Step-by-step Guide: How to Finger Knit a Blanket for Beginners

If you’ve always wanted to try knitting but found it too complicated or time-consuming, finger knitting is a perfect alternative for you. It’s a simple and fun technique that allows you to create beautiful knitted items using only your hands. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to finger knit a cozy blanket, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Step 1: Gather your materials. To start finger knitting, you will need chunky yarn in your desired color, as well as a pair of scissors. Choose a soft yarn that is easy to work with and will create a warm and cozy blanket.

Step 2: Create a slipknot. To begin, make a slipknot by creating a loop with your yarn. Insert your finger through the loop and pull the working yarn through, creating a new loop. Tighten the knot around your finger, leaving a tail of yarn.

Step 3: Cast on stitches. Hold the tail of the slipknot with your thumb and the working yarn with the rest of your fingers. Insert your other hand’s finger into the loop on your thumb, and pull the working yarn through to create a new loop. Repeat this process, pulling the working yarn through each loop, until you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your blanket.

Step 4: Start knitting. Once you have cast on stitches, you can begin knitting. Hold the yarn with your thumb and index finger, and pull the bottom loop over the top loop and off your finger. This will create a new loop on your finger. Repeat this process for every stitch until you have completed one row.

Pro Tip: Make sure to keep the tension loose but even throughout the process. This will help you create a blanket that is soft and comfortable.

Step 5: Continue knitting rows. To continue knitting, repeat step 4 for each row. As you progress, you will see your blanket starting to take shape. Enjoy the rhythm of finger knitting and watch as your creation grows.

Step 6: Bind off. When you have reached your desired blanket length, it’s time to bind off. Knit two stitches, then pull the first stitch over the second stitch and off your finger. Continue this process until you have one stitch left. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull it through the last stitch to secure it.

Congratulations! You have successfully finger knitted a blanket for beginners. Admire your cozy creation and enjoy the satisfaction of completing your first finger knitting project. You can now wrap yourself in warmth and proudly display your handmade blanket.

Materials Needed for Finger Knitting a Blanket

To finger knit a blanket, you will need the following materials:

Yarn: Choose a soft, bulky yarn in the color of your choice. The amount of yarn you will need depends on the desired size of your blanket. As a general guideline, plan on using at least 800-1000 yards of yarn for a small to medium-sized blanket.
Fingers: Your own fingers will be the main tool for knitting the blanket. Make sure you have clean and dry fingers before starting.
Scissors: You will need scissors to cut the yarn when you finish the blanket or when changing colors.
Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle will come in handy for weaving in loose ends and finishing touches.
Optional: Stitch markers can be useful if you want to mark certain sections of your blanket.

Before you start knitting your blanket, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Blanket

When starting your finger knitting project, it’s important to choose the right yarn for your blanket. The yarn you choose will determine the overall look, texture, and warmth of your finished blanket. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your yarn:

Weight: Yarn comes in different weights, ranging from super bulky to lace weight. The weight of your yarn will affect the thickness and drape of your blanket. For a cozy and warm blanket, opt for a thicker, heavier weight yarn.
Fiber: Yarn can be made from various fibers, such as acrylic, wool, cotton, or a blend. Each type of fiber has its own characteristics and properties. Acrylic yarn is budget-friendly and easy to care for, while wool yarn offers excellent warmth. Consider the durability, softness, and care instructions of different fiber options.
Color: Choose a color that matches your personal style and complements your home decor. You can go for a bold, vibrant color or a neutral tone, depending on your preference.
Quantity: Estimate the amount of yarn you’ll need for your blanket. This will depend on the size of the blanket and the thickness of your yarn. Usually, patterns or yarn labels provide information on how much yarn is needed for a specific project size.

Take your time to explore different yarn options and compare their qualities before making a decision. Remember, the right yarn will enhance your finger-knit blanket and make it a cozy and beautiful addition to your home.

