Blue Sky Fibers Scandia Throw Blanket Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Scandia Throw

Project Overview

The Scandia Throw is a beginner-friendly knitted blanket designed by Sarah Smuland as part of Blue Sky Fibers' Traveler Series. This rectangular throw measures 55 inches in length and 38 inches in width, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or using as a cozy wrap. The pattern is described as soft and wooly, with simple construction that allows knitters to complete the project in a reasonable timeframe while exploring color options.

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted throw blanket worked flat on circular needles. The finished piece is a rectangular wrap featuring a sophisticated color-blocked design that combines stockinette stitch sections with reverse stockinette stitch panels. The throw is designed to be versatile in styling, with the option to add optional tassels for decorative finishing.

Yarn and Materials

The Scandia Throw is constructed using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, a worsted-weight yarn made from 100% Fine Highland Wool. The pattern calls for 12 hanks in the primary color (Storm Cloud, designated as color A), 1 hank in a contrasting accent color (Cast Iron, color B), and 1 hank in an optional tassel color (Spun Gold, color C). Each hank contains 50 grams and yields 123 yards of yarn. The total yardage requirement is substantial, making this a significant project that showcases the yarn's natural wool qualities.

Tools and Equipment

Knitters will need a Size 10 (6.0mm) circular needle measuring 36 inches or longer to accommodate the width of the throw. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and securing the optional tassel trim.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Scandia Throw employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The primary construction method uses stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric when working flat (knitting all right-side rows and purling all wrong-side rows). The pattern incorporates reverse stockinette stitch sections, which are created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, producing a textured, bumpy surface that contrasts visually with the smooth stockinette areas.

The pattern uses stitch markers extensively to organize the design into distinct sections. Knitters will place markers at regular intervals and slip them from needle to needle as they work each row, ensuring accurate pattern placement. The main pattern repeats over 8 rows, creating a rhythmic sequence that becomes intuitive after the first few repeats.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The throw is constructed in two main sections. The body of the blanket is worked by repeating an 8-row pattern sequence multiple times until the piece measures approximately 54 inches in length. This section uses the primary yarn color and establishes the color-blocked design through alternating stockinette and reverse stockinette panels.

Once the body reaches the desired length, knitters cut the main yarn and join the contrasting accent color to create a decorative trim. The trim consists of a 4-row section featuring a ribbed pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches in a coordinated sequence. This trim adds visual interest and a finished edge to the throw before binding off.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 55 inches by 38 inches. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their gauge matches the pattern specifications, as variations in tension can affect the final size of the throw.

Skill Level and Suitability

Designated as a beginner-level project, the Scandia Throw is accessible to knitters new to the craft. The pattern uses only basic stitches—knit, purl, and slip marker—without cables, decreases, increases, or complex colorwork. The repetitive nature of the 8-row pattern repeat makes it meditative and easy to memorize, allowing knitters to work without constantly referencing instructions. The straightforward construction and generous finished size make this an excellent project for building confidence and developing consistent tension.