Pattern Previews for Trails & Valleys: Knitwear for Family Adventures
Trails & Valleys is a collection of 15 knitting patterns for the whole family. Inspired by family memories, cozy cabins and well-trodden paths, each design captures the warmth and tranquility of time spent outdoors with loved ones.
Cabin Games Hap
This large dual-purpose blanket-shawl will be a wonderful addition to adventures with family and friends. You can wrap yourself in it to stay warm or lay it out and use it as an oversized checker/chess board with granny circle checkers made from scraps.
Yarn: Sunflower by Six and Seven Fiber Co.
Switchback Jacket
This set-in sleeve, top-down cardigan is worked flat in pieces. The body features a twisted stitch diamond pattern with a contrasting welt detail at the transitions from one motif to another. Go low-contrast or neutral for a subtle classic look or add a pop of neon for a more modern look.
Yarn: Journey Worsted by Julie Asselin Yarns.
Switchback Vest
The vest version of the Switchback Jacket is worked top down. Contrast faux piping detail is a perfect way to tailor the knit to your liking.
Yarn: Journey Worsted by Julie Asselin Yarns.
Backcountry Beanie
The Backcountry Beanie is a bottom-up hat, knit in the round in 1 x 1 rib. It includes contrasting stripes in flip up style brim and wedge shaped crown decreases. Make a pair of coordinating Trail Marker Mitts to really treat any knitworthy loved one, big or small.
Yarns: Knit by Numbers DK by John Arbon Textiles (grey sample)
Beacons by Garthenor (orange sample).
Camp Larkspur Kerchief
The Camp Larkspur Kerchief is not only nostalgic but also extremely versatile. This shawlette is a one-skein-wonder and a simple, intuitive knit — a perfect portable project for my daypack to pick up anywhere and anytime.
Yarn: Baby Paca by The Wandering Flock.
Dockside Socks
In these stranded top-down colorwork socks, motifs of oars, canoes, nautical flags and rippling water are incorporated. You can make two pairs in opposite colors for coordinating socks for you and a loved one with two 100 g skeins of fingering-weight yarn.
Yarn: Aeron by Plies & Hellhounds.
Conifer Headband
This simple ribbed headband is stretchy and easy to fit. The straightforward embroidery, inspired by pine boughs, provides handcrafted details. Don’t worry about perfection — feel free to get creative with the embroidery to make your own motif.
Yarn: Liminal by Emtothethird Yarn Co.
Daybreak Pullover
Whether you are reminiscing about past adventures or dreaming of new ones, the Daybreak Pullover will be a warm and nostalgic addition to your wardrobe, bringing a touch of that magic to your routine. It can be knitted in one or two colors and with an optional pocket to suit your personal style or stash.
Yarn: DK by Little Lionhead Knits.
Mountaineering Cowl
This tall narrow cowl is a great layering piece for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. It has the utility of a turtleneck but is removable for when the temperature climbs throughout the day. With heavier yarn and an easy knit-and-purl texture, the Mountaineering Cowl knits up quickly and makes a wonderful gift project as well.
Yarn: Cormo Aran by Mitchell Wool Co.
Rucksack Socks
These top-down socks combine a clean and classic canvas with lots of customization options and sizes. The double-knit heel flap offers extra padding at the back of the foot by adding an additional strand of thread-weight yarn held double with the main yarn in the areas that receive the most wear.
Yarns: Cormo Fingering by Abuelita Fiber Company & Colrain Lace by Valley Yarns.
Shelterwood Cap
The Shelterwood Cap combines classic design and ruggedness needed for outdoor adventures. The beanie’s dimensional ribbing mimics the sturdy lines of pine tree trunks, providing both warmth and a snug fit that is perfect for the chilliest hikes.
Yarns: 3-ply Worsted Weight by Sawkill Farm (white sample), Mota by WoolDreamers (blue and red sample) & handspun yarn by Emily Sposetta (Fiber by Hello Yarn Fiber Club) (brown sample).
Terrain Sweater
The Terrain Sweater was designed to feel like an old favorite and was inspired by Lindsey’s perfectly worn-in sweatshirt. The body texture includes faux bobbles and an intuitive repeating sequence, making this pattern a great travel project.
Yarns: La Rinconada by WoolDreamers (adult’s sample) & Heavy Merino by Knitting for Olive (children’s sample).
Happy Camper Socks
The Happy Camper Socks are inspired by textures reminiscent of thermal underwear and Sunday morning waffles. Strategic marling with fingering-weight yarn held double and a simple texture make these top-down socks a great staple to knit for the entire family.
Yarn: Classic Sock by Coast to Coast Yarn Co.
Trail Marker Mitts
These mitts combine utility and a retro aesthetic. The very forgiving 1 x 1 ribbed body and wide range of sizes make these a highly sharable accessory. Paired with the coordinating Backcountry Beanie, these mitts will be ideal to accompany you on your next journey!
Yarns: Knit by Numbers DK & Knit by Numbers DK Minis by John Arbon Textiles.
Treeline Hat
The color palette of the blue sample was drawn from a ski cap Lindsey’s dad wore. Every size has a slightly varied pattern of deer and trees making each unique. For a personal touch, adorn your finished knit with tassels or a pom-pom.
Yarn: Pishkun by the Farmer’s Daughter Fibers.