Valley Yarns Timber Blanket Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Timber Blanket: Knitted Square Throw

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Timber Blanket is a cozy, minimalist knitted throw blanket designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This project creates a finished square blanket available in three sizes: 36 inches, 48 inches, or 60 inches square. The blanket features a distinctive geometric construction made from four large mitered garter stitch squares surrounded by log cabin-style borders that evoke the natural appearance of wood grain, resulting in a peaceful and inviting home accessory.

Techniques Used

This blanket is constructed using seamed and worked flat knitting techniques, making it an excellent beginner-level project. The primary construction method involves creating four separate mitered squares that are later sewn together at their cast-on edges. The mitering technique is achieved through strategic decreases—specifically knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases—placed symmetrically on either side of a center marker to create the characteristic diagonal lines of a mitered square. After the squares are seamed, borders are added by picking up and knitting stitches along the edges of the blanket, with each successive border picking up a small number of stitches from the previous border edge to create the log cabin effect. The pattern includes blocking as an optional finishing step for a more polished appearance.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: The foundational stitch throughout the entire blanket, created by knitting every row on both right and wrong sides, producing a reversible, textured fabric
• Knit (k): The basic knit stitch used for the majority of the fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used on the right side of the mitered squares
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used on the left side of the mitered squares to create symmetrical mitering
• Cast on and bind off: Standard edge techniques for beginning and finishing the squares and borders

Materials and Tools

The Timber Blanket is worked in Valley Yarns Berkshire, a premium blend of 85% wool and 15% alpaca, offering warmth and softness. The yardage requirements vary by size: the 36-inch blanket requires 9 skeins (approximately 1,269 yards total), the 48-inch blanket requires 15 skeins (approximately 2,115 yards total), and the 60-inch blanket requires 24 skeins (approximately 3,384 yards total). Each skein weighs 100 grams and provides 141 yards. The pattern is worked on US size 9 (5.5mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches in length, or a size adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 4 stitches and 8 rows per 1 inch when worked in garter stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.