Under The Stars is a fun knitted blanket inspired by two different traditional quilt blocks, the Lemoyne Star and the Ohio Star. I have always loved sewing quilts and learning about the history behind them. I am delighted to have created one with yarn!
The blocks are created using a combination of short rows and mitred squares. Each block is created individually, a Bind Off & Join technique is then used during the relaxing strips of garter stitch sashing. This allows for best placement of the stars and also makes the blocks a wonderfully portable project that can be worked on in all seasons.
This is an intermediate pattern but comprehensive diagrams are provided for the various stages of each block and videos for various techniques are linked within the pattern.
Please be forewarned - this blanket produces a lot of ends to weave in!- but the finished result is beyond worth it!
Two quilt sizes are included in the pattern but you can of course make the blanket any number of blocks you wish.

FINISHED BLOCK SIZE
Each block will measure approx 7.25“ 18.5cm

FINISHED QUILT SIZES
Baby Quilt - 4 Blocks x 5 Blocks = 35.5“ 90cm x 44” 112cm
Adult Quilt - 5 Blocks x 6 Blocks = 44“ 112cm x 52.5” 133.5cm

Techniques Used:
All The below are video links:
Short Rows using Wrap & Turn method
Resolving Short Rows- ksww
Mattress Stitch
Bind-Off & Join

Needles & Notions:
US 6 4mm - DPNs at least 5 inches 12cm long
US 6 4mm - circular needles 47 inches 120cm long
Locking Progress Keepers or safety pins
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Needle Stoppers
3 lengths of hollow rubber cord- 2 long enough to hold the final width of your blanket and 1 long enough to hold the final width of your blanket.

GAUGE
21 stitches and 42 rows per 4” 10cm square after gentle blocking.
Gauge is worked flat in garter stitch on US 6 4mm needles with yarn held double.
Adjust needle size to obtain the correct gauge if desired but exact block size is less important than a pleasing fabric. This blanket will be optimal in a fabric with slight drape but that is not too floppy.

Under The Stars is knit with fingering weight yarn held double throughout.
You will need at least 2 colours of yarn for the Ohio Star and at least 3 colours of yarn for the Lemoyne Star.
In order to make the star pattern most distinctive it is advisable that the yarn chosen for the background colour of each block is ‘low volume’ meaning it is significantly paler than the others. This can also be achieved by holding one strand of white or undyed yarn with one strand of coloured yarn. Each block can feature a different background colour or they can be uniform. You will also need yarn for sashing, again this can be contrast or the same as your background depending on the effect you wish to achieve.

SAMPLE YARN
Dandelion & Dogwood ‘Dogwood Sock’ in various colours. 410 yds 375m per 100g
Mini-skein and full-skein sets are available at dandelionanddogwood.co.uk.
Candy Shoppe Yarns ‘Crystalline Sock’ in various colours. 437 yds 400m per 100g.
Following amounts account for the yarn being held double and are based on fingering weight yarn with approx 375m per 100g.

OHIO STAR
Yarn A: 15g 57m
Yarn B (background): 27g 102m

Lemoyne Star
Yarn A: 10g 38m
Yarn B: 10g 38m
Yarn C: (background) 22g 83m

Sashing and edging
Cushion Top: 92g 345
Baby Quilt: 400g 1500m
Adult Quilt: 570g 2138m

I-Cord Finish
Cushion Top: 15g 57m
Baby Quilt: 35g 132m
Adult Quilt: 45g 169m