Step 2: Measuring and Calculating the Size of Your Blanket

Before you start finger knitting your blanket, it’s important to determine the size you want it to be. By measuring and calculating the size of your blanket beforehand, you can ensure that you have enough yarn and gauge the amount of time it will take to complete.

Here’s how to measure and calculate the size of your blanket:

Decide on the dimensions: Measure the length and width you want your blanket to be. Keep in mind that finger knitting tends to create stretchier and bulkier stitches, so you may want to add extra length and width to compensate for this.
Convert measurements: If needed, convert the measurements from inches to centimeters or vice versa. Make sure to use a conversion chart if necessary.
Calculate the amount of yarn: Determine the weight of yarn you plan to use and check the recommended gauge for that yarn. Divide the total length of your desired blanket by the gauge to determine the number of rows you will need to knit. Multiply the number of rows by the width of the blanket to calculate the total number of stitches needed.
Consider the border: If you plan to add a border to your blanket, factor in the additional length and width required for the border.

Once you have measured and calculated the size of your blanket, you can move on to the next step of gathering the necessary materials.

Step 3: Learning the Basic Finger Knitting Techniques

Before you start finger knitting your blanket, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic finger knitting techniques. These techniques will be the foundation of your knitting process and will help you create a beautiful and consistent blanket.

Here are the basic finger knitting techniques you need to learn:

Slipknot: Start by creating a slipknot, which will be used to secure the yarn to your finger. To create a slipknot, make a loop with the yarn and insert your finger through the loop. Pull the yarn through the loop to create the knot.
Forward Loop: To create a forward loop, insert your pointer finger from the bottom through the loop on your thumb. Pull the working yarn through the loop and tighten it around your pointer finger.
Backward Loop: Similar to the forward loop, the backward loop is created by inserting your pointer finger through the loop on your thumb. However, instead of pulling the working yarn through the loop, you insert your thumb through the loop on your pointer finger, creating a new loop.
Knit Stitch: The knit stitch is created by moving the loops back and forth between your fingers. Start by having two loops on your thumb. Insert your pointer finger through the first loop on your thumb, hook the working yarn, and pull it through the loop. Let go of the loop on your thumb and slide the new loop onto your thumb. Repeat this process with the second loop on your thumb. This is one knit stitch.
Purl Stitch: The purl stitch is the opposite of the knit stitch. Instead of moving the loops from your thumb to your pointer finger, you move them from your pointer finger to your thumb. Start with two loops on your pointer finger. Insert your thumb through the first loop on your pointer finger, hook the working yarn, and pull it through the loop. Let go of the loop on your pointer finger and slide the new loop onto your pointer finger. Repeat this process with the second loop on your pointer finger. This is one purl stitch.

Now that you are familiar with the basic finger knitting techniques, you are ready to start knitting your blanket. Remember to practice these techniques until you feel comfortable with them before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Starting Your Blanket with a Slipknot

Now that you have your yarn and your fingers ready, it’s time to start your blanket! The first step is to create a slipknot, which will serve as the starting loop for your project.

To create a slipknot, follow these steps:

Hold the end of your yarn with your non-dominant hand. Leave a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in later.
Create a loop by crossing the yarn over itself.
Bring the end of the yarn through the loop, creating a second loop.
Pull the second loop tight, but not too tight. You want it to be snug, but still easy to work with.

Now that you have your slipknot, you can start finger knitting your blanket!

Slide the slipknot onto the first finger of your dominant hand. This will serve as your anchor point for the rest of the project.

Remember, the slipknot counts as your first stitch. So, if you want your blanket to be 50 stitches wide, you’ll need to finger knit 49 more stitches after the slipknot.

Keep practicing your finger knitting technique and enjoy the process of creating your very own blanket! Happy knitting!

