How to Make a Chunky Knit Blanket

How to Make A Chunky Knit Blanket? If warm, cozy, and snuggly is your idea of a nice relaxing evening at home, then you might consider investing in a chunky knit blanket. You might have seen several of these being paraded on the internet, but have you checked their prices? Those items cost an arm and a leg ($300-400) each. 

What if I told you there’s a way to enjoy the same level of comfort at a much lower price?

Well, in this article, we’ll teach you how to knit a chunky blanket at a lower price and at your convenience. 

You could be thinking, “But I don’t know how to knit.” Do not worry; you do not need any knitting skills for this particular blanket. 

If you follow the simple steps below, you’ll have yourself a nice and warm blanket to snuggle with as you read your favorite book or watch a movie.

Chunky Knit Blanket Patterns to Choose From

There are many knitting patterns for chunky knit blankets. Before you learn how to hand knit a chunky blanket, get to know the different patterns you can try out. 

The Cable Lap Blanket

Chunky cable knit blanket
Image source: Pinterest

This is one of the coziest wool blankets available. You can make it with pure merino wool, which is soft and silky. 

The cables in this blanket snake across each other and are highlighted by textural strips. They are held together by the garter stitch, eluding a touch of warmth and comfort. 

Rainbow Blanket

Rainbow chunky blanket
Image source: Pinterest

If you are an intermediate knitter looking to increase your skills, then this is the right chunky blanket for you. 

The blanket is a rich combination of different colors combined to create a bold and beautiful masterpiece. It may take longer than other chunky knit blankets because of the colorful detail. 

Super Chunky Cables

Chunky knit blanket pattern
Image source: Pinterest

This chunky blanket is more like the chunky cables blanket, only that the yarn used is bulkier. You can knit one of these, which can also double up as a rug. 

It is a great example of how to upcycle items and make fashion statements. For best results, use neutral shades. 

Textured Blanket

Chunky textured blanket
Image Source: Pinterest

This blanket is made from a simple knit and purl knitting pattern. The yarns intertwine each other beautifully to bring a subtle texture into your space. 

You can make up to six sizes of this blanket with different colors depending on your preference. 

Beginner’s Garter Stitch Blanket

Hand knit chunky chenille blanket
Image source: Pinterest

The garter stitch is the most common among knitters, and it is usually the easiest to master, even for beginners. You can also learn how to insert woven labels for aesthetic value.  

Different Ways to Make a Chunky Knit Blanket

Do you love visuals? This video can help you get started on knitting a chunky blanket. 

You have four main options to choose from to get yourself a nice chunky blanket:

    • Arm knitting a chunky blanket
    • Hand knitting one
    • Using needles to make a chunky blanket.
    • Crocheting 

Whichever option you choose, if you master how to make the blanket well, you will be pleased with the results

Method 

Tools

Arm Knitting

    • Arm 
    • Yarn
    • Scissors 

Hand Knitting

    • Hands
    • Yarn
    • Scissors

Needle Knitting

    • Needles
    • Yarn
    • Scissors

Crocheting 

    • Yan 
    • Big wooden crochet

How to Arm-Knit A Chunky Blanket

How to arm knit a chunky blanket
Image source: Pixabay

Arm knitting is using your arm to spin wool and create a beautiful and warm masterpiece. Once you learn how to make a blanket in this method, you’ll never think about buying another blanket with overrated price tags. 

Step 1 

Buy the yarn you prefer for your blanket. You can go for pure wool, which is cheaper, but if you like the softer feel of merino wool, then go for it. 

Pure wool can be scratchy, but merino wool gives you a fur-like soft feeling. 

Step 2

Cast on your wool to begin knitting. You tie a loop at the end of the yarn and wear it on your arm. 

With the knot under your wrist and your palm facing you, lay the yarn from the back of your hand and put it in front of your palm. 

Use your free hand to put the yarn through the loop and keep the yarn nearest the ball on the right side of your left wrist. 

Take the yarn length and pull it back through the loop on your left hand to allow it to slide off your right arm. 

Step 3

Redo the first step as many times as you like. The more the loops, the longer your blanket will be. 

Step 4

After making the loops to your desired length, start creating your rows. Wrap some yarn around your right thumb, and hold it in a fist. 

Take the next stitch, pass it over the fist, and then pass the loop in your right fist over your left hand to make the first stitch. 

Continue this process until all the rows are on your left arm. 

Step 5

Continue knitting your blanket by repeating step 3 until you have your ideal size of a chunky blanket. 

