Plymouth Yarn Vertical Stripe Throw & Afghan Knitting

Plymouth Yarn Vertical Stripe Throw & Afghan

Project Overview

The Plymouth Yarn Vertical Stripe Throw & Afghan (Pattern No. 2693 Homestead) is a knitted blanket featuring striking vertical stripes created through intarsia colorwork techniques. This downloadable PDF pattern offers two finished size options: a smaller throw measuring 36 inches wide by 48 inches long, and a larger afghan measuring 47 inches wide by 58¾ inches long. The design combines rich, earthy tones in three distinct colors to create visual depth and warmth.

Materials & Yarn Requirements

This project uses Plymouth Yarn Homestead 3, a worsted-weight yarn available in multiple colorways. The pattern requires yarn in three different colors:

• Color A (Dark Brown): 3 skeins of 100g each
• Color B (Tan): 6 skeins of 100g each
• Color C (Burnt Red): 9 skeins of 100g each

The larger size requires additional yardage in Colors B and C to accommodate the expanded dimensions. A US Size 11 (8mm) circular knitting needle in either 32-inch or 40-inch length is recommended, along with two stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge & Stitch Specifications

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project to reach the intended finished dimensions. The pattern specifies two different gauge measurements depending on the stitch being worked:

• Stockinette Stitch: 14 stitches and 19 rows equal 4 inches when worked on US Size 11 (8mm) needles
• Cross Rib Stitch: 21 stitches and 28 rows equal 5½ inches when worked on US Size 11 (8mm) needles after blocking

Blocking is recommended to achieve the correct gauge in the Cross Rib Stitch sections, which helps even out the textured stitches and ensures accurate finished dimensions.

Knitting Techniques & Construction

This throw is worked flat on circular needles, meaning you will knit back and forth in rows rather than working in the round. The pattern employs intarsia colorwork techniques to create the vertical stripe design, allowing you to work with multiple colors while maintaining clean color transitions.

The blanket begins with a garter stitch border worked over 6 rows, which creates a finished edge and helps frame the main pattern. Garter stitch is produced by knitting every row, creating a reversible, textured fabric that lies flat and provides stability at the edges.

Cross Rib Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this throw is the Cross Rib Stitch, which works over a multiple of 7 stitches plus 1 additional stitch. This textured stitch combines knit and purl stitches with slipped stitches to create visual interest and dimension.

The Cross Rib Stitch pattern repeats over 10 rows:

• Rows 1, 3, 5 (Wrong Side): Purl 1, then repeat the sequence of purl 2, knit 2, purl 3 across the row
• Rows 2, 4, 6: Knit all stitches
• Rows 7 and 9: Knit 1, then repeat the sequence of knit 1, slip 1 stitch with yarn in front, knit 2, slip 1 stitch with yarn in front, knit 2 across the row
• Row 8: Knit 2, slip 1 stitch with yarn in front, knit 2, slip 1 stitch with yarn in front, knit 1, repeating to the last stitch
• Row 10: This row features cross stitches, which create the distinctive textured appearance of the pattern

The cross stitch technique involves slipping a stitch off the left needle and allowing it to hang to the front, then slipping the next 2 stitches, creating a crossed effect when the stitches are worked back. This special technique adds complexity and visual appeal to the fabric.

Pattern Progression & Sizing

After the initial 6-row garter stitch border,