Seigaiha Blanket

This rectangular Mosaic blanket features a traditional Japanese design pattern called Seigaiha (青海波 - blue ocean waves).

Typically, a Seigaiha pattern illustrates a series of circular-shaped arches depicting waves. In this blanket design, I chose angular shapes to take advantage of the Mosaic knitting technique. Using a set of gradient skeins achieves the subtle movement of tidal ocean waves, which symbolizes the perpetual power of natural forces.

The blanket is worked flat, starting at the lower right end of the rectangle and ending at the upper left end. Shaping is achieved by combining increases and decreases at different sections.

Yarn colors (always a combination of CC and one of gradient colors, or GC) are alternated every 2 rows, so at the beginning of every RS row, one yarn is dropped and the other is picked up. Change colors in the sequence provided in pattern or as desired.

Borders around the blanket are knit in garter stitch, while the main body section is knit in combination of garter stitch for the motif (angular waves) and stockinette stitch for the background, creating

different textures within Mosaic Knitting.

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

SKILLS NEEDED

Mosaic Knitting, increases (M1L / M1R) and decreases (k2tog / ssk)

SIZES

One Size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx. 30” / 75cm long and 70” / 178cm wide

YARN

Worsted weight yarn in at least 2 contrasting colors. A total of 6 colors are used in the design / sample, but you can reduce the number of colors as you wish.

SAMPLE SHOWN IN

Yoriko Oki SW Merino Worsted (Worsted weight ,100% Superwash Merino wool)

GC1-5: 1 Ocean Blue Gradient Skein Set (5 skeins, 220

yards / 100 grams each. Total 1100 yards / 500 grams)

CC: 5 skeins (1100 yards / 500 grams) in Morning Mist

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

US #7 (4.5mm) or size to obtain gauge, in 40” / 100cm circular needles. Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors.

GAUGE

18 sts and 36 rows per 4” / 10cm in main body mosaic pattern after blocking