Chunky knit blankets have become incredibly popular in recent years, thanks to their cozy and stylish appearance. Whether you’ve just finished knitting your own chunky blanket or you’ve purchased one, you may be wondering how to properly end it to ensure it looks polished and professional. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of ending a chunky knit blanket.
Step 1: Assess the length
Begin by taking a close look at your blanket to determine if it has reached the desired length. Keep in mind that chunky knit blankets tend to stretch, so it’s best to leave a bit of extra length to account for this. If your blanket is too short, continue knitting until it reaches the desired length.
Step 2: Bind off the stitches
Once your blanket has reached the desired length, it’s time to bind off the stitches. To do this, knit the first two stitches as you would normally. Then, insert the left needle into the first stitch you knitted, lift it over the second stitch, and let it drop off the right needle. Continue this process until you have one stitch left on the right needle.
Step 3: Secure the last stitch
To secure the last stitch, cut the yarn, leaving a tail that is about 6-8 inches long. Thread the tail through the last stitch and pull it tight. This will prevent the stitch from unravelling.
Step 4: Weave in the ends
Finally, weave in any loose ends of yarn that may be sticking out. This can be done using a large-eyed blunt needle. Simply thread the needle with the loose end and weave it back and forth through the stitches on the backside of the blanket. Trim any excess yarn once the end is securely woven in.
By following these simple steps, you can end your chunky knit blanket with a clean and professional finish. Now you can enjoy the warmth and style of your cozy creation or gift it to a loved one!
Preparation
Before ending your chunky knit blanket, make sure that you have all the necessary materials and tools ready. Here are some things you’ll need:
- Chunky Yarn: Choose a yarn that is thick and bulky to create the desired chunky look for your blanket.
- Knitting Needles: Use large knitting needles, such as size 25 mm or 35 mm, to accommodate the thickness of the yarn.
- Tape Measure: Measure the length of your blanket to determine the desired size of your finished project.
- Scissors: You’ll need scissors to cut the yarn once you’ve finished knitting.
- Darning Needle: A darning needle will be used to weave in the ends of the yarn and secure them in place.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, find a comfortable and well-lit area to work in. It’s important to have enough space to spread out your blanket while you complete the finishing steps. Additionally, ensure that you have enough time set aside to finish the project without rushing.
Choosing the Right Yarn
When it comes to choosing the right yarn for your chunky knit blanket, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
- Thickness: Chunky knit blankets require a thick yarn to achieve the desired look and texture. Look for yarn that is labeled as “super bulky” or “chunky” weight.
- Material: Yarn comes in a variety of materials, each with its own characteristics. Popular options for chunky knit blankets include wool, acrylic, and merino. Consider factors such as softness, warmth, and care instructions when choosing the material.
- Color: The color of the yarn will greatly impact the final appearance of your blanket. Consider the color scheme of your room or the intended recipient’s preferences. Neutral colors like cream, gray, or beige are versatile options, but feel free to get creative with bold and vibrant colors.
- Yardage: Before purchasing yarn, calculate the amount you will need for your blanket. Check the pattern or tutorial for guidance on the recommended yardage. It’s always better to have a bit extra than to run out mid-project.
Once you have considered these factors, visit a local yarn store or explore online retailers to find the perfect yarn for your chunky knit blanket. Don’t be afraid to feel the yarn and see how it looks in person before making your final decision. Happy knitting!
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Before you start ending your chunky knit blanket, make sure you have the following tools:
- Yarn needles: These needles will help you sew the ends of your blanket neatly.
- Scissors: You will need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the yarn.
- Tape measure: Measure the length of the yarn you need to create a clean and even edge.
- Blocking mat and pins: These tools are optional but can help you shape and straighten your blanket if needed.
By having these tools ready, you’ll be better prepared to complete the ending process of your chunky knit blanket.
Casting Off
Once you have finished knitting your chunky blanket and are ready to cast off, follow these steps:
- Start by knitting two stitches.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle, from left to right.
