The Driftwood Dune Throw: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Coastal-Inspired Blanket
Bring the Coast Home: Knitting the Driftwood Dune Throw
Imagine wrapping yourself in the serene, windswept beauty of a coastal dune. The Driftwood Dune Throw is designed to do just that. This richly textured blanket combines garter stitch ridges, slipped stitch columns, and a soft, undulating wave pattern to create a deeply tactile and visually captivating piece. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, modern home decor accent. The interplay of two subtle colors mimics the natural tones of sand and driftwood, making it a perfect addition to any cozy, minimalist space.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample uses a soft, heathered oatmeal and a creamy white to achieve the coastal look, but feel free to experiment with your own palette.
- Yarn: Approx. 1200-1400 yards of Aran weight (10 ply) yarn. Sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Oatmeal' (Color A) and 'Fisherman' (Color B).
- Needles: US Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32-inch length, or size to obtain gauge.
- Gauge: 16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always check your gauge for best results.
- Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Finished Size & Abbreviations
Finished Size: Approx. 50 inches wide x 60 inches long.
Abbreviations:
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- Sl1 wyif: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
- Sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
- Rep: Repeat
- St(s): Stitch(es)
Pattern Notes
- The blanket is worked flat in one piece from the bottom edge up.
- The pattern uses two colors (A and B) to create subtle stripes and texture. You can also use a single color for a more monochromatic look.
- Carry the unused yarn loosely up the side of the work. Do not cut yarn between color changes; simply let it hang and pick it up when needed.
Border (worked in Color A)
CO 200 sts.
Rows 1-6: Knit all sts. (Garter stitch border)
Main Body (Pattern Repeat)
Row 1 (RS, Color A): K5 (border), *K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5 (border).
Row 2 (WS, Color A): K5, *P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5.
Row 3 (RS, Color B): K5, *K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5.
Row 4 (WS, Color B): K5, *P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5.
Row 5 (RS, Color A): K5, *K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5.
Row 6 (WS, Color A): K5, *P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5.
Row 7 (RS, Color B): K5, *K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, P3, K1, Sl1 wyif, K1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5.
Row 8 (WS, Color B): K5, *P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1, Sl1 wyib, P1*; rep from * to * until 5 sts remain, K5.
Repeat Rows 1-8 for the desired length, ending after a Row 8 (WS) of Color B. The sample was worked for 60 inches total length.
Border (worked in Color A)
Rows 1-6: Knit all sts.
Bind off all sts loosely in knit.
Finishing
Weave in all ends carefully. Block the blanket to finished measurements, gently stretching to open up the slipped stitch columns and even out the texture. This step is crucial for achieving the beautiful, undulating wave effect. Lay flat to dry.
Your Driftwood Dune Throw is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, coastal-inspired texture and the satisfaction of creating a beautiful, handmade piece for your home.