Step 6

You need to cast off your blanket when you are done stitching. To do this, take your yarn length in the fist that has all the stitches. Make two stitches the same way you had made the others. 

Pass the first stitch over the top of the second one and slide off your hand. You will be left with one stitch on your right hand.

Repeat steps 3 to 5 to remove all the stitches on your right arm and remain with one loop. Pull the remaining yarn through the loop and tie it off. 

How To Make a Chunky Knit Blanket By Hand

Easy chunky knit blanket
Image source: Pinterest

If you just can’t wrap your mind (or arms) around how to knit a blanket with your arms, here is another option; hand knit it. 

With hand knitting, you need the following tools:

    • A flat surface
    • Good quality yarn
    • A pair of scissors
    • Your hands

You can also learn how to upcycle clothes and use them to make your chunky blanket. 

Step 1 

Your blanket will be as good as the quality of yarn you choose. Pick the best depending on your preference. Again, you can go for pure cotton yarn or merino wool, depending on what you like most. 

Step 2

Now let’s start knitting.

Make a slip knot on your working yarn and start making the chain for the length of your blanket. With your thumb and pointer finger, pull your working yarn through the slip knot and make the fists chain. 

Repeat this process as many times as you prefer. Remember, the width of your chain determines how wide your blanket will be. 

Your measuring tape will come in handy here to measure the ideal length. 

Step 3

After making the first chain, it’s time to make the stitches. Skip the first stitch near the end of your chain, then put your thumb and pointer finger at the top of the stitch. 

Thread a loop of yarn through the stitch and make it as tight or loose as you want. Pull a wider loop if you prefer a loosely knitted blanket, or use a tighter loop for a tighter blanket. 

Step 4

Repeat step 3 along the chain to complete the first row. Remember to skip the first stitch every time you start a new row to give your blanket a nice edge. 

Continue this process until you achieve your desired length. 

What if my skein runs out? How do I add another one?

Simple, tie the new yarn to the working yarn and continue stitching, but make sure you hide the knot on the back of the blanket for a neat final look. 

Step 5

You should learn how to cast off to achieve a perfect look for your blanket. 

After you achieve your desired length, take two loops in one of your hands and thread the working yarn towards the opposite side. Release the loops then you will have one loop left. 

Continue the process with all the remaining loops to have all them secured. 

Thread your working yarn through the last loops and tighten it by pilling on it. Cut a 6- 8 inches tail with your scissors, then weave it into the blanket. Make sure you weave it in the back of the blanket, under and over the stitches to hold it in place. 

How to Knit a Chunky Blanket with Needles

How to knit a chunky blanket
Image source: Pinterest

If you still cannot understand how to make a blanket with your hands, you can make your blanket with knitting needles. This video will come in handy.

Here you will need:

    • Quality yarn
    • A set of big stitching needles
    • Your hands

If you know how to knit a scarf or blanket with knitting needles, this process should sound all too familiar. 

Step 1

Make a double knot on one needle and ensure it is not too tight. Hold the needle with one hand and hold your working yarn in the other hand. Drape the working yarn on your thumb and palm to make a loop. 

Pass the needle in the yarn while pulling out your thumb and pulling the loop tightly. Repeat this process as many times as necessary. Remember, you are mapping out the width of your blanket, so honor your preference.

Step 2

Enter the head of the free needle into the first stitch starting from bottom to top. Make sure that your yarn is always behind the needles. Everything you put the needle into the stitch, wrap the yarn on it in an anticlockwise direction. 

Pull the needle down and leave the stitches intact. 

Pull a second stitch on the first one and do it slowly so you don’t unravel the first stitch. 

Repeat this process till you have knitted on the chain to the top. Redo the above steps as many times as required or until you achieve the desired length for your chunky blanket. 

Step 3

At the end of your chunky blanket, make two normal stitches, then hold the bottom stitch in your palm. Pass the lower stitch over the upper stitch and remove it from the needle. Make sure you leave the top stitch intact. 

Do this until you only have one stitch on the needle. 

Cut off the yarn and leave around six inches. Cut it off again at the end of the stitches, then pull it to make a double knot. The knot will save your blanket from running. 

How To Crochet A Chunky Blanket

How to start a chunky knit blanket
Image source: Pinterest

If you still haven’t settled for any of the above techniques to make your chunky blanket, then you should try crocheting. For this, your will need:

    • Yarn
    • A yarn needle
    • A big crotchet  hook

Step 1

Hold two strands of yarn and treat them as one. You’ll need to hold them as one throughout the process. This may seem like a lot of work, but it gets easier as you go. 

