Northern Trail - A Classic Blanket Knitting Pattern for Worsted Yarn
One year ago, I published the Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn. This classic blanket design features seed stitch 'stripes' on a stockinette stitch back drop. The blanket is framed by a seed stitch border.
The Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.
The pattern is also available on Etsy.
KNITTING SKILLS NEEDED:
This is an easy knitting project for any knitter who has mastered knit and purl stitches, and changing back and forth from knit to purl. You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.
If you already know how to work seed stitch and stockinette stitch then you have the skills to work this pattern.
INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:
The name for my Northern Trail blanket pattern is inspired by memorable hikes through the woods...peaceful time to enjoy the beauty of nature with my family and friends.
Whether it’s a walk on a paved trail through a wooded area close to home, a walk on a country road with an old friend, or an adventure to a national park, the time spent in nature is revitalizing.
On the trail we take in the sounds of water flowing in a stream, the crunching of leaves under foot, and the birds chirping. And we cherish the conversations, laughter and joy we experience while we hike together.
Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn. Click here to buy the pattern.
A CUSTOMER FAVORITE!
I’m thrilled that this design has become a customer favorite for baby blankets and throw blanket projects.
As of May 2023, this pattern has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Ravelry for overall results and clarity of instructions. Ravelry knitters have shared more than 145 projects using this pattern.
Joanna made the beautiful blanket below using Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool. See more about her project on Raverly. She told me she learned to knit in June 2020 using YouTube videos and this was her first big knitting project after making a few dishcloths. It looks fabulous!
This lovely blanket was made by Joanna and shared on Ravelry. She used Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool in the Latte colorway. (Photo used with permission.) Shop for this yarn: Yarn Barn of Kansas | Jimmy Beans Wool | The Woolery | Local Yarn Shops
A couple of other projects:
This peach baby blanket shared on Ravelry is simply gorgeous!
And, this little blue baby blanket looks lovely.
“My third blanket by Fifty Four Ten Studio - I love her patterns!”
Click here to purchase the Northern Trail blanket pattern.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES:
Approximate sizes after blocking...
Baby Blanket: 25" wide x 31" long
Small Blanket: 27.5" wide x 35" long
Medium Throw: 30.5" wide x 39" long
Large Throw: 33.5" wide x 43" long
XL Afghan: 36" wide x 47" long
XXL Afghan: 41.5" wide x 51" long
Finished size may vary depending on yarn weight and gauge used.
The pattern includes details on how to adjust the width and length of any blanket sizes.
The pattern includes estimates of how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.
Working on my Northern Trail blanket with Stonehedge Fiber Mill 'Shepherd's Wool'.
NEEDLES and STITCH MARKERS:
The project is worked flat, back and forth on circular knitting needles. Circular knitting needles are highly recommended in order to accommodate the large number of stitches for a blanket. Click here to read my blog post on this topic.
I used US size 8 Knitter’s Pride Nova Platina circular knitting needles for my Northern Trail blanket. Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension. The goal is to find the knitting needle that gives the best stitch appearance, without being too tight...or too loose.
Four ring style stitch markers are helpful for keeping track of the pattern.
WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:
Baby Blanket: 550 - 570 yards
Small Blanket: 680 - 710 yards
Medium Throw: 840 - 880 yards
Large Throw: 1000 - 1050 yards
XL Afghan: 1200 - 1250 yards
XXL Afghan: 1500 - 1600 yards
Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your project.
This pattern may be used with slightly lighter or heavier weight yarns. Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.
If you are using slightly lighter weight yarn, such as DK weight, consider following the directions for one size larger than you want the blanket to turn out.
If you are using slightly heavier weight yarn, such as a heavy worsted or Aran weight yarn, consider following the directions for one size smaller than you want the blanket to turn out.
Finished size and amount of yarn needed may vary depending on yarn choice and gauge...so buy some extra yarn just in case!
If you prefer super bulky weight yarn please see my Stones in the Road blanket knitting pattern.
STONEHEDGE FIBER MILL - SHEPHERD’S WOOL:
Two summers ago, I visited Stonehedge Fiber Mill in East Jordan, Michigan. It was such a treat to visit with the owners of this family run company. I purchased several skeins of Shepherd's Wool worsted weight yarn in the pretty color 'Beaches'. This yarn is lovely! I loved using this yarn for my Northern Trail blanket. It's a very nice quality wool...a traditional feel with wonderful stitch definition. It's a pleasure to knit up. It's woolly...without being scratchy.
This is their tiny shop on their farm in East Jordan, Michigan. It was a pleasure to chat with the owner on a dreary summer day! Their yarn is also sold in many shops around the US, as well as Canada, Israel and Norway. Click here to see their list of shops that carry their yarn.
Stonehedge Fiber Mill yarn shop in East Jordan, Michigan.
BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:
I highly recommend taking the time to block this blanket after weaving in the ends. As you can see in the photo below, the stockinette stitch area between the 'seed stitch stripes' and the seed stitch border tends to pucker and look bumpy...and generally look unattractive. Blocking removed all these issues!
Click here to see my blog post with lots of tips on blocking your finished blanket project.
Working on my Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern in early 2019.
WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:
Click here to purchase the pattern here on my website.
Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.
The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.
2020 GOALS (THAT LOOK A LOT LIKE MY 2019 GOALS!):
It’s hard to believe that we’re already one month into the new year and the new decade! In January, I accomplished one of my big goals for the year… launching my new website! (Thank you so much for stopping by and checking it out!)
Now that it’s February, I’m going to focus on my other goals which include doing more things that make me forget to check my phone! Knitting, reading some good books, spending time with family, going for a walk each day and visiting places in my hometown that I have not been to in a while….going to the yarn shop counts!
Last Saturday, I picked up this beautiful yarn at Yarn Social’s surprise sale…
Beautiful yarn to inspire future knitting designs! Spud and Chloe Sweater yarn from Yarn Social in Kansas City.
This beautiful yarn is Spud and Chloe ‘Sweater’ worsted in ‘Pollen’ (orange), ‘Sea Horse’ (pale blue) and ‘Igloo’ (white). I absolutely love this yarn. The stitch definition is fantastic! (I used this yarn for my Making Plans blanket knitting pattern and Dance on the Breeze blanket design.)
Thanks so much for reading! I hope that you are able to have time today to do something you enjoy and that makes you happy.
Happy knitting!
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