#1321 Hydra - Afghan Knitting Pattern for Home in Valley Yarns Southwick by Valley Yarns

Pattern Summary: #1321 Hydra – Knitted Blanket Pattern by Valley Yarns

The #1321 Hydra is a beautifully structured knitted blanket pattern designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. Released in 2023, this pattern produces a thoughtfully layered blanket that combines textural stitch patterns with a clean, classic center field. It is an ideal project for knitters who have moved past the absolute basics and are ready to work with multiple stitch patterns simultaneously. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as Adventurous Beginner to Intermediate in difficulty.

What Is Being Made

The Hydra pattern creates a knitted blanket offered in two sizes:

• Baby Blanket: 36" x 40" – the sample size shown in the pattern
• Afghan: 48" x 72" – a larger version suitable for home use or a generous gift

As the pattern notes suggest, this blanket is designed with gifting in mind – whether for a new baby's arrival or as a housewarming present for friends moving into their first home. Its soft, cozy fabric and elegant stitch combination make it a meaningful handmade gift for any occasion.

Materials Used

Yarn

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Southwick, a luxurious yarn blended from 52% Pima Cotton and 48% Bamboo. Each ball contains 50g and approximately 105 yards. The sample is knitted in Color 28 – Smoky Quartz. The cotton-bamboo blend gives the finished blanket a deliciously soft and cozy hand feel, making it especially suitable for baby items and home textiles where comfort is a priority.

• Baby Blanket size: 11 balls of Valley Yarns Southwick
• Afghan size: 25 balls of Valley Yarns Southwick

Needles and Other Materials

• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 24"–32" in length, or size needed to achieve gauge
• Other materials: Stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing

Gauge

The pattern requires a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches, measured in both Stockinette stitch and the Eyelet pattern after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is important for hitting the finished measurements in either size.

Techniques Used

Worked Flat

The entire blanket is worked flat, back and forth in rows, knitted in one piece from cast-on to bind-off. Despite using a circular needle, the knitting is not worked in the round – the circular needle simply accommodates the large stitch count comfortably.

Cast-On Method

The pattern recommends the Old Norwegian Cast-On or another stretchy cast-on method. This technique creates a flexible, elastic edge that complements the textural borders of the blanket. The pattern notes reference a video tutorial available through Valley Yarns for knitters who are unfamiliar with this cast-on.

Stitch Marker Placement

Stitch markers are used throughout the construction to separate the distinct stitch pattern sections – the outer Double Moss stitch hems, the inner Eyelet borders, and the central Stockinette field. This makes it easy to track transitions between sections as you work each row.

Stitches Used

Double Moss Stitch

The outer hems of the blanket are worked in Double Moss stitch, a classic textured pattern that creates a firm, reversible fabric with a subtle checkerboard-like texture. Double Moss stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across multiple rows, creating a dense, non-curling border. This stitch is worked on the first and last 6 stitches of every row, forming the side hems, and is also used to build the top and bottom hems of the blanket.