Knitting blankets can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, and using circular knitting needles can make the process even easier. Circular needles are great for creating large projects like blankets because they allow you to hold a large number of stitches without them falling off. Additionally, they distribute the weight of the blanket evenly, making it more comfortable to work on for extended periods of time.
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather your materials. You’ll need a pair of circular knitting needles, which consist of two flexible needles connected by a cable. The length of the cable depends on the size of the blanket you want to make; longer cables are better for larger blankets. You’ll also need yarn in the color and weight of your choice.
To begin, cast on the desired number of stitches onto one of the circular needles. Make sure the stitches are distributed evenly along the cable, and that they are not twisted. This is important because the cable will form a continuous loop, and any twists in the stitches will result in a twisted blanket.
Once your stitches are cast on, you can begin knitting. Hold the needle with the stitches in your right hand and the empty needle in your left hand. Insert the empty needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle, from left to right. Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle and bring it through the stitch, pulling the loop off the right-hand needle as you do so. Repeat this process for each stitch until all the stitches have been transferred to the left-hand needle. This is called a knit stitch.
Continue knitting row by row until your blanket reaches the desired length. Remember to periodically check that your stitches are not twisted along the cable. If you need to take a break or put your project down, simply slide the stitches onto the cable and place a stitch marker at the beginning of the row to keep track of your progress.
Once your blanket is complete, you can cast off the stitches by knitting two stitches together, then passing the first stitch over the second and off the needle. Repeat this process until only one stitch remains. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull it through the last stitch to secure it. Weave in any loose ends, and your blanket is ready to use or give as a thoughtful gift.
Using circular knitting needles for making blankets is a great way to tackle large projects with ease. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create cozy blankets that will keep you warm for years to come.
Choosing the Right Circular Knitting Needles
When it comes to knitting blankets using circular knitting needles, it’s important to choose the right needles for the job. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your circular knitting needles:
- Length: Circular knitting needles come in various lengths, typically ranging from 16 inches to 60 inches. For knitting blankets, you’ll want to choose longer needles, such as 32 or 40 inches, to accommodate the width of your project.
- Material: Circular knitting needles can be made from different materials, such as metal, wood, or plastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Metal needles are durable and slide easily, making them great for faster knitting. Wood needles are warm to the touch and provide good grip, making them suitable for slick yarns. Plastic needles are lightweight and budget-friendly. Consider your personal preference and the type of yarn you’ll be using when choosing the material of your needles.
- Size: Circular knitting needles are available in different sizes, which determine the thickness of the needles. The size of the needles you choose should match the recommended needle size for your yarn. This information can usually be found on the yarn label or in the pattern you are following.
- Join: Pay attention to the join between the needle tips and the cable. The join should be smooth and snag-free to ensure smooth knitting. Some circular knitting needles have a screw-on connection, while others have a seamless join. Try out different options to see which one works best for you.
- Flexibility: The flexibility of the cable is another important factor to consider. A more flexible cable allows the needles to bend easily, making it more comfortable to knit. This is especially important when working on larger projects like blankets. Test the flexibility of the cable before purchasing the needles.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right circular knitting needles that will make your blanket knitting experience enjoyable and successful.
Gathering Your Materials and Yarn
Before you begin knitting your blanket with circular needles, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and yarn. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Circular knitting needles: Choose a pair of circular needles that are long enough to accommodate the width of your blanket. The length can range from 24 inches to 60 inches, depending on your preference. Make sure the needles are appropriate for the yarn weight you’ll be using.
- Yarn: Select a yarn that is suitable for making blankets. Opt for a soft and cozy yarn that will provide warmth and comfort. The amount of yarn you’ll need will depend on the size of your blanket. Check the yarn label for information on the recommended gauge and yardage.
- Tape measure: A tape measure will come in handy for measuring your progress and ensuring that your blanket is the desired size.
- Stitch markers: Stitch markers are helpful for keeping track of the beginning of each round and any pattern repeats in your blanket.
- Yarn needle: A yarn needle with a large eye is essential for weaving in loose ends and finishing your blanket.
- Scissors: A pair of scissors will be needed for cutting the yarn.
- Pattern: If you’re following a specific pattern, make sure to have it printed out or accessible on a device for reference.
Once you have all the necessary materials, you’re ready to start knitting your blanket with circular needles.
Casting On Stitches on Circular Needles
Before you begin knitting your blanket using circular needles, you’ll need to cast on your stitches. Here’s how to do it:
- Hold both ends of your circular needles in each hand, with the working yarn attached to the ball.
- Create a slipknot by making a loop with the yarn, crossing the end over the loop, and pulling it through.