Step 2

Make 40 or more chains, depending on how big you want your blanket to be. Start inserting the second chain with a hook and one crochet in each stitch all the way down. Repeat this process, and voila! You have your crochet chunky blanket. 

If you are using different colors, you might find it hard to switch them. To make them blend in well with each other, start each chain with a new color. 

Put your hook on the last loop on every row, cut off the tails of the previous color to 12 inches and prepare the next color in your free hand. Pull on the ends of the previous color to tighten the loops. 

You do not need any loose ends when you’re done with the project, so here’s what you do.

Turn your chunky blanket and gather the four tail ends (two from the old color and two from the new one). Lay the tail ends against the top edge of your blanket and crochet over them. The result will be no ends to weave in when you are done crocheting. 

Thick or Not So Thick Yarn?

How to make an arm knit blanket
Image source: Pixabay

The idea is to make a chunky knit blanket, so thick yarn would be the way to go. You can choose from some of the best brands in the market. 

Yarn made from merino wool is softer and nicer to the skin, but it is a bit pricier than pure wool. That said, pure wool works just fine, especially if you do not have any skin reactions to wool. 

Common Mistakes When Making A Chunky Blanket

Mistakes are common when knitting, whether you are a beginner or a pro. Know the common mistakes and strategies to resolve them for a better knitting experience. 

    1. Putting Down Your Tools

When you start knitting with your needles or crochet, you might get tired and decide to take a break. Whenever possible, make sure you finish a row before you take a break.

 It can get confusing if you leave the needles midway in a row and can not figure out which direction you were headed. 

      2. Missing Loops

You might miss a loop or two when knitting your chunky blanket as a beginner or even as a pro. This can be frustrating, especially if you wait till the last stitch to admire your work. 

To avoid this, stretch out your blanket every two rows or so just in case you missed a loop or a stitch. That way, it is easier to repair the damage. 

      3. Poor Finishing

The hardest part of making a chunky blanket is not the knitting itself; it is the finishing. Unfortunately, a poorly finished chunky blanket can unravel fast and waste your efforts. 

Make sure that your blanket is well finished at the ends. Tuck in the tie knots on the last threads and tuck them in well or weave them in well so they do not run. 

      4. Curving

When you finish your chunky blanket project, you might find some of the areas curved, especially if you used different yarns on the whole project. Every time you use a new yarn, the blanket will curve because of the change in texture. 

Problem 

Solution

Putting down tools

Finish a row first before taking a rest

Missing loops

Check your work every few rows

Poor finishing

Tie knots and weave in ends well

Curving

Wash or steam blanket

This problem is resolved by washing and drying your blanket or simply stretching it after you are done knitting. 

Learn how to insert care labels on your blankets not to mess them up when washing them. 

You can also use a steamer on the curved areas, then stretch your blanket immediately after steaming it. 

Tips to Help You Make the Best Chunky Knit Blanket

Knitting pros state that knitting an ideal size chunky blanket should take anything between 45 minutes to one hour but if you are a beginner, this will take longer. 

Here are amazing tips

    1. Do not Be in a Rush

You do not owe anybody a record for finishing your blanket the fastest. If you are just starting on the knitting journey, you could need more time than the pros. 

You can only achieve perfection if you take the time to create your masterpiece. 

      2. Wear Appropriate Clothes

If you are arm knitting or hand knitting, make sure you wear short-sleeved clothes. You do not want our sleeves to be in the way of getting that supper fluffy and comfortable chunky blanket. 

      3. Keep Tugging at Your Blanket

As you knit, keep admiring your craft and tugging it to make sure you do not miss any stitches. It would be painstaking to undo the whole thing because of a missed stitch or a showing knot.

      4. Take A Break

If you get tired in the process or your eyes get blurry from the repeated processes, take a break. Go and stretch your body, or get a cup of coffee. You’ll be surprised how much that contributes to your keenness. 

      5. Be Safe

When you start working on your chunky blanket, make sure you use all protection for your hands. You can also learn how to utilize sewing tips to keep yourself safe. 

Final Thoughts

This process should sound all too familiar ifHave you always fancied those chunky knit blankets in high-end shops but cannot afford them? 

Learning how to DIY these blankets can save you a fortune and bring warmth closer to you, literally

With the different patterns available and online tutorials on how to do it, you no longer have an excuse as to why you don’t own one of these fancy yet easy-to-make pieces. 

While at it, you can also learn how to knit sweaters to accompany your chunky knit blankets and stay warm for less!