Making a Bigger Blanket or Throw

Blankets can be made with any weight of yarn – DK, Aran Weight/Worsted, or Chunky

Just be sure to be consistent throughout. And use the needle/ hook size appropriate for the yarn (this is usually stated on the label).

If knitting - straight needles or circular needles can be used

 

Bigger blankets are not usually made in one piece - the weight of the blanket puts a lot of strain on the wrists. To prevent this most are made in pieces and joined.

 

To make a blanket with squares ~

This is a great way of using up full or part balls of yarn that are left over from other projects.

 

For knitted blankets –

If you are going to add a border all around after joining, chose any stitch

If you are not going to add a border all around after joining, chose a stitch that lies flat – like garter stitch, moss stitch or seed stitch (not stocking stitch, ribbed stitches or lacy stitches).

Straight needles or circular needles can be used

You can make your squares any size you like – popular sizes are 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” squares

I make my blankets with DK yarn - the result is  warm but not too heavy.

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 33sts for a 6” square

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 44sts for a 8” square

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 66sts for a 12” square

 

Here is a handy guide to how many squares you will need to make for a complete blanket ~

 

For a blanket of around 36” x 48”  (91 x 122cm)

Size of   Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	6 x 8 = 48	this will make a blanket 36” wide and 48” long
8”	5 x 6 = 30	this will make a blanket 40” wide and 48” long
12”	3 x 4 = 12	this will make a blanket 36” wide and 48” long

 

For a blanket of around 42” x 54”  (107 x 137cm)

Size of Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	7 x 9 = 63	this will make a blanket 42” wide and 54” long
8”	5 x 7 = 35	this will make a blanket 40” wide and 56” long

 

For a blanket of around 48” x 72”  (122 x 183cm)

Size of Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	8 x 12 = 96	this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long
8”	6 x 9 = 54	this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long
10”	5 x 7 = 35	this will make a blanket 50” wide and 70” long
12”	4 x 6 = 24	this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long

 

For a blanket of around 60” x 90”  (152 x 229cm)

Size of Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	10 x 15 = 150	this will make a blanket 60” wide and 90” long
8”	8 x 11 = 88	this will make a blanket 64” wide and 88” long
10”	6 x 9 = 54	this will make a blanket 60” wide and 90” long
12”	5 x 8 = 40	this will make a blanket 60” wide and 96” long

 

The weakest part of a blanket made this way are the joins. You must be sure that you join them with a strong seam. This can be done by sewing (whip stitch is quick and easy)  – or crocheting – them together.

There is a lot of joining!  And a lot of ends to darn away.

To save time and effort – you can, of course, make strips instead of squares – and then join the strips together.

 

Another idea is to make larger square or rectangular blocks ~

If you like to knit using long straight needles or circular needles – cast on as many stitches as fit comfortably and knit until your piece is 24” long. Then join the blocks.

 

To finish ~

If you can crochet – a crochet border all around gives a good finish.

For crochet blankets -

There are lots of choices. You can make your blanket or throw in one piece, or in squares, strips or blocks. 

Granny squares or granny stripes, chevron and V-stitch all work well.

  

If you are making a blanket to donate ~

Each hospital, hospice or other organisation will have their own requirements and guidance about the yarns, fabrics and notions that should be used in the items they receive – please check before you invest time and money in making any items to donate.

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns

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