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How to make a chunky knit blanket – DIY guide for beginners

by Wool Art on November 25, 2021

You’ve probably seen many chunky knit blankets parading the internet lately. Don’t they look so beautiful and cozy? Fortunately, you can easily make one from the comfort of your home.

Since we love these blankets just as much as you do, we’ve decided to help you out. Today we’re going to learn how to make a DIY chunky knit blanket. This is way more fun than simply buying one. Get ready to have your mind blown.

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Step by step guide on how to make a DIY chunky blanket

In this information age, there’re so many tutorials out there on how to knit a chunky blanket. Here’s a step by step guide to making your very own DIY chunky blanket in a super-easy way.

1. Buying some yarn

One of the most important things for making the DIY chunky knit blanket is to have a good quality chunky yarn.

Purchase the chunky knit yarn in our shop. We sell high-quality extra-fine merino wool. Our yarn is super thick, chunky and perfect for knitting DIY chunky blankets. Read more about why choose our wool over the others in our blog post "Why choose Wool Art products".

You may also probably wonder about how much wool you need for a chunky blanket. To make it easier for you, we have created an easy cheat-sheet, that you can find in this post.

Chunky knit yarn bulk 10 lb (4.6 kg)

$ 191.40 USD$ 319.01 USD

Chunky knit yarn

$ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

Chunky knit yarn bulk 10 lb (4.6 kg)

$ 191.40 USD$ 319.01 USD

Chunky knit yarn

$ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

2. Make your first stitch

After unwrapping your yarn, so now it's now time to make your first stitch. First of all, you should know that most DIY chunky knit blankets are made by arm knitting. If you've never done arm knitting before, don't worry, that's what this guide is for.
To start with your first stitches, you'll only need your arms, chunky yarn and a bit of patience.

Unroll the yarn on the floor so you have a pile of wool in front of you. This will ensure that the thread pulls easily and you'll have more focus on the knitting process itself.

Unlike the standard knitting, where you have to cast on the stitches for the starting row, we'll give you an ingenious tip, that will give your blanket shape and make it look much neater. Instead of casting on the stitches, start crocheting the simplest crochet chain.

The length of the crocheted chain will be the width of your blanket. The last loop of the unfinished chain will be your first right side stitch. After you have crocheted the needed length chain, you can now knit the actual stitches that will form the blanket.

Tip! Crochet the chain more freely than too tight. If it's too tight, then the specific part of the blanket will tighten too much and will contrast the rest sides of the blanket. If you make the crochet chain too loose, you can always tighten it with the loose end.

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3. Start the knitting

Turn the crocheted chain to the side where you can easily see small loops in the middle part of the chain - they will become the other stitches. Leave the side stitch/last chain loop on its own for now and start pulling the long thread to the left side through each one of the chain loops forming a row of separate stitches.

After ending your first stitches row, you should easily get an idea of how it works.

After you have your first row done, without turning your knitting, start coming back - from the left side to the right side, pulling the long thread through each one of the first row stitches.

Tip! Remember that the side stitches need to be knitted only one time per row. End the row with knitting the last stitch and start the row with knitting the second stitch.

4. Knitting the blanket



Repeat making the stitches row by row, creating the length of the blanket. Count the stitches for every row as you knit, it'll help you to stay focused and not miss a stitch.

Time to time check if your stitches are the same size. If they're not - don't worry, because the practice will make it perfect soon.

Tip! To make the knitting even, use your hand as a measuring tool - pull each one stitch on your hand, so the stitches are all the same size.

5. Bind off the blanket

Now that your blanket is done, what's next? To finish off, you'll need to bind off your chunky blanket. For the beginners, we suggest binding off from the right side, as it's easier. Make the last row by knitting the stitches from left to right and you can start to bind off. Do you remember the tip about not knitting the side stitches twice? Now you can and should do it. Knit an extra right-side stitch for the last row - it'll form a shape to the blanket corner.

