A handmade blanket is a special gift for all babies, and knitting is one way to make a blanket. Knitting a baby blanket for a gift at a baby shower or for your baby can be done by following these steps.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Planning in Making Blankets
Step 1. Determine the size of the blanket
Baby blankets come in a variety of different sizes. Before you start making a blanket, you must determine the size of the blanket that will be made. Here are some common sizes for baby and toddler blankets. The smaller size of the blanket is suitable for newborns; Choose a larger size if you want to use the blanket for a long time.
- Baby Blanket - 36" x 36"
- Crib Blanket - 36" x 54"
- Kids Blanket - 40" x 60"
Step 2. Select the yarn
Yarn is made in several different patterns. If you are a beginner, it will be easier to work with soft yarn. Yarns are also categorized by weight, or thickness of the strands. The weight of the yarn determines how big you knit, how you knit, and the size of the hook or hook you will use. Yarn weight also determines how long your crochet will be finished. You will find the weight of the yarn on the packaging; ranges from 0 – 6 – very thick. Here are some recommended yarns for making baby blankets.
- 1- Most High Quality: good or suitable for light and lacy blankets.
- 2 – High Quality suitable for a child's blanket who likes to be cuddled or carried
- 3 - DK (Double Knit): perfect for a warm and light blanket
- 4 - Wool: a little heavy, but easy to use
Step 3. Select the hook or hook that you will use
Hooks for knitting are available in a variety of different sizes. In the United States, sizes are indicated by letters. The taller the letter, the larger the letter size – so a hook with a K will be bigger than a hook with an H. In general, the heavier the yarn you choose, the bigger the hook you'll need. Here are some recommended yarn and hook combinations.
- Most High Quality - F hook
- High Quality - G hook
- DK - H hook
- Wool- H or I hook
Method 2 of 6: Understanding Basic Techniques: Starting Ties and Stitches
Step 1. Know about stitches
There are many stitches and techniques in knitting, but most of them come from two basic crochet stitches: single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc).
Step 2. Make the initial bond
The starting knot, also called the base knot, is the basis of every knitting. Each crochet pattern will tell you how many stitches you need to make the initial knot. Ties are made with several chain stitches (ch). To create an initial bond, follow these steps.
- Make a loose knot and loop it over the crochet hook. Give a tail a minimum of 6” long at the end of the knot.
- Hold the hook in your right hand and the thread in your left.
- Run the yarn over the hook from back to front (this is called a yard over or yo)
- Pull the hook and wind the thread through the original loop on the hook.
- By now, you've made one knot, and should make one left loop on the hook.
- Continue until you have a number of ties to your liking, or according to the pattern.
Step 3. Learn how to make single crochet or single crochet (sc)
The single crochet is a very easy crochet stitch, and produces a tight string of strings. To make a single crochet stitch:
- Start with the initial bond. For practice, make 17 knots.
- Make sure the front of the tie is facing up. The front of the tie will look like a row of hollow "Vs". The back of the ties looks like a wavy row.
- Insert the hook from front to back, into the second tie of the hook.
- Guide the yarn over the hook.
- Pull the hook and wrap the thread with the stitches. By now, you should have two turns left on your hook.
- Redirect the yarn over the hook.
- Pull the hook and wind the strand of yarn through both loops on your hook.
- By now, you have one loop left on your hook, and have made a single crochet.
- Move from right to left, continuing to single crochet until you reach the end of the knot. By now, you have made a single row of crochet.
Step 4. Learn how to make double crochet (dc)
Double crochet is one of the most commonly used and versatile knitting stitches. To make a double crochet stitch:
- Start with the initial bond. For practice, make 19 ties.
- Make sure that the front of the tie is facing up. The front of the tie looks like a row of hollow "Vs". The back of the ties looks like a wavy row.
- Guide the yarn over the hook.
- Insert the hook from front to back, into the fourth loop of the hook.
- Pull the hook and wrap the thread with the stitches. By now, you should have three loops on the hook.
