Plan your next knitted blanket, even if it feels exciting and daunting, especially if you’re new to the craft or tackling a larger project. Whether youโre aiming for a cozy throw to snuggle under during chilly evenings or a statement piece that showcases your knitting skills, careful planning is the key to success. In this step-by-step guide, Iโll walk you through planning your next knitted blanket, from selecting the perfect yarn to mastering the pattern.
1. Choose Your Blanketโs Purpose and Size
What Will Your Blanket Be Used For?
Before you even pick up your needles, itโs essential to determine the purpose of your blanket. Will it be a warm and cozy throw for the living room, a baby blanket for a newborn, or a luxurious bedspread? The purpose of your blanket will influence everything from the yarn you choose to the size of the finished product.
Tradeoff Consideration: Balancing size and functionality is crucial. A larger blanket will provide more coverage but require more yarn and time. On the other hand, a smaller blanket is quicker to knit but may not serve all your needs.
How Big Should It Be?
Once youโve decided on the blanketโs purpose, itโs time to figure out the size. Hereโs a quick guide to common blanket sizes:
- Baby Blanket: 30″ x 36″
- Lapghan: 36″ x 48″
- Throw: 50″ x 60″
- Twin Bed: 66″ x 90″
- Queen Bed: 90″ x 90″
- King Bed: 108″ x 90″
Challenge: Larger blankets can be more challenging to manage with your needles, especially if youโre using straight needles instead of circular ones. Read this post to learn more about needles for blankets.
2. Select the Right Yarn
Fiber Content Matters
The yarn you choose will significantly impact your blanket’s look, feel, and durability. Wool is warm and durable, making it ideal for winter blankets, while cotton is breathable and perfect for warmer climates. Acrylic is budget-friendly and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for everyday blankets.
Tradeoff Consideration: Natural fibers like wool and cotton offer warmth and breathability, but they may require more care than synthetic fibers like acrylic. Consider the washing and care instructions when choosing your yarn.
Yarn Weight and Gauge
The weight of your yarn will determine how thick and warm your blanket will be. Bulky or super bulky yarns are perfect for quick projects that offer a lot of warmth, while lighter weights like DK or worsted are ideal for more intricate patterns and lighter blankets.
Challenge: Finding the right balance between yarn weight and blanket size is essential. A bulky yarn will create a thicker, warmer blanket, but it will also be heavier and require more yarn. Conversely, a lighter yarn will produce a more delicate blanket but may take longer to knit.
3. Pick the Perfect Pattern
Consider Your Skill Level
If you are in the middle of planning your next knitted blanket, itโs essential to be realistic about your knitting skills when choosing a pattern. If youโre a beginner, opt for a simple pattern with basic stitches. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex designs.
Here are some of my beginner-friendly blanket patterns, perfect if you plan your next knitted blanket:
- Herringbone Blanket: The herringbone knitting pattern is incredibly simple, just a 2-row repeat of knitting and slipping stitches, using a super squishy bulky yarn that makes everything quick and easy.
- Feather and Fan Blanket: This pattern uses lace yarn, big needles, and a standard lace pattern that works on multiple 24 stitches, making it quick and simple to memorize.
- Fibonacci Blanket: Inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, this pattern uses two colors in a simple stockinette stitch to create a striking striped design.
- Bobble Blanket: The bobble blanket uses bulky yarn and adds some bobbles to keep things interesting, making it perfect for those looking for a bit of texture in their blanket.
Tradeoff Consideration: Balancing complexity and enjoyment is key. A more challenging pattern may result in a more intricate design, but it could also lead to frustration if itโs too advanced for your current skill level.
Think About the Time Commitment
Blanket projects can be time-consuming, so itโs essential to choose a pattern that fits your schedule. If youโre looking for a quick project, opt for a blanket with simple, repetitive rows. If youโre willing to invest more time, consider a more intricate design.
Challenge: Time management is crucial in blanket knitting. Itโs easy to get discouraged if a project drags on too long. Setting small goals, like completing several weekly rows, can help keep you motivated.
4. Plan Your Color Palette
Harmonize Your Colors
Choosing the right colors for your blanket is as crucial as selecting the yarn and pattern. Consider the color scheme of the room where the blanket will be used. Do you want it to blend or stand out as a statement piece?
Tradeoff Consideration: Balancing boldness and harmony is essential. A blanket with bold, contrasting colors will make a strong statement but may not be as versatile as one with more muted, complementary tones.
Solid Colors vs. Multi-Colored Designs
You can knit your blanket in a single color or opt for a multi-colored design. Striped blankets or those with color blocks are always popular choices and can add visual interest to your project.
Challenge: Multi-colored designs can be more challenging to execute, especially when managing multiple balls of yarn. However, they offer a chance to play with color and create something unique.
5. Gauge Swatch and Cast On
Donโt Skip the Swatch
Before you start knitting, itโs crucial to knit a gauge swatch. This small sample will help you ensure that your stitches are the right size and that your blanket will turn out the correct dimensions.
Tradeoff Consideration: While knitting a swatch can feel unnecessary, it can save you from frustration later on. A blanket that turns out too small or too large because of an incorrect gauge can be disappointing.
Casting On
Once youโve checked your gauge, itโs time to cast on. The number of stitches you cast on will depend on your pattern and the width you want your blanket to be.
6. Manage Your Knitting Progress
Keep Track of Rows and Repeats
As you begin knitting, it is helpful to keep track of your rows and pattern repeats. This will ensure that your blanket is consistent and that you donโt miss any pattern instructions.
Tradeoff Consideration: Balancing focus and relaxation is key. Knitting a blanket should be an enjoyable experience, so find a system that works for youโwhether itโs a row counter, a notebook, or a simple tally mark system.
Finishing Touches
Once your blanket is complete, donโt forget to finish it properly. Weaving in ends, blocking, and adding final embellishments like fringes or pom poms will give your blanket a professional look.
Challenge: The final steps of a blanket can sometimes feel tedious, but theyโre crucial to achieving a polished finish. Finishing your blanket correctly will ensure that itโs something youโll be proud to display or gift.
Conclusion
Plan your next knitted blanket. It doesnโt have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering the tradeoffs involved in each decision, youโll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, functional, and well-loved blanket. Whether youโre a beginner or an experienced knitter, thoughtful planning will make the process more enjoyable and the final product more satisfying. Ready to start your next blanket project?