The Dune Drift Striped Afghan: A Textured Knit Throw Free Pattern
Introducing the Dune Drift Striped Afghan
This isn't your grandmother's striped blanket. The Dune Drift Afghan uses a clever combination of slipped stitches and garter ridges to create a mesmerizing, undulating texture that mimics the shifting sands of a desert landscape. With its modern palette of Sand Dune, Coral Haze, and Sage Whisper, this throw brings a sophisticated, organic feel to any room. The interplay of smooth garter bands and richly textured slipped-stitch sections makes this project both engaging to knit and stunning to display. Perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a cozy, 50" x 60" masterpiece.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in 3 colors:
- Color A (Sand Dune): 800 yards (sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Oatmeal')
- Color B (Coral Haze): 600 yards (sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Rose')
- Color C (Sage Whisper): 400 yards (sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Fern')
- Needles: US Size 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends
Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Adjust needle size if necessary to match gauge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Finished Size
Approximately 50 inches wide x 60 inches long.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- Sl1 wyif: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in front
- Sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in back
- Rep: Repeat
- St(s): Stitch(es)
Pattern Notes
- The slipped stitches create the textured 'drift' effect. Always slip stitches purlwise.
- Carry the unused color loosely up the side of the work when changing colors every 2 rows.
- The first and last stitch of every row is slipped to create a neat, braided edge.
Instructions
Foundation
With Color A, CO 226 sts loosely.
Set-up Row (WS)
Sl1 wyif, K to end.
Begin Pattern
Section 1 (Color A - Sand Dune)
Work 20 rows (5 pattern repeats):
- Row 1 (RS): Sl1 wyib, *K1, Sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, K1.
- Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyif, *P1, Sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, K1.
- Row 3 (RS): Sl1 wyib, *Sl1 wyif, K1; rep from * to last st, K1.
- Row 4 (WS): Sl1 wyif, *Sl1 wyif, P1; rep from * to last st, K1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for a total of 20 rows.
Section 2 (Color B - Coral Haze)
Work 12 rows (3 garter ridges on RS):
- Row 1 (RS): Sl1 wyib, K to last st, K1.
- Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyif, P to last st, K1.
- Row 3 (RS): Sl1 wyib, K to last st, K1.
- Row 4 (WS): Sl1 wyif, P to last st, K1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for a total of 12 rows.
Section 3 (Color C - Sage Whisper)
Repeat Section 1 instructions for 12 rows (3 pattern repeats).
Section 4 (Color A - Sand Dune)
Repeat Section 2 instructions for 16 rows (4 garter ridges on RS).
Section 5 (Color B - Coral Haze)
Repeat Section 1 instructions for 16 rows (4 pattern repeats).
Section 6 (Color C - Sage Whisper)
Repeat Section 2 instructions for 12 rows (3 garter ridges on RS).
Section 7 (Color A - Sand Dune)
Repeat Section 1 instructions for 20 rows (5 pattern repeats).
Section 8 (Color B - Coral Haze)
Repeat Section 2 instructions for 16 rows (4 garter ridges on RS).
Section 9 (Color C - Sage Whisper)
Repeat Section 1 instructions for 12 rows (3 pattern repeats).
Section 10 (Color A - Sand Dune)
Repeat Section 2 instructions for 20 rows (5 garter ridges on RS).
Finishing
Bind off all sts loosely knitwise on RS. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block to finished measurements (approximately 50" x 60"), gently stretching to open up the slipped stitch texture. Lay flat to dry.
Your Dune Drift Striped Afghan is now complete! Enjoy the beautiful, textured stripes that evoke the serene beauty of desert landscapes.
