Knitting Tutorial - Shadow Checkerboard Baby Blanket

In this video I demonstrate the shadow/illusion knitting in the Shadow Checkerboard Baby Blanket. Get your free pattern: verypink.com/2...
The free pattern can be found here on Ravelry, add it to your queue:
www.ravelry.co...
The yarn for this blanket (over 70 colors!) can be found here:
patternsbykrae...
The colors I used in my blanket and samples are: Sprout & Buttercream, Turquoise & Buttercream, Bloom & Rouge.
Yes, there is a blooper at 19:04 that my producer left in to be funny. "Shah, shah."
Techniques I use in this video:
Long-Tail Cast-On: • Knitting Help - Long T...
Weaving Ends in Garter Stitch: • Knitting Help - Weavin...
The cowl on the mannequin is Color My Cowl, free pattern and video tutorial:
verypink.com/2...

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Staci: You have mentioned Netflix so often in your videos that *they* should be sponsoring you! And thanks for the tip re: how to pull yarn from a ball. Your videos *always* have so many examples of sound technical skills.

[@jerribrown3844]

I think you are the only person who casts on and knits the same way I do. It seems like everyone has their own method. 😍

[@judithtrigg1694]

Thank you for your advice and patience.the blooper mistake is great we all have difficulties getting our words out it was lovely .what an amazing and magical pattern.Thank the author for sharing.

[@SlimIsThik]

I love that you kept that little blooper in!

[@sherilspearing9428]

Staci, love, love, love your videos! You are so clear with directions and have perfect camera shots. This blanket pattern is awesome and I can’t wait to get it on the needles! I’m thinking of making scarves for Christmas. THANK YOU!!!

[@janetsmith7147]

Thank you for this tutorial. I just learned that I am to be a first time grandmother come October!

[@ioannayoung7491]

Thanks for the great tutorial. I especially loved the way you measured how much yarn to use for the long tail cast on. I just guess, and either end up with too much yarn at the tail end, or not enough and then I have to start all over. I have done shadow knitting before, but it was a while ago and this was a great refresher course. You make the best tutorials, bar none.

[@janicemartin1580]

Just finished a pink/charcoal gray for a grandniece (no idea what gender until born). After pondering it for a few days, I decided to add a 7 stitch seed st border, with a slip kw, k1 from blanket, psso, turn sl 1 pw. So cute! This is a fun pattern.

[@RuthiesCraftingCorner]

Thank you for the demonstration, Stacy! I just love the illusion of this Shadow Checkerboard Baby Blanket!

[@nancyel281]

That is so cool! I'm a crocheter and picked up knitting; although, my mother taught me to knit and purl when I was very young. I just picked it up again in the last few months. Thank you for the tutorial and the free pattern; I'll be attempting this in the future. Oh, I still crochet, too, lol. I learned how when I was 15 (I'm 63 now), but because of KZbin tutorials, I can now crochet almost anything. Working on knitting skills now.

[@sUnsetswitheU]

Finally! I got really excited when you showed the blanket last time and couldn't wait for the tutorial. Cheers!

[@shannonoliver5414]

Thank you for this tutorial. I am a very new knitter. You are a very good teacher and a very fast knitter. 😊

[@LadyGecko]

My boss has a baby coming in May and I was wondering what to knit and this popped up. Thank you.

[@mandyrawlinson7687]

I love this pattern and tutorial - ordered it and the yarn immediately after watching your video!! Thank you for doing this one!!!

[@kathyenglish775]

Great pattern and great video! I love the hint about squaring the corners--I make a lot of baby blankets and I struggle with making it look "just so".

[@bekahlissa87]

So not blanket related, which I love by the way, I haven’t watched your videos in a while but I have to say I LOOOOVE your hair cut.

[@MarieH528]

Oh Stacy, You are so Amazing! I Love this ❤️ pattern and as I'm preparing things for My 7th Grandchild that will be here in March 2020 , I will definitely be able to get this finished in time! Thank You 😊 so much for Sharing ❤️ the tips of Creating this wonderful Blanket ❤️💕 Have a Great Week 😊 XX Marie

[@DeslynJoy]

Great tutorial! I can’t wait to give it a try. I have the pattern and just need to pick the yarn. Thanks, Staci!

[@teribarbetta326]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial. I probably watched it 20 times. This blanket was my nemesis for about a month! When I didn't pay attention closely, I mixed up knit and purls! Ugh. I think I tinked as much as I knitted this blanket! I like the final result but am in NO HURRY to make another one. Haha!

