The Galana Blanket: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Heirloom Throw

The Galana Blanket: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Heirloom Throw

Wrap yourself in the warmth of the Galana Blanket, a stunningly textured throw that combines the cozy feel of a classic afghan with a sleek, modern aesthetic. This free pattern guides you through creating a richly dimensional fabric using a unique combination of slipped stitches and simple cables, resulting in a piece that is both visually captivating and deeply comforting. The finished blanket measures approximately 50 inches wide by 60 inches long after blocking, making it perfect for draping over a sofa or bed.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC #4) yarn. Shown in: 6 skeins of 'Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick' in 'Oatmeal' (color A) and 4 skeins in 'Fisherman' (color B). Approx 1200 yds total.
• Needles: US Size 10 (6.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 32-inch length. Also: cable needle (cn), stitch markers.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Galana Stitch Pattern (after blocking).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes Before You Begin

• The blanket is worked flat from side to side (widthwise).
• The Galana Stitch Pattern is a 12-row repeat that creates a beautiful, woven-like texture with subtle cables.
• Always slip stitches purlwise with yarn in back (wyib) unless otherwise stated.
• Use stitch markers to separate pattern repeats for easier counting.

Galana Stitch Pattern (multiple of 12 + 2)

Row 1 (RS): K2, *sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2, sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 2 (WS): P2, *p1, sl1 wyif, p2, k1, p2, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, p2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, p2.

Row 3: K2, *sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2, sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 4: P2, *p1, sl1 wyif, p2, k1, p2, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, p2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, p2.

Row 5: K2, *sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2, sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 6: P2, *p1, sl1 wyif, p2, k1, p2, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, p2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, p2.

Row 7 (Cable Row): K2, *sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2, sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 8: P2, *p1, sl1 wyif, p2, k1, p2, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, p2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, p2.

Row 9: K2, *sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2, sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 10: P2, *p1, sl1 wyif, p2, k1, p2, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, p2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, p2.

Row 11: K2, *sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2, sl1 wyib, k2, p1, k2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 12: P2, *p1, sl1 wyif, p2, k1, p2, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, p2*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sts, p2.

Instructions

1. With Color A: Cast on 150 stitches loosely using your preferred method.
2. Set-up Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Begin Galana Stitch Pattern: Work Rows 1-12 of the Galana Stitch Pattern a total of 6 times (72 rows).
4. Color Change: Cut Color A, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color B by tying a secure knot or using your preferred method.
5. With Color B: Work Rows 1-12 of the Galana Stitch Pattern a total of 4 times (48 rows).
6. Color Change: Cut Color B, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color A.
7. With Color A: Work Rows 1-12 of the Galana Stitch Pattern a total of 6 times (72 rows).
8. Final Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
9. Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits, purl the purls) on the next RS row. To bind off loosely, use a needle one size larger if needed, or work the bind-off stitches with a relaxed tension.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Weave each end in opposite directions for about 2 inches to secure.
2. Block the blanket to size by soaking in cool water for 20-30 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay flat on a clean towel, roll up to remove more moisture, then unroll and lay flat to dry. Pin to shape if desired, especially along edges. The texture will bloom beautifully after blocking.