- Insert one of the needle tips into the slipknot, making sure the working yarn is behind the needles.
- Tighten the slipknot by gently pulling the yarn tail while holding onto the needle tip.
- Hold the needle with the slipknot in your right hand and the other needle in your left hand.
- Using your left hand, insert the left needle into the slipknot from front to back, going under the right needle.
- Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the right needle, forming a loop.
- Insert the right needle into the loop from the left side, going over the left needle.
- With the right needle, catch the working yarn and pull it through the loop, creating a new stitch on the right needle.
- Drop the stitch from the left needle, transferring it to the right needle.
- Repeat steps 6-10 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your blanket.
- Count your stitches to make sure you have the correct number.
Congratulations! You have successfully cast on your stitches onto your circular needles. Now you’re ready to start knitting your blanket!
Joining in the Round
To start knitting in the round with circular knitting needles, you need to join your cast-on stitches into a circle.
- Step 1: After casting on your desired number of stitches, make sure that all the stitches are facing the same direction on the needle. Ensure that the working yarn is on the right-hand side.
- Step 2: Holding the circular needles with the right side of the knitting project facing you, carefully slide the first stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle. This will be your first stitch of the round.
- Step 3: Take the working yarn and bring it between the two needles to the back of the work. This will secure the joined stitch.
- Step 4: Gently pull on the working yarn to tighten the stitch you just joined. Be careful not to pull too tightly, as it may cause the stitches to become difficult to knit.
Now that you have joined your stitches in the round, you can continue knitting using the circular knitting needles. Remember to knit all the stitches in the same direction, working in a spiral.
Knitting the Body of the Blanket
Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches on your circular knitting needles, you can start knitting the body of the blanket. Here’s how:
- Row 1: Start knitting the first row. Hold the working yarn in your right hand and insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle, from left to right. Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle, and then pull it through the stitch to create a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Continue knitting: Repeat the process of knitting each stitch across the row until you reach the end of the row. Keep in mind that you are knitting in a circular motion, so you will eventually come back to the beginning of the row.
- Row 2: Once you reach the end of the first row, turn your work and start knitting the second row. Knit each stitch in the same manner as the previous row.
- Repeat rows: Continue knitting rows in the same manner, alternating between row 1 and row 2, until your blanket reaches the desired length. You can measure the length by laying the blanket flat or using a tape measure.
- Change colors: If you want to add color changes to your blanket, simply switch to a new color of yarn at the beginning of a row. Leave a tail of the new color and weave in the ends later to secure them.
- Check tension: Periodically check your tension as you knit to ensure that your stitches are consistent and not too tight or too loose. Adjust your tension as needed to create even and balanced stitches.
Continue knitting the body of the blanket until it reaches the desired size. Once the body is complete, you can proceed to the next steps, which may include adding a border or finishing touches to your blanket.
Shaping and Increasing Stitches
When knitting a blanket with circular knitting needles, you may need to shape the fabric or increase stitches to create different patterns or sizes. Here are some techniques for shaping and increasing stitches:
- Decreases: To shape your blanket, you can use a variety of decrease stitches such as knit two together (K2tog), slip slip knit (SSK), or purl two together (P2tog). These techniques help reduce the number of stitches and create a tapered or curved effect in your blanket.
- Increases: To make your blanket wider or create patterns that require more stitches, you can use various increase stitches like knit front and back (KFB), make one (M1), or yarn over (YO). These techniques add stitches to your fabric and allow you to create decorative elements or increase the overall size of your blanket.
- Charts and Patterns: Some blanket designs may include specific shaping or increasing instructions within a chart or a written pattern. This helps guide you through the process and ensures that your stitches are increased or decreased in the right places to achieve the desired shape or design.
It’s important to read and follow the pattern instructions carefully when shaping or increasing stitches in your blanket. Take note of any specific stitch counts or markers that may be required to achieve the desired results.
| Increase Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Knit Front and Back (KFB) | Insert the right needle through the front loop of the stitch, knit the stitch, but leave it on the left needle. Then, insert the right needle through the back loop of the same stitch and knit it again. You’ve created one new stitch. |
| Make One (M1) | With the left needle, pick up the horizontal strand between two stitches from front to back. Knit into the back of this strand, creating a new stitch. |
| Yarn Over (YO) | Bring the yarn to the front of the work between the needles, then knit the next stitch. The yarn over creates a new stitch and creates an eyelet hole in the fabric. |
Remember to always check your gauge before starting a project and adjust your needle size accordingly to achieve the desired size and tension. With these shaping and increasing techniques, you’ll be able to create beautiful and personalized blankets using circular knitting needles!
