You love knitting but aren’t sure how to create something truly beautiful. Or perhaps you’ve already knitted a few projects and want to learn how to make something truly extraordinary.
In either case, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of knitting a blanket from start to finish, from choosing the right yarn and creating a pattern down to finishing your work with a seam free edge.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create your own masterpiece!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Knitting a blanket is a rewarding and enjoyable project for craft enthusiasts of all skill levels. |
| 2. Before starting your blanket, consider the materials, pattern, and size you want to use, and make sure to gather all the necessary supplies. |
| 3. Knitting a blanket takes time and patience, so be prepared to devote several hours or even days to complete it. |
| 4. To achieve the best results, follow the pattern carefully and use proper techniques for knitting, tension, and stitch consistency. |
| 5. Once you’ve finished your blanket, take pride in your accomplishment and enjoy its warmth and coziness for years to come. |
Step One: Assemble Your Tools
Needles: You can use a pair of knitting needles or your fingers to do this project. If you’re using knitting needles, choose the size that is recommended for the type of yarn you’ll be using.
Yarn: You’ll need one ball (or hank) of cotton yarn that is at least 200m long (about 600 feet).
Scissors: To cut your yarn when it’s time to start a new color, as well as other small tasks such as checking gauge with a ruler or cutting out pieces from your swatches.
Tape measure: To ensure that you are following the pattern correctly, measuring lengths and widths in inches will help make sure things stay on track throughout each step.
Crochet hook: This tool helps with picking up stitches along edges so that there aren’t any gaps left behind after seaming in later steps!
Cozy scarves are a winter staple that you can never have too many of. Whether you prefer chunky knits or intricate patterns, our guide to 20 cozy scarf patterns has got you covered. Keep warm and stylish all season long!
Step Two: Learn The Basics
Once you get the hang of these stitches and techniques, it’s time to move on to more advanced knitting techniques. You can do this by watching tutorials online or taking a class at your local yarn shop.
One thing that stands between many people and learning how to knit is understanding the basics of knitting terminology. It’s important to know what each word means before learning anything else, because if you don’t know what a “gauge” is or what the difference between “stockinette stitch” and “reverse stockinette stitch” is, then it can be difficult for even experienced knitters!
I recommend looking up every term listed below before moving on from here:
- Gauge—the number of stitches per inch that your project should be after measuring
- Stitch—the movement of one loop in front or behind another loop (i.e., knit stitch)
- Row—a sequence of knitted rows (also known as rounds)
- Cast On—how you begin knitting by creating loops on your needle(s) where stitches will eventually be formed through picking up those loops with either one needle tip or two separate needles
Essential Knitting Supplies
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Knitting needles | A pair of long, pointed sticks made of wood, metal, or plastic that are used to create the stitches. (Recommended brands: Clover, Addi, Boye) |
| Yarn | A soft and pliable material made of natural or synthetic fibers that is used to create the knitted fabric. (Recommended brands: Lion Brand, Red Heart, Bernat) |
| Scissors | A pair of small, sharp scissors that can be used to cut yarn and trim excess threads. (Recommended brands: Fiskars, Gingher, Singer) |
| Tape measure | A flexible tool for measuring the length and width of the knitted fabric and ensuring accuracy. (Recommended brands: Stanley, Singer, Soft Measure) |
| Stitch markers | Small rings or clips that can be attached to the knitting needles to mark a specific stitch or pattern. (Recommended brands: Clover, KnitIQ, HiMo) |
Note: These supplies are essential for beginners to start learning how to knit. Depending on the project, additional supplies such as stitch holders, row counters, and cable needles may also be required. Consider the quality and durability of the supplies when choosing them, as they can affect the outcome and enjoyment of your knitting experience.
Step Three: Choose The Right Yarn
You’ll want to use the right kind of yarn for your project. There are many different types and weights of yarn, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before you make your purchase.
Yarn comes in several different weight categories, such as fingering, sport, DK and worsted. These numbers refer to how thick or thin a strand of yarn is (and thus how bulky or lightweight your finished product will be). For example:
- Fingering yarn is very fine and light-weight — perfect for socks!
- Sport-weight is just slightly thicker than fingering; it’s great for hats and scarves but not quite strong enough to make an afghan out of.
Did you know that bamboo yarn is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional knitting materials? Our Ultimate Guide to Knitting With Bamboo Yarn will teach you everything you need to know about this sustainable fiber and how to use it in your knitting projects.
