Create an impressive result with this Big Fun patchwork blanket pattern by simply knitting two-tone individual squares and joining them together. The squares are made with an intarsia knitting technique for colour changing, by twisting yarn threads over each other in the back of the knitting. This is the perfect home décor project as it can be knitted up in just a day or two with our Thicck & Chunky yarn, and big needles. Adapt the blanket size to your needs by adding or reducing the amount of squares to the width or length.
How to Knit the Big Fun Patchwork Blanket
Create an oversized, colourful patchwork blanket using simple stocking stitch and beginner-friendly intarsia colourwork. Each square is knitted separately in two colours, with a diagonal colour change running from one corner to the opposite corner.
Once all the squares are complete, they are arranged according to the colour layout and joined to form a bold, cosy blanket. The jumbo yarn and oversized needles allow the project to work up quickly, while the modular construction makes it easy to adjust the finished size.
Project: Big Fun Blanket
Pattern: P371
Craft type: Knitting
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Measurements
| Item | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Individual square | Approximately 60 cm | Approximately 60 cm |
| Finished blanket | Approximately 120 cm | Approximately 180 cm |
What You Will Need
Yarn
The original pattern uses Makr Thicck & Chunky yarn in 500 g balls:
- Lilac Haze: 2 balls
- Suede Brown: 2 balls
- Spice Mix: 2 balls
- Dusk Orange: 2 balls
- Sea Spray: 2 balls
Needles and Equipment
- 25 mm knitting needles
- Large wool needle, if preferred for joining
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Separate yarn bowls or bags for intarsia colourwork
Tension
Using 25 mm needles, work to the following tension:
9 stitches and 12 rows over 10 cm in stocking stitch.
Because the blanket is assembled from matching squares, consistent tension is important. Knit a tension square before beginning and check the measurements of each completed panel before joining.
Abbreviations
- C: Colour
- C1: First colour
- C2: Second colour
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St or sts: Stitch or stitches
- Stst: Stocking stitch
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side
Understanding the Intarsia Technique
Intarsia is used to create separate areas of colour within the same row. Each square uses one ball of Colour 1 and one ball of Colour 2.
When changing colours, twist the two yarn strands around each other on the wrong side of the work. This closes the gap between the colour sections and creates a secure join.
Construction Overview
The blanket is made in three stages:
- Knit a collection of two-colour squares.
- Arrange the squares according to the desired colour layout.
- Join the squares along their cast-on, cast-off and side edges.
Each square begins entirely in Colour 1. Colour 2 is introduced gradually, increasing by one stitch every row until it covers the entire square.
Knit the First Square
Using the first colour combination shown in the layout, cast on 20 stitches with Colour 1.
Rows 1–5
- Row 1: Knit 20 stitches in Colour 1.
- Row 2: Join Colour 2 and purl 2 stitches in Colour 2, then purl 18 stitches in Colour 1.
- Row 3: Knit 18 stitches in Colour 1, then knit 2 stitches in Colour 2.
- Row 4: Purl 3 stitches in Colour 2, then purl 17 stitches in Colour 1.
- Row 5: Knit 16 stitches in Colour 1, then knit 4 stitches in Colour 2.
Continue following the same diagonal progression. On each row, Colour 2 covers one additional stitch while Colour 1 covers one fewer stitch.
Continue the Diagonal Colour Pattern
| Row | Colour sequence |
|---|---|
| 6 | Purl 5 in C2, purl 15 in C1 |
| 7 | Knit 14 in C1, knit 6 in C2 |
| 8 | Purl 7 in C2, purl 13 in C1 |
| 9 | Knit 12 in C1, knit 8 in C2 |
| 10 | Purl 9 in C2, purl 11 in C1 |
| 11 | Knit 10 in C1, knit 10 in C2 |
| 12 | Purl 11 in C2, purl 9 in C1 |
| 13 | Knit 8 in C1, knit 12 in C2 |
| 14 | Purl 13 in C2, purl 7 in C1 |
| 15 | Knit 6 in C1, knit 14 in C2 |
| 16 | Purl 15 in C2, purl 5 in C1 |
| 17 | Knit 4 in C1, knit 16 in C2 |
| 18 | Purl 17 in C2, purl 3 in C1 |
| 19 | Knit 2 in C1, knit 18 in C2 |
| 20 | Purl 19 in C2, purl 1 in C1 |
Complete the square by knitting the final row in Colour 2 and casting off with Colour 2.
