Valley Yarns Forest Pansy Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Forest Pansy Knit Blanket

What Is Being Made

The Forest Pansy is a washable knit blanket designed by Julie Turjoman and Susan Baron, measuring 42 inches wide by 52 inches long when finished. This intermediate-level project is ideal for cable knitting enthusiasts and creates a striking home accent piece or gift item. The blanket features a modular construction approach, with twelve individual blocks that are sewn together to form the complete blanket.

Project Structure and Design

The blanket is composed of four different cable block designs, each worked in three compatible colorways to create visual interest and depth. The individual blocks measure 12¾ inches wide by 12 inches high. Once all twelve blocks are completed, they are sewn together using long yarn tails left during the knitting process. After assembly, stitches are picked up around the entire blanket perimeter and worked in a ribbed stitch pattern using a fourth coordinating color for the border. For those seeking simplified assembly, the blocks can alternatively be worked in three vertical strips before joining.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs cable knitting as the primary decorative technique, with multiple distinct cable patterns featured across the four block designs. The blanket is worked flat on circular needles, which accommodates the larger stitch counts required for this substantial throw-sized project. The border is completed using ribbed stitch work, which provides elasticity and a finished edge. Cable techniques require the use of cable needles to create the characteristic twisted rope-like textures throughout the design.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The primary stitch construction centers on cable stitches arranged in four distinct patterns across the blocks. Supporting stitches include stockinette stitch for the background fabric and reverse stockinette stitch for contrast and dimensional effects. The border utilizes rib stitch to frame the completed blanket. The pattern requires understanding of cable crossing techniques and the ability to work from charted instructions, making this an appropriate project for knitters with intermediate experience.

Yarn and Materials

The Forest Pansy pattern accommodates two washable yarn options, both supplied by Valley Yarns. The first option is Haydenville Bulky, a blend of 60% Superwash Merino and 40% Acrylic Microfiber, offered in skeins of 100 grams with 109 yards per skein. The second option is Valley Superwash Bulky, composed of 100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino Wool, also in 100-gram skeins with 109 yards. Both yarn options are specifically chosen for easy care and durability in active households.

Yarn Requirements by Colorway

When working in Haydenville Bulky, the blanket requires 5 skeins each of Lake (color A), Natural (color B), and Sagebrush (color C), plus 3 skeins of Grey for the border. Alternatively, when using Valley Superwash Bulky, the pattern calls for 5 skeins each of White (color A), Gray (color B), and Burgundy (color C), with 3 skeins of Dusty Rose for the border. The color combinations create either cool-toned or warm-toned finished blankets depending on yarn selection.

Needles and Equipment

This project requires US size 10½ (6.5 mm) circular needles, with recommendations for two to four needles in 40-inch to 60-inch lengths to accommodate the blanket's width during flat knitting. Additional materials include two cable needles for executing cable twists, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and block sections, and a tapestry needle for seaming blocks together and weaving in yarn ends. The gauge is 14¾ stitches and 21¾ rows per 4 inches when measured in cable patterns on blocked fabric.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working with cables and following charted instructions. The modular block construction provides natural breaking points for progress and allows knitters to build confidence with each completed cable design before moving to the next variation.