Valley Yarns Sequoia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Sequoia Knitted Shawl and Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Sequoia is an advanced-level knitted shawl and wrap designed by Susan Baron. This striking accessory measures 64 inches in length and 24 inches in width when finished. The design features a unique modular construction that creates a sophisticated look reminiscent of jigsaw puzzles and origami folds, making it an eye-catching wardrobe piece despite its more straightforward construction than its appearance suggests.

Techniques Used

The Sequoia employs several advanced knitting techniques that work together to create its distinctive design:

• Modular construction: The wrap is worked in separate modules, beginning with three squares that form the foundation of the piece
• Circular cast-on: The pattern uses Emily Ocker's Circular Cast-on technique to begin the end squares, creating perfectly symmetrical starting points
• Worked flat and in the round: Different sections utilize both flat and circular knitting methods, requiring careful transitions between techniques
• Stitch pickup: Stitches are strategically picked up from completed squares to create connecting triangles that join the modules together seamlessly
• Border construction: A garter stitch border is picked up and knit around the entire perimeter of the finished piece using circular needles
• Blocking: The pattern recommends blocking after each construction step to ensure even stitch pickup and proper shaping throughout the assembly process

Stitches Used

The Sequoia incorporates fundamental yet effective knitting stitches executed at an advanced level:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch throughout the main body of the wrap, creating a smooth, refined fabric surface
• Garter stitch: Used for the border that frames the completed wrap, providing textural contrast and structural stability
• Knit front and back (kfb): An increase technique used to shape the modular squares during their construction
• Basic knit stitches: Standard knit stitches form the foundation of all pattern sections

Materials and Yarn

The Sequoia is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Charlemont, a premium yarn blend composed of 60% Fine Superwash Merino, 20% Silk, and 20% Polyamide. This fiber combination provides both durability and luxury. The pattern calls for three hanks of Charlemont, one in each of three coordinating colorways: Soft Grape (Color A), Whipple Blue (Color B), and Light Gray (Color C). Each hank contains 100 grams and yields 439 yards of yarn.

Needles and Tools

Construction of the Sequoia requires US size 6 (4.00mm) needles in multiple configurations to accommodate the different sections of the wrap. The pattern specifies one set of five 8-inch double-pointed needles for the circular cast-on sections, one 32-40 inch circular needle for the main construction, and an additional 32-40 inch or 60-inch circular needle for the garter border. A US size F (3.75mm) crochet hook is used specifically for the cast-on process. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, waste yarn for stitch management, and locking stitch markers for tracking pattern sections. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked.

Construction Notes

The Sequoia requires no seaming, as all modules are joined through strategic stitch pickup rather than traditional seaming methods. The modular approach allows knitters to work in manageable sections and verify proper construction before proceeding to the next stage. Blocking after each step is strongly recommended to ensure stitches are picked up evenly and the final piece achieves its intended finished measurements and drape.