ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Orion’s blanket is a snuggly, simple 2-strand intarsia blanket (no bobbins needed!) worked flat, with ribbed edging and double stockinette selvedges. It can be worked in a variety of yarns to create a baby blanket (DK or sportweight), a lapghan (worsted or aran), a throw (bulky) or full-sized bedspread (super bulky). It is part of an ongoing series of knitting patterns integrating algorithmic computing and digital aesthetics with knitwear design, which I call Algorithmic Knitting Design. The patterns being developed under this project implement mainly standard, even basic techniques, but challenge the knitter with large, complex and non-repeating patterns. As knitters, I think it’s interesting to re-consider and recontextualize our own craft and unique skill sets. The project strives to approach knitting as a form of applied science and mathematics, and takes advantage of your wonderful skills as a knitter, whether a beginner, intermediate, or master knitter. <3

Cellular automata are dynamic non-linear algorithms which create emergent textures that evolve over space and time. They are used to study complex processes in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, sociology, computer science, and more. This blanket takes its pattern from one such cellular automaton, with the intarsia colorwork following the contour of the resulting pattern, and was created in collaboration with artist and researcher Stelios Manousakis.

Recommended Yarn
Non-variegated (or subtly variegated) yarn in 2 colors
Baby blanket: DK or sport weight yarn
Lapghan: Worsted or aran weight yarn
Throw: Bulky weight yarn
Bedspread: Super-bulky weight yarn

Baby blanket sample was knit with Kremke Morning Salutation DK in Aquamarine (Color 1) and Rusty Red (Color 2).

Throw sample was knit with We Are Knitters Petite Wool in Skylovers (Color 1) and Forest Green (Color 2)

Needles
Baby blanket: 3.75mm / US 5 / UK 9 80cm/32” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
Lapghan: 5.5mm / US 9 / UK 5 80cm/32” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
Throw: 7mm / UK 2 100cm/40” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
Bedspread: 10mm / US 15 / UK 000 120cm/48” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)

Gauge (Per 10 cm / 4” after blocking)
Baby blanket: 20 stitches x 28 rows in stockinette, or texture swatch
Lapghan: 16 stitches x 20 rows in stockinette, or texture swatch
Throw: 12 stitches x 16 rows in stockinette, or texture swatch
Bedspread: 9 stitches x 14 rows in stockinette, or texture swatch

Gauge is not critical in this project - the pattern can easily be knit on any variety of yarn. However, DK / sportweight or thicker is recommended - thinner yarns will result in a verrrrrry small blanket! The dimensions listed in this pattern provide a guideline for finished objects of varying sizes.

Size
Pattern as based on recommended gauges result in final measurements of:
Baby blanket: 73cm/29” wide and 91cm/36” long;
Lapghan: 91cm/36” wide and 125cm/49” long;
Throw: 122cm/48” wide and 156cm/61.5” long;
Bedspread: 156cm/61.5” wide and 175/69” long

Yardage
Baby Blanket
~550 m / 600yds of Color 1
~250 m / 275yds of Color 2,
based on recommended gauge.

Lapghan
~700 m / 765yds of Color 1
~325 m / 355yds of Color 2,
based on recommended gauge.

Throw
~840 m / 920yds of Color 1
~410 m / 450yds of Color 2,
based on recommended gauge.

Bedspread
~1100 m / 1200yds of Color 1
~500 m / 545yds of Color 2,
based on recommended gauge.