Valley Yarns Lacebark Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Lacebark Baby Blanket and Throw

What Is Being Made

The Lacebark is a versatile knitted blanket available in two sizes, designed by Julie Turjoman. The smaller size (S) measures 35¾" x 38¼" and works beautifully as a baby blanket, while the larger size (L) measures 54½" x 73¾", making it an ideal heirloom gift for weddings or housewarmings. The blanket features an elegant combination of cable and lace stitch patterns that create visual interest while remaining accessible to beginner knitters.

Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental knitting techniques that build foundational skills. Cable work is central to the design, using cable needles to create the distinctive twisted rope-like textures. The pattern includes both left-leaning cables (2/2 LC) and right-leaning cables (2/2 RC), where stitches are held on a cable needle while others are worked, then the held stitches are completed. Lace knitting is integrated throughout, utilizing yarn overs (YO) to create decorative holes and openwork sections. The blanket is worked flat on circular needles, meaning you knit back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making it straightforward for those new to knitting. The pattern also incorporates basic decreases and increases to shape the piece, along with garter stitch edging for a finished border.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Yarn Over (YO) creates the lace openwork characteristic of the design
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) decreases stitches and shapes the lace pattern
• Slip, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slip Stitch Over (Sk2p) provides double decreases for more dramatic lace shaping
• Purl into Front and Back (Pfb) increases stitches where needed
• Cable Stitches including 2/2 LC (2 over 2 left cable) and 2/2 RC (2 over 2 right cable) create the twisted cable elements
• Garter Stitch (knitting every row) forms the border and final finishing rows
• Leaves and Cables Stitch Pattern, a 22-stitch repeat worked over 40 rows, forms the primary decorative motif

Materials and Gauge

The Lacebark is knitted with Valley Yarns Haydenville Bulky, a practical blend of 60% Superwash Merino Wool and 40% Nylon Microfiber. This fiber content makes the finished blanket machine washable and exceptionally durable, capable of withstanding years of use—an important feature for a treasured heirloom piece. The smaller size requires 7 skeins while the larger size needs 21 skeins, with each skein weighing 100g and containing 109 yards. The yarn is worked on US size 10 (6.00 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches, which accommodate the width of the blanket while working flat. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches in the stitch pattern when blocked. Additional materials include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Structure and Difficulty

Despite featuring cables and lace—techniques often considered intermediate—the Lacebark is rated as a beginner-friendly pattern. The design uses straightforward cable crosses and simple yarn overs rather than complex lace decreases, making it accessible to knitters building their skills. The pattern is worked in clearly defined sections: an initial setup row, repeated 40-row pattern repeats of the Leaves and Cables stitch (worked 4 to 8 times depending on size), and finishing garter stitch rows with even decreases. This structured approach helps beginners maintain consistency throughout the project.