Now take the working yarn and pull it through two right-side stitches at a time. This should leave you with one stitch on hand only. Leave that one stitch in hand, take the next one free stitch and put it on hand so you again have two stitches. Pull the working yarn through both stitches so you again are left with one stitch only. Repeat this process until all the stitches are finished and you're left with one stitch on your hand.

Cut the thread so you have around 8 inches of tail. Insert the tail inside the stitch and pull it tightly.

Tip! Don't pull the working yarn through the stitches too tight nor too loose - try to pull it through naturally so the top of the blanket is well-shaped.

6. Finishing touches

As much as it's okay to leave the tail ends of your blanket hanging, you can choose to weave them through the holes of the chunky blanket. This gives your blanket a neater finish.

While weaving the top tail, try to stick more to the top of the blanket - it'll make the thread more unnoticeable. Do the same also with the first row's tail, which was left when you started to knit the blanket - try to stick and weave the tail more to the first row's bottom.

Now take the blanket in your both hands and shake it well. It'll even the stitches and the rows, and will give the finishing shape.


And there, you've your very own DIY chunky knit blanket!

The life-changing bonus tip! What can be more annoying than to run out of yarn before finishing the blanket? Don't worry! Instead of making huge knots in the middle of your blanket, you can just felt the two ends of the yarn threads together. You can find the felting needles in your nearest hobby shop.

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Tips and advice on making a chunky knit blanket

Now that you've learned this super chunky knit blanket pattern, there are some tips you need to know to ensure the quality of your product.

1. Don't rush

I know some tutorials promise you that you'll be able to make a DIY chunky knit blanket in less than an hour. However, for most people, especially beginners, it takes longer. It took happyhappy nester five hours the first she attempted to knit a chunky blanket.

Don't worry. You'll get faster with time. I recommend looking for a friend to pursue this project with you. Making a whole event of it will make it so much fun that you won't even notice the amount of time which has passed.

2. Wear short sleeves

This is quite obvious. Your sleeves will interfere with the knitting process and ultimately make you slower.

3. Tug at the blanket

During the knitting process, you should occasionally tug at the blanket to ensure it doesn't bunch up. You will also need to tug and stretch the final product.

4. Take a break

If you feel exhausted, you can stop and take a break from knitting. Yes, you don't have to do it all in one go. After a relaxing break with a coffee cup or tea mug in your hands, you'll feel full of energy and ready to knit again.

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    Alternatives to knitting with hands

    Hand knitting is not the only way to make a chunky blanket. Here are other methods you can employ.

    1. Knitting with giant needles

    This method involves knitting with giant knitting needles. These needles are usually made of wood. There are two types of giant needles. One type is the one where two needles are long and separated from each other. This type of needles is suitable for knitting smaller items like scarves, hats, sweaters or pet rugs. mia beach has some cute jumbo giant knitting needles for this purpose.

    The other type of needles are a bit shorter and they're connected with a long wire. These needles are suitable for knitting the chunky blankets. The long wire between the needles holds the blanket together and the stitches stay in the place.

    Although the needles look quite cool and quirky, you may discover that knitting with your hands only is the easiest option.

    2. Knitting on your arms

    Another way how to knit the blanket is for your arms to perform the function of the knitting needles. So instead of putting the stitches on the needles, you put all the stitches on your hand one by one.

    3. Crocheting

    Interestingly, knitting is not the only way to make a chunky blanket. Crocheting is another way. The super-chunky crotchet blanket can be made by using your hand/arm or using large crochet hooks.

    A tutorial for making your very own chunky crochet blanket is available from Makeit & Love it. Whether you choose to knit or crochet your blanket, the results are similar since they are made from the same material. The only difference is the technique.
    While some swear that crocheting is faster and easier to learn, long-time knitters vehemently disagree. However, there are a few true things. First of all, crocheting produces a heavier, more stretchy blanket than knitting.

