Hibernate Throw in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted - ZB299-00008-DE - Downloadable PDF

Hibernate Throw in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted – A Detailed Pattern Guide

The Hibernate Throw is a beautifully designed knitted blanket or throw created by designer Chloe Thurlow and published by Rowan in 2021. Available as a downloadable PDF (pattern reference ZB299-00008-DE), this project is rated at an intermediate difficulty level, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more textured, multi-colour work. The result is a cosy, substantial throw that showcases a rich palette of colours worked in an engaging combination of stitches.

About the Design

The Hibernate Throw is a single-piece knitted blanket worked flat on a long circular needle. Its design features a structured combination of stocking stitch and slip-stitch sections, creating a layered, textural fabric with visual depth. A consistent garter stitch border frames the throw on all sides, giving it a neat, professional finish that lies flat without curling. The pattern works through multiple colour blocks and stripe sequences, making it a rewarding and engaging knit from cast-on to cast-off.

Colourwork and Stripe Structure

One of the most striking features of the Hibernate Throw is its use of eight distinct colours, all from the Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted yarn range. The colours are worked in sequence throughout the throw, creating bold, warm stripe sections. The colours used are:

• Colour A – Eggplant (shade 198)
• Colour B – Carnation (shade 196)
• Colour C – Sky (shade 194)
• Colour D – Teal (shade 197)
• Colour E – Tiger (shade 201)
• Colour F – Sage (shade 199)
• Colour G – Rose (shade 195)
• Colour H – Verdant (shade 200)

Each colour is used in 2 x 100 g balls, giving a total of 16 balls of yarn across the project. This generous yarn quantity ensures a throw of substantial size and weight, perfect for hibernating under during colder months — a theme clearly reflected in the pattern's evocative name.

Techniques Used

The Hibernate Throw uses a combination of classic and slightly more advanced knitting techniques that give the fabric its characteristic texture and structure. Knitters working this pattern will practise and develop the following skills:

Slip-Stitch Technique

A key feature of this throw is the use of slip stitches, worked both with yarn held in front (mFdvo in the German-language instructions) and with yarn held at the back (mFdhi). Slip stitches are a popular technique in colourwork knitting because they allow two colours to appear on the same row without the complexity of stranded colourwork. By slipping a stitch from one needle to the other without knitting it, the yarn from a previous row is carried up, creating a woven or mosaic-like appearance. This technique adds visual interest and a subtle three-dimensional quality to the fabric.

Garter Stitch Border

Throughout the pattern, a garter stitch border of 6 stitches is maintained on each side of every row. Garter stitch — produced by knitting every stitch on every row — creates a firm, non-curling edge that frames the throw neatly. This is a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for a blanket, ensuring the edges remain tidy and stable over time.

Stocking Stitch Sections

Between the slip-stitch pattern rows, the throw incorporates sections of stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), also bordered by the consistent garter stitch selvedge. These smoother sections contrast with the textured slip-stitch areas, adding rhythm and variety to the knitting process and the finished fabric.

Flat Knitting on a Circular Needle

Although the throw is worked flat (back and forth in rows rather than in the round), the pattern calls for a circular needle of at least 100 cm in