https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/teddy-travel-blanket • Posted by Ryland Peters & Small
Tote along this snug travel-sized blanket wherever you go! The blanket can be folded up and slid inside the custom pocket to make a sweet bear-faced pillow! Skill rating ** Finished Measurements Blanket: 23in (59cm) x 30in (76cm) Gauge (Tension) 16 sts x 27 rows to measure 4in (10cm) over stockinette (stocking) stitch on US 8 (5mm) needles using Yarn B held double and after blocking
Tote along this snug travel-sized blanket wherever you go! The blanket can be folded up and slid inside the custom pocket to make a sweet bear-faced pillow! Skill rating ** Finished Measurements Blanket: 23in (59cm) x 30in (76cm) Gauge (Tension) 16 sts x 27 rows to measure 4in (10cm) over stockinette (stocking) stitch on US 8 (5mm) needles using Yarn B held double and after blocking
For the Blanket Using Yarn A and US 10½ (6.5mm) needles, cast on 80 sts. Knit every row until blanket measures 30in (76cm). Bind (cast) off.
For the Pocket Base Holding two strands of Yarn B together, using US 8 (5mm) needles, cast on 50 sts. Working with yarn held double throughout, continue as follows: Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2 (WS): Purl. Rep Rows 1–2 until work measures 11in (28cm) from cast-on edge. Next row (Rib): *K1, p1; rep from * to end. Continue in Rib for 1in (2.5cm). Bind (cast) off knitwise.
For the Bear Face Using Yarn A and US 10½ (6.5mm) needles, cast on 15 sts. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Kfb, k to last st, kfb. (17 sts) Row 3: Knit. Row 4: Kfb, k to last st, kfb. (19 sts) Row 5: Knit. Row 6: Kfb, k to last st, kfb. (21 sts) Row 7: Knit. Row 8: Kfb, k to last st, kfb. (23 sts) Rows 9–12: Knit. Row 13: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (21 sts) Row 14: Knit. Row 15: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (19 sts) Row 16: Knit. Row 17: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (17 sts) Row 18: Knit. Row 19: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (15 sts) Bind (cast) off.
For the Ears (make 2 alike) Holding two strands of Yarn B together, using US 8 (5mm) needles, cast on 13 sts. Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2 (WS): Purl. Rows 3–12: Rep Rows 1–2. Row 13: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (11 sts) Row 14: Purl. Row 15: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (9 sts) Row 16: Purl. Row 17: Kfb, k to last st, kfb. (11 sts) Row 18: Purl. Row 19: Kfb, k to last st, kfb. (13 sts) Row 20: Purl. Rows 21–30: Rep Rows 1–2. Row 31: Purl. Bind (cast) off. Fold in half and join the two side seams with mattress stitch.
Making Up and Finishing Position the bear ears onto the upper portions of the pocket base (rib end) and pin in place. With the black yarn embroider the nose of the bear onto the cream portion using the photographs as a reference, and pin into position to the front of the pocket base. Once happy with the position of the face and ears sew securely into place. Sew buttons securely in place for eyes. Place the embellished pocket wrong side up on one end of blanket, aligning the ribbed opening with the short edge of blanket and setting the pocket 7in (17.5cm) in from each side. Sew along the sides and base with running stitch— leave the top (ribbed edge which is aligned with the top of blanket) unstitched. Weave in all ends and block to neaten.
To make the blanket into a pillow Fold the blanket into thirds with the pocket side facing downward, following the sides of the pocket as a guide. Fold the length of the blanket to cover the pocket on the reverse of the fold, insert hands into the pocket and turn inward so that the blanket is inside the pocket to create a pillow.
Make it yours Change up the colors and make a koala, panda, or kitten to add to the pocket. Tips Work neatly when securing the elements to the pocket as this will also be turned through so any visible stitches should be kept as neat as possible. Take care when working with the yarns held double to ensure both strands are worked with each stitch, to avoid any unwanted loops or dropped stitches.