[@hotmes3]

I’ve been looking forward to the notification that the video tutorial was posted! Thanks so much for making the videos, I love them all!

[@sherwpinkhair]

You are fabulous at teaching😊

[@Syls_ewenique_knits]

I absolutely love to watch you! This was, as always, a great tutorial! Thank you for all you do for us knitters!

[@p_broom426]

So cute. I want to make this for my grandson in his favorite colors.

[@gingieglover7752]

Love this! Watched 20 times. Thank you!

[@dorisrichard5630]

I love illusion knitting. I have been doing it for some years now. I love your videos

[@zomoroda29]

j'aime tous vos ouvrages , merci pour l'effort que vous vous donnez pour nous aider ....

[@loridavison6672]

I always enjoy your videos and this one is a great one I do charity work so I'm going to share this pattern with all the ladies in our group thank you.

[@gudrunvansteenbergen7997]

This is going to be my Australian open project. Perfect for watching tennis

[@HalloweenMischief]

I've been looking for a fun pattern to do for a blanket for months! I think this is the one! :D

[@denisebriese6414]

Your haircut is so flattering

[@susanvanvleck3957]

That effect is just too cool! I wish I could get my hands to cooperate enough to use both hands like that.

[@vadec5909]

That is nice I like the chatting

[@parksbpknit]

Love it! I think a scarf is a great idea too! Fantastic tutorial as always, thank you!

[@ChadlyRN]

I can’t count and talk at the same time either! My husband tries to talk while I’m knitting and I just stare and nod my head. 😉

[@karenstewart8818]

I just talk louder should my hubby deign to talk to me while I am counting my stitches.

[@daniellesnyder1244]

😂😂😂

[@sharondonovan1403]

Thanks staci for this amazing blanket....i like it a lot....good turtorial.☺

[@Hazel2346]

I'm making a second checkerboard baby blanket thank you so much for the pattern and tutorial

[@janetsmith7147]

I loVe the bloopers. Lol

[@sharonkeller7397]

Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! I can't wait to make a blanket or a scarf. The yarn looks like fun to try with such beautiful colors!

[@bonnieblahovich2848]

Thank you enjoyed this pattern a lot!

[@tonistevens2253]

Can't wait to try this!

[@melmcd100]

Thanks so much Staci for yet another great video! Can’t wait to try this pattern!

[@ginnylynn1]

Thank you 🧶❣️I love all your tutorials ❤️

[@susanp8568]

Thank you for an informative and well done tutorial.

[@suzannemaitland4182]

You are a very fast accurate knitter

[@bonnieblahovich2848]

Love this so cool

[@pitfall69]

I love this so much but im have a really hard time converting

[@anitawessels3932]

Very cool pattern

[@lennypearl]

How would this look with sections of different colors i.e. as a stash-busting project? So maybe starting with colors A & B for e.g. 4 blocks (2 on the bottom, 2 on top), then you switch to colors C & D for another 4 blocks and so on?

[@motzoh]

About how to start a skein: I had no idea (left vs top based on label direction). Cool!

[@theastewart6721]

Very nice pattern!

[@SuperAbstractMagical]

Thank you for sharing this with us Staci! I've never actually seen this effect in knitting before, my mind is blown! Are there many other "illusion knitting" techniques? I'd be so interested to see them if there are! Amazing work as always 👌❤

[@verypinkknits]

Thanks! There are lots of illusion/shadow knitting patterns, the basic technique used is the same in all of them.

[@SuperAbstractMagical]

@@verypinkknits Wow thank you so much for replying, that just made my day! I will definitely have to check out some more patterns like this then, it's really amazing that it's quite a simple method to make some really cool things happen! I just wanted to tell you that your videos were the reason I got really serious about advancing my skills in knitting when I was 16 (about 11 years ago now, how time flies!) Your videos were how I learned to make sense of knitting socks, and all of the patterns I've purchased for socks over the years have been yours 😂 Thank you so so much 🙂

[@rebeccaj138]

@@SuperAbstractMagical if you are ravelry there are illusion knitting groups. Just search under groups. If you aren't on Ravelry join right away!!!!

[@SuperAbstractMagical]

@@rebeccaj138 That's awesome, thanks for the tip! I am on Ravelry, I can't believe I've never come across this! 😆 I will definitely search for them today thank you!

