Pacific Rim Throw

Pacific Rim Throw by Intuitive Knit Designs

Project Overview

The Pacific Rim Throw is an intermediate-level knitted blanket designed by Intuitive Knit Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished throw measuring 54 inches long by 49 inches wide after light wet blocking, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or using as a decorative blanket. The project combines multiple yarn colors and weights to achieve its design, resulting in a substantial and visually interesting textile piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a knitted throw blanket featuring color work and textural elements. The finished piece is large enough to serve as a functional home accessory while maintaining the craftsmanship and design detail expected from an independent designer pattern. The throw includes fringe detailing as part of the finished design.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Pacific Rim Throw employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The pattern utilizes stocking stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. Color work is incorporated through the use of multiple yarn colors worked into the pattern. The pattern also includes fringe finishing, which requires a crochet hook to attach to the completed blanket edges. Techniques referenced in the pattern abbreviations include slipping stitches, working with yarn positioned in back, and managing stitches across circular needles.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The core stitch used throughout this throw is the fundamental knit stitch combined with purl stitches to create stocking stitch fabric. The pattern employs:

• Knit stitch (k) - the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (p) - used in combination to create stocking stitch
• Slip stitch (sl) - used for shaping and stitch management
• Cast on (CO) - the foundation for beginning the throw

The gauge for this project is 20 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stocking stitch when worked with the largest needles specified, providing a reference point for yarn substitution and tension consistency.

Yarn Materials and Specifications

The Pacific Rim Throw pattern calls for Cascade Ecological Wool and Cascade Eco+ yarns in four coordinating colors. These are natural fiber yarns suitable for blanket projects:

• Main Color (MC) - 250 grams (8.75 ounces) of Cascade Ecological Wool in shade 8010 'Ecru', requiring 497 meters (543 yards) including fringe
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) - 250 grams (8.75 ounces) of Cascade Eco+ in shade 0050 'Black', requiring 400 meters (437 yards)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) - 500 grams (17.5 ounces total, two 250-gram balls) of Cascade Eco+ in shade 4010 'Straw', requiring 513 meters (561 yards)
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3) - 500 grams (17.5 ounces total, two 250-gram balls) of Cascade Eco+ in shade 4009 'Aporto', requiring 480 meters (524 yards)

The total yarn requirement across all colors is approximately 1,890 meters (1,965 yards). The pattern notes that actual yarn consumption may vary based on yarn type, needle size, and individual knitting tension.

Needles and Tools

This throw is worked on circular needles, which accommodate the width of the blanket. The pattern specifies:

• 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needle - 47 inches (119 centimeters) in length
• 5.5 mm (US 9) circular needle - 47 inches (119 centimeters) in length

Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and a crochet hook for attaching the fringe finish.

Yarn Weight and Project Characteristics

The Pacific Rim Throw uses aran, chunky, and heavy worsted weight yarns, which are substantial yarn weights that work