I am considering making a blanket, or lots of blankets, for Christmas gifts this year.  In garter stitch.  I know, you’re thinking “boring as all get-out.”  But it’s on the diagonal, so once you start decreasing, it will feel like it’s going faster!  

My inspiration?  Santa Ana, a bulky weight, quality fun fur/eyelash type yarn, available at a really great price.  I haven’t bought the yarn yet because I’m indecisive about the colour(s) I want to use, but I have come up with the pattern.  I haven’t knit any yet, but a friend knit 10 balls of Santa Ana up in straight garter stitch, which resulted in a 95cm square.  Knitting on the bias should result in a similar size. 

Materials:
Since this pattern can really be used with any yarn, it’s dependent on the yarn you choose.  Remember to note how much yarn you used on your increase rows – you will need to have the same amount for your decrease rows.  Needle size?  Choose a size appropriate for your yarn. 

Instructions:
CO 3
Odd rows: k across
Even rows (increase rows): k1, m1, k to last stitch, m1, k1

To make a parallellogram (it’s not quite rectangular, but close) work increases until desired length of short side is achieved, then:

Even rows (for rectangle): k1, k2tog, kto last stitch, m1, k1

When desired length & width are achieved on the two sides you have, begin decrease rows:
Even rows (decrease rows): k1, k2tog, k to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1 until only 3 stitches remain.

BO 3.

I wouldn’t bother blocking, but that’s just me.

I will post some pictures and created a downloadable PDF just as soon as I’ve knit one of these up.  In the meantime, have at it.