Borasco Blanket in Valley Yarns Superwash Bulky - 1058 - Downloadable PDF

Borasco Blanket by Susan Baron – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Borasco Blanket, designed by Susan Baron and published as pattern #1058, is a cheerful, oversized baby playmat knitted in a striking diagonal stripe design. Worked in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky, this generously sized square blanket measures approximately 36 x 36 inches when finished — large enough to serve as a comfortable tummy-time mat, a stroller blanket, or a cozy play surface for infants and toddlers. It makes an ideal handmade baby shower gift or a thoughtful present for a new mother, combining practicality with bold, playful color.

Design Overview

The Borasco Blanket is a single, square design worked entirely flat on a long circular needle. Its most eye-catching feature is the diagonal garter stitch construction, which creates a dynamic, angled stripe effect across the surface of the blanket. Rather than horizontal or vertical stripes, the diagonal orientation gives the finished piece a lively, modern look that stands out from traditional baby knits. The colorwork is achieved through a straightforward striping technique, alternating between four carefully chosen colors to produce a vibrant, multi-toned result.

Techniques Used

• Diagonal garter stitch: The entire blanket is constructed on the diagonal, meaning stitches are increased along one edge and decreased along another to build the square shape at an angle. This technique is beginner-friendly once the rhythm is established, and it naturally produces the angled stripe effect without any complex colorwork methods.
• Stripes: Four colors are worked in sequence to create bold, repeating stripe bands across the diagonal surface. Carrying or rejoining yarn at the edges keeps the process simple and tidy.
• Worked flat: Despite being knitted on a circular needle, the blanket is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The long circular needle — recommended at 40 to 60 inches — is used to comfortably accommodate the large number of stitches at the widest point of the diagonal construction.
• Hem (single): A neat, single hem finish is incorporated to give the blanket clean, professional-looking edges.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: The primary stitch throughout the entire blanket. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat, producing a squishy, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. It is one of the most beginner-accessible stitch patterns in knitting and is especially well-suited to bulky yarns, as the texture is pronounced and satisfying at a large scale.
• Increases and decreases: Used at the edges to shape the diagonal construction, building the blanket out from a corner and then tapering it back down to complete the square.

Materials

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky, a 100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino Wool yarn sold in 100g / 55-yard balls. Four balls of each of the following four colors are required:

• C1: Castaway Coral (colorway 200)
• C2: Natural (colorway 01)
• C3: Moontower Mustard (colorway 202)
• C4: Aqua Oasis (colorway 201)

The superwash treatment on the Merino wool is a particularly practical choice for a baby item, as it means the finished blanket can be machine washed — an essential quality for anything destined for regular use by an infant. Extra Fine Merino is also prized for its exceptional softness against delicate skin, making it a premium yet functional fiber choice.

Needles and Notions

The pattern recommends US size 13 (9 mm) circular needles, 40 to 60 inches in length, or the size needed to achieve gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and an optional removable marker.

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