BEGINNER Blanket MKAL 2022

UPDATE February 2023: the MKAL has finished, but you can still buy all the patterns released at 40% off HERE. Enjoy!

Hello, and welcome to my BEGINNER Blanket MKAL 2022 information summary page and FAQ!

In this post you will find some idea of what the project is, as well as the general information and materials for each size (yes, it comes in 2 sizes and I’ll tell you why below).

Although we start this project on September 13th, if you decide to support me by buying the PDF version you can pre-order it right away. If you can’t, don’t worry: you can also join the knitting party. Read more below.

Please share your progress (and yarn!) in social media using the hashtag #ohlalanaMKAL2022

How many patterns will the BEGINNER Blanket MKAL 2022 have?

For this Beginner Blanket MKAL 2022 I designed 12 different blocks that feature abstract textures that only require knit and purl stitches, similar to those in previous years (except 2021, in which I didn’t host a KAL for beginners).

When will the MKAL start? And when it ends?

Block 1 will be out on September 13th. There are 12 blocks, one released each week (on Tuesdays). The last one will be out in November 29th. I like to start my yearly autumn KAL early to finish it before December. That gives you plenty of time to catch up, in case you want to turn some of your knitting into Christmas gifts 🙂

You can see all dates at the end of this page.

Which will be the size of each block? Why 2 sizes?

Each block pattern will come in 2 sizes: “regular” for this year and 52SP size. In case you don’t know what the second is, let me explain. Some time ago I did a beginner MKAL named “52 Square Pickup” sharing 1 block each week during the whole year (52 weeks), plus some extras. The format remains my most popular one and, since then, I also designed squares with all the letters, numbers, animals, transports and more textures with the same size (amount of rows and stitches). So it has become some sort of usual thing to be expected here in Oh La Lana! 🤣 This year I decided to get ahead and provide the pattern in 52SP size before even been asked 😜

“Regular” size: each square will have 12.5 to 12.75’’ (31.5 to 32.5 cm) per side, depending on how aggressively you block them.

“52SP” size: each square will have approx. 8.75’’ (22.5 cm) per side.

What about the SIZE of the finished blanket?

That will depend on the size you knit.

With the “regular” sized squares you can make a 3 x 4 blocks blanket with the following measures:

• 37.5 to 38.25’’ (94.5 to 97.5 cm) wide.
• 50 to 51’’ (126 to 130 cm) long.

With the “52SP” sized squares you can make a 3 x 4 blocks blanket with the following measures (perfect as a stroller baby blanket):

• 26.25’’ (67.5 cm) wide.
• 35’’ (90 cm) long.

Which size will you show in the photos?

I knitted both, so I will show you both squares for each pattern.

I’ve knitted the “regular” sized ones in grey pure wool to make a blanket for Tomi. And used pure cotton in natural color for my 52SP sized ones, which I plan to turn into dishcloth sets to gift this Christmas 😄

How can I increse the blanket size?

If you want to make a larger blanket, I give you some ideas:

• knit duplicates of some blocks;
• add a border to each one, and / or the finished blanket;
• change the border I did for each block. I designed each block with a very simple garter stitch border: 6 rows at the beginning, 6 rows at the end, and 5 garter stitches at each side. So, a very easy way to enlarge each one would be to make a bigger border (more stitches, more rows);
• for the “regular” size, you can adapt any other beginner block square in my website to the same amount of sts and rows as these ones (send me a message if you need help).
• for the “52SP” size, you have lots to choose! Check HERE to see some of them.

If you have more ideas, please share them in the comments section of this post!!

Is it FREE?

YES and NO, as you wish.

As in my previous KALs, I’ll be posting each pattern for FREE in my blog. But I also encourage you, if you can afford it, to purchase the “entry” to this KAL in my blog HERE, or in Ravelry HERE, as a way to support my work. You’ll receive each pattern (both sizes) in PDF format in your email inbox each Tuesday, or a pattern update in your Ravelry account if you buy it there.

Naturally, if you support me on Patreon, you’ll also receive all PDF files.

Are the patterns difficult to knit?

Not at all!

Since this is a BEGINNER level project all patterns only use knit and purl stitches. So, if you know how to cast on, bind off, knit and purl, you’re ready to start!

What do I need to knit this blanket? (Regular size)

• 1 straight needle US 6 (4 mm) for Casting on and Binding Off sts.
• 1 pair of straight needles US 4 (3.5 mm).
• FOR EACH BLOCK: approx. 124 yds (114 m) of DK (8 ply / 11 wpi) yarn.
• Extra yarn if you want to make a border after finishing the blanket.
• OPTIONAL (but recommended): stitch markers and row counter.
• tapestry needle to weave in yarn ends and scissors.

Gauge / tension (Regular size)

What do I need to knit this blanket? (52SP size)

• 1 straight needle US 7 (4.5 mm) for Casting on and Binding Off sts.
• 1 pair of straight needles US 6 (4 mm).
• FOR EACH BLOCK: approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
• Extra yarn if you want to make a border after finishing the blanket.
• OPTIONAL (but recommended): stitch markers and row counter.
• tapestry needle to weave in yarn ends and scissors.

Gauge / tension (52SP size)

Will you host another blanket KAL this year?

Yes, and you’re invited! This year I’m also hosting a Blanket MKAL for intermediate level knitters, featuring japanese stitches. You can read more about it in the KAL information summary page.

Do you have more questions?

Ask in the comments section and I’ll answer as soon as I can. You are also welcome to join my Ravelry group; you’ll find some really awesome knitting buddies there!

Release dates for my BEGINNER Blanket MKAL 2022

• Block 1: September 13th.
• Block 2: September 20th.
• Block 3: September 27th.
• Block 4: October 4th.
• Block 5: October 11th.
• Block 6: October 18th.
• Block 7: October 25th.
• Block 8: November 1st.
• Block 9: November 8th.
• Block 10: November 15th.
• Block 11: November 22nd.
• Block 12: November 29th.