- Run the yarn through the hook and pull on the hook, then wind the strand through the first two loops. By now, you should have two loops on the hook.
- Redirect the yarn through the hook, and pull the hook then wind the strand through both loops.
- By now, you should have one loop left on your hook, and have made a double crochet.
- Move from right to left, continuing to double crochet until you reach the end of the chain. By now, you should have made a row of double crochet.
Method 3 of 6: Blanket with Single Knitting
Step 1. Start making your quilt with basic ties
Use Worsted Weight or wool yarn and an H hook to make the basic knot. When you're knitting, stop every few stitches and make sure your base knot doesn't get twisted. Smooth out if needed, always leaving the row that forms a “V” facing up.
- To make a 36" x 36" blanket, make 150 ties
- To make a 36" x 54" blanket, make 150 ties
- To make a 40" x 60" blanket, make 175 ties
Step 2. Knit the first row
Starting with the second loop of your hook, do a single crochet stitch along the base loop. Try to keep your stitches as much as possible as you knit.
Step 3. Make a twisting knot
To move from the first row to the second row, you need to do a loop on the ties. Rotating ties are like vertical bridges or links between rows. The length of the looped ties varies depending on the type of stitch you are knitting with.
When you reach the end of the first row, make a chain stitch (ch 1). It is a rotating bond. The twisted knot counts as the first stitch of the next row
Step 4. Knit the second row
With the ties turning, you can start the second row.
- Flip your crochet so that the back of the fabric is facing you, and your knitting hook is in your right hand. The last stitch of the first row is now the first stitch of the second row.
- Insert the hook into the first stitch of the second row, and make a single crochet stitch.
- Continue to the end of the line.
Step 5. Continue knitting until you have the desired number of rows
The number of rows will depend on your density when knitting, but here are some guidelines:
- For a 36" x 36" blanket, make 70 rows
- For a 36" x 54" blanket, make 105 rows
- For a 40" x 60" blanket, make 110 rows
Step 6. Check your work as you knit
It's a good idea to stop and check each of your knitting as often as possible. Count to make sure you make the same number of stitches in each row. Check for mistakes you made. Measure your knitting with a tape measure to see how close you are to reaching your goal. If you find an error, there are several things you can do:
- Take your hook out of the loop of yarn and gently pull on the end of the yarn. Your knitting will begin to unravel.
- Keep the thread outline until you get to your point of error. Unravel back to the initial one stitch before the error.
- Insert the hook into the stitch loop, and start knitting from that point.
Step 7. Finish making the quilt
When the length of your blanket is to your liking, finish the last row. You can add a border, cut your yarn, and tie it at the end.
- To create an easy border, flip your fabric so the right side is facing you, then rotate your fabric 90 degrees. Ch 1 and thread the hook into the end of your fabric. Make 3 sc at the ends. Sc along the edge of your fabric until you get to the next edge, make 3 sc on the end and continue until you find the starting point. You can add another border in the same way if you wish.
- To finish, ch 1 and make a large loop with yarn. Remove the hook from the loop and cut your yarn, leaving it. Pull the end of the thread through the loop and tighten it to make a knot.
- To knit yarn at the ends, hold your fabric with the back facing you. Tie the ends of the threads using a tapestry needle. Insert the needle through the bottom of some of the stitches (about 2 inches). Skip the last half of the last stitch, then thread the needle through the same stitch about 1 inch. Pull the thread and snip the right end to link the fabric.
Method 4 of 6: Double Knit Blanket
Step 1. Start making your quilt with basic ties
Use wool yarn and an H hook to make the basic knot. When you're knitting, stop every few stitches and make sure your base knot doesn't get twisted. Smooth out if needed, always leaving the row that forms a “V” facing up.
- To make a 36" x 36" blanket, make 150 ties
- To make a 36" x 54" blanket, make 150 ties
- To make a 40" x 60" quilt, make 175 ties
Step 2. Knit the first row
Starting with the fourth knot off your hook, sew in a double crochet all the way through the base knot. Try to keep your stitches as long as you knit.
