Valley Yarns Dorado Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Dorado Knitted Blanket

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Dorado is a versatile knitted blanket available in two sizes: a Baby Blanket measuring 38¾" x 37" or a larger Throw measuring 54½" x 72". Designed by Julie Turjoman, this project creates a practical, easy-care blanket suitable for everyday use, whether as a cozy layer for relaxation or as a gift for a baby's activities.

Yarn and Materials

This blanket is crafted using Valley Yarns Montague, a 100% organic cotton yarn that combines a soft hand with a distinctive boucle texture. The yarn comes in 50g hanks with 110 yards per hank. The Baby Blanket requires 10 hanks, while the Throw size requires 26 hanks. The color used is 004 Grass. Knitters will need US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 32" to 40" in length, along with stitch markers, a tapestry needle, and optionally a locking stitch marker to identify the right side of the work.

Techniques and Construction Method

The Dorado blanket is worked flat in one piece, meaning it is constructed by working back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This seamless, bottom-up construction approach simplifies the building process for beginner knitters. The blanket features knitted-on seed stitch borders that measure 1 inch wide on the side edges, creating a finished frame around the central pattern. The Long-Tail cast-on method is used to begin the project, providing a flexible and durable foundation edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The blanket showcases two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and texture. The seed stitch forms the borders, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard-like pattern that produces a bumpy, textured surface. This stitch is worked for 5 rows at the beginning to establish the border, with an additional increase row to adjust stitch count before moving to the main pattern.

The centerpiece of the design is the Diamond Grid stitch pattern, a 12-row repeat that creates a delightful geometric texture across the blanket's surface. This pattern is worked across the center stitches between the seed stitch borders. The Diamond Grid pattern repeats 11 times (for the Baby Blanket) or 16 times (for the Throw) across each row, with the 12-row repeat worked a total of 19 times for the Baby Blanket or 38 times for the Throw to achieve the finished dimensions.

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The project is rated as Beginner skill level, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward project. The gauge is 17½ stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in the Diamond Grid stitch pattern after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Why This Pattern Works

The combination of organic cotton yarn with its soft, easy-care properties and the simple geometric stitch patterns makes the Dorado an ideal project for creating a practical, beautiful blanket. The seed stitch borders provide a polished frame that prevents curling, while the diamond grid texture adds visual depth without requiring complex stitch techniques. The flat construction and straightforward row-by-row approach allow knitters to progress steadily, making this an excellent choice for those building their skills while creating a functional, gift-worthy finished object.