[@bsbpjb]

yeah....finally I understand illusion knitting

[@kristiwood2926]

Love this blanket!!!

[@dianaravid6357]

It's such a cool pattern. I'm wondering if there is a hat pattern for this cool checker board effect.

[@19snoozer56]

Know how tactile baby are. A soft blanket like this one could become "The Blankie" I would like to add a satin blanket binding. I can see a little one fondling the binding as they drift off to sleepytime.

[@elizabethtaylor8366]

I will never be able to knit that fast!

[@monicabuch3827]

Thank you for the awesome tutorial😊

[@nekinequipaupau8768]

Gracias!!! Quería aprender está técnica. Es hermosa y se puede dibujar con ella. Gracias gracias gracias 🍀

[@irinko11]

Great blanket! I think, I could do that, thank a lot))) Could you show how to weaving the ends in Tunisian crochet blanket?

[@kerriestuckey610]

Love it, now I can see it in Hogwart house colours, with that magical effect. To do a larger size would you make the squares bigger as well as more or just keep the the same size? Thinking of doing an Adult size for my daughter.

[@verypinkknits]

You could make larger squares, but I'd suggest just using more 19 stitch squares.

[@kerriestuckey610]

VeryPink Knits thank you that what I was thinking 👍

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been looking forward to this one. I was looking for your polish colour...lol

[@verypinkknits]

That is Gelish Black Cherry Berry.

[@DanielWSonntag]

Just ordered 2 pinks to make a blanket for my niece in this pattern! Update: casting off today!

[@LadyLuxe33]

I wonder if Bernat Blanket chenille-type yarn would work for this pattern or do you need one with good stitch definition...

[@helenmuldoon2963]

Hello Staci, new fan here and I love the content you are giving us. Just wondering about the scarf on the mannequin behind you. Is there a video or pattern up for that? It's gorgeous 😍 thank you!

[@verypinkknits]

Yes, you'll always find all of the information about everything you see in my videos in the video description field, just below the video. The cowl on the mannequin is Color My Cowl, free pattern and video tutorial: verypink.com/2016/06/08/color-cowl-tutorial/

[@helenmuldoon2963]

@@verypinkknits thanks so much 🥰😊

[@nancybrachbill7316]

I have just finished this blanket for our first great-grandchild. What type of blocking would you recommend? I don't want to flatten the purl ridges too much since it is my guess that the ridges are essential for the "illusion". Would you recommend a medium iron with a dampened towel enough to flatten the top/bottom and to make it more finished? Or hold a steam iron slightly above the blanket on a flat surface? Thank you for this lovely pattern. It was fun and easy to knit.

[@verypinkknits]

The yarn the pattern is written for is machine washable and dryable. The blanket I show in the video has been machine washed and dried.

[@nancybrachbill7316]

VeryPink Knits Thank you so much. I used the same yarn, so I will do that before I gift it, steaming the corners as you suggested. 💚

[@Cynsome1]

Yay! How fun!

[@BleuDesigns222]

Love this video ! Are you able to do a tutorial on an illusion image ?

[@yolandawhiteman3983]

😮wow this is as Challenge .

[@cnbharucha8417]

Hi I want to make a regular blanket size how many stitches should I cast on?

[@maryellengregg5104]

I love knitting this blanket ! I’m thinking about weaving in the ends as if was cotton or is the way you demonstrated in the tutorial better ?

[@verypinkknits]

Either is fine! Whichever you prefer.

[@carmenviera9953]

👍👍👍👍👍👍Exelente

[@ashapatel878]

Hi Staci. What a lovely pattern. I really like the shadow effect. Would love to try it. I am having difficulty in getting to the pattern. Please advice how to get to it

[@sherilspearing9428]

I, too, can’t get the pattern for this wonderful technique. It takes me to the yarn’s site, I followed everything, joined and it told me to "download". No go 😢

[@LoveByHH14]

I've always wondered what you do with your example pieces when you're finished with the demonstration videos?

[@verypinkknits]

Sometimes I can use the pieces again for another tutorial...or if I've partially knit a sweater or something, I'll just finish it. Many of the pieces are small enough that I don't save them, but totally finished items (like the blanket in this video) always find a good home. :)

[@LoveByHH14]

@@verypinkknits I love that the usable leftovers make it to good homes :)

[@crazybooklady2104]

Could this be made bigger for a bed?

