If you’ve been admiring those cozy chunky knit blankets that have been popping up all over social media, you’re not alone. These oversized blankets are not only trendy, but they are also incredibly soft and warm. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on one. In fact, you can make your own chunky knit blanket right at home, with just a few simple supplies and a little bit of patience.
To start, you’ll need some chunky yarn. Look for a super bulky yarn that is at least 3 to 4 inches thick. This will give your blanket that signature chunky look. You can find chunky yarn at most craft stores or online. Next, you’ll need a pair of chunky knitting needles or your arms. That’s right, you can actually knit a blanket using just your arms. This technique, known as arm knitting, is a great option if you don’t want to invest in knitting needles.
Once you have your supplies, you’re ready to get started. First, you’ll need to cast on your stitches. If you’re using knitting needles, follow a basic cast on technique. If you’re arm knitting, start by making a slipknot around one arm. You’ll then weave the yarn in between your fingers, creating loops that will become your stitches. Keep repeating this process until you have the desired number of stitches for your blanket.
After you’ve cast on, it’s time to start knitting. If you’re using knitting needles, you’ll follow a basic knit stitch. Insert the needle into the first stitch, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull it through the stitch. Slide the stitch off the left needle, and repeat this process for each stitch. If you’re arm knitting, it’s a similar process. You’ll weave your arm through the loops, pulling the yarn through and creating new stitches. Keep knitting until you’ve reached the desired length for your blanket.
Finally, once you’ve finished knitting, it’s time to bind off your stitches. This will secure the edges of your blanket and prevent it from unraveling. Follow a basic bind off technique, whether you’re using knitting needles or arm knitting. Once you’ve bound off, give your blanket a gentle tug in all directions to even out the stitches. Then, snip the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in. Use a large-eyed needle to weave in the loose ends so that they are hidden within the stitches of the blanket.
Now that you know how to make a chunky knit blanket step by step, you can create your own cozy masterpiece. Whether you choose to use knitting needles or your arms, the process is both simple and rewarding. So grab your supplies and get ready to snuggle up with your very own chunky knit blanket.
Why Chunky Knit Blankets are So Popular
Chunky knit blankets have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These cozy and oversized blankets offer a unique and stylish addition to any home, making them a must-have for home decor enthusiasts. Here are a few reasons why chunky knit blankets have gained such a dedicated following:
- Comfort and Coziness: Chunky knit blankets are made with thick, plush yarn that creates a wonderfully soft and warm texture. When wrapped in a chunky knit blanket, you’ll feel like you’re being hugged by a cloud. The extra bulk and weight of the yarn also provide an added level of comfort and coziness.
- Statement Piece: Chunky knit blankets are not only functional but also serve as a statement piece in any room. Their oversized design and intricate knit patterns can instantly transform a plain living room or bedroom into a cozy and inviting space. These blankets add a touch of sophistication and style to any decor.
- Handmade Craftsmanship: Many chunky knit blankets are handmade, adding an extra element of craftsmanship and uniqueness. The process of knitting the blankets by hand requires skill and attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality and beautifully crafted product. Owning a chunky knit blanket adds a sense of appreciation for the artistry and effort that went into creating it.
- Diverse Color and Texture Options: Chunky knit blankets come in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing you to find the perfect match for your home’s aesthetic. From neutral tones to vibrant hues, there’s a chunky knit blanket to suit every style and preference. The variety of textures available, such as cable knits or ribbed patterns, further adds to the appeal of these blankets.
- Functional and Versatile: Aside from their aesthetic appeal, chunky knit blankets are also highly functional and versatile. They provide warmth and comfort during chilly winter nights, making them ideal for snuggling up on the couch or adding an extra layer of coziness to your bed. These blankets can also serve as decorative throws, adding a touch of elegance when draped over a chair or sofa.
- Unique Gift Idea: Chunky knit blankets make for a thoughtful and unique gift option. Whether for a housewarming present or a special occasion, these blankets are sure to be well-received and cherished by the recipient. Their luxurious feel and stylish appearance make them a gift that stands out from the rest.
In conclusion, the popularity of chunky knit blankets can be attributed to their exceptional comfort, statement-making design, handmade craftsmanship, diverse color and texture options, versatility, and unique gifting potential. These blankets offer more than just warmth; they add a touch of luxury and coziness to any space, making them a beloved addition to home decor.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Yarn
When it comes to making a chunky knit blanket, choosing the right yarn is essential. The yarn you select will determine the overall look, feel, and durability of your finished blanket. Here are a few reasons why choosing the right yarn is so important:
- Texture: The texture of the yarn affects both the appearance and the feel of your blanket. A chunky, textured yarn can create a cozy and luxurious blanket, while a smoother yarn may result in a more sleek and modern look.
