Valley Yarns Blackstone Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Blackstone Knit Blanket

What is Being Made

The Blackstone is a versatile knit blanket designed by Julie Turjoman, available in two sizes to suit different needs. The pattern offers a baby stroller blanket measuring 40" x 39" or a larger adult throw blanket measuring 49" x 70". This project creates a treasured keepsake blanket that combines practicality with visual interest, making it an ideal gift or personal project for crafters seeking a beginner-friendly yet engaging knitting experience.

Techniques Used

The Blackstone blanket is worked flat on circular needles, making it accessible for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods over working in the round. The blanket features a bold grid stitch texture combined with narrow stripes in contrasting colors, creating visual depth and dimension. The design incorporates K2/P2 ribbing borders on all four sides, which are integrated into the construction for a polished, finished appearance. The pattern uses stockinette stitch for the contrast color stripe sections, alternating with the textured grid stitch pattern to create a dynamic, multi-dimensional surface.

Stitches Used

• Grid Stitch Pattern: The primary stitch pattern that creates the bold textured appearance throughout the blanket body, worked over a 12-row repeat
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the narrow stripe sections worked in contrast color, providing smooth texture that contrasts with the grid stitch
• K2/P2 Ribbing: Creates the framed borders on all four sides of the blanket, adding elasticity and a professional finish

Materials and Tools

This blanket is crafted using Valley Yarns Haydenville, a practical wool-acrylic blend yarn composed of 60% Superwash Merino and 40% Acrylic Microfiber. This fiber content makes the blanket easy-care and hard-wearing, ideal for a stroller blanket or frequently-used throw. Each skein provides 220 yards and weighs 100 grams. The baby blanket requires 5 skeins of main color (Lake, color 15) and 2 skeins of contrast color (Navy, color 08), while the adult throw requires 11 skeins of main color and 5 skeins of contrast color.

Knitting needles required include US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 30" to 40" for the main fabric and US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles of the same length for the ribbed borders. Additional materials include locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a size F/6 crochet hook for finishing, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in the grid stitch pattern, blocked on the larger needles.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as a beginner skill level project, the Blackstone blanket is designed to be just challenging enough to remain interesting while remaining accessible to newer knitters. The combination of straightforward stitches—stockinette, ribbing, and a grid pattern—provides an excellent opportunity to build foundational skills while creating a substantial, beautiful finished object. The downloadable PDF format allows crafters to work at their own pace with clear pattern instructions and abbreviations provided.