The width was decided based on if the motif for the block was an odd or even number of stitches. This is the only count that changes. All blocks are 42 rows high.

For all squares:

Begin with a knitted cast on (you can use long tail if you prefer)
Knit 4 rows of garter stitch (two garter ridges)
Knit the motif section - this is what we’ll focus on in each block pattern post. There is a three stitch garter border on each edge of the motif section.
Knit 4 rows of garter stitch (two garter ridges)
Bind off

In my next blog post, I’ll give a walkthrough/tutorial using the Lily Sugar & Cream Tulip dishcloth pattern.

Until then, happy knitting!

Spring

bright, happy squares

some of the squares I knit for Cupcake’s Big Girl blanket, before they were sewn together