- Warmth: Different yarns have different levels of warmth. If you live in a colder climate or you’re looking for a blanket that will keep you warm during the winter months, you’ll want to choose a yarn with good insulating properties.
- Durability: Depending on how you plan to use your blanket, durability may be an important factor to consider. If you’re making a blanket that will be used frequently or washed often, you’ll want to choose a yarn that can withstand regular use without losing its shape or color.
- Ease of Care: Some yarns require special care instructions, such as handwashing or dry cleaning. Consider the practicality of caring for your blanket and choose a yarn that aligns with your lifestyle and preferred care routine.
Additionally, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the style you’re aiming for when choosing yarn. Take into account the color options, thickness, and composition of the yarn to ensure that it matches your desired aesthetic.
Before purchasing yarn for your chunky knit blanket project, it’s a good idea to do some research, read reviews, and consult with experienced knitters. This will help you make an informed decision and select a yarn that will result in a beautiful and long-lasting finished product.
Gathering Your Knitting Supplies
Before you begin knitting your chunky blanket, you’ll need to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Chunky yarn: Choose a bulky or super bulky yarn that is specifically designed for making blankets. The thickness of the yarn will determine the size and texture of your finished blanket.
- Knitting needles: Select a pair of knitting needles that are appropriate for the yarn you’re using. A size 15 or 17 needle is usually recommended for chunky blankets.
- Scissors: You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors for cutting the yarn and finishing off your blanket.
- Tape measure: Use a tape measure to accurately measure the dimensions of your blanket as you knit.
- Stitch markers: These are optional but can be helpful for marking specific stitches or sections of your blanket.
- Row counter: Again, this is optional but can be useful for keeping track of how many rows you’ve completed.
- Pattern or tutorial: Find a pattern or tutorial that provides step-by-step instructions for making a chunky knit blanket. This will guide you through the knitting process.
Once you have gathered all your supplies, you’ll be ready to start knitting your chunky knit blanket. Make sure you have a comfortable and well-lit space to work in, and take your time as you knit each stitch. Happy knitting!
Getting Started: Casting On
Before you can start knitting your chunky blanket, you’ll need to cast on your stitches. Casting on is the process of creating the foundation row of loops onto your knitting needle. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cast on for your chunky knit blanket:
- Hold one end of your yarn and make a slip knot. To make a slip knot, make a loop with the yarn, insert the end of the yarn through the loop, and tighten the knot by pulling both ends of the yarn.
- Insert the slip knot onto one of the knitting needles, leaving a short tail of yarn.
- Hold the knitting needle with the slip knot in your right hand and the other knitting needle in your left hand.
- With your left hand, hold the yarn coming from the slip knot and bring it over the palm of your left hand.
- Thread the yarn between your thumb and index finger, creating a loop around your thumb.
- Insert the right knitting needle into the loop around your thumb from front to back.
- Bring the right knitting needle over the left knitting needle, catching the yarn with the right needle as you do so.
- Pull the loop of yarn through the loop around your thumb, creating a new loop on the right knitting needle.
- Gently tighten the stitch by pulling the right knitting needle slightly away from the left knitting needle.
- Repeat steps 4-9 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your chunky knit blanket.
Once you’ve cast on all your stitches, you’re ready to start knitting your chunky blanket. The cast on stitches will serve as the foundation for your project, and you can proceed with the next steps of knitting according to the pattern or instructions you’re following.
Knitting the First Row
To start knitting the first row of your chunky knit blanket, follow these steps:
- Hold your yarn and knitting needles in your dominant hand.
- Make a slipknot by looping the yarn and pulling the end through the loop.
- Slide the slipknot onto one knitting needle and tighten it.
- Insert the other knitting needle into the slipknot from left to right.
- Hold the knitting needles with your non-dominant hand.
- With your dominant hand, wrap the working yarn clockwise around the index finger and over the top of the other fingers of your non-dominant hand.
- Insert the right knitting needle into the first stitch on the left needle, going from left to right.
- With your dominant hand, use the right needle to wrap the working yarn around it counterclockwise.
- Slide the right needle with the new loop through the first stitch on the left needle, from left to right.
- Use your non-dominant hand to hold onto the stitch just knitted on the right needle.
- Repeat steps 7-10 until you have knitted all the stitches on the left needle.
Congratulations! You have successfully knitted the first row of your chunky knit blanket. Continue with the next rows following the pattern or stitch you have chosen for your blanket.
