I didn’t plan to redesign the log cabin blanket.

I just wanted something modular. Something satisfying. Something I could knit strip by strip, colour by colour and not get bored halfway through.

But the classic version was all garter stitch. It was definitely comfortable but I needed something a little more engaging.

A new take on the Log Cabin Blanket

I’ve long been fascinated with the construction style of the Log Cabin blanket. Small modular strips seemed so satisfying to knit. It also seemed like a very useful blanket style to combine different yarn colours together cohesively.

However, I knew that the standard style used, which was all garter stitch wouldn’t hold my attention. And this is how the ‘Gansey’ log cabin was born. A combination of gansey stitches and cosy squishy garter stitch combing together in textured squares where you also get to play with colour, well it sounds like fun right? It also makes the perfect cosy throw!

Garter Meets Gansey: The Stitch Pattern Innovation

Now, for those of you who have been with me on my design path for a while, I can hear your question already “What about the gauge?“

And you would be right, this was indeed the tricky part of combining garter and gansey stitches together. The way I resolved it was to use different needle sizes for the garter and gansey and worked a different number of rows for the gansey sections. This means each strip nests neatly into each other, and most importantly, they all lie flat. Perfect for seaming.

Here you can see how I’ve combined the garter and gansey stitches together. You start with the central garter square. And then after that you turn to the side, picking up stitches along the edge to work the next ‘strip’. It begins in garter stitch, then the next set of strips uses gansey patterns, and then you end with a final set of edge garter stitch strips.

So now that you know how it all fits together, it’s time to take a look at the different stitch pattern options, sizes and of course colours!

Construction: How the Blanket Comes Together

In the blanket I have 3 different square types. Within each of those squares there are 4 different Gansey strip types. So this gives you 12 different Gansey stitch patterns to work with. You can knit them just like I have or for the different strip sizes you can mix and match, picking your favourites.

The blanket size I’ve shown here is the ‘Throw’ Size which has 12 squares. There are 2 more size options, the Lap size (with 6 squares) and the Blanket size (with 20 squares). If you join the full club you can pick the size you want to receive.

Yarn & Colour Choices

The yarn I’ve knit the sample in is Wool Dreamers ‘Mota’ which is a heavy DK weight yarn. This is a woolly yarn that gives a plump, bouncy stitch that feels beautiful in a blanket.

The second option we’ve given for the blanket is Stolen Stitches ‘Blasta’. This is the same weight and it’s a bouncy, woollen spun yarn that will create a light, textured blanket when it’s finished.

You can see how I opted to combine my colours. The yarn you use the most of is a brighter or contrast colour that forms the central square as well as all of the outer garter edging and I-cord. For the other four colours I’ve moved from the lightest to the darkest, working two strips with each colour as I work around each square.

Blanket Sizes, Options & Details

SIZES

Lap (Throw, Bedspread)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Width: 33.25 (49, 64.5)”/ 84.5 (124.5, 164) cm

Depth: 49 (64.5, 80)”/ 124.5 (164, 203) cm

Sample shown in Throw Size.

YARN

Wooldreamers ‘Mota’ (100% Wool; 252 yds/ 230 m per 3.6 oz/ 100g);

Colour 1: Orange (150G); 3 (6, 9) skeins

Colour 2: Eggshell Blue (719); 1 (2, 3) skeins

Colour 3: Light Blue (526G); 1 (2, 3) skeins

Colour 4: Bright Turquoise (834G); 1 (2, 4) skeins

Colour 5: Teal (1526G); 2 (3, 4) skeins

Approx yardage:

Colour 1: 732 (1364, 2185) yds / 668 (1245, 1994) m

Colour 2: 175 (350, 583) yds / 160 (319, 532) m

Colour 3: 225 (450, 749) yds / 205 (410, 684) m

Colour 4: 252 (504, 860) yds / 230 (460, 784) m

Colour 5: 308 (616, 1008) yds / 281 (562, 920) m

GAUGE

18 sts and 36 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in Garter Stitch with smaller needle

18 sts and 28 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in Gansey Stitches with larger needle

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

US size 6 / 4 mm any type for working flat for Garter Stitch

US size 7 / 4.5 mm any type for working flat for Gansey Stitch (you will also need dpns or circular needle if working I-Cord edging)

Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed, as every knitter’s gauge is unique.

Tapestry needle, lockable stitch markers or safety pins to marker outer edges.

How To Buy – Pattern Access & What’s Included

We are briefly re-opening the full Blanket Club which will include the pattern, full video workshop and access to the private forum as well as a delivery of the yarn in your choosen blanket size option.

When the full club is closed you can still purchase the Digital Blanket Club 2025.

Blasta yarn can be bought separately here, see above for yarn quantities needed.

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FAQ’s

What’s a log cabin knit pattern?

At its most basic a log cabin blanket is knit in garter stitch, starting with a central garter stitch square and then turning at right angles you continue to work garter strips. These strips get longer (but not wider) with each new strip. Inspired by log cabin quilts, it’s a modular, geometric way to knit a cozy throw or knit quilt blanket with lots of colour and texture. Click the video for a more in-depth look at our log cabin blanket:

Can I use leftover yarn?

Absolutely. This pattern works beautifully as a log cabin scrap blanket. Each modular strip gives you a natural place to switch colours or fibres. It’s a perfect yarn stash project for knitters who want to turn their leftovers into something cohesive. Whether you’re aiming for a recycled knit feel or just love using every last metre, this blanket is built for creative flexibility. And if you’re wondering how to shop your stash here’s a handy video that goes into more detail:

https://youtu.be/USy2AWYCyJg

How do I seam my log cabin blanket together?

Most log cabin knit blankets are designed to be seamless. You pick up stitches along each edge as you go, so the sections join as part of the knitting and you want to keep the join flat and invisible. Here are three of my favourite methods for seaming a knitted blanket:

What’s the best way to finish my log cabin blanket?

Once all your squares are complete, lay them out to plan your layout. You’ll need to block each square to size as this helps even out tension and gives clean edges. After blocking, seam your squares together if needed, then add any edging (like I-Cord or garter borders) to complete your knitted blanket. Blocking is key to giving your log cabin blanket its final shape and polished look. To find out more watch this video: