Valley Yarns Valley Log Cabin Blanket Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Valley Log Cabin Blanket

Project Overview

The Valley Log Cabin Blanket is a knitted throw designed by Dena Childs that combines traditional log cabin patchwork construction with knitting techniques. This blanket is created by knitting individual smaller log cabin squares in multiple colors, then seaming them together before adding a single-color border. The project is ideal for advanced beginners who want a portable, low-concentration knitting project that showcases multiple colors in an organized, visually striking pattern.

What Is Being Made

This is a seamed blanket available in three finished sizes: Baby (36" x 36"), Lap (36" x 52"), and Full (52" x 68"). The blanket consists of multiple log cabin squares arranged and seamed together, finished with a knitted border on all sides. The modular construction allows crafters to arrange the squares to their preference, ensuring color variety and visual balance throughout the finished piece.

Techniques Used

• Log Cabin Knitting: A fun and easy method for combining multiple colors in a single project. Each log cabin square is built by knitting strips that spiral outward from a center point, with colors changing for each successive strip.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles or circular needles used in flat construction, rather than in the round.
• Pick Up Stitches: New strips are created by picking up stitches along the edge of the previous strip, allowing the log cabin pattern to build organically.
• Seaming: Individual squares are seamed together using the crafter's preferred method. The pattern notes that a slip-stitch crochet seam was used for the original design.
• Stripes: Each log cabin square features color-changing stripes as successive strips are added in sequence.
• Border Construction: A single-color border is knitted continuously around all four sides of the assembled blanket without changing colors for each strip.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the blanket. Each strip is knitted for 19 rows, which creates 10 garter ridges (the characteristic bumpy texture of garter stitch).
• Pick Up and Knit: Used to create new strips by picking up 20 stitches along the edge of the previous strip, with the final strip picking up 70 stitches.
• Bind Off: Used to finish each strip on a right-side row before turning the work.

Materials

The blanket is knitted using Valley Yarns Superwash, a 100% superwash merino yarn with a yardage of 97 yards per 50-gram ball. Six colors are used in the pattern, with yardage requirements varying by finished size:

• Color A (Natural): 2 (3, 5) balls
• Color B (Colonial Blue): 2 (3, 5) balls
• Color C (Spring Leaf): 2 (3, 5) balls
• Color D (Ice Blue): 2 (3, 5) balls
• Color E: Required for border (quantity varies by size)
• Color F: Alternative option for border

The superwash merino fiber makes this blanket easy to care for, as it can be machine washed, making it practical for baby blankets or frequently used throws.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty and is specifically recommended for advanced beginners. While the techniques involved—picking up stitches, knitting garter stitch, and seaming—are fundamental, the modular construction and color management across multiple squares require some experience. The project's portable nature and low concentration requirements make it accessible for knitters who want to develop their skills without tackling complex stitch patterns.