Two pictures of a woman knitting needles.

How to Knit a Blanket – Tips & Free Patterns

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Are you wondering if it is possible to learn how to knit a blanket in a quick and easy way? We have all the answers about knitting projects you are looking for!



Have just recently tried knitting or are about to try it? These tips will give you the clarity that you need. And you will find the free knitting blanket pattern of your dreams among our recommendations, without a doubt!

It is time to get equipped with knitting needles for blankets and embark on this journey!



Knitting blankets is a lovely way to relax and lift your spirit. You just need to have the right patterns to follow! Handmade blankets are also wonderful gifts, for example for a baby shower or Valentine’s Day! Start by reading this simple guide and explore countless free knitting patterns on our website once you are ready to create some magic.

How to Knit a Blanket in 5 steps

  1. Determine your skill level and the type of blanket you would like to knit.
  2. Find the perfect knitting blanket pattern.
  3. Gather the supplies. Make sure you have the best kind of yarn for knitting blankets. Luckily, the patterns usually give us advice on what yarn to use for a specific project. Finding the right needle sizes and types is also key. A pair of scissors and a yarn needle are also must-haves.
  4. Follow the pattern closely to knit your blanket. The process is really simple. You need to cast on the right amount of stitches, knit the border, knit the body of your blanket, and cast off.
  5. Weave in the loose ends with a yarn needle. If you are not knitting a blanket in one piece, stitch all the parts together. You can also add a decorative border!

knitting needles

Can beginners knit blankets?

We know that some knitting patterns for blankets can be scary at first. Especially for people who are only just starting their adventure with knitting needles. What is important is to always stay curious and open to learning new things!

Do not let your doubts and reservations stop you from knitting your first blanket. After you have done it, you will be shocked by how fun and rewarding it was! We are not saying it will be a piece of cake from the start. But we are promising you that it will be worth the effort.

With the right easy knitting blanket patterns and step by step instructions, beginners definitely can make blankets and other kinds of textiles. We always make sure that the authors we promote guide you through the process carefully and explain everything clearly.

If you are new to knitting, it is great to have a supportive community around you. You can always join a blanket knitting along! This way, you will get the guidance and emotional support you need.

knitting a blanket

Free knitting blanket patterns – how to choose?

What should you consider while choosing a knitting blanket pattern? Your skill level and the amount of time you have to finish the project.

Beginner friendly knit blanket patterns usually do not take much time and energy if you are an experienced crafter. If you are still learning, they will let you master the most important techniques. Like the most basic knit stitch, for example! You will learn to knit flat with straight needles and slowly move on to other tools and techniques.

Easy knitting patterns for blankets are based on a variety of simple stitches. We are thinking about the purl stitch, garter stitch, seed stitch, stockinette, and rib stitch patterns. If you need something easy, look for these names!

More advanced knitting blanket patterns use techniques like chevron knitting, cable knitting, and lace stitch.

As you knit more and more blankets, you will progress. And start exploring more complex techniques! You will surely be in the mood for experimenting with colors. If you want to decorate your hose with handmade blankets, it is crucial to learn how to change colors in knitting.

Once you determine your skill level and find the pattern that suits it, make sure it is properly explained and illustrated. A video tutorial is always of great help as well!

How to choose the best yarn for knitting blankets

Choosing the materials is always tricky, and yarn for blankets is no exception! This is what you need to take into consideration while deciding between different types of yarn:

  1. Fiber content. The fiber affects the feel and durability of your knit garments and accessories. Some popular options for blankets include natural fibers like wool and cotton, often mixed with acrylic. Choose a wool blend yarn for a super soft and warm blanket or throw. A wool acrylic blend will be cheaper and easier to care for. Cotton blends are usually very breathable and lightweight.
  2. Weight. It defines how warm, squishy, and thick your blanket will be. Go for bulky yarns for winter and lighter weight yarns for spring and summer.
  3. Softness. The softer the blanket, the more joy it will bring you! Making sure that your knitted clothes and accessories feel great on the skin is key, especially when you are knitting for babies. Blends with merino wool and cashmere will guarantee perfect softness and top quality.
  4. Durability. We want to make sure that our blankets stay with us in perfect condition for years to come. And survive many encounters with the washing machine! Natural fibers like wool and linen are great choices here, but acrylic and nylon will do as good of a job.

yarn

How to choose the best needles for knitting blankets

Choosing needles for your knitting projects does not have to be a headache! Here is what you want to pay attention to:

  1. Type. You have probably heard of different types of knitting needles, such as straight needles, circular needles, and double-pointed needles. Straight needles are used for flat knitting,  so they are the most popular choice for blankets. Circular needles can be used for both flat and circular knitting, consider them as well!
  2. Size. The needle size depends on the weight of the yarn you are using. Thicker yarns require larger needles. For thinner yarns, you need to choose smaller ones. Check the yarn label for recommended needle sizes. You can also use a knitting needle gauge to find the appropriate size.
  3. Length. The length of your needles will depend on the width of the blanket. For smaller ones, shorter needles are the most convenient choice. Longer needles or circular ones are sometimes necessary for larger blankets.
  4. Material. You can choose between bamboo, wood, metal, and plastic knitting needles depending on your personal preferences and specific kinds of projects. Wood needles are nice to work with because of their warmth and comfortable grip, while metal ones are faster and more durable. If you are looking for something affordable and light, you should go for plastic knitting needles.
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