Things You Should Know Before Knitting a Cosy Chunky Blanket

Wondering what kind of yarn you need for a thick knit blanket? Learning about different types of yarn and what is involved in this type of knitting is important before purchasing your supplies and getting started on your thick knit blanket project. Below you will find everything you need to know about chunky yarn for thick knitting projects, so you can get started on the right path.

Material

Chunky yarns are available in a range of materials, being merino wool the preferable choice. This kind of wool is super soft and absolutely perfect for a warm blanket. Although it is thick, chunky and beautifully luxurious, merino wool can be a little heavy. So, if you are planning to make a really large blanket for daily use, you may want to consider wool alternatives. Moreover, if you are looking for a non-animal option, consider chenille yarn. This type of wool is made of synthetic materials, which is durable and lasting as well as washable. Chenille is also much lighter than traditional wool, making it ideal for a lightweight yet warm blanket.

Acrylic yarn is also a great alternative to wool. If you think that acrylic equals coarse plastic you should think again. Acrylic yarn has improved a lot over the years and today it mimics wool and natural fibres pretty well. Modern acrylic yarns are soft, durable, warm and lightweight. It is also a great option for individuals who are allergic to wool. Because acrylic yarn is usually machine washable, it is convenient for a blanket that is going to be used daily. The downside of acrylic yarn is that it is made of substances which are non-biodegradable. This means it is not the best option for those who are looking to minimize their carbon footprint. If you are one of these people, then natural yarn is the best option.

Size

The size of the blanket will determine the amount of chunky yarn you need. As a rule of thumb, a blanket which is 1.20 by 1.50 metres requires around 4 kilos of yarn. But half this amount can also make a decent size blanket and throw for personal use. Making sure you have enough yarn before you start your blanket will save you disappointment in an incomplete project. Since blankets are so versatile, you can also decide on a certain number of skeins that suits your budget and then make the blanket as large as your skeins allow.

Colour

Here you can feel free to choose whatever yarn colour that suits your taste and preferences. You can knit the whole blanket in your favourite colour or add in bright contrast colour to bring character to the space. If you are having a hard time finding the perfect colour scheme at the stores, this is a great opportunity to knit your own. Simply source the yarn colour that your favour and start your chunky blanket knitting journey.

Durability

This is an important consideration for blankets since many are used for life. Also, if you are going to invest your time as well as your yarn into a blanket, you may as well choose a yarn that is lasting and easy to take care of.

Once you’ve chosen your yarn, it will be time to start knitting. One great thing about using chunky knitting yarns is that you can produce something quite quickly. Still, there will be a few issues that may come up, so here are a few tips for you:

• Needle Choice – The needles for chunky yarns are quite ticky (6mm diameter and larger), which means they can feel heavy. That is why it is important to consider the type of needles you use and whether you might be more comfortable with acrylic or metal needles, for example. If you will be knitting a large chunky blanket, you might also want to think about working in rows using a circular needle. This will help distribute the weight of your project rather than gathering it all on one straight needle.
• Tension – Those experienced with knitting regularly recommend to make a tension square, and this is particularly important with chunky knitting yarn. It is common for individuals to find out that their tension varies when they use thicker yarn and large needles. So make sure you take your time and check your tension, especially if you are making a garment.
• Hand Fatigue – Working with big needles can be hard on the hands and wrists, especially if you have some kind of problem like arthritis. So, have a project in a finer yarn that you can swap to regularly. This will give your hands a break; it can feel like giving the muscles in your hand a warm down.
  Overall, knitting with chunky yarn is very fun. Like many, you may feel instant gratification. What are you waiting to pick out a few yarns to get started?