- Slip the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right-hand needle.
- You are left with one stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Knit another stitch and repeat steps 2-4 until you have cast off all stitches except for the last one.
- For the last stitch, cut the working yarn leaving a tail that is long enough to weave in later.
- Pull the tail of the working yarn through the last stitch to secure it.
Congratulations! You have successfully cast off your chunky knit blanket. Now, you can weave in any loose ends and enjoy your cozy new creation!
Creating the First Loop
The first step in ending your chunky knit blanket is to create the first loop. This loop will serve as the anchor for the rest of your stitches.
- Gather the loose end of your yarn and leave a long tail, approximately 6-8 inches.
- Fold the loose end of the yarn over to create a small loop.
- Take the longer end of the yarn and pass it through the loop, creating a slipknot.
- Tighten the slipknot by pulling on both ends of the yarn.
- Hold the slipknot with your non-dominant hand, keeping it secure.
- Insert your dominant hand into the slipknot, creating a loop around your hand.
- Hold onto the yarn attached to the skein with your dominant hand as well.
- Remove your hand from the loop, keeping the loop intact.
Now you have created your first loop, which will serve as the starting point for your chunky knit blanket. You are now ready to begin knitting!
Passing the Second Loop Through
After completing the first loop in the previous step, it’s time to move on to the second loop. Here’s how to do it:
- Take the working yarn and insert it through the second loop on your arm, just like you did with the first loop.
- Keep holding the working yarn with your hand, making sure it doesn’t slip out of the loop.
- Grab the end of the loop and pull it through the second loop completely.
- Tighten the loop by pulling the working yarn gently.
- Repeat this process until you have passed the second loop through all the loops on your arm.
Passing the second loop through is similar to the first loop but with the second loop as the starting point. Make sure to hold the working yarn securely and tighten the loops as you go along to create a chunky knit blanket with a consistent tension.
Finishing Touches
Once you have completed knitting your chunky blanket, there are a few finishing touches you can add to give it a polished look.
1. Trim any loose ends:
Take a pair of scissors and carefully trim any loose ends of yarn that may be sticking out from the blanket. This will give it a neat and tidy appearance.
2. Block the blanket:
Blocking is the process of shaping and stretching your blanket to give it a more even and professional finish. To block your chunky knit blanket, wet it with water and gently shape it into the desired dimensions. Place it on a flat surface and secure it with pins or weights. Leave it to dry completely before removing the pins or weights. This will help to set the stitches and give your blanket a nice drape.
3. Add a decorative edging:
If you want to add a little extra flair to your chunky blanket, consider adding a decorative edging. You can use a contrasting color of yarn to crochet a simple border around the edges. This will give your blanket a finished look and help to prevent any stitches from unraveling.
4. Sew on a label:
Add a personal touch to your chunky knit blanket by sewing on a label. You can create a custom label with your name or initials, or purchase a pre-made label. Sew the label onto one corner of the blanket using a needle and thread.
5. Give it a gentle wash:
If your chunky knit blanket needs a little freshening up, you can give it a gentle wash. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle wool wash. Gently agitate the blanket in the water, being careful not to stretch or twist it. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and squeeze out any excess water. Lay the blanket flat to dry, away from direct sunlight.
By following these finishing touches, you can ensure that your chunky knit blanket looks its best and is ready to be enjoyed for years to come.
Tying Off
Once you have reached the desired length for your chunky knit blanket, it’s time to tie off the yarn. This process will secure the stitches in place and prevent the blanket from unraveling.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie off your chunky knit blanket:
- Measure about 12 inches of yarn from the last stitch.
- Using a pair of scissors, cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
- Thread the tail through a large-eyed needle.
- Insert the needle through the last stitch, going from back to front.
- Pull the yarn through, leaving a small loop.
- Insert the needle back through the loop, creating a knot.
- Pull the yarn tight to secure the knot.
