How to Knit a Blanket | Basic Blanket Recipe
How to Knit a Blanket
In this episode of Ask Me Monday, I broke down the basics of How to Knit a Blanket. This video isn’t just for newbies, though. It’s for anyone who has wanted to tip-toe into designing but didn’t know where to start. We cover how to choose supplies, what stitch patterns work best, and how to write your own pattern. Enjoy!
***This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro***
See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!
Global Warming Blanket from AwareKnits, by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong
How to Knit a Blanket: Picking Supplies
YARN:
There aren’t really any rules about what yarn you can and can’t use to knit a blanket. Any weight from sock to mega-bulky will work, depending on the desired effect. Fiber content can vary, but usually, 100% wool and blends with silk, rayon, and cotton will provide solid results. If being washable is a deal breaker than look for Super Wash fibers (which have been treated to be able to handle a reasonable amount of warm water and friction without felting) or, of course, there are always 100% acrylics which these days are often just as soft as their animal fiber counterparts and as indestructible as, well, all plastic products. The latter are also often the least expensive and are readily available at big-box retailers.
Although, washability is usually of utmost importance for baby blankets if you’re truly making an heirloom — especially one including lace — I would consider that something that special deserves an occasional handwash. In other words, if you want to knit your new niece a cashmere stroller blanket I’m all for it! Just be sure to include washing instructions when you gift it.
All in all, find a yarn that is really soft in colors you love enough to live with for the tie it’ll take to knit a blanket. Blankets are an exercise in love and patience, so set yourself up for success by treating your experience to nice yarn.
Looking for a solid, staple wool for blankets? Try Valley Yarns Superwash Worsted. If you like a mid-century palette, then try my colors within that line! 
