Mosaic Knitting With the Knitted Slip Stitch – Free Pattern

The Kensington Throw & Knitted Slip Stitch Color Work

If you’ve been following my content for a while, you know I love to add texture to my knitting patterns – especially when it looks complicated but is actually really easy to knit. That’s exactly what I had in mind when designing the Kensington Throw Blanket! This modern blanket is knit using slip stitch color work (aka mosaic knitting), which sounds like an advanced technique but is basically just slipping stitches and working with one color at a time.

For this blanket pattern, I decided to go with a high-contrast black and white combination. It gives the blanket a striking look that fits right into any contemporary space — especially if you’re into the minimalist aesthetic (or just have pets who shed like mine and need a forgiving color palette). That said, feel free to play around with the colors! You could go with soft neutrals like oatmeal and cream for a more subtle vibe, or even try a moody forest green with heather grey. I also think a warm terracotta and blush pink would look stunning for a cozy boho feel -which I also LOVE.

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How to Use Knitted Slip Stitches for Color Work

If you’re new to knit color work and feeling a little intimidated with holding two yarns at once — don’t worry because you don’t have to juggle two yarns with this method. Slip stitch color work, or mosaic knitting, involves only working with one color per row. You change colors every two rows, and knit in stockinette stitch as if you’re knitting stripes. When you want a stitch to be of the opposite color, all you have to do is slip it purlwise from the row below.

What I love most about this technique is how easy it is to get into a rhythm. Once you understand the basics, I just know you will have so much fun with knitting this blanket. And even though mosaic knitting is simple, the results look so impressive. It really is such a fun and stress-free way to start working with color in your knitting.

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The Kensington Throw Blanket Pattern

Materials:

Here is what you will need to knit this blanket:

You will need the following supplies to make this blanket:

• Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran Yarn:
  • 4 skeins (804 yards) Champaign White – Color A
  • 4 skeins (804 yards) Black – Color B
• US Size 9 / 5.5 mm circular (32” cord) knitting needles
• Scissors
• Tapestry/yarn needle (for weaving in ends)

Knitting Pattern Notes:

This blanket is worked from the bottom up using knitted slip stitches and stockinette stitch, switching between colours A and B every two rows.  Do not cut the yarn when changing colours, just carry it up the side. 

More Free Blanket Knitting Patterns from Leelee Knits!

Video Tutorial – Using Knitted Slip Stitches for Color Work (Mosaic Knitting):

Free Blanket Knitting Pattern:

Step 1: Cast on Stitches:

With Color A, cast on 177 sts (or a multiple of 4 plus 1).

Step 2: Knit Blanket:

Rows 1 & 2 (bottom border): *K1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Switch to Color B.

Step 3: Cast off and Block:

Cast off in pattern, then wet block or steam block the blanket to the final measurements. Once it’s fully dry and set, your Kensington Throw will be ready to enjoy.