Hibernate Throw in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted - ZB299-00008-UK - Downloadable PDF

Hibernate Throw in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted – Pattern Summary

The Hibernate Throw is a striking, generously sized knitted blanket designed by Chloe Thurlow for Rowan. Published as a downloadable PDF (pattern reference ZB299-00008-UK), this project is rated as intermediate in skill level, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more expressive colourwork and textural stitch patterns. The throw is worked flat on a long circular needle, building up bold horizontal stripes and woven-like slip-stitch sections that give the finished fabric a rich, tactile quality.

What Is Being Made

The Hibernate Throw is a large knitted blanket or throw intended for home décor and comfort use. Its name evokes warmth and cosiness, and the design delivers on that promise through a multi-coloured palette and a satisfying combination of textures. The finished throw features distinct horizontal bands worked in different colourways, transitioning between smooth stockinette sections and intricate slip-stitch panels that create an almost woven, interlaced visual effect. A neat garter-stitch border frames all edges, keeping the fabric flat and giving the piece a clean, polished finish.

Design and Construction Overview

The throw is constructed in a single flat piece, worked back and forth on a 4½mm (no 7) (US 7) circular needle of at least 100 cm in length. The long circular needle is essential here — not because the throw is worked in the round, but because the large number of stitches across the width of the blanket requires the extra cable length to sit comfortably. Working flat on a circular needle is a standard technique for wide projects such as throws and shawls, and it prevents the strain and awkwardness of trying to fit hundreds of stitches onto a straight needle.

The construction progresses in clearly defined sections measured in centimetres, with colour changes introduced at specific points to create the striped and textured banding. The pattern instructs knitters to work with multiple yarn colours — up to eight in total — and the sequencing of these colours is central to the throw's visual impact.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting on a circular needle: The entire throw is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round, using the circular needle purely for its length and flexibility.
• Garter stitch border: A consistent border of knit stitches on every row frames the edges of the throw throughout. Based on the pattern instructions, a border of approximately 6 stitches is maintained on each side, ensuring the edges lie flat and do not curl — a common challenge with stockinette fabric.
• Stockinette (stocking stitch) sections: Certain bands of the throw are worked in classic stockinette — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — creating a smooth, even fabric that contrasts beautifully with the textured slip-stitch panels.
• Slip-stitch colourwork: This is the defining technique of the Hibernate Throw. Slip-stitch colourwork involves slipping selected stitches with the yarn held either in front (wyif — with yarn in front) or at the back (wyib — with yarn in back) of the work, while knitting or purling the remaining stitches in the working colour. Only one colour is used per row, which makes this technique far more accessible than stranded colourwork such as Fair Isle, yet it produces a fabric that appears to interweave multiple colours simultaneously. The slipped stitches from previous rows are carried up and visually layered over the new colour, creating a dense, almost woven or mosaic-like texture.
• Stripe sequencing: The throw is divided into measured sections, with specific yarn colours introduced at set intervals. The pattern references colours by letter (A through H), and the transitions between colour groups are carefully sequenced to build the overall striped composition of the blanket.
• Colour management: With eight colours in use, knitters will need to manage multiple yarn ends and carry or rejoin colours at the edges. Neat weaving in of ends is an important finishing consideration for a project of this scale.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental building block used throughout, both within the body of the throw and as part of the garter-stitch border.
• Purl stitch (P): Used on wrong-side rows within the stockinette sections