I absolutely love knitting summer projects. I know knitting isn’t usually linked to summertime fun, but there’s something special about knitting outside, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the sounds of nature. That’s why I designed the Retreat Throw – it’s the perfect blanket to wrap around your shoulders as the sun sets and the air cools down.
I named this blanket the Retreat throw because it brings to mind a sense of peace and relaxation. It’s like a gentle nudge to take a break from the chaos of everyday life. This blanket isn’t just a project; it’s your ticket to escape from the daily grind. As you knit it, you’re creating more than just a cozy blanket—you’re making your own little slice of tranquility to retreat to whenever you need a breather.
Tips for Knitting your Summer Throw
As for the design itself, I used a combination of simple lace knitting and slip stitches to create a fabric that is cozy, yet light and airy. The pattern may look complicated, but it is actually a simple four row repeat.
As I write this, I still recommend that you make a small swatch before beginning your blanket to practice the stitch pattern – especially if you are new to lace knitting. The pattern calls for a multiple of 10 plus 5, plus 12 border stitches. I would say that a good swatch size would be 37 or 47 stitches. I know that swatches seem like a waste of time, but I promise that this step will make things a lot easier for you in the long run.
So in spirit of knitting summer fun, I invite you to grab your favourite needles and start knitting your own Retreat Throw. I hope you enjoy knitting this blanket as much as I enjoyed designing it!
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I truly appreciate all of you who get the word out about this site and my patterns!
❤️
Alnaar
Yarn Choice:
Choosing yarn for knitting summer projects can be quite the task! You want something soft to the touch, and also lightweight. Plus, the colour has to give off a light and airy summer vibe too! For this blanket, I did a ton of research and decided on Valley Yarns Haydenville, from Love Crafts. Haydenville is a combination of acrylic and merino wool, making it very soft to the touch and also very affordable. When knitting blankets, the cost can add up quickly, so it was important for me to find a yarn that is both budget-friendly and has a high-end feel. This yarn truly feels luxurious to knit with and I could not be happier with my choice for this summertime blanket!
Ad Free PDF File
The free knitting pattern for this summer throw is available right here on this page, as this site is sustained through ad support.
If you like things a little more streamlined, I’ve put together an ad-free, downloadable PDF version of the pattern. It’s perfect for easy printing and can be can be purchased through My Ravelry Store or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
Knitting Summer Comfort – The Retreat Throw Pattern
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Materials:
You will need the following materials to make this summertime throw:
- 7 skeins (Approx. 1500 yards) Valley Yarns Haydenville worsted weight yarn in Lake (15).
- Size 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needles (32″ cord).
- Scissors.
- Tapestry/yarn needle (for weaving in ends).
Gauge:
16 stitches, 20 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch before blocking.
Measurements:
Finished blanket measures 37” wide X 64” long after blocking.
Abbreviations:
K: Knit.
P: Purl.
St: Stitch.
YO: Yarn over needle.
K2Tog: Knit two stitches together.
SKPO: Slip one stitch knitwise, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over.
Sl1p wyib: Slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in back (hold yarn to the back of your work).
Sl1k wyif: Slip one stitch knitwise with yarn in front (hold yarn to the front of your work).
Pattern Notes:
- The blanket is knit flat in rows, using circular knitting needles to hold the large number of stitches.
- Wet/Steam blocking is essential to finishing this blanket in order for it to lay flat and reach the finished dimensions.
More Free Blanket Knitting Patterns from Leelee Knits!
The Retreat Summer Knit Throw – Free Pattern
Cast on 157 stitches (multiple of 10 plus 5, plus 12 border stitches). Begin with Bottom Border.
Bottom Border:
Complete the following four rows twice (total of 8 rows) and then continue to Body of Blanket.
Row 1: Knit all sts.
Row 2: K2, *Sl1p wyib, k1; repeat from * to last st; k1.
Row 3: Knit all sts.
Row 4: K1, *Sl1p wyib, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
Body of Blanket:
Repeat the four rows below until blanket measures 62 inches and then continue to Top Border.
Row 1: K6, *p2, k1, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skpo; repeat from * to last 11 sts; p2, k1, p2, k6.
Row 2: K2, (sl1p wyib, k1) twice, * k2, sl1k wyif, k2, p5; repeat from * to last 11 sts; k2, sl1k wyif, k3, (sl1p wyib, k1) twice, k1.
Row 3: K6, *p2, k1, p2, k5; repeat from * to last 11 sts; p2, k1, p2, k6.
Row 4: (K1, sl1p wyib) three times, * k2, sl1k wyif, k2, p5; repeat from * to last 11 sts; k2, sl1k wyif, k2, (sl1p wyib, k1) three times.
Top Border:
Complete the following four rows twice (total of 8 rows) and then continue to Finishing.
Row 1: Knit all sts.
Row 2: K2, *Sl1p wyib, k1; repeat from * to last st; k1.
Row 3: Knit all sts.
Row 4: K1, *Sl1p wyib, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
Finishing:
Cast off and weave in all loose ends with a tapestry/yarn needle.
Wet or steam block to measurements and enjoy your new Retreat Throw!
Pattern PDF File
I hope you enjoyed knitting this summer throw.
If you’d like your own copy, the Ad-Free PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically) can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
