Tahki Yarns Caldwell Afghan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Caldwell Afghan Pattern Summary

Project Overview

The Caldwell Afghan is a beginner-friendly knitted throw blanket designed by Susan Baron. This downloadable pattern creates a cozy blanket using straightforward knitting techniques, making it an excellent project for crafters new to blanket construction. The design is worked flat on circular needles, offering two size options to suit different spaces and preferences.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a rectangular throw blanket available in two sizes:

• Throw Size: 37 inches wide by 47½ inches long (94 cm × 121 cm)
• Blanket Size: 46¼ inches wide by 57 inches long (117.5 cm × 144.5 cm)

The finished blanket features a decorative border and textured patterning throughout, creating visual interest while remaining accessible for beginner knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Caldwell Afghan employs flat knitting construction, meaning stitches are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This fundamental technique makes the pattern ideal for beginners who are developing their foundational knitting skills. The blanket uses stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and border sections, which aids in maintaining accuracy across the wider fabric. The pattern includes a bottom border section worked in seed stitch before transitioning into the main patterned body, providing structure and a finished edge.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Caldwell Afghan is Seed Stitch, a fundamental texture stitch that creates a bumpy, woven appearance. Seed stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches in every row, with the pattern shifting by one stitch on each subsequent row. This creates the characteristic dimpled texture visible on both sides of the fabric. The pattern also incorporates basic knit and purl stitches in various combinations to build the overall design. The bottom border section is worked entirely in seed stitch for 8 rows, establishing a stable foundation before the main pattern begins.

Materials and Construction Details

The Caldwell Afghan is crafted using Tahki Yarns Superwash Merino Bulky, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn. This yarn choice offers both durability and easy care, as superwash treatment allows the finished blanket to be machine washed without felting. The yardage requirements are:

• Throw Size: 8 hanks of yarn (approximately 872 yards total)
• Blanket Size: 12 hanks of yarn (approximately 1,308 yards total)

Each hank contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and yields 109 yards (100 meters) of yarn. The sample shown in the pattern is the blanket size in color #09 cloudy sky, a neutral gray tone.

Knitting is performed on US 11 (8mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100 cm) long. Circular needles are used here not for working in the round, but rather as straight needles with extra capacity to accommodate the large number of cast-on stitches without crowding. The pattern also requires stitch markers to denote pattern sections and a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Gauge and Pattern Specifications

The established gauge for this pattern is 12 stitches and 18 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in pattern stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished blanket reaches the intended dimensions. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including k (knit), p (purl), sm (slip marker), st(s) (stitch/stitches), rep (repeat), and patt (pattern).

Ideal for Beginner Knitters

The Caldwell Afghan is classified as a beginner-level project because it relies on fundamental stitches and straightforward construction. The seed stitch pattern, while creating beautiful texture, requires only alternating knit and purl stitches in a simple rhythm. The flat working method eliminates the complexity of circular knitting, and the use of stitch markers provides clear guidance for maintaining pattern accuracy. This makes the Caldwell Afghan an excellent choice for knitters building confidence with larger projects.