If you’ve been wanting to learn how to knit a blanket but don’t know where to start, we have the perfect guide for you! Knitting blankets is an enjoyable and creative way of producing beautiful pieces of handmade decor for your home. Not only are they both practical and aesthetically pleasing, but with circular knitting needles, it can also be a relaxing activity that you can take up in your free time!
In this post, we will explore all the steps involved in how to use circular knitting needles for blanket with using circular knitting needles to create a cozy and comfy blanket that will make a fantastic addition to any room in your house.
What Size Circular Needles Do You Need to Make a Blanket?
The size of circular needles you need to make a blanket will depend on the thickness of your yarn and the stitch pattern you are using. Generally, it is best to use needles that correspond with the size suggested on the yarn label, as this ensures that your stitches will be consistent in size. Circular needles vary in size from US 0 (2.0mm) to US 50 (25.0mm).
For a bulky weight yarn, you may want to use circular needles that are 8-10 mm in diameter. For worsted weight yarns, size 6 (4.0mm) or 7 (4.5mm) needle diameters usually work well for blankets. If you are using finer yarns such as sport or baby weight, you may want to choose needles that are 4-5 mm in diameter.
Choose a length of circular needle that is at least 6 inches longer than the desired width of your blanket. This will ensure that all of your stitches fit comfortably on the needles and that there is no strain on the cord. For example, if you want to make a blanket that is 36 inches wide, you should use a circular needle that is at least 42 inches long.
Finally, it’s important to remember that some knitters are more comfortable with smaller needles, and others are more comfortable with larger ones. Experiment until you find the size that works best for you and your knitting style.
11 Methods How to Use Circular Knitting Needles for Blanket
1. The Magic Loop Method
The magic loop method is a great way to knit a blanket using circular knitting needles. This method allows you to knit a large project on a small circumference needle, which is ideal for a blanket. To do this, you will need to use a long circular needle and make a loop with the yarn. Once you have made the loop, you will then knit your blanket as usual. This method is great for beginners since it is so easy to manage.
2. The Two Needle Method
The two-needle method is another great way to knit a blanket using circular knitting needles. This method is similar to the magic loop method, but you will use two needles instead of one. To work with the two-needle method, you will need to start by casting your stitches onto one of the needles. Once you have completed this step, you will need to divide the stitches by sliding them onto both needles. After this step is completed, you will be ready to begin knitting your blanket.
The two-needle method allows for more freedom in the size of your finished blanket. You can make your blanket as small or as large as you want by adding or subtracting the number of stitches. This method is ideal for making blankets that are larger than what would fit on a traditional straight needle.
3. The Three Needle Bind Off Method
The three-needle bind-off method is a great way to finish your blanket if you are using circular knitting needles. This method is similar to the two-needle method, but you will use three needles instead of two.
To begin, you will need to have two needles with the same number of stitches. You will knit across both needles, then use a third needle to knit the first two stitches together. You then pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, and repeat until all of the stitches have been bound off. This will create a neat, finished edge for your blanket.
4. The Cable Cast On Method
The cable cast-on method is a great way to start your blanket if you are using circular knitting needles. This method creates a nice firm edge to your blanket that can be helpful when working with larger projects like blankets. To do this, you will need to use a long circular needle and make a loop with the yarn. Once you have made the loop, you will then knit your blanket as usual.
5. The Long Tail Cast-On Method
The long-tail cast-on method is another great way to start your blanket if you are using circular knitting needles. This method creates an even edge and ensures that your stitches stay in place. To do this, you will need to use a long circular needle and make a loop with the yarn. Once you have made the loop, you will then knit your blanket as usual.
6. The Continental Knitting Method
The continental knitting method is a great way to knit faster when using circular knitting needles for blankets. To do this, you will hold the yarn in your left hand and use the right-hand needle to pick up each stitch as normal.
This technique can help reduce fatigue in your hands and make the process of knitting a blanket go much faster. To ensure you are knitting correctly, make sure each stitch is wrapped around the needle from front to back. Once you’ve completed a row, simply turn your work so that the needle is in your left hand and begin the next row.
7. The English Knitting Method
The English knitting method is another great way to knit faster when using circular knitting needles for blankets. To do this, you will hold the yarn in your right hand and use the left-hand needle to pick up each stitch as normal.
This technique can help reduce fatigue in your hands and make the process of knitting a blanket go much faster. When using the English knitting method, it is important to make sure that the yarn is tensioned properly and that each stitch is picked up at the same speed to avoid creating an uneven blanket.
8. The Long Tail Cast On with Provisional Method
The long tail cast-on with the provisional method is a great way to start a blanket if you are using circular knitting needles, especially if you want to add designs later on. Using this method, you will first cast on your stitches using the long tail cast-on method.
Once you have done this, you will then knit a few rows and then bind off loosely. After this, you will then unravel the provisional cast on and pick up your stitches again to continue knitting as usual.
9. The Knitted Cast-On Method
The knitted cast-on method is another great way to start a blanket if you are using circular knitting needles. This method is similar to the long tail cast-on method, but you will use a knit stitch instead of a purl stitch to create your loop. Once you have made the loop, you will then knit your blanket as usual.
The advantage of this method is that it gives a nice, even edge to your blanket and will ensure your knitting remains consistent. This can be particularly useful for larger projects such as blankets. To use the knitted cast-on method, first, make a loop of yarn on your left needle.
10. The Crochet Cast-On Method
The crochet cast-on method is another great way to start a blanket if you are using circular knitting needles. To do this, you will use a crochet hook and yarn to create a loop of stitches. Once you have made the loop, you will then knit your blanket as usual. This method is great for adding colorwork designs to blankets or other projects.
11. The Duplicate Stitch Method
The duplicate stitch method is a great way to add embellishments and decorations to your blanket that you have knitted with circular knitting needles. To do this, you will first need to knit the base pattern of your project and then use the duplicate stitch technique to create decorative patterns on top of it. Using this method, you can create unique designs on your blanket that will stand out and make your project truly unique.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun and challenging knitting project, try using circular needles to knit a blanket. You’ll be able to use all of your favorite yarns and colors, and the finished product will be beautiful and unique. Knitting with circular needles is not as difficult as it may seem, so don’t be afraid to give it a try. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert in no time.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to use circular knitting needles for blanket!
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