1203 Phoenix - Blanket Knitting Pattern for Babies in Valley Yarns Huntington Splash and Huntington

1203 Phoenix - Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The 1203 Phoenix is a beginner-friendly baby blanket designed by Susan Baron, measuring approximately 35 inches long by 35 inches wide. This project combines two coordinating Valley Yarns products to create a colorful, soft blanket perfect for keeping babies warm and comfortable. The design showcases the vibrant color bursts found in Valley Yarns Huntington Splash yarn, allowing the yarn's natural beauty to be the focal point of the finished piece.

Techniques Used

This blanket is constructed using several key knitting techniques that make it accessible for beginners while producing professional results:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The blanket is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing you to easily adjust the final length as you knit if desired
• Seamless Knitting: The blanket is worked as one continuous piece with no seams to sew together, simplifying the finishing process
• Worked Flat: Rather than working in the round, this blanket is knitted flat on circular needles, making it straightforward for knitters of all skill levels
• Striped Pattern: Strategic color changes between Valley Yarns Huntington Splash and Huntington create visual interest and highlight the yarn's color variations

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in this blanket is the Ripple stitch, which creates an undulating, wave-like texture across the fabric. This stitch pattern is ideal for showcasing variegated and multi-colored yarns, as the texture complements rather than competes with the yarn's natural color variations. The ripple pattern provides visual movement and dimension while remaining simple enough for beginners to execute successfully.

Materials Required

The 1203 Phoenix blanket calls for specific Valley Yarns products in complementary colorways:

• Yarn A: 2 hanks of Valley Yarns Huntington Splash in color 08-Amazon River (75% Merino Wool/25% Nylon, 436 yards per 100g hank)
• Yarn B: 3 hanks of Valley Yarns Huntington in color 37-Lemongrass (75% Merino Wool/25% Nylon, 218 yards per 50g hank)
• Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle in 32-inch length, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Additional Materials: Stitch markers (optional) and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Yarn Weight and Gauge

This pattern uses 4-ply yarn weight, which provides a balanced thickness ideal for baby blankets—substantial enough to provide warmth without being overly heavy. The specified gauge for the Ripple stitch pattern is 17 stitches and 14 rows over 3 inches wide and 1¾ inches high. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the blanket drapes appropriately.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the 1203 Phoenix is designed to be accessible to knitters who are new to the craft. The combination of straightforward flat knitting, a simple repeating stitch pattern, and the visual appeal of the yarn itself makes this an ideal first blanket project. The pattern allows the yarn to do much of the visual work, reducing the complexity of the design while still producing a beautiful, professional-looking finished piece.