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How To Make A Chunky Knit Blanket For Beginners

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In this blog post, you will see how to make a chunky knit blanket for beginners.

The benefit of making a chunky knit blanket is that you can make one over a weekend using super bulky yarn and (US 50) 25 mm knitting needles.

This blanket would make a perfect gift for a special occasion or to throw over your sofa for a cozy look during the holiday season.

Please scroll down to learn more about how to make a chunky knit blanket as a beginner and view the free knitting pattern.(You can also grab your ad-free printable pattern PDF in my shop here).

How to make a chunky knit blanket for beginners

How To Make A Chunky Knit Blanket

Grab the inexpensive, ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.

Notes

Skill Level – Basic (Beginner with basic knitting experience)

  • This cozy blanket is a simple knit, that is made in a wide rib stitch pattern, perfect for snuggling into during the colder months with a good book.
  • This uses beginner-friendly knit stitches – the knit stitch and the purl stitch.
  • This wide rib stitch pattern is knit in multiples of 10 sts plus 5.
  • There are 22 tassels on this blanket; you can learn how to make tassels here. – How To Make Tassels {Photo + Video Tutorial}
  • The yarn used in this free pattern could be substituted with other great options like merino wool, chenille yarn, or some other specific super bulky blanket yarn, like Bernat blanket yarn.
  • The giant knitting needles are so much fun to use paired with chunky knit yarn.
  • There are no color changes in this pattern, the whole blanket is knit in one color.

Video Tutorial

You can view a video tutorial showing how to start hand knitting the blanket on my YouTube channel here.

Copyright Info

  • Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
  • If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
  • You may sell items produced using this pattern.
  • Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
  • For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Gauge – 10 x 10 cm/4 x 4 inches = 4 sts and 6 rows in stocking stitch.

Measurements / Sizes

  • You can, of course, make this throw blanket wider or longer, depending on your personal preferences.
  • Length = 60 inches/152 cm
  • Width = 50 inches/127 cm
chunky knit blanket in lion brand wool ease thick and quick yarn

The supplies you need

Yarn

  • Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (170g/106yds/97m) in Fisherman x 8 skeins.
  • Total yardage needed for the blanket = 848 yds.
  • Yarn needed for the tassels = x 2 skeins (Total of 212 yds).
  • Super Bulky/Super Chunky/18-20 Ply yarn – Knit with two strands together.

Needles

Notions

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast on
  • Cont – Continue
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl
  • Rep – Repeat
  • RS – Right side
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • WS – Wrong side

Time needed: 3 days, 5 hours and 30 minutes

How To Make A Chunky Knit Blanket

  1. Cast on.

    With two strands of super bulky yarn held together – Cast on 55 sts (do not join in the round).
    Tutorial – How to cast on knitting.How to make a chunky knit blanket step 1

  2. Knit Row 1.

    Row 1 is the right side of the work (RS): To begin, you will purl 5 stitches (using the working yarn attached to the two balls of yarn), then start a repeat of knitting 5 stitches and purling 5 stitches until you get to the end of the row.
    Abbreviated version – Row 1 (RS): P5 *K5, P5 – rep from * to end.How to make a chunky knit blanket step 2

  3. Knit Row 2.

    Row 2 is the wrong side of the work (WS): Start the row by knitting 5 stitches, then purling 5 stitches, then continuing to repeat that (Knit 5, Purl 5) until you get to the last 5 stitches and knit 5.
    Abbreviated version – Row 2 (WS): *K5, P5 – rep from * to last 5 sts – K5.How to make a chunky knit blanket step 3

  4. Repeat the pattern.

    The two rows above (rows 1 and 2) form the pattern.
    Repeat rows 1-2 until you have completed around 60 inches in length.
    (This can be as short or as long as you want).
    How to make a chunky knit blanket step 4

  5. Cast off.

    Cast off in the ribbing pattern.
    Tutorial – How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step).How to make a chunky knit blanket step 5

  6. Weave in the ends.

    Weave in any loose ends you can see – thread your darning needle with the end of the yarn and weave the end up or down into the knitted fabric. The finished blanket should have all of these ends woven in.How to make a chunky knit blanket step 6

  7. Optional – Add the tassels.

    You can add the tassels to the edges of the blanket if you wish. There are 22 tassels in total. The tassels need an extra 2 skeins of yarn, and you can see a video tutorial on how to make them here – How To Make A Tassel. Once you have made the tassels, from pieces of yarn, lie the blanket out on a flat surface and stitch one to each rib section end with leftover excess yarn (As you can see in the photos).How to make a chunky knit blanket step 1How to make a chunky knit blanket step 7

  8. Enjoy your blanket!

    Enjoy your big knit blanket with or without the tassels.large knit blanket

Watch The Video Tutorial On My YouTube Channel Here…

Grab The Ad-Free PDF In My Shop Here…

chunky knit blanket fall knitting

Share your work with us

I love seeing your finished projects.

If you enjoyed making the chunky hand knit blanket, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo. 

I’d love to see your work.

Happy knitting!

chunky blanket knit with super bulky yarn

How Much Yarn Do You Need To Make A Chunky Knit Blanket?

The amount of yarn required to make a DIY chunky knit blanket depends on several factors, including the desired size of the blanket, the thickness of the yarn, and the specific pattern or stitch you plan to use.

As a general guideline, chunky yarn or jumbo yarn is typically used for these knit blankets, which are thicker than standard yarn.

