Knitting a blanket on straight needles can be difficult, especially if you’re a beginner. If you’re just starting out, it can be really frustrating to try. But can you knit a blanket on straight needles?
Yes, you can knit a blanket on straight needles. It will just be a little bit thicker and denser than if it were knitted on circular needles. This is because there are more stitches per inch when knitting on straight needles, so the fabric is less stretchy.
If you’re new to knitting, you might want to start with an easier project before tackling a blanket. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can try a simple pattern like this one.
What You’ll Need:
- Straight needles in the size recommended for your yarn
- Yarn in the color of your choice (make sure it’s a worsted weight yarn)
- A tapestry needle
- Scissors
Cast On:
Start by casting on the number of stitches you need for your blanket. For this pattern, you’ll need to cast on 120 stitches.
Knit The Blanket:
Once you’ve cast on your stitches, it’s time to start knitting the blanket. Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Repeat these two rows until your blanket is the desired length.
For this pattern, you’ll need to knit until your blanket measures 60 inches (152 cm) long.
Cast Off:
When you reach the desired length, it’s time to cast off your stitches. To do this, knit two stitches together, then slip the stitch off the needle.
Repeat this until you only have one stitch left on your needle.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull it through the last stitch to secure it.
Weave In The Ends:
Once you’ve cast off your stitches, you’ll need to weave in the ends. To do this, thread a tapestry needle with the tail of your yarn.
Then, insert the needle through the back loop of the stitch and pull it through. Repeat this until all of the yarn is woven in and the ends are secure.
Your blanket is now finished.
Table of Contents
Can I use straight needles to knit a blanket?
Yes, it is possible to knit a blanket using straight needles, but it will likely be a bit more difficult than using circular needles.
With straight needles, you will have to keep the stitches on one needle while you are knitting them, which can be tricky if they are too wide.
Circular needles allow you to knit in the round, which makes it much easier to keep track of your stitches and prevents them from getting too tight.
If you decide to knit a blanket with straight needles, make sure to choose a needle size that is appropriate for the thickness of your yarn.
What you need to knit a blanket on straight needles
Knitting a blanket is a great way to keep warm during the winter months. Not only is it cozy and comfortable, but it can also be quite therapeutic.
In order to knit a blanket on straight needles, you will need the following supplies:
- Yarn in the color of your choice
- Straight knitting needles in the size appropriate for your yarn
- Scissors
- Tape measure or ruler
Blanket Pattern
There are many different patterns that you can use to knit a blanket on straight needles. One of my favorites is the garter stitch pattern.
To knit in garter stitch, all you have to do is knit every row. This creates a thick and sturdy fabric that is perfect for blankets.
Another popular pattern for blankets is the ripple stitch pattern.
To knit this pattern, you will need to cast on an odd number of stitches. Then, follow these instructions:
- Knit 1 stitch, purl 3 stitches; repeat these instructions across the row
- Knit 2 rows (or until your work measures the desired length)
Bind Off Stitches
When you are finished knitting your blanket, you will need to bind off the stitches so that your work does not unravel.
To do this, simply knit two stitches, then use the tip of your left needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off of the needle. You will now have one stitch on your right needle.
Repeat this process until you have only one stitch remaining on your needle, then cut the yarn and pull it through the final stitch to secure it.
Congratulations, you have now completed your very own knitted blanket.
How to cast on stitches for a blanket
There are a few different ways to cast on stitches when beginning to knit a blanket. The most common way is the Long Tail Cast On, which will be described in detail below.
Other methods include the Cable Cast On, the Provisional Cast On, and the Double Pointed Needle Cast On. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Let’s take a closer look at the Long Tail Cast On.
Long Tail Cast On
This is the most common way to cast on stitches and is recommended for beginners. It creates a neat edge and is relatively easy to do.
To begin, make a slipknot in your yarn and place it on your needle. The tail of the yarn should be about four times the width of your blanket.
Next, hold the needle in your right hand and the tail of the yarn in your left. Make sure that the strand of yarn running between the two is also over your left index finger.
