Burridge Lake Aran Afghan

Burridge Lake Aran Afghan by Anna Dalvi

What is Being Made

The Burridge Lake Aran Afghan is a classic Aran-weight blanket and throw designed by Anna Dalvi. This knitted afghan features a perfectly symmetrical construction with a center panel that is symmetrical within itself, flanked by two side panels that are mirror images of each other. The design is intended to be a substantial, decorative throw piece suitable for intermediate knitters seeking a project rich in traditional cable and texture work.

Design and Construction Details

The entire afghan is covered in braids and twists throughout, exposing knitters to a variety of traditional Aran techniques. The design deliberately minimizes the use of stockinette and reverse stockinette stitches, keeping the knitter engaged with more interesting stitch patterns across the project. The side panels incorporate the trinity stitch, a textured technique where the main work occurs on wrong-side rows, ensuring that knitters remain engaged and interested during both right-side and wrong-side row work.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Braids and Twists: The primary decorative elements covering the entire afghan surface
• Bobbles: Dimensional texture stitches integrated throughout the design
• Trinity Stitch: Featured in the side panels, with primary construction work on wrong-side rows
• Cable and Texture Stitches: Multiple Aran-weight cable variations and textured stitches
• Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette: Used minimally as background stitches

Materials and Tools

This project requires approximately 21 skeins of Aran-weight yarn, each skein weighing 100 grams and containing 178 yards (163 meters). The pattern specifies Aran Wool by Paton's or similar Aran-weight yarn. Knitters will need 4.5 mm (US 7) needles to work this project.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern is worked to an approximate gauge of 26 stitches to 24 rows measured over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in pattern stitch. This is an intermediate-level project, suitable for knitters with experience in cable work and Aran techniques. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF and includes panel-by-panel descriptions presented in table format, with right-side rows read from right to left during construction.