The recommended amount of skeins of yarn for a chunky knit blanket can range from 1 to 3 pounds (0.45 to 1.36 kilograms) or more, depending on the size.

Here are some approximate estimates for common blanket sizes using chunky yarn:

  1. Lap Throw/Small Blanket: Approximately 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.36 kilograms) of yarn.
  2. Medium-Sized Blanket: Around 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kilograms) of yarn.
  3. Large Blanket: Roughly 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms) of yarn.

Keep in mind that these estimates are general and may vary based on factors such as the stitch pattern, needle size, and personal tension while hand-knitting.

It’s always a good idea to consult the pattern or check with other knitters who have made similar blankets for more precise yarn requirements.

chunky throw blanket

How Many Stitches Do You Cast On For A Chunky Knit Blanket?

The number of stitches you need to cast on for a chunky knit blanket depends on the desired width of the blanket, the thickness of the yarn, and the specific pattern or stitch you plan to use.

Here are some general guidelines for casting on stitches:

  1. Lap Blanket/ Throw Blanket/Small Blanket: For a lap throw or small blanket, you might typically cast on between 60 and 80 stitches. This range can vary based on the desired width and the specific stitch pattern.
  2. Medium-Sized Blanket: A medium-sized blanket might require anywhere from 80 to 120 stitches, depending on the width you want to achieve and the stitch pattern.
  3. Large Blanket: For a large blanket, the number of stitches to cast on can range from 120 to 160 stitches or more, again depending on the desired width and the stitch pattern.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the exact number of stitches you need will vary based on your specific project.

It’s always a good idea to consult the pattern or consider making a gauge swatch to determine the number of stitches required for your desired blanket size.

big knit blanket

How To Make A Chunky Knit Blanket For $17?

Making a chunky knit blanket for $17 might be really challenging, as chunky yarn tends to be more expensive due to its thickness and material.

However, here’s a suggestion for creating a chunky knit blanket on a budget:

  1. Look for affordable yarn: Check local craft stores, discount stores, or online platforms that offer discounted yarn. Look for sales, clearance sections, or bulk yarn packs that can help you save money. Acrylic or acrylic blend yarns tend to be more affordable than natural fibers like wool.
  2. Choose a smaller size: Opt for a smaller blanket size to reduce the amount of yarn needed. A lap throw or baby blanket will require less yarn compared to a larger adult-sized blanket.
  3. Use a simple stitch pattern: Select a basic stitch pattern like garter stitch or stockinette stitch that uses less yarn compared to intricate stitch patterns. Simple stitches also knit up faster, saving you time and potentially reducing the cost.
  4. Consider multiple colors or a color block design: If you’re unable to find a single inexpensive yarn color in bulk, you can choose multiple affordable yarn colors to create a color block design. This way, you can buy smaller quantities of each color while still achieving a visually appealing blanket.
  5. Utilize coupons and discounts: Check for any coupons or discounts offered by craft stores or online retailers. Sign up for newsletters or follow the social media accounts of these stores to stay updated on any promotions or special offers.
  6. Borrow or repurpose needles: If you don’t already have knitting needles, consider borrowing them from a friend or family member. Alternatively, you can check second-hand stores or online platforms for used knitting needles at a lower cost.

By employing these strategies, you may be able to reduce the cost of materials for your chunky knit blanket.

However, keep in mind that prices can vary depending on your location and the availability of discounted materials.

chunky knit throw

How Do You Make A Chunky Blanket Step By Step?

To make a chunky knit blanket, you’ll need chunky yarn, knitting needles, or arm knitting supplies (if you prefer arm knitting), and basic knitting skills.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a chunky blanket using regular knitting needles:

  1. Gather your materials: Get your super chunky yarn, knitting needles (size appropriate for your yarn), a pair of scissors, and a tapestry needle (optional).
  2. Determine the size: Decide on the desired dimensions of your blanket, such as the width and length. The blanket’s pattern will help you determine the number of stitches to cast on and the amount of yarn needed.
  3. Cast on stitches: Start by casting on the required number of stitches using the long-tail cast-on method or your preferred cast-on method. Make sure the number of stitches is appropriate for your desired blanket width.
  4. Begin knitting: Once you’ve cast on your stitches, start knitting the first row. You can use a simple stitch pattern like garter stitch (knitting every row) or a pattern of your choice. Continue knitting each row until you’ve reached the desired length or until you’ve used up most of your yarn, leaving some for binding off.
  5. Bind off: When you’ve reached the desired length, it’s time to bind off your stitches. Knit the first two stitches of the row, then pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Knit one more stitch, pass the previous stitch over it, and off the needle. Repeat this process until you’ve bound off all stitches, and cut the yarn, leaving a tail.
  6. Finishing touches: Weave in any loose yarn ends using a tapestry needle. If desired, you can also add fringe or other decorative elements to the edges of your blanket.

Note: If you prefer arm knitting, you can use your arms instead of knitting needles to create the blanket.

The process is similar, but instead of using needles, you’ll use your arms to create the stitches with tube yarns.

There are many online tutorials and videos available to guide you through the arm knitting process.

There are also patterns out there for finger knitting, where you create loops, pulling the yarn through with your fingers; you can also buy loop yarn to do this with.

Remember to adjust these steps based on your specific pattern or stitch choice.

It’s always a good idea to refer to a pattern or consult knitting resources for more detailed instructions if needed.

Related Post: How To Knit A Hat For Complete Beginners (+ Video Tutorial)

chunky knit throw blanket
chunky knit blanket

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