Continuing the Pattern: Knit and Purl Stitches
After casting on the desired number of stitches for your chunky knit blanket, you will need to continue the pattern by alternating between knit and purl stitches. These two basic stitches create different textures and add visual interest to your blanket.
The knit stitch is the most common stitch used in knitting. To knit a stitch, follow these steps:
- Hold the knitting needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand.
- Insert the right needle into the first stitch from left to right, going from front to back.
- Wrap the working yarn (yarn attached to the ball or skein) around the right needle from back to front.
- Pull the right needle through the stitch, sliding the stitch off the left needle.
- Repeat these steps for each stitch, working from left to right across the row.
The purl stitch creates a different texture than the knit stitch. To purl a stitch, follow these steps:
- Hold the knitting needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand.
- Insert the right needle into the first stitch from right to left, going from back to front.
- Wrap the working yarn around the right needle from front to back.
- Pull the right needle through the stitch, sliding the stitch off the left needle.
- Repeat these steps for each stitch, working from left to right across the row.
To create interesting patterns and designs in your chunky knit blanket, you can combine knit and purl stitches in different ways. For example, knitting every row creates a simple garter stitch pattern, while alternating between knit and purl stitches creates a stockinette stitch pattern.
It’s important to stay consistent with your stitch pattern to maintain an even texture and appearance throughout your blanket. You can use stitch markers to help you keep track of your stitch pattern, especially if it involves complex combinations.
Continue working the knit and purl stitches in your chosen pattern until your chunky knit blanket reaches the desired length. Remember to practice and take your time to ensure neat and even stitches.
Finishing: Binding Off
Once you have completed knitting your chunky knit blanket, it’s time to finish it off by binding off the stitches. Binding off is a technique used to secure your stitches and prevent them from unraveling.
To bind off, follow these steps:
- Knit the first two stitches of your row as usual.
- Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
- Bring the left needle over the right needle and the first stitch, leaving the first stitch on the right needle.
- Knit the next stitch on the left needle.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until you have one stitch remaining on the right needle.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a tail that is long enough to weave in later.
- Pull the tail through the last stitch to secure it.
Once you have bound off all of your stitches, you can weave in any remaining yarn tails to hide them. To weave in the ends, thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and sew the yarn through a few stitches on the backside of your blanket.
Congratulations, you have successfully finished knitting your chunky knit blanket! Now you can enjoy snuggling up with your cozy creation.
Adding the Finishing Touches: Tassels or Fringe
Once you have completed knitting your chunky blanket, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Adding tassels or fringe can give your blanket a beautiful and stylish look. Here’s how you can do it:
Materials Needed:
- Chunky yarn in a coordinating color
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Steps:
- Measure and cut the yarn: Start by measuring the desired length for your tassels or fringe. Cut several pieces of yarn twice that length. The number of pieces will depend on how full you want your tassels or fringe to be.
- Divide the yarn into groups: Gather a few strands of yarn together, making sure they are aligned. Divide them into groups based on how many tassels or fringe sections you want to create.
- Attach the tassels: Take one group of yarn strands and fold them in half. Insert the folded end through a stitch at the edge of your blanket from back to front. Create a small loop with the folded end and pull the tails of the yarn through the loop. Tighten it to secure the tassel. Repeat this process for the remaining groups of yarn.
- Trim the tassels or fringe: Once you have attached all the tassels or fringe, use your scissors to trim them to the desired length. Make sure to trim them evenly so that they look neat and uniform.
And that’s it! You have successfully added tassels or fringe to your chunky knit blanket. You can now enjoy the cozy and stylish look of your finished creation.
FAQ:
What materials do I need to make a chunky knit blanket?
To make a chunky knit blanket, you will need bulky yarn, knitting needles, and scissors. You can also use a knitting loom if you prefer.
Is knitting a chunky blanket difficult for beginners?
No, knitting a chunky blanket is actually quite simple and is suitable for beginners. The large size of the yarn and needles make the process easier and faster compared to traditional knitting.
Where can I find bulky yarn for my knit blanket?
You can find bulky yarn at craft stores, online stores, and even some larger retail stores. There are also specialty yarn stores that offer a wide variety of bulky yarn options.
Can I use different colors of yarn to create a pattern in my blanket?
Yes, you can definitely use different colors of yarn to create a pattern in your blanket. This can add a unique and personal touch to your finished piece.
How long does it take to make a chunky knit blanket?
The time it takes to make a chunky knit blanket will depend on your knitting speed and the size of the blanket. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete a blanket.