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 27 or 28sts for a 5” square
· 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 lap blanket
of around 20” x 20” (51 x 51cm)
|
Size of
Square |
Squares
Required – width x
length |
Finished
Size |
|
|
|
|
|
5” |
4 x 4 = 16 |
this will
make a blanket 20” wide and 20” long |
|
10” |
2 x 2 = 4 |
this will
make a blanket 20” wide and 20” long |
For a lap blanket
of around 24” x 24” (61 x 61cm)
|
Size of
Square |
Squares
Required – width x
length |
Finished
Size |
|
|
|
|
|
6” |
4 x 4 = 16 |
this will
make a blanket 24” wide and 24” long |
|
8” |
3 x 3 = 9 |
this will
make a blanket 24” wide and 24” long |
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 40” x 48” (101 x 122cm)
|
Size of
Square |
Squares
Required – width x
length |
Finished
Size |
|
|
|
|
|
6” |
7 x 8 = 56 |
this will
make a blanket 42” wide and 48” long |
|
8” |
5 x 6 = 30 |
this will
make a blanket 40” wide and 48” long |
|
10” |
4 x 5 = 20 |
this will
make a blanket 40” wide and 50” 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 -
Granny Squares are fun to make - and are a great way to use up small oddments of yarn.
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There are lots of other choices too. You can make your blanket or throw in one piece, or in squares, strips or blocks.
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.