Step 3. Make a twisting knot
To move from the first row to the second row, you need to do a loop on the ties. Rotating ties are like vertical bridges or links between rows. The length of the looped ties varies depending on the type of stitch you are knitting with.
When you have finished knitting the first row, make three chain stitches (ch 3). It is a rotating bond. The twisted knot counts as the first stitch in the next row
Step 4. Knit the second row
With the ties turning, you can start knitting the second row.
- Flip your crochet so that the back of the fabric is facing you, and your crochet hook is in your right hand. The last stitch in the first row is now the first stitch in the second row.
- Skip the first stitch under the twisting knot. Thread the hook in the second stitch of the first row, and double crochet that stitch.
- Continue to the end of the line.
Step 5. Continue knitting until you get the number of rows you want
The number of rows will depend on your knitting density, but there are a few guidelines:
- To make a 36" x 36" quilt, make 48 rows
- To make a 36" x 54" quilt, make 72 rows
- To make a 40" x 60" quilt, make 80 rows
Step 6. Check your work as you knit
It's a good idea to stop and check each of your knitting as often as possible. Count to make sure you make the same number of stitches in each row. Check for mistakes you made. Measure your knitting with a tape measure to see how close you are to reaching your goal. If you find an error, there are several things you can do:
- Remove your hook from the loop of yarn and gently pull on the end of the yarn. Your knitting will begin to unravel.
- Keep the thread outline until you get to your point of error. Unravel back to the one initial stitch before the error.
- Insert the hook into the stitch loop, and start knitting from that point.
Step 7. Finish making the quilt
When the length of your blanket is to your liking, finish the last row. You can add a border, cut your yarn, and tie it at the end.
- To create an easy border, flip your fabric so the right side is facing you, then rotate your fabric 90 degrees. Ch 1 and thread the hook into the end of your fabric. Make 3 sc at the ends. Sc along the edge of your fabric until you get to the next edge, make 3 sc on the end and continue until you find the starting point. You can add another border in the same way if you wish.
- To finish, ch 1 and make a large loop with yarn. Remove the hook from the loop and cut your yarn, leaving it. Pull the end of the thread through the loop and tighten it to make a knot.
- To knit yarn at the ends, hold your fabric with the back facing you. Tie the ends of the threads using a tapestry needle. Insert the needle through the bottom of some of the stitches (about 2 inches). Skip the last half of the last stitch, then thread the needle through the same stitch about 1 inch. Pull the thread and snip the right end to link the fabric.
Method 5 of 6: Granny Square Blanket
Step 1. Know the patterns and techniques
A granny square blanket is made from a collection of double crochet stitches and bond stitches. Knit in circles, not rows. Blankets and many other items can be made from small granny square blankets and sewn together. However, the easiest way to make a blanket is to make a large one.
Step 2. Make the initial circle
The square quilt begins with a loop of knotted seam joined by a loose seam.
- Use wool yarn and hook sizes H, ch 6.
- To make a loose seam, thread the hook in the first knot, wrap it with the thread and pull the thread. At this point, you have two loops on your hook.
- Pull the first loop (the loop you just created) through the second loop. This time, you have stitches in the shape of a circle.
Step 3. Make a basic circle
To knit a basic circle, you will place your stitch in the center of the loop on the knot.
- Ch 3. (This is a ch 3 like looped knot, and counts as the first stitch in the row.) Then, yo and insert the hook in the center of the loop. Make 2 dc. Ch 2. Make 3 dc on the circle and ch 2. Repeat twice.
- Thread your hook into the third loop of the loop, and join it with the loose stitches to make a loop.
- Look at your circle and you'll see that there are groups of 3 dcs forming the edges on the granny square blanket, and ch 2 being the edges.
Step 4. Draw a second circle
a second circle is created and stretched over the base circle.
- Loose stitches across the top of the first three stitches until you reach the first end.
- Work your stitches on the ends, ch 3. Then 2 dc, ch 2, 3 sc.