[@jeanlubo2446]

I’m confused. Do I read the chart from right to left, then left to right? Or always start a new row from the right.

[@verypinkknits]

On flat pieces like this (not knit in a tube), you read the right side rows from left to right in the chart, and the wrong side rows from right to left.

[@jeanchiusano2861]

Hi love this technique. I’m definitely going to make one. Could you tell us what needles you are using. They seem very comfortable. Thank you for this video

[@verypinkknits]

I am using Lykke Driftwood needles: amzn.to/3jxZB51

[@louiseschultz2064]

As always, thank you for your videos and inspiration. You do beautiful work! About this particular Shadow Checkerboard baby blanket, is there something specific I'd need to watch for if I wanted to make it larger? Or would just adding squares do the trick? Many thanks!

[@verypinkknits]

Adding squares is the exact way to make it larger!

[@wendylong8181]

I love this and all your videos! Question: when adding the second color on the third row, you don’t have to tie a knot so it would not unravel? I always worry the yarn would come apart. Thank you for all you do for the knitting community.

[@verypinkknits]

Yes - I believe I demonstrate tying a knot - I always tie knots, especially when the knit is machine washable.

[@southpaw487]

Great pattern, Staci. Thank you. When adding the new yarn, I assume a Magic Knot would be okay? I’m using the same yarn you did.

[@verypinkknits]

I prefer to tie a regular double knot and weave in the ends when I'm using wool or wool blend, but magic knot works, too.

[@tammyjohnson9274]

👀 Can you use bulkier weight yarns and get the same affect?

[@verypinkknits]

Yes, the illusion should work with any weight of yarn, provided you're using a needle size that makes a smooth fabric.

[@marycorey3068]

Thank you..❤️

[@TheMyssT]

I love the way you knit .... will you teach us?

[@verypinkknits]

I have several videos on the way I knit, called "flicking". You can see these videos by searching my channel for "flicking".

[@soycaro]

How is that grid square mat known as? I keep looking for it and I find blocking mats. Thank you. Excellent demo

[@verypinkknits]

It's a blocking board, I don't think they are currently available for sale anywhere. You can find blocking mats that fit together like puzzle pieces. They work the same way. I have this set, and they are very nice: amzn.to/3buK1mP

[@soycaro]

VeryPink Knits I though it was a self healing cutting mat. Like this www.walmart.com/ip/Fiskars-18-x-24-Self-Healing-Cutting-Mat/12335959

[@Twinkley1981]

This is my first time knitting a blanket, I’ve downloaded the pattern and I’m really enjoying knitting this. I normally always crochet every I make, but I’m trying to improve on my knitting and do more of it. I have a question... the start of the blanket is currently curling, as I’m normally a crocheter my work never curls and I never have to block it. Do I have to block this knitted blanket? Or should I add a border around the finished blanket, if so what do you recommend? I want my blanket to lay flat. Thank you. Btw I’m loving all your videos x

[@verypinkknits]

It shouldn't curl...but if you're using the recommended yarn (wool blend) and getting the correct gauge, it will lie flat. Gauge that is too tight and/or acrylic yarn can cause curling.

[@Twinkley1981]

VeryPink Knits It could be the yarn I’m using then. I can’t actually use wool blends. My gauge is the same, and my stitch count is correct etc. It’s just the first row that’s curled forward slightly but the rest of it is laying flat and looking good as I’m progressing. As it’s my first knitted blanket I wasn’t sure why the first row was curled forward. Once it comes of the needles, I will wash it and hopefully it’ll relax the fabric. Thanks for the reply. 🙂

[@TheMyssT]

This is a great project to improve your knitting skills...

[@Twinkley1981]

Thomasean I have to agree. I am really enjoying it and I feel it’s helping my knitting skills. I’m still making it atm. I do a bit every evening when I have free time. I will definitely make another knitted blanket now I’ve tried this one. I’ve only ever knit mittens, scarfs and hats before so doing a larger project was a first for me. 🙂

[@penzer2010]

@@verypinkknits , I Am currently working on my 4th blanket. All have been made with the yarn specified and all have curled both at the top and bottom of the blanket. On this one I changed to size 7 needle s to see if that would stop the curling and it hasn’t. Do you have any suggestions to stop the curling?

[@jenniferwillie3259]

Any hints/tips for making an adult blanket with this technique?

[@verypinkknits]

You'll have to do the math for the yarn amounts, but you can make it larger by adding more 19 stitch (block) repeats.

