Lucben Afghan by Barbara Spencer Hawk

Lucben Afghan

Knitting
October 2016
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
Gauge is not crucial
US 8 - 5.0 mm
530 - 1960 yards (485 - 1792 m)
8 sizes: 4 square and 4 rectangular in XS, S, M, L
English
This pattern is available for $7.00 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website
  • Fast, easy & reversible
  • Eight versatile sizes (4 square, 4 rectangular)
  • Perfect for mini-skeins or partials
  • Adapts to any weight, including multi-stranding

Description
Fast, easy and reversible, Lucben is packed with luck and good wishes.

Derived from Old English, the name means lucky bean and refers to a folk belief that large beans which occasionally washed ashore brought significant luck, especially for expectant mothers.

From baby blankets to full-sized throws, you can share this good fortune with everyone on your knitting list thanks to the classic unisex design and the steady stream of lucky beans floating across the surface.

To double the good luck captured in each color block, the design features an easy, twisted stitch that produces the same texture on both sides. As an added plus, the faux color blocks are worked in strips to streamline work in progress and speed assembly.

The pattern includes eight versatile sizes (four square and four rectangular) ranging from car seat to baby, lapghan and throw. Written for worsted weight yarn, it readily adapts to other weights and multi-strand approaches.

The choice is yours. You can work the pattern as written or use the handy Quick Reference guide, schematic, tips, tricks, and simple modification ideas to tailor it to suit your preferences.

While any color mix will work, this design is especially well-suited to ombres and gradients. The samples shown feature five colors ranging from light to deep.

Skill Level 2: Easy
Lucben is a fast, fun knit suited to anyone who can cast on, knit, purl, ktbl, k2tog, slip stitches, pick up stitches, and bind off.

Dimensions (Approx.)
Each size features two configurations: Square and Rectangular

Extra Small | Car Seat or Stroller: 22 x 22 or 22 x 29 ins
Small | Baby: 29 x 29 or 29 x 38 ins
Medium | Lapghan: 36 x 36 or 36 x 47 ins
Large | Throw: 43 x 43 or 43 x 56 ins

Notes
Gauge: Not critical
Yardage: Estimates are generous
Needles: US 8 (5 mm)
Circulars: US 8 (two 29-ins)

Tech Editor
Corrina Ferguson (Picnic Knits)