    Additionally, crocheting takes more yarn than knitting. Ultimately, whatever method you choose is up to you.

    How to take care of your chunky knit blanket

    Merino wool is a delicate material, so only dry cleaning is recommended. However it's also heat-resistant, so you can iron it at a high temperature if needed.

    As merino wool is naturally antibacterial, there's usually no need for extra cleaning. If something spills on the blanket, you can gently remove the dirt with your hands or use a damp cloth.

    The bottom line

    Let's be honest - it takes some time for beginners to get the hang of knitting. This is especially true for arm knitting. However, when you have the right material and get used to the arm knitting, you'll realise that knitting is a very rewarding craft.

    This DIY chunky knit blanket will be just a beginning of your knitting journey. It'll be fun to make the chunky knits for yourself and it'll be even a bigger joy to delight your friends and family with wonderful chunky knit gifts.

    SALE ON ALL CHUNKY YARNS
    SAVE up to 40% GET YOUR DEAL HERE

    Related posts

    Needles for chunky knitting and why you don't need them

    How much yarn do you need for chunky blanket

    DIY chunky blanket - step by step guide with video tutorial

    Products mentioned in this article

    Chunky knit yarn bulk 10 lb (4.6 kg)

    $ 191.40 USD$ 319.01 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn bulk 10 lb (4.6 kg)

    $ 191.40 USD$ 319.01 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn

    $ 38.38 USD$ 54.83 USD

    Chunky knit yarn bulk 10 lb (4.6 kg)

    $ 191.40 USD$ 319.01 USD

    37 comments
    by Wool Art on October 24, 2023

    Hello Leah,
    Our wool is purely clean, so technically it shouldn’t cause any allergies (usually the allergies are cause by the sheep skin protein found in wool). However, there can be more sensitive skin and the wool may feel a bit harsh, although our wool is very soft. Another option we have, is this cotton tube yarn – it’s smooth, soft and, filled with polyester, it shouldn’t cause any allergies: https://www.thewoolart.com/collections/cotton-tube-yarn

    by Wool Art on October 24, 2023

    Hello Maureen,
    Here are some examples on how much yarn is needed for different size blankets: https://www.thewoolart.com/blogs/wool-art/how-much-yarn-do-you-need-for-chuky-blanket

    by Leah on October 24, 2023

    I am allergic to wool, is there something else I can use instead as I’d love to make a throw for me!! ☺️

    by Maureen Frazier on October 24, 2023

    Want to make a full size chunky blanket how many yarn rolls do I need they keep saying the pound I don’t know what that means please help thank you Maureen

    by Wool Art on November 25, 2022

    Hello Mandy,

    The wool in our tutorial is not felted anyhow yet. If you wish, you can felt it as much as it’s needed for you and how you like it to look visually.
    Usually the pilling of the un-felted product stops by itself after some time the blanket is being used.

    by Mandy on November 25, 2022

    And at what point do you felt the raw merino to prevent extreme piling, tearing, breakage? What method would you recommend?

    by Wool Art on March 04, 2021

    Hello Unutesi, You can see the cotton tube yarn offer in our Tube yarn section. Here’s the link: https://www.thewoolart.com/collections/tube-yarn

    by Wool Art on March 04, 2021

    Hello Tina, We’ll post the video on our page soon, please follow-up.

    by Unutesi Doreen on March 04, 2021

    We are looking forward for the video on how it is done.
    How can we get cotton wool?

    by Tina on March 04, 2021

    Hi, I would love to make one of theses blankets in a queen size. Could you send me a video to my email address. Thanks

    by Grace McGee on November 16, 2020

    This was excellent. I would love to have it email to me.

    by Wool Art on November 04, 2020

    Hello Arisa,
    Here’s a blog post, where you’ll find all the details: https://www.thewoolart.com/blogs/wool-art/how-much-yarn-do-you-need-for-chuky-blanket

    by Arisa on November 04, 2020

    How many bundles do you need to make a blanket?