[@shirleycoonce8726]

Hi Staci. Love the pattern. I printed the pattern out. But I noticed that the written instructions don't coincide with the graph. Can you help

[@verypinkknits]

I explain this in the video - if you still have questions, please contact the pattern designer for support.

[@tonyahelms7692]

I am a left handed knitter. I am starting a chart with Marilyn Monroe and I can’t find anything on illusion knitting for left handers. Do I follow the chart the same as a right hander and do the knit and purl stitches as they are on the chart, or do I have to make the knit stitches purl and the purl stitches knit and start from the opposite side? I hope this makes sense to you and you are able to help me.

[@verypinkknits]

Right/left handed knitting (or mirror knitting, which is what I'm guessing you're referring to) should not make a difference in shadow/illusion knitting. Just follow the pattern as written.

[@shrutitanksale8445]

Can we get written instructions?Please help me

[@nurgis1983]

aftur finishing. do I wash it in the washer on a regular program or do I handwash it.. ??

[@verypinkknits]

If you used the yarn the pattern calls for, you can machine wash and dry the blanket. If you used a different yarn, you'll need to follow the washing instructions on the yarn label.

[@nurgis1983]

I used the yarn the pattern called for. thanks Staci 👍

[@sherilspearing9428]

Staci, could you please tell me the names of the cream & green that you used. Love this combo!

[@verypinkknits]

Yes - all of the colors shown in the video are listed in the video description field...the green and cream are colors Sprout & Buttercream.

[@sherilspearing9428]

VeryPink Knits Thanks so much for your very prompt reply. I thought those were the colors, but wanted to verify. Order is going in right now. Hope your "babies" are doing well today 🐕🐕🐕

[@karensemones9302]

Thanks for this great tutorial. I downloaded the pattern from Ravelry. It calls for a size 6 knitting needle. If I use a 4 worsted weight yarn, can I use a size 11 needle and would the checkerboard still show up?

[@verypinkknits]

I recommend using the recommended yarn and needle size for the same effect. But if you are going to substitute yarn, it's best to use the needle size recommended on the yarn label. Size US 11 is probably too big for worsted weight yarn.

[@karensemones9302]

@@verypinkknits Thank you for your reply.

[@VanTran-ks6xg]

Karen Semones I cannot download from ralvery

[@verypinkknits]

@@VanTran-ks6xg - follow the link it will take you here. Go through the checkout process (you won't be charged anything, the pattern is free): patternsbykraemer.com/collections/afghans-blankets/products/shadow-knit-checkerboard

[@free1953ful]

I like the colors you used - was it "sprout" and "canary yellow"? Thanks

[@verypinkknits]

Sprout and Buttercream.

[@sandyvielhaber4407]

I am working on this blanket, using circular needles. I've completed only 4 purl bump rows, and my work is curling. Do you think I'm doing something wrong, or will it straighten out as it grows?

[@verypinkknits]

If you are using the yarn recommended, and your gauge is correct, it will flatten out. You can even apply some steam (from an iron) to flatten it out while you're still working on it.

[@sandyvielhaber4407]

@@verypinkknits Thank you so much for your advice! I am using the recommended yarn and will follow your instructions.

[@sunaozdiyar1360]

Muhteşem güzellik 💖🍀🇹🇷💋💋💋

[@belladama53]

Is it possible to make this blanket using extra long straight needles?

[@verypinkknits]

Yes.

[@dorkceratops]

Would this work just as well with a speckled or variegated yarn? Or is it best to use solids?

[@verypinkknits]

I haven't knit it with variegated yarn...probably best to stick with solids, you need the contrast for the illusion to show.

[@dorkceratops]

@@verypinkknits Thank you!

[@anitawhang8260]

Thank you!!

[@clairenason3561]

Unable to get the pattern then I saw your note to go through as if to purchase the pattern, checked my e-mail to see if I received it. No still nothing.

[@verypinkknits]

Sorry you're having trouble - I recommend contacting Kraemer directly for help.

[@clairenason3561]

I will do that. Thank you. Have to have this pattern. I'm making lap blankets for Christmas.

[@marquesn77]

Are those Lykkes needles ?? 😱

[@verypinkknits]

Yes.

[@marquesn77]

I knew it ! I have a set in the gray color - they’re a dream to knit with! Cheers!

[@zomoroda29]

😍😍😍😍😍

[@mylife-fk2eu]

Plz u tech surprise jacket.