Make the Remaining Squares
Repeat the same 20-row square pattern using the colour pairings shown in the original layout.
Each completed square should measure approximately 60 cm × 60 cm.
Check the size of every square before joining. If one panel is noticeably larger or smaller, adjust it gently during blocking rather than stretching the seams during assembly.
Arrange the Blanket
Lay all squares on a large, clean surface and arrange them before joining.
Rotate selected squares so the diagonal colour blocks travel in different directions. This creates the varied patchwork appearance shown in the finished project.
Take a photo of the preferred arrangement so you have a reference while joining.
Join the Squares
The original pattern recommends joining the squares by weaving thick yarn through the cast-on and cast-off edges using your hands and fingers.
- Place two squares side by side with their edges aligned.
- Cut a generous length of joining yarn in a coordinating colour.
- Weave the yarn alternately through the edge stitches of both squares.
- Pull the yarn through gently, keeping the seam firm but flexible.
- Secure the ends within the thick fabric.
- Join the squares into rows first, then join the completed rows together.
A large wool needle may be used when it is easier than finger weaving.
Adjusting the Blanket Size
The original blanket measures approximately 120 cm × 180 cm. Because the project is modular, you can alter the size by changing the number of squares.
| Layout | Approximate size |
|---|---|
| 1 square | 60 cm × 60 cm |
| 2 × 2 squares | 120 cm × 120 cm |
| 2 × 3 squares | 120 cm × 180 cm |
| 3 × 3 squares | 180 cm × 180 cm |
These measurements are approximate and may vary with tension, yarn and joining method.
Finishing the Blanket
- Check that all seams are secure.
- Weave in the remaining yarn ends.
- Lay the blanket flat and align the outer edges.
- Gently shape the corners and seams by hand.
- Block lightly according to the yarn-care instructions.
Alternative Yarns for This Project
The original blanket uses an extremely thick 500 g yarn. A suitable substitute must be bulky enough to achieve the stated tension on 25 mm needles while remaining soft and flexible.
- Jumbo chenille yarn – creates a plush, soft blanket with a similar oversized appearance.
- Jumbo blanket yarn – provides durability, softness and easy-care fibres.
- Super-chunky plush yarn held double – may achieve the required thickness when jumbo yarn is unavailable.
- Jumbo recycled polyester yarn – creates a firm, contemporary blanket with clear colour blocks.
- Thick roving-style wool – produces a warm, natural blanket, although it may pill with regular use.
- Super-chunky wool and acrylic blend – provides warmth, resilience and easier care.
Choosing the Best Substitute
Choose a yarn that can achieve approximately 9 stitches and 12 rows over 10 cm on 25 mm needles.
The yarn should be firm enough to hold the square shape while remaining soft enough for a blanket. Smooth or lightly textured yarns will display the diagonal colour divisions most clearly.
Avoid delicate, loosely spun yarns that may pull apart when the squares are joined or when the finished blanket is moved.
Colour Ideas
- Rust, mustard, cream, olive and terracotta
- Blush, lilac, plum, grey and ivory
- Navy, denim, pale blue, teal and white
- Chocolate, caramel, oatmeal, cream and charcoal
- Bright rainbow colours for a children’s room
- Five tonal shades for a subtle modern look
- Neutral squares with one bold accent colour
Care
Follow the care instructions on the selected yarn label. Jumbo blankets can become extremely heavy when wet, so support the full weight during washing and handling.
Reshape the blanket and dry it flat. Avoid hanging it while wet, as this may stretch the squares and place strain on the joins.
