Beginner MKAL 2026: Into the Woodlands Blanket of Blocks

Welcome to the Summary Page for the “Into the Woodlands” Blanket of Blocks!

Iโ€™ll organize here every post related to this project, starting with the โ€œWelcome postโ€. This way, you can bookmark this page and have all the information in one place.

Each time I release a new pattern, Iโ€™ll add the corresponding the link below.

Let’s step into the forest together!

Cecilia


Prefer to Knit offline?


The Project at a Glance

  • Theme: Woodland-inspired animal and botanical silhouettes.
  • Skill Level: Beginner (uses only knit and purl stitches).
  • Timeline: 12 new designs, released every Tuesday starting January 20th.
  • Blanket Size: A 3 x 4 layout creates a cozy baby blanket of approximately 26.25โ€ x 35โ€ (67 cm x  90 cm) before adding an optional external border.

Materials & Tools

To participate, you will need the following:

  1. Yarn: Approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK (8-ply) yarn OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering (3-ply) yarn held double FOR EACH BLOCK. This makes a total yarn requirements of approx. 840 yds of DK yarn for the full 12 blocks. 

Tip:Choose a smooth yarn with good stitch definition, such as a cotton blend or a tightly spun wool. Highly variegated or โ€œfuzzyโ€ yarns can hide the pattern. 

  • Needles: US 6 (4 mm) straight needles for the main work and US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needle for casting on and binding off (to ensure edges aren’t too tight).
  • Notions: Tapestry needle and scissors.
  • Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4″ x 4″) in stocking stitch using US 6 (4 mm) needles.

Block Characteristics

Each square is designed to be compatible with previous Oh La Lana! collections:

  • Construction: 43 stitches and 63 rows total.
  • Border: Each block features 4 rows of garter stitch at the top and bottom, and 4 garter stitches at each side.
  • Internal Canvas: The textured design area covers 35 stitches x 55 rows.
  • Finished Dimensions: Approx. 8.75″ x 8.75″ (22.5 cm x 22.5 cm) per block.

How to Participate

  • Free Option: All 12 patterns will be published for free on the Oh La Lana! blog.
  • PDF Entry ($8): For those who prefer to knit offline, a downloadable PDF version will be available via Oh La Lana! or Ravelry.
    • Note: Pattern Club+ members receive this as part of their membership at no extra cost. The entry will be half-priced until halfway through ($4 until February 24th).
  • Stay Updated: Join the newsletter, follow on Instagram, or check this page for weekly release alerts.

Release Schedule & Patterns

Optional pattern ideas

If you want to make a larger blanket, here are some previous patterns you can add to your project (besides the ones on the Texture & Geometric library):

Paw Print

close-up of a paw print knitting pattern swatch in blue yarn cotton yarn

Snail

snail knitting pattern swatch in grey cotton yarn, with and 52SP badge on the right top corner

Bunny

bunny knitting pattern swatch in brown cotton yarn, with and 52SP badge on the right top corner

Maple Leaf

close-up of a yellow cotton square featuring the maple leaf dishcloth or blanket block pattern, with an 52SP standard badge on the top right corner

Shamrock

close up of a knitted green cotton square featuring the shamrock knitting pattern, with garter stitch borders and a 52SP standard badge in the top right corner

Let’s Chat!

  • You can leave a message in the comments section below.
  • The Oh La Lana! Ravelry group has had a little “2026 makeover” to celebrate the launch of our two newest journeys, and you’re welcome to join! 

Looking for more textured blocks?

Check out our Lowercase Alphabet series to add initials to your woodland blanket!


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into the woodlands free blanket mkal image for Pinterest