Step 5: Knitting the Rows of Your Blanket

Now that you have cast on and made your first row, it’s time to start knitting the rows of your blanket. Follow these steps:

Hold the working yarn in your right hand and the looped stitches in your left hand.
Insert your right hand index finger from right to left into the first looped stitch on your left hand.
Reach over the working yarn with your right hand index finger, and pull the looped stitch over the working yarn and off your left hand finger.
Slide the looped stitch onto your right hand index finger.
Tighten the stitch by gently pulling on the working yarn with your right hand.
Repeat steps 2-5 for each looped stitch on your left hand, until all looped stitches have been transferred to your right hand.
Once all looped stitches have been transferred, you have completed one row of knitting.

Continue knitting additional rows by repeating the steps above. Remember to keep a loose tension on the working yarn to ensure your blanket is not too tight or too loose.

As you knit more rows, your blanket will begin to take shape and grow in size. Keep going until you reach your desired blanket length.

Once you have finished knitting all the rows for your blanket, you can bind off to secure the stitches and complete your finger-knit blanket.

Step 6: Adding On or Changing Colors for a Unique Design

Once you have mastered the basic finger knitting technique and have created a solid foundation for your blanket, you may want to add on or change colors to create a unique design. This step will guide you through the process of adding on new yarn or switching to a different color.

Here’s how you can add on or change colors:

Start by finishing a row with your current color. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in later.
Choose the yarn color you want to add, making sure it is a similar weight and texture to your current yarn.
Tie a slipknot in the new yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in later.
Insert your finger into the first loop on your working hand, then pull the slipknot through the loop.
Continue finger knitting with the new yarn, following the same steps as before.
If you want to switch back to your original color or add another color, repeat steps 1-5.
Remember to weave in the loose ends once you are finished with your blanket to secure the yarn.

Tips:

When adding on or changing colors, make sure to leave long tails of yarn for weaving in later. This will ensure that your colors are securely attached and won’t unravel.
Experiment with different color combinations and patterns to create a unique design for your blanket.
For a clean color transition, you can start a new color at the beginning of a row or anywhere in the middle, depending on your desired design.

Adding on or changing colors in your finger knit blanket can add visual interest and personalize your project. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your color choices!

Step 7: Finishing and Securing Your Finger Knitted Blanket

Once you have completed your finger knitted blanket, it’s time to finish and secure the ends to ensure that your blanket stays intact. Follow these steps to finish your finger knitted blanket:

Cut the yarn: Use a pair of scissors to cut the working yarn, leaving a tail that is at least 10 inches long.
Thread the tail: Thread the tail of the yarn onto a large-eyed yarn needle.
Weaving in the ends: Insert the needle under the loops of the last row of your finger knitting and pull the yarn through. Repeat this step a few times to secure the end of your blanket.
Trim excess yarn: Once you have woven in the ends, trim any excess yarn with your scissors, making sure not to cut any of the loops in your knitting.

Now that you have finished and secured your finger knitted blanket, you can enjoy the cozy warmth it will provide. Your blanket is now ready to be used or gifted to a loved one. Remember, finger knitting is a versatile and fun technique that can be used to create a variety of projects, so feel free to explore other finger knitting patterns and ideas!

FAQ:

What materials do I need to finger knit a blanket?

To finger knit a blanket, you will need a large quantity of yarn, preferably a chunky or bulky weight, and a pair of scissors to cut the yarn.

Do I need any prior knitting experience to finger knit a blanket?

No, finger knitting is a great technique for beginners as it doesn’t require any knitting needles or complicated stitches.

How long does it typically take to finger knit a blanket?

The time it takes to finger knit a blanket will vary depending on the size of the blanket and your knitting speed. It could range from a few hours to a few days.

Can I use different colors of yarn to make a pattern in my finger-knit blanket?

Yes, you can definitely use different colors of yarn to create patterns in your finger-knit blanket. It’s a great way to add some visual interest and make your blanket unique.

Beginner’s Guide: Finger Knitting a Blanket