Binding Off and Finishing the Blanket
Once you have completed all the rows of your blanket, it’s time to bind off and finish the edges. Follow these steps to securely finish your circular knitting project:
- Knit the first two stitches. Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, and knit it as you normally would. Repeat this step with the second stitch on the left needle.
- Pass the first stitch over the second stitch. Using the left needle, lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. This will bind off the first stitch.
- Knit one stitch. Knit the next stitch on the left needle using the same method as before.
- Pass the second stitch over the newly knitted stitch. Lift the second stitch over the newly knitted stitch and off the right needle.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4. Continue knitting one stitch and passing the previous stitch over it until you have reached the end of the row.
- Cut the yarn. Leave a tail of about 6 inches and cut the working yarn, leaving enough length to weave in later.
- Weave in loose ends. Using a tapestry needle, thread the yarn tail and weave it into the finished edge of the blanket. Repeat this step for any remaining loose ends.
Once you have bound off and woven in all the loose ends, your circular knitted blanket is complete! Make sure to give it a gentle blocking if desired, and then you can proudly enjoy your cozy new blanket.
Blocking and Caring for Your Knit Blanket
Blocking is an important step in finishing your knit blanket. It helps to even out the stitches and gives the blanket a professional finish. Here are the steps to block your blanket:
- Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a mild wool detergent.
- Soak your knit blanket in the water for about 15 minutes, making sure it is completely submerged.
- Gently squeeze out the excess water from the blanket.
- Place a clean towel on a flat surface and lay the blanket on top of it.
- Using blocking pins, gently stretch the blanket to the desired shape and size, making sure to maintain the stitch pattern.
- Leave the blanket to dry completely, preferably in a well-ventilated area.
- Once the blanket is dry, carefully remove the blocking pins.
When it comes to caring for your knit blanket, it’s important to follow the instructions on the yarn label. However, here are some general tips:
- Hand washing is usually the safest method for washing knit blankets to avoid felting or damaging the fibers.
- Use a mild wool detergent and lukewarm water when washing.
- Do not wring or twist the blanket when removing excess water, instead gently squeeze or roll it in a towel.
- Reshape the blanket if needed and lay it flat to dry.
- Avoid hanging your knit blanket to dry as it may stretch or lose its shape.
- If the blanket has any embellishments or delicate details, it may be best to dry clean it.
By following these blocking and care instructions, you can ensure that your knit blanket stays in good condition and lasts for many years to come.
FAQ:
What are circular knitting needles and how are they different from regular knitting needles?
Circular knitting needles are long, flexible needles that are connected by a cable. They are used for knitting in the round or for projects that require a large number of stitches. They are different from regular knitting needles because they allow you to hold more stitches and distribute the weight of your project more evenly.
Can I use circular knitting needles to make a blanket?
Yes, you can definitely use circular knitting needles to make a blanket. In fact, circular needles are often the preferred choice for larger projects like blankets because they can hold a larger number of stitches and are more comfortable to work with for long periods of time.
What size of circular knitting needles should I use for making a blanket?
The size of circular knitting needles you should use for making a blanket depends on the thickness and type of yarn you’re using, as well as your personal knitting tension. As a general guideline, thicker yarns usually require larger needle sizes, while thinner yarns require smaller needle sizes. It’s a good idea to check the recommended needle size on the yarn label and do a gauge swatch to determine the best needle size for your project.
How do I cast on with circular knitting needles?
To cast on with circular knitting needles, start by making a slipknot and then slide it onto one of the needles. Hold the needle with the slipknot in your right hand and the other needle in your left hand. Insert the left needle into the slipknot and wrap the yarn around the needle counterclockwise. Bring the needle back out, pulling the yarn through the slipknot to create a new stitch. Repeat this process until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.
How do I join the round when knitting with circular needles?
To join the round when knitting with circular needles, make sure that your cast-on stitches are not twisted and that the working yarn is on the right needle. Hold the needles with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Insert the right needle into the first cast-on stitch on the left needle, knitting it as you normally would. This creates a seamless join and allows you to start knitting in the round.
How do I knit with circular knitting needles?
To knit with circular knitting needles, hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, with the working yarn at the back of the work. Wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise and pull it through the stitch, transferring the stitch from the left needle to the right needle. Repeat this process for each stitch across the row.
How do I switch to a longer circular needle when my blanket gets too wide?
To switch to a longer circular needle when your blanket gets too wide, knit until you reach the last stitch before the end of the current needle. Instead of turning your work, simply start knitting with the new, longer circular needle. The transition is seamless, and you can continue knitting your blanket without interruption. Make sure to secure the ends of the previous circular needle so that your stitches don’t unravel.