Valley Yarns Abella Baby Set Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Abella Baby Set

Project Overview

The Abella Baby Set is a coordinated collection featuring a baby blanket and matching cardigan designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This modern geometric design uses two-needle hexagons in crystalline pinks and neutral tones to create a contemporary aesthetic suitable for newborns through toddlers. The set combines knitting techniques with thoughtful color work to achieve a sophisticated, cool appearance ideal for gift-giving or personal use.

Blanket Specifications

The baby blanket is worked as a collection of eight hexagons that are seamed together. The finished blanket measures approximately 40 inches by 42 inches, providing generous coverage for a crib or stroller. The hexagon construction method is distinctive: rather than using equilateral triangles, the design features right-angle triangles that decrease on only one edge during right-side rows. This geometric approach creates a three-dimensional sweater-like shape when the hexagons are assembled, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Cardigan Specifications

The matching cardigan is available in four child sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months, with finished chest measurements of 16, 18, 20, and 22 inches respectively. The cardigan uses the same hexagon construction method as the blanket, with each hexagon composed of right-angle triangles worked flat on needles. The cardigan is seamed together after individual pieces are completed, creating clean, finished edges.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This pattern employs several advanced-beginner level techniques. The primary construction method involves working flat on straight needles, with decreases worked on right-side rows to shape the triangular components. Key decreases include k2togtbl (knit two together through back loops) and sl1-k2tog-psso (slip one stitch as if to knit, knit two together, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch), which create the geometric shaping essential to the hexagon design. The pattern incorporates stripe work through the use of multiple yarn colors introduced at strategic points during construction. All pieces are seamed together using the yarn tails left from color changes, requiring basic seaming skills.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch throughout, created by knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows, providing texture and stability
• Knit stitch – the fundamental stitch for all fabric creation
• K2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease used to shape the triangles
• K2togtbl (knit two together through back loops) – a left-leaning decrease that creates the opposite slant for balanced decreasing
• Sl1-k2tog-psso (slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) – a double decrease used at triangle points
• Cast-on and bind-off – standard techniques for beginning and ending sections

Yarn and Materials

The Abella Baby Set is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Merino Superwash fiber. Each skein weighs 50 grams and yields 97 yards. The blanket requires yardage for eight complete hexagons, while the cardigan requires 3 skeins (0-3 months), 4 skeins (3-6 months), 4 skeins (6-12 months), or 5 skeins (12-24 months) depending on the child's size. The pattern specifies six colors: Color A (Mauve), Color B (Pink), Color C (Biscuit), Color D (Natural), Color E (Light Blue), and Color F (Steel Grey), allowing crafters to create the crystalline, multi-tonal effect shown in the design.

Needles and Tools

The cardigan is worked on US size 7 (4.50mm) needles or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. A US size J/10 (6.00mm) crochet hook is listed as optional, likely for adding a decorative border to the cardigan if desired