The Prism Drift Throw: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Rainbow Larksfoot Blanket

Introducing the Prism Drift Throw

Wrap yourself in a cascade of color with this modern take on the classic Larksfoot stitch, creating a mesmerizing, textured rainbow throw. This free pattern guides you through a soothing, repetitive knit that builds into a stunning, heirloom-quality blanket. The Prism Drift Throw is a large rectangle, approximately 50 inches wide and 60 inches long, featuring a textured, repeating pattern of staggered, elongated stitches that create a subtle, woven-like effect. The vibrant, saturated rainbow palette—deep violet, indigo, teal, emerald, golden yellow, coral, and blush pink—appears in horizontal bands of four rows, separated by creamy white for a crisp, clean contrast. The edges are finished with a simple, creamy white garter stitch border, giving the blanket a modern, cozy, and heirloom-quality look. Whether draped over a neutral-toned armchair or spread across a bed, this throw invites touch and admiration.

Materials Needed

To create your own Prism Drift Throw, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Aran weight yarn in 7 colors (approx 400-500 yds each):
  • Color A: Deep Violet
  • Color B: Indigo
  • Color C: Teal
  • Color D: Emerald
  • Color E: Golden Yellow
  • Color F: Coral
  • Color G: Blush Pink
• Main Color (MC): Cream or Soft White (approx 800 yds)
• Needles: US Size 8 (5mm) 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. Gauge is critical for the Larksfoot pattern to lay flat. Always check your gauge before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

• The Larksfoot pattern is worked in a multiple of 4 + 2 stitches.
• The blanket is knit flat in rows.
• Color changes happen every 4 rows.
• Carry the unused yarn loosely up the side of the work.

Getting Started

Cast on: With MC, cast on 122 stitches.

Set-up Row (WS): Knit all stitches.

Begin Larksfoot Pattern

Rows 1-4 (MC - Cream/White)

• Row 1 (RS): With MC, knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): With MC, purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): With MC, knit all stitches.
• Row 4 (WS): With MC, purl all stitches.

Rows 5-8 (Color A - Deep Violet)

• Row 5 (RS): Join Color A. K2, *insert right needle into the stitch 4 rows below the next stitch on the left needle, wrap yarn and pull up a long loop (this is a Larksfoot stitch), k1, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 6 (WS): With Color A, purl all stitches, purling the long loops together with the stitch they are attached to.
• Row 7 (RS): With Color A, knit all stitches.
• Row 8 (WS): With Color A, purl all stitches.

Rows 9-12 (MC - Cream/White)

• Row 9 (RS): With MC, knit all stitches.
• Row 10 (WS): With MC, purl all stitches.
• Row 11 (RS): With MC, knit all stitches.
• Row 12 (WS): With MC, purl all stitches.

Rows 13-16 (Color B - Indigo)

• Row 13 (RS): Join Color B. K2, *k1, insert right needle into the stitch 4 rows below the next stitch on the left needle, wrap yarn and pull up a long loop, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2. (This staggers the Larksfoot stitches).
• Row 14 (WS): With Color B, purl all stitches, purling the long loops together with the stitch they are attached to.
• Row 15 (RS): With Color B, knit all stitches.
• Row 16 (WS): With Color B, purl all stitches.

Continuing the Pattern

Repeat Rows 1-16 for the pattern, changing the color (A through G) every time you work a Larksfoot row (Rows 5-8 and 13-16). Work in the following color sequence: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, then repeat from A. Continue until the blanket measures approximately 60 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a complete color sequence (Row 16 of the last color).

Finishing

• With MC, work 4 rows of garter stitch (knit every row).
• Bind off loosely in knit.
• Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
• Block the blanket to open up the stitch pattern and even out the colors. Lay flat to dry.

Your Prism Drift Throw is now complete! Enjoy the rich, dimensional texture and vibrant rainbow colors that make this blanket a true heirloom piece.