- At this point, you are on one side of the square blanket. Ch 2 as a "bridge" seam. On the next end, work (3 sc, ch 2, 3 sc).
- Do Ch 2 again, and continue around until you reach the starting point.
- Join the loose seam at the top of the spun knot.
Step 5. Draw a third circle
The third circle expands the granny square blanket.
- Loose stitches through the first three stitches until you reach the first end.
- Work your stitches on the ends, ch 3. Then 2 dc, ch 2, 3 sc.
- Skip to the next 3 dc. Currently, you are at the ch 2 you created in the previous circle. Work 3 dc at that distance.
- On the next end, make 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. At the next ch 2 distance, make 3 dc.
- Continue around until you reach the starting point.
- Join the loose seam at the top of the twisted knot.
Step 6. Keep making circles
Keep repeating the third circle until your blanket is the size you want.
Step 7. Finish making your quilt
To finish, you can add a border, cut out, and tie a knot at the end.
- To create an easy border, flip your fabric so the right side is facing you, then rotate your fabric 90 degrees. Ch 1 and thread the hook into the end of your fabric. Make 3 sc at the ends. Sc along the edge of your fabric until you get to the next edge, make 3 sc on the end and continue until you find the starting point. You can add another border in the same way if you wish.
- To finish, ch 1 and make a large loop with yarn. Remove the hook from the loop and cut your yarn, leaving it. Pull the end of the thread through the loop and tighten it to make a knot.
- To knit yarn at the ends, hold your fabric with the back facing you. Tie the ends of the threads using a tapestry needle. Insert the needle through the bottom of some of the stitches (about 2 inches). Skip the last half of the last stitch, then thread the needle through the same stitch about 1 inch. Pull the thread and snip the right end to link the fabric.
Method 6 of 6: Adding Embellishments (Optional)
Step 1. Decorate your quilt with interesting decorations
The steps for creating an easy border are explained in each of the methods above, but this session emphasizes some interesting ways to add the finishing touches to your quilt.
Step 2. Add tassels
Tassels are one of the easiest ways to decorate a quilt. Here are the steps to add tassels easily.
- Determine the length of the tassel you want, then look for a board or other (CD holder, book) that is the same size.(For example, if you want a 3” tassel, find a 3” wide board.)
- Wrap your yarn over the board.
- Use scissors to cut the thread in the middle. At this point, you have several pieces of yarn that are twice as long as your desired tassel length.
- Take the hook and thread it into the top of the seam at the end of the quilt.
- Take two halves of tassel thread, hold them together and fold them in half so that there is a loop at the top.
- Thread the hook through the loop of yarn and pull the loop out of your quilt fabric.
- Remove the hook and thread the end of the thread through the loop to make a knot. Tighten slowly.
- Skip two stitches and add another tassel. Continue until you reach one end of the quilt, then add tassels at the other end.
Step 3. Create a border with two colors
The border of single crochet will look interesting with two colors. Here's how to make it. Follow the steps above to create a single-assembly border across your quilt. In the last stitch, you will change the color.
- To change colors, use the last single crochet of color A until you have two loops left on your hook.
- Change color A, and use color B.
- Use yarn in color B, and pull the hook through the remaining two loops to complete the stitch.
- Remaining the thread, cut the thread with color A.
- Continue sc around the blanket with color B until you reach the end. Tuck the stitches into the first stitch, cut out, and tie at all ends.
Step 4. Add shell border
Shell borders are a classic and attractive way to decorate a baby blanket. To create a shell border, follow these steps.
- Do a single crochet around all the edges of your quilt, making 3sc on each end.
- Tuck the stitch into the first stitch.
- Skip the stitch, then make 5 dc on the next stitch, then tuck the stitch into the next stitch. Follow this pattern to the end of the row.
- When you get to the end, ch 1, slip the stitch into the first stitch on the other side, then continue the pattern.
- Continue around the blanket and you reach your starting point. Tuck the stitch into the first stitch, cut out, and tie at the end.
