How much chunky yarn do I need for a blanket? The answer lies in the size of your project.
Having a massive spool of thread to arm-knit will reveal the type of knitter you are, whether tight or loose.
A chunky blanket is an excellent addition to your blanket collection to put on display or to keep you cozy. What makes it stand out is the chunky yarn, of course.
As such, the blanket is expensive to buy, but who said you need to when you can make one yourself?
What are the things to consider?
Once the size is out of the question, you can now worry about purchasing the yarn itself. In most cases, stores sell chunky yarns by weight in a single length.
Typically, the material is wool, or else, you will find it in the mixed blend.
How chunky do you want your blanket to become? In choosing the size, go for “super bulky” or “jumbo” labels to be assured that the strands are thick.
Know what to expect, as the wool yarn is pillowy to the touch, while mixed blends are solid and compact.
Merchants measure balls of yarn according to volume, in pounds or kilograms. Since the chunky blanket is big, buying multiple yarn balls in smaller sizes becomes pointless when they run out halfway.
One line of thread removes the need to join ends, sparing you the trouble to disguise knots, which, in thicker yarns, are evident and problematic.
Tips On Arm Knitting
- Go for authentic wool over synthetic ones. After a prolonged period, artificial yarn, with its abrasive nature, can irritate and redden the skin. Or, you can run a test by wrapping the wool around you and seeing if it feels harsh in any way.
- To achieve a uniform-looking blanket, opt for natural wool yet again. The thread comes out fluffier, creating uniform stitches. The consistency of wool allows the fluff to expand and take up space, hiding imperfections.
- Not quite sure how to get started? Well, no one’s stopping you from experimenting first. Try visualizing the act of knitting a blanket—the tiresome process—up to its completion.
- Always pay attention to the remaining yarn. Have a solid plan in mind for how you want to finish the blanket. Be mindful every step of how the thread dwindles so as not to be shocked when you catch yourself empty-handed.
- Focus on the task! The mind tends to wander when it’s doing a mindless routine. Understandably, knitting is a form of leisure, but with a giant thread in question, having the TV compete for your attention could end in catastrophic tangles.
- Lastly, although discouraged, if taking breaks are impossible to do without, then do so. Look for something that can hold all the loops in place as you detach it from your arm. You can then carry the loops safely to another location once secured.
Feel confident enough to begin? Run a quick survey of the basics once more before proceeding to the steps listed below.
Last warning: Prepare your arms and brace them to withstand the weight of wool.
Guide on how to arm-knit a chunky blanket
Step #1. Provide a lot of space to unravel the yarn
Step #2. Use arms to knit the blanket
Step #3. Create a slip knot to begin the chain
Step #4. Add chains for the desired width and length
Step #5. Skip the stitch near the end of the chain and pull the yarn through the loops (large loops for loose-knit; small loops for tight-knit)
Step #6. Repeat process for every chain and towards the other direction
Step #7. (Optional) Add rows of colored yarn for variations
Step #8. Secure edges of the blanket
How much chunky yarn do I need for a blanket?
General projects have standard measures, but just in case, have an extra yarn with you.
To help you visualize, a chunky blanket for the crib will eat 4 pounds of wool. Double that, and you can create a blanket for a twin-sized bed.
Luckily, you can reach out to the company to seek advice for custom sizes, and they will be glad to share their expertise.
As an estimate for grander projects, a queen-size blanket needs 14 pounds. If you’re ambitious, a whopping 18 pounds will produce a king-size blanket.
Can I wash my chunky blanket?
Depending on the type of yarn you’re using, the answer is either yes or no.
Consult the label first to determine if washing by machine won’t damage the blanket. Otherwise, because the threads are soft and enormous (plus they shed quickly once eroded), you must do so sparingly.
How long will the project take?
The projects are simple by nature and will take hours only to accomplish. However, because the arm substitutes for the needle, you can’t just abandon the project for a sudden trip to the bathroom.
Refrain from bathroom trips lest the project starts all over.
Conclusion
How much chunky yarn do I need for a blanket? It all depends on your desired end product. On your next project, consider this article your guide in knitting the perfect chunky blanket!