- Repeat steps 4-7 for the remaining stitches, working your way to the end of the blanket.
Once you have tied off all the stitches, give the blanket a gentle tug to ensure that all the knots are secure. Trim any excess yarn tails, making sure not to cut the knots.
Now your chunky knit blanket is ready to be enjoyed!
Weaving in the Ends
Once you have finished knitting your chunky blanket, you will need to weave in the loose ends to ensure that they are secure and hidden. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to weave in the ends:
- Start by cutting a long piece of yarn, around 12 inches in length.
- Thread the yarn onto a tapestry needle.
- Locate the loose end of the yarn on the blanket.
- Insert the needle through the loops of the loose end, pulling the yarn through.
- Continue to weave the needle through the loops of the loose end, going back and forth in a secure manner.
- Once you have woven in the loose end for a few inches, trim any excess yarn.
- Repeat this process for each loose end on the blanket.
- Make sure to weave in the ends on both the front and back sides of the blanket to ensure they are secure.
If you prefer a neater look, you can also weave in the ends as you go while knitting the blanket. This can help save time and reduce the number of loose ends that need to be woven in at the end.
Weaving in the ends is an important step in completing your chunky knit blanket. It not only ensures that the blanket is secure and durable but also gives it a polished and finished appearance.
Blocking the Blanket
After you have finished knitting your chunky blanket, it is important to block it to ensure that it retains its shape and the stitches are even. Follow these steps to properly block your blanket:
- Prepare a clean and flat surface: Find a clean and flat surface, such as a table or a bed, where you can lay your blanket for blocking. Make sure the surface is big enough to accommodate the entire size of your blanket.
- Wet the blanket: Fill a basin or tub with lukewarm water. Gently submerge the blanket in the water, making sure it is completely saturated. You can add a small amount of mild detergent to the water to help remove any dirt or oils from the yarn.
- Remove excess water: Carefully lift the blanket out of the water and gently squeeze out any excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing the blanket, as this can cause damage to the fibers.
- Layout the blanket: Place the wet blanket onto the prepared surface and gently smooth it out, making sure that it lays flat and there are no wrinkles. You can use rust-proof T-pins or blocking wires to help secure the edges of the blanket if necessary.
- Shape the blanket: Use your hands to gently stretch and shape the blanket to your desired dimensions. Pay attention to any specific stitch patterns or decorative elements in the blanket that should be emphasized.
- Allow the blanket to dry: Leave the blanket undisturbed on the flat surface until it is completely dry. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the blanket. Avoid touching or moving the blanket while it is drying, as this can cause the fibers to warp or lose their shape.
- Remove the pins or wires: Once the blanket is completely dry, gently remove the T-pins or blocking wires, being careful not to pull or snag the yarn.
Blocking your chunky knit blanket is an essential step to ensure that it looks its best and retains its shape. By following these steps, you can achieve a professional and well-finished result for your cozy blanket.
FAQ:
What materials do I need to end a chunky knit blanket?
To end a chunky knit blanket, you will need a tapestry needle, scissors, and the remaining yarn from your project.
Can I use any stitch to end a chunky knit blanket?
Yes, you can use any stitch to end a chunky knit blanket. The most common stitch used is the whipstitch or mattress stitch.
Do I need to block my chunky knit blanket before ending it?
It is not necessary to block your chunky knit blanket before ending it. However, if you want to give the blanket a more finished look, you can block it before weaving in the ends.
How do I weave in the ends of a chunky knit blanket?
To weave in the ends of a chunky knit blanket, thread your tapestry needle with the yarn end, and weave it under the stitches on the wrong side of the blanket in a zigzag pattern. Trim any excess yarn.
What is the best way to secure the ends of a chunky knit blanket?
The best way to secure the ends of a chunky knit blanket is to tie knots or make a few stitches with the tapestry needle on the wrong side of the blanket. This will ensure that the ends do not unravel over time.