Pixelated Pastel Rubik's Cube Throw Blanket Free Pattern

Pixelated Pastel Rubik's Cube Throw Blanket Free Pattern

Wrap yourself in a nostalgic puzzle with this soft, squishy throw that recreates the iconic Rubik's Cube in cozy knitted squares. Each face is a vibrant, textured panel that comes together into a delightful, brain-teasing blanket. This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking for a fun, modular project that yields a stunning, conversation-starting piece for your living room or bedroom.

The Pixelated Pastel Rubik's Cube Throw is constructed from 9 individual square panels, each representing one face of the cube. Each panel is a 3x3 grid of smaller squares, knitted separately and then sewn together. The result is a plush, pixelated masterpiece that measures approximately 48" x 48" (perfect for snuggling on the couch).

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 6 colors: White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Blue, Green (approx. 400g each), plus small amounts of Black for the grid lines
• Needles: US 8 (5mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (always check your gauge for best results)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Small Square (make 54 total: 9 of each color)

Each small square measures approximately 4.5" x 4.5" before blocking. You will need 9 squares of each of the 6 colors (white, yellow, orange, red, blue, green) to complete the throw.

1. Cast on 20 stitches.
2. Work in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for 28 rows, ending with a purl row. This creates a smooth, flat square with the classic "V" pattern on the right side.
3. Bind off all stitches loosely. Weave in ends using your tapestry needle.
4. Repeat until you have 9 squares of each color. Block all squares to ensure they are uniform in size before assembly.

Panel Assembly (make 9 panels)

Each panel will be a 3x3 grid of small squares. For a classic Rubik's Cube look, each panel should feature 3 colors arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Here's how to assemble each panel:

1. Choose your color arrangement: Each panel uses 6 small squares (2 of each of 3 colors, arranged in a checkerboard pattern). For example, Panel 1 might use White, Yellow, and Orange. Panel 2 might use Red, Blue, and Green, and so on. You can mix and match to create your desired look.
2. Arrange the squares: Lay out 3 squares in a row, alternating colors (e.g., White, Yellow, White). Repeat for 3 rows, creating a checkerboard effect where no two adjacent squares share the same color.
3. Sew the first row: Using mattress stitch with your tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew the 3 squares of the first row together along their vertical edges. Weave in ends.
4. Sew the second and third rows: Repeat step 3 for the remaining two rows.
5. Join the rows: Sew the three rows together along their horizontal edges using mattress stitch. Weave in ends.
6. Repeat: Make 9 panels total, each with a unique color combination or repeating the same arrangement for a more uniform look.

Grid Lines

To achieve the iconic Rubik's Cube look, you'll add thick black grid lines between all squares on each panel.

1. Thread your tapestry needle with black yarn.
2. Using a running stitch, embroider a thick line along the seams between all squares on each panel. Start at one edge of the panel and work your way across, making sure the line is even and covers the seam completely.
3. Repeat for all vertical and horizontal seams on every panel. This creates the classic black border effect.

Throw Assembly

Now it's time to bring all 9 panels together to form the full throw.

1. Arrange the panels: Lay out the 9 panels in a 3x3 grid. For a classic cube layout, arrange each face as a solid color with a white border. For example, the top row could be all white panels, the middle row all yellow, and the bottom row all orange. Alternatively, arrange them randomly for a more colorful, scrappy look.
2. Sew the panels together: Using mattress stitch and matching yarn, sew the panels together along their edges. Start with the vertical seams (joining panels in columns), then sew the horizontal seams (joining the rows).
3. Match the grid lines: Ensure the black grid lines align perfectly where panels meet to maintain the continuous puzzle aesthetic.
4. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn tails.

Border

The border adds a finished, polished look to your throw and helps it lie flat.

1. Pick up stitches: With the right side facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the entire edge of the throw. Aim for approximately 1 stitch per stitch along the sides and 3 stitches per 4 rows along the top and bottom edges.
2. Work in garter stitch: Knit every row for 6 rows. This creates a bumpy, textured border that contrasts nicely with the smooth stockinette panels.
3. Bind off loosely: Bind off all stitches loosely to prevent the edges from curling. Weave in all ends.

Finishing Touches

Once your throw is complete, give it a gentle block to even out the seams and enhance the stitch definition. Lay it flat on a clean surface, mist with water, and let it dry completely. Your Pixelated Pastel Rubik's Cube Throw is now ready to adorn your favorite reading chair or sofa!

This project is a wonderful way to use up scrap yarn in your stash, and the modular construction makes it easy to work on the go. Whether you're a puzzle enthusiast or simply love bold, geometric home decor, this throw is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you use it. Happy knitting!