To know what kind of yarn for arm knitting a blanket you should choose, you need to consider what will be perfect for you and the climate you’re in.
Arm knitting is a fun and easy hobby to get into, especially when you want something to do to help you relax and unwind.
Arm knitters can be very creative with yarn and wool, so as long as you have the perfect yarn ready, you can start.
What Kinds Of Yarn Do You Use For Arm Knitting A Blanket?
Some yarns are better than others in keeping you warm, but natural fibers are soft, bouncy, and ideal for warmth and coziness.
They can also be light and comfortable without compromising their softness. Wool, on the other hand, can be very cozy but a bit heavy.
No matter what type you choose, a good arm knitted blanket can stay in your family for a few generations. Here are some yarns you could use for arm knitting a blanket:
Merino wool
This is a naturally-grown fiber from Merino sheep.
While it is thinner and softer than regular wool, you can still feel cozy in it during the cold winter months.
Merino wool is soft, thick, chunky, and luxurious for a blanket, but with these characteristics comes a downfall: it can be a little heavy.
Chenille yarn
This is specifically piled to resemble the exterior of a fuzzy caterpillar. It is a woven fabric made of different fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, or rayon.
Despite being a warm material for blankets, chenille is surprisingly light, making it a good option for arm knitting blankets and throws.
Acrylic yarn
This is a great wool alternative. It can be soft, durable, and lightweight.
It can also be machine-washable, which is great if you want to use your arm knitted blanket daily.
Acrylic yarn, however, is non-biodegradable, so if you want to live a zero-waste or plastic-free lifestyle, this is not the best option for you.
How Much Do You Use After Finding Out What Kind Of Yarn For Arm Knitting A Blanket?
For beginners who use basic knitting guides, a small 30 by 50-inch blanket uses about six pounds of yarn, while a larger 40 by 60-inch blanket uses up to 8 pounds.
If you want to know how much yarn to use, here is a helpful guide:
- Baby blanket (30 x 30 inches) – 2.2 pounds of lightly felted wool, or 40 meters of yarn
- Small blanket (30 x 50 inches) – 4.4 pounds of wool or 80 meters of yarn
- Medium blanket (40 x 60 inches) – 6.6 pounds of wool or 120 meters of yarn
- Large blanket (50 x 70 inches) – 8.8 pounds of wool or 160 meters of yarn
- Extra large Blanket (70 x 80 inches) – 15 pounds of wool or 280 meters of yarn
While these sizes are standard, you can customize your knitted blanket and make it as big as you need it to be.
How Do You Care For An Arm Knitted Blanket?
Chunky, arm knitted blankets are beautiful, warm, and cozy. However, you have to care for them gently to keep them nice and “as new” as you could for a long time.
An arm knitted blanket can last for several generations if you’re careful in handling it. Here are some quick tips to help you care for your arm knitted blanket:
Handle the blanket gently
Pilling and shedding occur naturally, especially with arm knitted blankets.
However, that does not mean there is anything wrong with the blanket; in fact, it shows that the blanket is made of natural fibers.
Regular use of the blanket will bring more damage to it, so make sure it stays good as new by keeping it from stains and giving it vigorous shakes from time to time to look nice and fresh.
Do not use soap or washing powders
Arm knitted blankets are best dry cleaned.
Wool loses its shape when it gets wet, and detergents can affect the felting process, leaving you with flat, brittle blankets.
This is not the case for acrylic yarns, though, because you can machine wash and tumble dry them.
Remove pilling by hands or with scissors
The more you use your blankets, the more pilling you will see.
You can remove them gently with scissors or carefully with your hands, although this is not always recommended.
Clean immediately when necessary
Get rid of stains immediately and spot clean the blanket.
You can do this by putting the stained area under cold water, then putting it between two towels, and squeezing gently.
Air your blanket out to dry, and make sure to flip it in intervals.
Conclusion
Making your chunky, arm knitted blanket is a great way for you to relax and stay productive.
Arm knitting is ideal for soft and chunky blankets because they are usually larger than regular knitting needles.
The tension in the fabric that is created by the size of your arms make the stitches larger, so it is possible to make entire blankets in as little as an hour or two.
If you have learned what kind of yarn for arm knitting a blanket is best for you, then sit down, get comfortable, and knit up a fantastic blanket that you could use during the colder months.