Valley Yarns Delias Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Delias Knitted Blanket

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Delias is a textured striped knitted blanket designed by Julie Turjoman. This project is available in two sizes: a smaller version measuring 36" wide by 42" long, ideal as a stroller blanket for a new baby, and a larger version measuring 50" wide by 72" long, making it suitable as a throw blanket or housewarming gift. The blanket is constructed as a single continuous piece, making it an excellent beginner-friendly project despite its impressive finished dimensions.

Techniques Used

This blanket employs flat knitting techniques, meaning it is worked back and forth on circular needles rather than in the round. The design features a distinctive textured stripe pattern that creates visual interest and dimension throughout the piece. The stripe pattern is created by alternating between different colored yarns and stitch types, with accent rows of reverse stockinette stitch strategically placed to separate color blocks. These accent rows require careful attention during knitting, as they must be purled on right-side rows and knitted on wrong-side rows to maintain the pattern integrity. The blanket is bordered on all four edges with Seed stitch, a fundamental textured stitch that adds a refined, finished appearance to the perimeter.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main color blocks throughout the blanket, creating smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used as single-row accent lines between color sections to add textural contrast and visual definition
• Seed Stitch: Applied as a 1-inch border on all four edges of the blanket, providing a textured frame and professional finishing detail
• Long-Tail Cast On: The recommended cast-on method for beginning the project, providing a sturdy and elastic edge suitable for blanket construction

Materials and Specifications

The Valley Yarns Delias is knitted using Valley Yarns Valley Superwash yarn, a practical choice for baby blankets and frequently-laundered items. This yarn is composed of 50% Extra Fine Superwash Merino Wool and 50% synthetic fiber, offering durability, easy care, and long-wearing properties. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked.

The project requires US size 8 (5 mm) circular needles measuring 32 to 40 inches, depending on the size being knitted. Circular needles are used for their ability to accommodate the large number of stitches required for the blanket width, even though the piece is worked flat rather than in the round.

Yarn Color Requirements

The blanket pattern calls for four coordinating colors of Valley Yarns Valley Superwash:

• Color A (White, #260): 2 balls for small size; 4 balls for large size. Used for accent rows between stripes.
• Color B (Whisper, #301): 5 balls for small size; 11 balls for large size. Used for the initial cast-on and primary stripe sections.
• Color C (Light Blue, #21): 5 balls for small size; 11 balls for large size. Used for major stripe blocks throughout the pattern.
• Color D (Biscuit, #419): 2 balls for small size; 5 balls for large size. Used for accent stripe sections.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

Designated as a Beginner skill level project, the Valley Yarns Delias is accessible to knitters new to blanket construction. The pattern is worked in a single piece from cast-on to bind-off, eliminating the need for complex seaming or assembly. A practical construction tip included in the pattern advises knitters to carry Color A loosely up the side edge when not actively in use, reducing the number of yarn ends requiring weaving in during finishing. The unused color carried along the edge will be concealed when stitches are picked up for the Seed stitch side borders, creating a neat and professional appearance.

Additional materials needed include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during the finishing process. The pattern references a video tutorial for the Long-Tail Cast On method, providing visual guidance for knitters unfamiliar with