The Driftwood Dunes Throw: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Blanket with a Woven Edge

Introducing the Driftwood Dunes Throw

Bring the serene beauty of coastal sand dunes into your home with this uniquely textured throw. Featuring a mesmerizing interplay of slipped stitches and a dramatic woven fringe, this pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to create a stunning, modern heirloom piece. The asymmetrical shape and organic texture mimic the natural ripples of sand, making this throw a true statement piece for any room.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Shown in three colors:

• Color A (Sand Dune): 800 yards
• Color B (Sea Foam): 400 yards
• Color C (Driftwood): 200 yards

Needles & Tools

• US Size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and creating fringe
• Crochet hook (size H/5.0 mm or similar) for fringe attachment
• Scissors

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving correct gauge is important for the final size and drape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

The throw is worked diagonally from one corner, increasing and then decreasing to create an asymmetrical shape. The slipped stitch pattern creates a woven, sand-like texture. The fringe is created by weaving long strands through the edge loops. All wrong side rows are knit (garter stitch on WS). The slipped stitch is always slipped purlwise with yarn in back (wyib).

Section 1: Increase (Color A)

With Color A, cast on 3 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (5 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 3: K1, yo, k1, slip 1 wyib, k1, yo, k1. (7 stitches)
• Row 4: Knit all stitches.
• Row 5: K1, yo, k2, slip 1 wyib, k2, yo, k1. (9 stitches)
• Row 6: Knit all stitches.
• Row 7: K1, yo, k3, slip 1 wyib, k3, yo, k1. (11 stitches)
• Row 8: Knit all stitches.

Continue in this pattern: Increase 2 stitches every RS row (one yarn over at each end, just inside the first and last stitch). Work the slipped stitch pattern as established: knit to the center stitch, slip 1 wyib, knit to end. The center stitch will always be the stitch that was slipped on the previous RS row. This creates a vertical column of slipped stitches.

Work until you have 101 stitches on your needle, ending with a WS row. Cut Color A, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color B.

Section 2: Even Section (Color B)

With Color B, work even for 20 rows, maintaining the slipped stitch pattern on RS rows (knit all WS rows). Do not increase or decrease. The stitch count remains 101 stitches throughout this section.

• RS rows: Knit to center stitch, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
• WS rows: Knit all stitches.

Section 3: Decrease (Color B)

Continue with Color B. You will now decrease 2 stitches every 4 rows (one decrease at each end on RS rows, plus the slipped stitch pattern).

• Row 1 (RS): K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (99 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): K1, k2tog, knit to center stitch (the stitch that was slipped on previous RS row), slip 1 wyib, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (97 stitches)
• Row 4 (WS): Knit all stitches.

Repeat these 4 rows until 3 stitches remain, ending with a WS row. Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches and pull tight to close the point. Weave in all ends securely.

Fringe (Woven Edge)

Cut 120 strands of Color C, each 18 inches long. Take 2 strands together (so you are working with pairs), fold the pair in half to create a loop.

Insert crochet hook from front to back through an edge loop along the diagonal sides (the slipped stitch edge creates a series of loops along both the increase and decrease edges). Pull the folded loop through the edge loop, then thread the two ends of the strands through the loop and pull tight to secure.

Space fringe evenly along the two diagonal edges (the increase edge and the decrease edge). You should have approximately 60 fringe bundles total (30 per side). Trim fringe to an even length, about 8-9 inches long after trimming.

Block the throw gently to open up the slipped stitch texture and even out the edges. Lay flat to dry. Enjoy your handcrafted Driftwood Dunes Throw!