Valley Yarns Kent Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Kent Playmat and Throw Blanket

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Kent is a versatile knitted blanket available in two sizes: a 36½" x 39" Baby Playmat or a larger 50¼" x 72" Adult Throw Blanket. Designed by Julie Turjoman, this project combines functionality with visual appeal, making it suitable as a plush yet durable playmat for infants, a picnic or tailgating blanket, or a lap blanket for adults. The piece is an ideal gift for new arrivals or anyone seeking a handmade, washable blanket.

Techniques Used

The Kent blanket is worked using several key knitting techniques that create both structural integrity and visual interest:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The blanket is knitted from the bottom edge upward, worked back and forth in rows on circular needles rather than in the round.
• Worked Flat: Despite using a 40" circular needle, the piece is worked flat in rows, allowing for easy stitch management across the wide width of the blanket.
• Striping: The design features colorful horizontal stripes created by switching between three coordinating colors every eight rows, adding visual dimension and interest to the overall piece.
• Knitted-On I-Cord Borders: Solid color borders are knitted directly onto the side edges during the finishing process, framing the central field and adding a refined, polished edge.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Kent blanket is the Twist Stitch, a textured stitch that creates a linear, dimensional surface. The twist stitch pattern is worked in eight-row repeats, with the pattern repeated across the width of the piece. The blanket begins with a Long-Tail Cast-On method, which provides a sturdy, elastic foundation edge. Finishing includes Bind-Off in pattern, ensuring the top edge maintains the same textured appearance as the field, and the application of knitted-on I-Cord borders along the sides.

Materials and Specifications

The Kent pattern calls for Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky, a practical choice for a blanket that will require regular washing. This yarn is composed of 100% Extrafine Superwash Merino Wool, offering both softness and easy care. Each ball weighs 100g and contains 109 yards.

Yarn quantities vary by size:

• Baby Playmat: 4 balls Color A (Blue Mist), 2 balls Color B (Spring Leaf), 2 balls Color C (Mulberry)
• Adult Throw: 8 balls Color A (Blue Mist), 6 balls Color B (Spring Leaf), 6 balls Color C (Mulberry)

Needles and notions required: US size 10 (6.0mm) 40" circular needle, US size 10 double-pointed needles, cable needle, and tapestry needle. The pattern specifies that needle size may be adjusted to achieve the required gauge.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in Twist Stitch, blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the blanket to reach its intended finished measurements.

Skill Level

The Kent is rated as Advanced Beginner difficulty. While the project uses straightforward techniques such as basic cast-on, bind-off, and a repeating stitch pattern, the combination of managing multiple colors, maintaining pattern consistency across a large number of stitches, and working a substantial yardage makes it suitable for knitters with some foundational experience who are ready to tackle a larger, more involved project.