Valley Yarns Capitol Reef Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Capitol Reef Knit Blanket

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Capitol Reef is a knitted blanket designed by Julie Turjoman, offered in two finished sizes: a baby blanket measuring 36" x 34" and a larger lap afghan measuring 46" x 68¾". This project combines visual texture with practical functionality, making it an ideal companion piece for relaxation activities such as road trips, television watching, or listening to audiobooks. The blanket's elegant appearance belies its beginner-friendly construction, making it accessible to knitters of all skill levels.

Techniques Used

The Capitol Reef blanket employs a bottom-up, worked-flat construction method, meaning the piece is knitted in a single continuous section from the bottom edge to the top, working back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This straightforward approach eliminates the complexity of circular shaping and makes it an excellent project for those new to blanket knitting. The blanket features distinct design zones: a seed stitch border framing all four sides, with a textured basket weave pattern filling the central field. The use of stitch markers helps knitters track pattern repeats and maintain consistency throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Seed Stitch: Creates the decorative borders on all four edges of the blanket. This fundamental stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, producing a textured, reversible fabric that frames the central design.
• Basket Weave Stitch: Forms the primary texture of the blanket's central field. This stitch combines garter stitch with knitting through the back loop, creating an interlocking woven appearance that adds visual interest while remaining accessible to beginner knitters.
• Long-Tail Cast-On: Used to establish the initial stitches, providing a professional, elastic edge suitable for blanket projects.

Materials and Tools

The Capitol Reef pattern calls for Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Merino wool. The yarn is available in color 522 Teal, and yardage requirements are 11 balls (approximately 1,067 yards) for the baby blanket size and 30 balls (approximately 2,910 yards) for the lap afghan size. Each ball weighs 50 grams and provides 97 yards of yardage.

Needles required are US size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles measuring 32 to 40 inches in length, selected based on achieving proper gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in seed stitch after blocking, and 19½ stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in the basket weave pattern after blocking.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as a beginner skill level project, the Capitol Reef blanket is designed to be approachable for knitters new to the craft while remaining engaging for experienced knitters seeking a meditative, texture-focused project. The straightforward construction, repetitive stitch patterns, and single-piece worked-flat method make it an ideal choice for developing fundamental knitting skills without overwhelming complexity.