SmoothFox's Amethyst Square: A Free Knitted Pattern for a Jewel-Toned Heirloom

Welcome, fellow yarn lovers! Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share a pattern that has captured my heart: the SmoothFox's Amethyst Square. This isn't just any knitted square; it's a richly textured, 12x12 inch masterpiece that combines the timeless elegance of classic cables with the airy delicacy of lace. Knitted in a stunning gradient of deep violet, medium amethyst, and soft lavender, this square is a true showstopper.

Whether you envision it as part of a luxurious afghan, a textured pillow cover, or a standalone piece of wall art, this pattern is designed to elevate your knitting. The sophisticated interplay of intertwining cables and delicate eyelets creates a modern heirloom piece that you'll be proud to display. Let's dive into this rewarding project and create something beautiful together.

Materials Needed: Gathering Your Treasures

Before we cast on, let's ensure you have everything you need. This pattern is perfect for an adventurous intermediate knitter, but with our detailed instructions, even a confident beginner can tackle it. Here’s your shopping list:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three shades of purple. I recommend a deep violet, a medium amethyst, and a soft lavender. You'll need approximately 200g total. A yarn with a subtle sheen will really make the cables pop and give that jewel-like appearance.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles. If you're a tight knitter, you may want to go up a size to meet gauge.
• Cable Needle: A small cable needle is essential for creating those beautiful C4B and C4F cables.
• Stitch Markers: You'll need two to mark the border sections.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in those ends and finishing your square beautifully.
• Blocking Mats and Pins: This is crucial for achieving that perfect 12x12 inch shape and letting the cables relax.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Getting your gauge right is important for the final size, so take a moment to knit a swatch!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Knitting Your Amethyst Square

This square is knitted flat in one piece. It features a central cable panel framed by delicate lace and garter stitch borders. Don't be intimidated by the written instructions—we'll take it row by row. Let's get started!

Understanding Your Abbreviations

First, let's get familiar with the language of this pattern:

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (a right-leaning decrease)
• SSK = slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease)
• YO = yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
• C4B = cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle)
• C4F = cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Let's Begin: Casting On and the Garter Border

Cast on: With your deep violet yarn, cast on 60 stitches.

Rows 1-6 (Garter Border): Knit all stitches. This creates a lovely, sturdy border for your square.

The Main Pattern: Working the Center Panel

Row 7 (RS): Switch to your medium amethyst yarn. K6 (this is your border), place a marker, work Row 1 of the written instructions across the next 48 stitches, place another marker, and K6 (your other border).

Now, here are the written instructions for the center 48 stitches. You will repeat Rows 8-19 for the main pattern. Let's break down the first repeat:

Row 1 (RS): K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4B, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4F, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2

Let's decode this row: You're creating a lace eyelet (K2, YO, SSK), then some stockinette (K4), a purl ridge (P2), your cable (C4B), another purl ridge (P2), more stockinette (K4), and another lace eyelet (YO, K2tog). You'll do this sequence twice to complete the 48 stitches.

Row 2 (WS): P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2

Note: On the wrong side, you're working the lace decreases as K2tog to maintain the stitch count and mirror the right side.

Row 3 (RS): K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4F, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4B, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2

Notice: The cables are now crossing in the opposite direction (C4F instead of C4B), which creates that beautiful braided effect.

Row 4 (WS): P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2

Rows 5-12: Repeat Rows 1-4 two more times. This completes your first color block in medium amethyst.

Introducing the Lavender Section

Row 13 (RS): Switch to your soft lavender yarn. K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4B, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4F, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2

Row 14 (WS): P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2

Row 15 (RS): K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4F, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2, YO, SSK, K4, P2, C4B, P2, K4, YO, K2tog, K2

Row 16 (WS): P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2, K2tog, YO, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2tog, YO, P2

Rows 17-24: Repeat Rows 13-16 two more times. You've now completed your lavender block.

Returning to Amethyst and Violet

Rows 25-32: Switch back to your medium amethyst yarn. Repeat Rows 1-8 from the first section.

Rows 33-40: Switch back to your deep violet yarn. Repeat Rows 1-8 again. This will mirror your beginning and create a beautiful, balanced ombre effect.

Finishing Touches: Border and Bind Off

Rows 41-46 (Garter Border): Knit all stitches in your deep violet yarn.

Bind off: Bind off all stitches loosely on the wrong side. A loose bind-off is key to keeping your edges stretchy and even.

Blocking: The Secret to a Perfect Square

This is the most magical step! Finishing: Weave in all your ends carefully with your tapestry needle. Then, soak your square in lukewarm water with a little wool wash. Gently squeeze out the excess water (don't wring!), roll it in a towel to remove more moisture, and then pin it out to exactly 12x12 inches on your blocking mats. Pin the edges and let the cables relax into their beautiful, dimensional shape. Allow it to dry completely before unpinning.

And there you have it—your very own SmoothFox's Amethyst Square! The combination of the rich gradient, the intricate cables, and the delicate lace creates a piece that is truly special. I can't wait to see how you use yours. Happy knitting!