Thunder Ridge

Thunder Ridge Knitted Blanket by Laura Aylor

What Is Being Made

Thunder Ridge is a beginner-friendly knitted blanket and throw designed by Laura Aylor for independent designer brand Fogbound Knits. This rectangular throw measures approximately 44 inches wide by 60 inches long after blocking, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or using as a cozy lap blanket. The project is worked in worsted-weight yarn and showcases an attractive combination of solid and variegated colors through strategic stitch placement.

Design and Stitch Techniques

The Thunder Ridge blanket features a mosaic-and-stripe stitch pattern that creates visual interest by combining two contrasting yarns. This technique allows crafters to work with variegated yarn featuring long color runs alongside a solid contrasting color, producing a sophisticated striped effect without the complexity of traditional colorwork. The mosaic stitch method involves slipping stitches to create the pattern, which is an accessible technique for beginner knitters looking to expand their skills.

The design is versatile and adaptable. While the pattern showcases a variegated yarn paired with a solid color, knitters can substitute a gradient or multiple solid colors to achieve different aesthetic effects based on personal preference and yarn availability.

Required Knitting Skills

This beginner-level project teaches and requires the following techniques:

• Long-tail cast-on for creating a strong, elastic foundation edge
• Slipping stitches to execute the mosaic pattern
• Picking up stitches in a slipped stitch edge for seamless construction
• Icelandic bind-off for a professional finished edge

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches in 4 inches of blocked garter stitch and mosaic-and-stripe stitch, with 33 rows in 4 inches of mosaic-and-stripe stitch after blocking. The pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this project, though variations will affect the finished size and total yardage required. This flexibility makes Thunder Ridge accessible to knitters with slightly different tension.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Thunder Ridge requires approximately 2500 yards of worsted-weight yarn total, distributed as follows:

• Approximately 1500 yards of C1 (solid color yarn)
• Approximately 1000 yards of C2 (variegated yarn)

The sample shown in the pattern was knit using Cascade 220 (solid color) and Noro Kureyon (variegated), both 100% wool yarns, demonstrating the beautiful results achievable with high-quality natural fiber. Knitters should use US 7/4.5 mm needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Due to the substantial number of stitches required for the 44-inch width, a medium-length circular needle is recommended for comfortable working.

Pattern Format

Thunder Ridge is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient for digital access and printing. This format allows knitters to reference the pattern on devices or in printed form while working on their project.