Valley Yarns Bernelle Baby Set Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Bernelle Baby Set: Knitted Bias-Square Blanket and Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Bernelle Baby Set is a coordinated collection designed by Kirsten Hipsky that includes two complementary pieces: a soft, machine-washable baby blanket and a matching baby pullover. Both items showcase a striking visual effect created through the strategic arrangement of bias-knit squares in multiple hand-dyed colorways. The set celebrates the vibrant palette of six distinct colors—Black Cherry, Blood Orange, Goldilocks, Mushroom, Tidepool, and Mulberry—allowing for creative customization based on how the squares are arranged and combined.

Finished Measurements

Blanket: Available in three sizes: 30" × 36" (smallest), 40" × 48" (medium), and 50" × 60" (largest).

Baby Pullover: Chest circumference in three sizes: 18" (smallest), 20" (medium), and 22" (largest).

Techniques Used

This pattern employs bias-knit construction, a technique where squares are worked on the bias to create dynamic visual interest. The squares are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished pieces are seamed together to create the final garment. The bias-knit approach means each square begins with a single cast-on stitch, increases progressively to a maximum width, then decreases back down to a single stitch, creating a naturally diagonal grain in the fabric.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch forming the garter stitch texture throughout.
• Knit in the front and back (Kfb): Used during the increasing phase to add stitches and expand the square's width.
• Knit 2 together (K2tog): Used during the decreasing phase to reduce stitches back to a single stitch.

The primary stitch pattern is garter stitch, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. This classic stitch is ideal for baby items due to its durability and forgiving nature for advanced beginner knitters.

Color Work and Square Construction

The pattern's ingenious design involves creating 30 individual bias-knit squares using two-color combinations. Each square is worked in two contrasting colors: the first color forms the increasing phase of the square, while the second color forms the decreasing phase. The color combinations systematically pair each of the six colors with every other color, creating visual variety and allowing crafters to arrange the squares in numerous ways to achieve different aesthetic effects. The richness of the hand-dyed colorways enhances these effects, making each arrangement unique.

Materials

Yarn: Valley Yarns Superwash DK Hand Dyed, composed of 100% Extrafine Merino Superwash (100g/274 yards per skein). This fiber choice ensures the finished pieces are soft, machine washable, and suitable for delicate baby skin.

Blanket Yardage: Approximately 2–4 skeins each of the six colors, depending on size (totaling approximately 300–840 yards of each color used).

Pullover Yardage: Approximately 1 skein each of the six colors, depending on size (totaling approximately 65–100 yards of each color used).

Needles: US size 5 (3.75mm) straight needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 5.5 stitches and 11 rows per 1 inch when worked in garter stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for consistent square sizing and overall finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as advanced beginner, this pattern is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their repertoire. While the individual square construction is straightforward, the project requires attention to detail when managing color changes, maintaining consistent stitch counts across multiple squares, and executing the seaming process to assemble the final pieces.

Design Notes

The Bernelle Baby Set exemplifies how thoughtful color selection and geometric construction can transform simple knitting techniques into visually sophisticated pieces. The bias-knit squares create a dynamic, almost kaleidoscopic effect that rewards careful planning during assembly.