Step Four: Design Your Pattern
Now that you’ve picked your yarn and needles, it’s time to plan out your pattern. The same rules apply when designing a blanket as they do when designing anything else, whether that be a sweater or a scarf: make it easy to follow and have good instructions.
Your pattern should also be fun to do and not too difficult for beginners. If you’re making a blanket for yourself, think about what colors would make you happy it’s okay if someone else doesn’t like them!
The best way to start making up a pattern is by looking at other people’s designs online. There are tons of resources on Pinterest (and other sites) with inspiration from hundreds of designers all over the world.
Step Five: Cast On And Begin Knitting
Once you’ve chosen your yarn and needles (or crochet hook), it’s time to start knitting. If this is your first time, don’t worry it’s not as hard as it looks!
To cast on, take a length of yarn and make a loop with the working end behind your thumb. Hold the other end between your forefinger and middle finger.
Pulling that end between those fingers so that they’re separated by an inch or so will make another loop.
You can wrap the working end around them once more if needed to get even tension on both sides of that second loop.
Then simply pull through all three loops using two fingers from one hand and one from the other for each stitch cast on; now keep going until you have enough stitches for your project!
Crochet is a fun and versatile craft that can be used to make everything from blankets to clothes to accessories. If you’re a beginner looking to get started, check out our list of 10 amazing crochet patterns that are perfect for those just starting out.
Step Six: Use Proper Knitting Stitches
In knitting, you will use two basic stitches: knit and purl. The main difference between these two stitches is that the knit stitch forms a horizontal bar of stitches, while the purl stitch forms a vertical bar of stitches.
The knit stitch is achieved by bringing your needle through all three loops on your right-hand needle at once (called passing the first stitch over). Then you bring it back through only the top layer of fabric (called passing the second stitch over). You repeat this process until all stitches are complete.
To purl, you bring your needle through one loop at a time instead of going through all three loops at once. You pass each stitch individually underneath its neighbor to create what looks like an upside down V shape as opposed to just passing them over each other like in knitting a simple row.
Step Seven: Use A Loom For Large Projects
A loom is a device that holds your stitches and allows you to knit them in rows. It’s designed to hold the yarn and needles together, making it easier for you to create large pieces of fabric without having to constantly switch tools. There are two main types of looms: rigid heddle and spring-style.
You can make your own rigid heddle loom using our pattern for making one out of cardboard and wire, or buy one online from various retailers such as Amazon (see link below). Spring-style looms are typically made from plastic or metal, but there are also bamboo versions available on Etsy if you’re looking for something more eco-friendly!
Step Eight: Make A Curved Blanket
Now, you are ready to create your curvy blanket. You will need a circular needle and enough yarn for the project. If you have not yet cast on all of your stitches, do so now. Then, begin knitting in the round by knitting into each stitch one time before switching colors and moving onto the next stitch in order. Knit until your project reaches its desired length, then bind off loosely with a loose knit bind-off method (or any other method).
Quilting is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down for generations. Our Ultimate Guide to Quilting provides a comprehensive overview of this art form, from the history and symbolism of quilts to step-by-step instructions for making your own.
Step Nine: Make A Basic No-Sew Blanket
And that’s it! You’ve made a blanket. Whether you intend to give this simple creation away as the perfect baby shower gift or keep it for yourself, consider your blanket an invaluable lesson in creating something beautiful and special with your own two hands.
You can use any stitch pattern to create a no-sew blanket: stockinette stitch, garter stitch, ribbing…you name it! Just make sure that whatever stitch pattern you choose will be suitable for the yarn weight and size of your project.
As far as sizing goes, there are no set guidelines; however, I recommend using worsted weight yarn (4-6 stitches per inch) for blankets measuring about 4 inches tall by 6 feet long.
If you want something bigger or smaller than those dimensions (or if worsted weight isn’t appropriate), just remember that thicker yarns produce denser fabric than thinner ones do so if a chunky knit is what catches your eye but don’t have time to sit down and knit something so large right now?
No worries a bulky knit would still be ideal! You could also try making another kind of fabric entirely–like lace–by substituting one type of needle size with one type larger/smaller.
