Valley Yarns #196 Northampton Blanket

Valley Yarns Northampton Blanket

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Northampton Blanket is a woven throw blanket designed by Elisabeth Hill. This versatile project offers multiple configuration options: a single blanket measuring 31" x 47½", coordinating pillows, two panels for a wider blanket, or three separate blankets in different colorways. The design takes advantage of a long warp setup to maximize material efficiency and creative possibilities.

Weave Structure and Techniques

This blanket employs a block weave based on a double-faced 3/1 twill structure. The block weave technique creates distinct color blocks and visual interest while maintaining the stability and drape characteristic of twill weaves. The double-faced construction adds depth and reversibility to the finished textile, making it functional from both sides.

The design features striped colorwork created through strategic color changes in the weft yarns. By alternating between different colored yarns across the warp, the weaver builds complex color combinations and patterns that showcase the rich palette of Valley Yarns Northampton.

Equipment Requirements

This project requires an 8-shaft loom that is at least 36 inches wide. The weaver will need 2 shuttles for managing multiple weft colors, along with 4 bobbins for one color and 10 bobbins for another, allowing for efficient color changes throughout the weaving process.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Warp Yarn: Valley Yarns 8/2 cotton in color #2550 Nautical Blue. This yarn is 100% unmercerized cotton with a yardage of 3,360 yards per pound. A single blanket requires 1,906 yards of warp yarn, while two blankets require 3,170 yards.

Weft Yarns: The project uses two distinct yarn types for the weft:

• Valley Yarns 8/2 cotton (100% unmercerized cotton, 3,360 yds/lb) in #2550 Nautical Blue for hem finishing
• Valley Yarns Northampton (100% wool, 247 yards per 100 grams) in multiple colorways

Blanket 1 Colorway: Features cool-toned wool colors including #58 Lagoon Heather (544 yards), #40 Ocean Heather (512 yards), and #21 Dahlia (69 yards), creating a cohesive blue and purple palette.

Blanket 2 Colorway: Showcases warm earth tones with #49 Brown Heather (444 yards), #27 Merlot (138 yards), #47 Rust (138 yards), #4 Garnet (69 yards), #17 Red (69 yards), #21 Dahlia (22 yards), #15 Gold (104 yards), and small accents of #40 Ocean Heather and #58 Lagoon Heather (4 yards each).

Weaving Specifications

The blanket is woven at a sett of 18 ends per inch (epi), achieved by threading 1-2 threads in a 12-dent reed. The pick density is 18 picks per inch (ppi), creating a balanced weave structure. The warp width in the reed is 32¼ inches, with 632 ends total. For a single blanket, the warp length is 3 yards; for two blankets, the warp extends to 5 yards.

Finished Dimensions

Each completed blanket measures 31 inches wide by 47½ inches long, making it an ideal size for a throw blanket suitable for draping over furniture or providing warmth while reading or relaxing.