704 Thora Blanket - Knitting Pattern for Babies and Home in Valley Yarns Stockbridge

704 Thora Blanket - Knitting Pattern by Kirsten Hipsky

What is Being Made

The 704 Thora Blanket is a richly patterned knitted blanket designed by Kirsten Hipsky, available in three finished sizes: 24" x 32", 40" x 48", and 56" x 64". This project is ideal for babies and home décor, combining visual interest with practical functionality. The blanket features a distinctive modular construction method that creates an engaging building process for knitters.

Design and Construction Technique

The Thora Blanket employs a modular parquet square technique, where individual squares are knit in a connected sequence. Rather than knitting one large piece, the blanket is constructed by picking up stitches from previously completed squares and knitting new squares from their neighbors. This method creates a geometric, interlocking pattern that builds the blanket systematically. The pattern requires knitting a total of 12 squares for the smallest size, 30 squares for the medium size, and 56 squares for the largest size.

The blanket is worked flat on circular needles, making it accessible for knitters who prefer flat construction over working in the round. The modular approach allows for flexibility and creates natural stopping points throughout the project.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch used in this pattern is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges that is durable and forgiving for both beginner and experienced knitters. The gauge for this project is 4.5 stitches and 9 rows per 1 inch in garter stitch, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

The Thora Blanket is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Stockbridge, a premium blend of 50% Superfine Alpaca and 50% Wool in a worsted weight. This fiber composition provides softness, warmth, and durability ideal for a baby blanket or home throw. The pattern calls for four coordinating colorways:

• Color A: Blue Mist – 3 (6, 12) skeins depending on size
• Color B: Gold – 4 (8, 16) skeins depending on size
• Color C: Lake – 3 (6, 12) skeins depending on size
• Color D: Stone Blue – 3 (6, 12) skeins depending on size

Each skein of Valley Yarns Stockbridge contains 50 grams and yields 109 yards, allowing for precise yardage planning across the three size options.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires US size 7 (4.50mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches or longer, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are recommended for this project even though the blanket is worked flat, as they provide adequate space for the growing number of stitches. Additional materials include scrap yarn to use as stitch holders during the modular construction process and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Finishing Considerations

The designer notes that there are a considerable number of yarn ends to weave in, even for the smallest size, due to the multicolor modular construction. Knitters have two finishing options: weave in all ends using a tapestry needle, or carry the strands loosely across the wrong side and sew a fabric backing to the blanket to conceal the ends. This flexibility allows crafters to choose the finishing method that best suits their preferences and skill level.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The modular square method and color work provide an engaging challenge while remaining accessible to those moving beyond foundational knitting skills.