Knitting a blanket with circular needles is a practical choice for crafters looking to create larger projects without the bulkiness associated with straight needles. Circular needles allow for the distribution of a blanket’s weight more evenly, making the knitting process smoother and more comfortable. This guide will explore the benefits and techniques of using circular needles to knit blankets, suitable for all skill levels.
Can You Knit a Blanket Without Circular Needles?
While circular needles are often recommended for larger projects like blankets due to their capacity to hold more stitches and distribute weight evenly, it is certainly possible to knit a blanket with straight needles, especially if it’s a smaller item like a baby blanket or a lap throw.
Do You Need Circular Needles to Knit a Blanket?
No, you do not need circular needles to knit a blanket, but they can make the process easier for large projects. Circular needles can accommodate a significant number of stitches and are easier on the wrists and hands, especially when dealing with heavy projects.
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How to Knit a Blanket with Circular Needles for Beginners
Choosing the Right Materials
- Circular Needles: Opt for a needle length of at least 32 inches to accommodate the number of stitches needed for a blanket. The needle size will depend on the yarn weight; for most blankets, a size 10 (6 mm) or larger is appropriate.
- Yarn: Bulky or super bulky yarns are ideal for beginners because they knit up quickly and are easier to handle. You’ll need approximately 600-1200 yards depending on the desired size of the blanket.
Knitting Process
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Casting On: Use a simple cast-on method like the long-tail cast-on to begin your project. For a standard throw, you might cast on anywhere from 120 to 200 stitches.
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Joining in the Round (Optional): If you’re making an infinite loop blanket, be careful to not twist the stitches as you join them. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
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Knitting the Rows:
- For a flat blanket, simply turn the work at the end of each row as you would with straight needles. The circular needles just hold more stitches more comfortably.
- Choose a simple stitch pattern such as garter stitch (knitting every row) or stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row). These stitches are easy for beginners and knit up beautifully on circular needles.
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Adding New Balls of Yarn: When one ball of yarn ends, simply start knitting with a new one, leaving tails to weave in later.
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Binding Off: Once your blanket reaches the desired length, bind off loosely to maintain elasticity. Use a basic bind-off method or a stretchier bind-off technique if the edges are too tight.
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How to Knit a Blanket Without Circular Needles
If you prefer not to use circular needles, you can certainly knit a blanket with straight needles, especially if it’s a smaller project like a baby blanket.
Materials and Setup
- Straight Needles: Use the longest straight needles you can find. Typically, 14-inch needles can work, but for wider blankets, you might need to find specialty long needles.
- Yarn: Choose a yarn that matches the needle size for comfortable handling. As with circular needles, bulky yarn works well for beginners.
Knitting Process
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Casting On: Cast on the number of stitches that fit comfortably on your needles for the desired width of your blanket. For baby blankets, 70-100 stitches are usually sufficient.
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Knitting the Rows:
- Use the same basic stitches recommended for circular needles. The key difference here is managing the weight of the growing blanket, which can become cumbersome on straight needles.
- Support the weight of the blanket on your lap or a table as it grows to reduce strain on your hands and arms.
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Adding Width: If you need a wider blanket than your needles can accommodate, consider knitting panels that you can later sew together. This involves more finishing work but allows you to create a blanket as wide as you like.
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Binding Off: Finish the blanket by binding off as you would with any knitting project, ensuring the final edge is not too tight.
I once used circular needles to create a large, cozy throw for our family living room. The process was incredibly smooth, and the finished product was perfect for snuggling during movie nights. Paired with our comfy Puffy Lux Mattress, it became the favorite lounging spot for the entire family.
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Conclusion
Whether you choose circular or straight needles, knitting a blanket is a fulfilling project that yields a product filled with personal touch and warmth. With the right tools and some patience, you can create beautiful blankets that offer comfort and style to any home.
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