This pattern was originally published in 2019, as block #16 of the original “52 Square Pickup” KAL. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.

Inspired by the vast, rolling landscapes of the Argentina plains, the Pampa block brings a sense of tradition to our 52SP collection. This design features a series of interlocking textured diamonds, created entirely with simple knit and purl stitches. It’s a perfect project for those who enjoy the meditative flow of a repeating geometric pattern while achieving a sophisticated, high-end result. As a 52SP standard block, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your modular blanket, offering a beautiful contrast to more structured, linear designs in the Textures and Geometric Collection.

hand knitted beige cotton square featuring the pampa dishcloth or blanket block pattern, texture relief created using only knit and purl stitches

Project Detail	Requirement
Skill Level	Beginner (only knits and purls)
Yarn Weight	DK or Worsted
Needle Size	4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches)
Finished Size	8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm)

Materials & Tools for the Pampa block

Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)

NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!

Pampa: Knitted square instructions

hand knitted beige cotton square featuring the pampa dishcloth or blanket block pattern, from Oh La Lana! Texture Collection, with an 52SP standard badge on the top right corner

Abbreviations:

CO: cast on
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
st(s): stitch(es)
k: knit
p: purl

The Pattern: General Instructions

Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight.
Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border.
Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, Pampa knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Work the entire 10-row pattern 5 times complete, and then rows 1) to 5) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Pampa knitting pattern.
Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
(Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.