Materials for Basic No-Sew Blanket
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Fleece fabric | A soft, warm, and durable fabric that is available in various colors and patterns. (Recommended brands: Joann, Michaels, Hobby Lobby) |
| Scissors | A pair of sharp fabric scissors that can cut through multiple layers of fabric. (Recommended brands: Fiskars, Singer, Gingher) |
| Ruler or measuring tape | A tool for measuring the fabric and ensuring that the edges are straight and even. (Recommended brands: Stanley, Craftsman, Komelon) |
Note: The amount of fleece fabric needed depends on the desired size of the blanket. As a rough guide, a standard throw-size blanket requires about 2 yards of fabric. The colors and patterns of the fabric can be chosen according to personal taste and style.
Step Ten : Finish Your Work And Weave In Ends
Finishing is important, even though it can be tedious. Weaving in the ends of your work not only adds a professional touch to your project, but it also prevents fraying and makes your blanket more durable and long-lasting.
Here are two ways to weave in the ends:
- Use a yarn needle or crochet hook to pull the yarn through from back to front at both ends of each strand.
- Do this for one stitch at a time until all of your loose ends are woven in and out of several rows of stitches on both sides of the blanket.
Jewelry-making is a great way to express your creativity and make unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Our guide on how to make unique handmade jewelry offers tips and tricks for taking your jewelry-making to the next level, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter.
Step Eleven : Give It Away Or Keep It For Yourself
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re now a veteran knitter and have completed your first blanket. This is where you have to make the decision of whether or not to keep it for yourself or gift it away.
If you want to give it as a present, make sure that there’s a card with the name of the pattern and yarn used on it so that whoever receives their gift will know what they’re working with. If you are going to keep your creation for yourself, then I would highly recommend wrapping it up in a pretty gift bag and presenting it to someone special in your life!
Blanket Distribution Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep it | Keep the blanket for yourself and enjoy its warmth and comfort. |
| Donate it | Donate the blanket to a local shelter or charity organization to help those in need. |
| Gift it | Give the blanket as a present to a friend, family member, or coworker for a special occasion. |
| Sell it | Sell the blanket online or at a local market to earn some extra money. |
Note: The decision to keep, donate, gift, or sell the blanket depends on your personal preference and goals. Consider the emotional and practical value of the blanket and choose the option that aligns with your values and needs.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to knit a blanket, go ahead and create something amazing! Whether you want to make one for yourself, your friends or family members, there are plenty of ways to do so.
Keep this guide handy in case you need any help along the way. Happy knitting!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for knitting enthusiasts looking to learn more about blankets:
The Wool Art: How to Make a Chunky Knit Blanket DIY Guide – Offering a detailed guide on knitting a cozy blanket, this post includes all the necessary materials, steps, and tips for making a chunky knit blanket at home.
WikiHow: How to Knit Blankets – This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for knitting blankets, including different techniques, stitches, and patterns to try out.
Knitting Cut: Knitting Patterns Blanket – This website features an extensive collection of free knitting patterns for blankets, with various styles, textures, and designs to explore.
FAQs
What size of needles should I use for knitting a blanket?
It depends on the thickness of the yarn you’re using and the desired tension for your blanket. Generally, for a chunky knit blanket, you’ll need bigger needles (e.g., US 19 or above), while for a finer knit blanket, smaller needles (e.g., US 7 or 8) will do.
How much yarn do I need to knit a blanket?
The amount of yarn needed to knit a blanket depends on the size of the blanket and the thickness of the yarn. As a general rule, for a standard twin-size blanket, you may need about 3,000 yards of yarn. However, it’s always a good idea to refer to the pattern or the yarn label for specific measurements.
Can I use circular needles to knit a blanket?
Yes, you can use circular needles for knitting a blanket, especially if your blanket is large or heavy. Circular needles allow you to hold more stitches easily and distribute the weight of the blanket evenly, making the process more comfortable and less tiring.
What types of stitches should I use for knitting a blanket?
There are various types of stitches to choose from when knitting a blanket, depending on the pattern and the desired effect. Some popular stitches for blankets include garter stitch, stockinette stitch, seed stitch, and cable stitch. Experiment with different stitches to add texture and visual interest to your blanket.
How do I finish and care for my knitted blanket?
Once you’ve finished knitting your blanket, you’ll need to bind off the stitches and weave in the ends. Then, wash and block the blanket according to the yarn’s instructions to help it retain its shape and softness. To care for your blanket, avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners, and store it in a dry and well-ventilated space.
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.
