The Prism Drift Throw Free Pattern – Knit a Rainbow Larksfoot Blanket

The Prism Drift Throw: A Rainbow Larksfoot Knitting Pattern

Wrap yourself in a cascade of jewel-toned chevrons with this modern take on the classic Larksfoot stitch. This free pattern creates a cozy, textured throw that feels like a warm sunset on a chilly evening. The Prism Drift Throw is a stunning, colorful blanket that showcases the beautiful woven texture of the Larksfoot stitch, worked in vibrant horizontal bands. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a rhythmic, meditative project or a confident beginner ready for a new challenge, this pattern is designed to guide you through every step. The result is a large, drapey, and artistic afghan that will become the centerpiece of your living space.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This isn't just another blanket pattern. The Prism Drift Throw is a journey through color and texture. The Larksfoot stitch, with its slipped stitches and long floats, creates a dimensional, woven look that is both sophisticated and cozy. The rainbow color sequence—from deep teal to mustard yellow, coral pink, lavender, sage green, and cream—ensures that every section of the blanket feels fresh and exciting. Plus, since it's worked in worsted-weight yarn, it works up quickly and has a beautiful, substantial drape.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your supplies. This pattern is wonderfully portable and requires minimal equipment.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 6 colors (A-F). Approx. 1200 yds total (200 yds each).
  • Color A: Deep Teal (for borders and base rows)
  • Color B: Mustard Yellow
  • Color C: Coral Pink
  • Color D: Lavender
  • Color E: Sage Green
  • Color F: Cream
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). A circular needle (32" or longer) is recommended to hold the large number of stitches comfortably.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking pattern repeats), scissors.

Gauge & Finished Measurements

• Gauge: 18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in Larksfoot pattern (blocked). Always take time to check your gauge to ensure your blanket turns out the correct size.
• Finished Size: Approximately 50 inches wide x 60 inches long, after blocking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in rows. The Larksfoot stitch is built on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2. We'll cast on 122 stitches to achieve the desired width. Don't be intimidated by the slipped stitches—they are simple to execute and create the magic of the texture.

Pattern Notes & Abbreviations

• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (this creates the long float on the RS).
• k: Knit
• p: Purl
• rep: Repeat

Getting Started: The Foundation

With Color A (Deep Teal), cast on 122 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works beautifully here).

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

These two rows form a solid base that will anchor the textured pattern and later become part of the border.

Mastering the Larksfoot Stitch: The First Repeat

Now we begin the Larksfoot pattern. The first 8-row repeat uses Colors B and C.

• Row 3 (RS): With Color B (Mustard Yellow), k2, *sl1 wyib, k3; rep from * to last 2 stitches, sl1 wyib, k1.
• Row 4 (WS): With Color B, p2, *sl1 wyib, p3; rep from * to last 2 stitches, sl1 wyib, p1.
• Row 5 (RS): With Color A (Deep Teal), knit all stitches.
• Row 6 (WS): With Color A, purl all stitches.
• Row 7 (RS): With Color C (Coral Pink), k4, *sl1 wyib, k3; rep from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 8 (WS): With Color C, p4, *sl1 wyib, p3; rep from * to last 2 stitches, p2.
• Row 9 (RS): With Color A, knit all stitches.
• Row 10 (WS): With Color A, purl all stitches.

Pro Tip: Notice how the slipped stitches in Rows 3-4 are offset from those in Rows 7-8. This staggering creates the iconic diamond-like chevron shapes of the Larksfoot pattern. The rows of Color A in between help to secure the long floats and give the fabric its structure.

Continuing the Rainbow: Shifting Colors

You've completed your first full 8-row repeat! Now, the magic continues. For the rest of the blanket, you will repeat Rows 3-10, but you will shift the color sequence every 8 rows. This creates the beautiful, sweeping bands of color.

Here is the color sequence to follow:

1. Repeat 1: Colors B (Mustard) & C (Coral)
2. Repeat 2: Colors D (Lavender) & E (Sage)
3. Repeat 3: Colors F (Cream) & B (Mustard)
4. Repeat 4: Colors C (Coral) & D (Lavender)
5. Repeat 5: Colors E (Sage) & F (Cream)

Continue working these 8-row repeats in this sequence. After completing Repeat 5, you can either start the sequence over with Repeat 1, or continue alternating the color pairs in a pattern you find pleasing. The goal is to continue until the blanket measures approximately 60 inches from the cast-on edge, always ending with a full 8-row repeat (ending with the Color A rows).

Finishing Touches: The Border & Bind Off

Once your blanket reaches the desired length, it's time to finish it off with a clean, sturdy edge.

• Final Rows: With Color A (Deep Teal), knit 2 rows. This creates a simple garter stitch border that matches the cast-on edge and prevents the sides from curling.
• Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely knitwise. Tip: To ensure a stretchy edge that won't pucker, use a needle one size larger for the bind-off row, or use a stretchy bind-off method like "Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off."

Weaving in Ends & Blocking

Your Prism Drift Throw is almost complete!

1. Weave in Ends: Using your tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the blanket. Take your time to weave them in securely so they don't pop out with use.
2. Blocking: This step is crucial for the Larksfoot stitch. Gently wet-block or steam-block your blanket. Pin it out to the finished measurements (approx. 50" x 60"). Blocking will even out the stitches, open up the texture, and make the long floats lie perfectly flat, giving your throw that professional, polished look.

Once dry, your Prism Drift Throw is ready to be draped over a sofa, folded at the foot of a bed, or wrapped around you on a cool evening. The interplay of jewel tones and rich texture makes this a truly special piece you'll cherish for years to come. Happy knitting!