    by Wool Art on October 05, 2020

    Hello tessa,
    If you follow the instructions step by step, then you’ll easily knit your first blanket. You just need to get used to the big wool. Afterwards, it’s really simple and easy.

    by tessa on October 05, 2020

    i’m in love with theses i want to make one myself!, it looks very hard i’m only 12 i was hoping this would make it easier but maybe not if you have suggestions let me know.

    by Wool Art on September 21, 2020

    Dear Gladys,
    We wish you lots of joy while making the blanket! Let us know if you need any advice.

    by Wool Art on September 21, 2020

    Dear Angela,
    Here you can check for information on how much yarn you need for chunky blanket : https://www.thewoolart.com/blogs/wool-art/how-much-yarn-do-you-need-for-chuky-blanket
    The approximate quantities are also indicated here in the product description: https://www.thewoolart.com/collections/yarn/products/gray-chunky-knit-yarn
    Good luck with your project!

    by Gladys on September 19, 2020

    I simply love this blanket and I want to make One. Wish me luck!

    by Angela Fontes on September 15, 2020

    My daughter would like me to make her a Chunky Blanket. I want to make a full size blanket not a baby blanket and would like to know how much yard is needed and if I want to use your suggested wool yarn approximately what it would cost.

    by Wool Art on April 22, 2020

    Dear Riette,
    We plan to make a video soon. Thank you for the advice!

    by Wool Art on April 22, 2020

    Dear Erin,
    The yarn comes in different quantities depending on how much wool you need.
    The needed wool depends on the blanket size. You can check this blog post to see some examples: https://www.thewoolart.com/blogs/wool-art/how-much-yarn-do-you-need-for-chuky-blanket

    by Erin Truchan on April 15, 2020

    What quantity does the yarn come in and how much would I need?

    by Riette Truter on July 02, 2021

    Need an video how to knit the chunky blanket

    by Wool Art on July 02, 2021

    Dear Rita,
    We plan to make a video soon and your suggestion regarding the slow-motion is very great advice. Thank you!

    by Wool Art on July 02, 2021

    Dear Dee,
    If instructions are followed step by step, then knitting should be easy and as with all the things – practice will make it perfect soon. Thank you for your suggestion regarding a video. We plan to make it soon.

    by Rita on July 02, 2021

    It would be great if someone would show how to do this in slow motion. Most of the time videos are to fast and the arms are in the way. I’m trying to see how to go to the next row. Needing to see how to turn the wool to the next row. Please help me.

    by Dee on July 02, 2021

    Not helpful. Can’t tell whats going on. Would be better if you had a video

    by Wool Art on July 02, 2021

    Dear Toni,
    It’s easier to knit with your arms only, so there’s no need for the knitting needles.

    by Wool Art on July 02, 2021

    Dear Kathy,
    For a queen size you need around 21 pounds of wool.

    by Wool Art on July 02, 2021

    Dear Jessica,
    The needed wool depends on the blanket size. You can check this blog post to see some examples: https://www.thewoolart.com/blogs/wool-art/how-much-yarn-do-you-need-for-chuky-blanket

    by Kathy on July 02, 2021

    What weight and how much yarn do I need for a queen size?

    by Wool Art on July 02, 2021

    Dear Elizabeth,
    For a 50×60 throw you’ll need around 7 lbs of wool.

    by Wool Art on July 02, 2021

    Dear Marisela,
    You can purchase the yarn in our shop under the “Yarn” section.

    by Jessica on July 02, 2021

    How many balls of yarn do you need to make the blanket?

    by Toni on July 02, 2021

    I want to use knitting needles and would like to be sent a pattern so I can knit it. Thanks

    by Elizabeth Etheridge on July 02, 2021

    How many of those big balls of yarn does it take to make a 50×60 throw?

    by Marisela on July 02, 2021

    Where can I buy that yarn. I will love to make a chunky blanket . Thank you

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