Reflection Blanket KAL
Here's everything you need to get started!
What is a KAL?
KAL stands for knit-along. The concept of blankets that build piece-by-piece seems to have originated with our friends in the quilting community, but the idea has also become extremely popular in knitting and crochet in recent years. The wonderful thing about a KAL is that it breaks a big project down into small manageable chunks, as well as giving a lovely community feel as you know that hundreds of other knitters are crafting along with you.
What makes this KAL special?
This blanket KAL pattern has been designed by Louise Tilbrook, with the aim of being a simple and soothing design to knit so that you can really enjoy the process. Each block uses a different variation of the classic log cabin technique to build a beautifully coordinated and super-squishy blanket. Along with the pattern each month, Louise will also give you a journaling prompt that we would love for you to think about as you knit. You may then write down your thoughts afterwards in your own journal or diary. Both knitting and journaling have been reported to be beneficial to your mental health, so we hope that you can take this opportunity for a little reflection time.
Where will I find the pattern?
The pattern will be published exclusively in Knit Now magazine. Issue 97 (on sale 27th December) will include some information about tension and swatching to help you get ready, and the pattern for the first square will appear in Issue 98 (on sale 24th January). The pattern will then be published in installments throughout the year, with the final part in Issue 110.
Please note: one year's subscription to Knit Now magazine includes 14 issues. Subscribe today to make sure you don't miss an issue. If you don't fancy a subscription, here's where you can buy copies of Knit Now magazine.
Gather your materials
For this blanket, we have used King Cole Big Value DK in 50g balls. You will need 23 balls in total; 8 cream 4021, 3 Petrol 4047, 2 violet 4038, 2 Lime 4049, 4 grey 4052, 2 Jade 4046 and 2 Rose 4035. You will receive the complete yarn kit for free if you subscribe using our limited-time offer! (UK only).
If you would prefer to use a different yarn for your blanket KAL, this pattern will work well in most King Cole DK yarn. For a luxurious version, why not try King Cole Baby Alpaca DK in Fawn, grey, Heather, mauve, Evergreen, Porcelain and Pink Mist? If you prefer a mid-range option, we love King Cole Majestic DK, which is a blend of premium acrylic, superwash wool and polyamide. We love the combination of cream, Peacock, violet, Pale Petrol, Steel, navy and Old Rose.
You will of course also need a set of needles. The squares are all knitted on the same needles, for most people these will be 4mm, but you may need a different size, see the tension section. Since this design is all about giving yourself a moment of calm, why not take this as an opportunity to treat yourself to some special needles to make the knitting process even more enjoyable? We also recommend picking up a new notebook as somewhere to write down your thoughts in response to Louise's monthly journaling prompts.
Join the community
If you're on Facebook, don't forget to join our knit-along group. In the group you will be able to share photos of your blankets in progress as well as share tips and advice with your fellow knitters. Once you've joined, please do feel free to invite your friends to the group as well.
About the Designer
This blanket KAL is designed by Louise Tilbrook. Not only is Louise an extremely talented knitting designer, she also has a wonderful skill for using the internet to connect knitters. Her own Facebook group (Everyday Knitter) is one of our favourite places on the web, and her Instagram feed brings us daily inspiration.