Now insert the needle under the strand of yarn on your left index finger, then over the top of the strand of yarn on your left thumb.
Bring the needle back through the loop on your left index finger and slide it over the top of the strand of yarn on your left thumb.
Now insert the needle into the loop on your left thumb, from front to back.
Bring the needle around the front of the strand of yarn on your left index finger and insert it under that strand, from back to front.
Now you have two loops on your needle. One is from the original slipknot and one is the first stitch that you have just made. To complete the stitch, simply pull tight on both strands of yarn.
Repeat these steps until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.
How to knit a basic stitch for a blanket
Knitting is a popular craft that can be used to create a variety of items, including blankets.
In order to knit a basic stitch for a blanket, you will need some supplies and to follow these steps:
- Cast on the number of stitches required for the width of your blanket. For example, if you want to make a 30-inch wide blanket, cast on 30 stitches.
- Knit every row until the blanket is the desired length. For example, if you want to make a 60-inch long blanket, knit for 60 rows.
- Bind off the stitches and weave in the ends.
Now you know how to knit a basic stitch for a blanket! You can use this stitch to make a variety of different blankets, each with its own unique look.
Experiment with different yarns and colors to create a one-of-a-kind blanket that is sure to be cherished.
How to bind off stitches for a blanket
When it comes to binding off stitches for a blanket, there are a few different methods you can use.
Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.
We’ll discuss the three most common methods: knitting 2 together (k2tog), binding off knitwise, and binding off purlwise. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right method for your project.
First, let’s talk about the k2tog method. This is a simple method that involves knitting two stitches together.
The pro of this method is that it’s quick and easy to do. The con is that it can be a bit tight, so you’ll need to make sure your tension is loose when you do this.
Next, we have the bind off knitwise method. This method is a bit more complex than k2tog, but it results in a much neater edge.
To do this, you’ll need to slip the first stitch over the second stitch. Then, you’ll knit the next stitch and repeat these steps until all stitches are bound off.
The bind off knitwise method can be a bit time consuming, but it’s definitely worth it for a professional looking finish.
Finally, we have the bind off purlwise method. This is the most complex of the three methods, but it also results in the neatest edge.
To do this, you’ll need to slip the first stitch over the second stitch. Then, you’ll purl the next stitch and repeat these steps until all stitches are bound off.
So, which method should you choose? If you’re looking for a quick and easy bind off, go with the k2tog method.
If you’re looking for a neater edge, go with the bind off knitwise or bind off purlwise methods.
And if you’re not sure which method to choose, we recommend doing a swatch of each one to see which you like best.
Tips and tricks for knitting blankets on straight needles
Knitting blankets on straight needles may seem hard, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be a breeze.
In this last section, we will provide you with everything you need to know in order to knit beautiful blankets on straight needles. So without further ado, let’s get to it.
- The first thing you need to do is select the right type of yarn for your project. You want to choose a yarn that is soft and cozy, so that your blanket will be nice and warm. Some good options include acrylic yarns or wool blends.
- Once you have chosen your yarn, it’s time to select the appropriate knitting needle size. The best way to do this is by measuring the thickness of the yarn you have chosen. If your yarn is between 0-3US (or 2-14UK), then you should use size 10 needles. If your yarn is between 3-5US (or 14-19UK), then you should use size 11 needles, and if your yarn is thicker than 5US (or 19UK), then you should use size 12 needles.
- Now that you have selected the right type of yarn and knitting needle size, it’s time to cast on your stitches. To do this, simply make a slip knot and then knit the number of stitches you need for your blanket.
- Once you have cast on your stitches, it’s time to start knitting your blanket. To do this, simply knit each stitch until you reach the end of the row. Then turn your work and knit back across the other side. Continue doing this until your blanket is the desired size.
- When you are finished knitting your blanket, it’s time to bind off your stitches. To do this, simply knit two stitches together and then pass the first stitch over the second stitch. Repeat this until you have only one stitch left on your needle. Cut your yarn and pull it through the last stitch to secure it.
Now that you know how to knit blankets on straight needles, try out these tips and tricks the next time you start a project. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make beautiful blankets in no time.
