Want to make your own Chunky Knit Blanket? What you need to know.

February 5, 2018 8 Comments
knit your own chunky blanket

Like many people I have ogled over those gorgeous chunky knit blankets you see all over Pinterest and I've been desperate for a huge one to put on the end of my bed, but they are incredibly expensive and so I have never got round to buying one. I stumbled upon a really simple video tutorial to make your own chunky knit blanket and so decided to buy some chunky yarn wool and have a go at making my own. I'm quite a crafty person so I wasn't afraid to try this out but I decided to share my experience of how I got on making my own chunky knit blanket and my advice for others wanting a chunky blanket of their own. This isn't a full on tutorial as the video I followed is so simple I couldn't better it, this post is more some tips and thoughts I learned whilst trying my hand at arm/hand knitting for the first time.

 One of the reasons these chunky knit blankets are so expensive is because the merino wool is very pricey. You'll find this even if you make your own chunky knit blanket. I opted for Light pink chunky merino wool which I bought from here and decided to only buy 1kg of wool to make myself a small rectangle which would be perfect for flat lays and as a cute instagram prop. This cost around £35. For a large blanket you need around 4kg of wool which would be £140 so I decided to give the technique a go first before spending a lot of money.

The yarn comes all in one ball and it is very fragile so you do need to be careful. The first thing you need is a good surface. I used my dining table but did put a cloth down so the wool wouldn't catch on the old wooden table top. To begin you'll need to unwind your yarn to make it easier to arm knit.

knit your own chunky blanket

It did take me a little while to get started. I really did watch the video a few times to get going but once I totally understood how to start I was flying along the first row of loops. The technique really does just use a system of loops and pulls and is simply done by hand with no other tools and I love this but you do need to be gentle with the wool as it is delicate.  I found my chunky yarn much fluffier than the yarn in the video which make it slightly trickier as occasionally my fingers went through the wool instead of the loop. I suspect this is to do with the quality of wool you buy. I think I would buy slightly better next time.

knit your own chunky blanket
knit your own chunky blanket

The size of the blanket is determined by how many loops you do along the first row. To begin with I did way too many and got 2/3 of the way along the second row and realised I would run out before I'd even done a third row. I think before you start be really sure how much wool you have and how wide you are going to make your blanket. In the end I did 13 loops which is approx 90cm wide. 

Because I undid my blanket a couple of times I did end up with quite fluffy wool so I'd be really careful not to keep undoing it like I did.

knit your own chunky blanket

When I got to the end of the row I stopped to watch that bit of the video a couple of times, just to make sure I got it right and then began the second row of loops.

This style of chunky blanket knit design involves loops through the previous rows loops and that technique is just repeated and I have to say once I'd mastered it including the ends of the row I made my mini blanket in about an hour and found it quite simple.

knit your own chunky blanket
knit your own chunky blanket

When you get towards the end of the wool you need to be careful to leave yourself enough to cast off and finish the blanket. The last row uses more wool than a normal row as you pass the wool through two loops at a time and knot the end so be sure to leave yourself plenty.

I ended up with a mini blanket of 90cm x 55cm and I love it and am so pleased with how it came out. Its perfect for draping over a chair or as a wonderful photography prop which is what mine will mostly be used for.

knit your own chunky blanket
knit your own chunky blanket
knit your own chunky blanket
knit your own chunky blanket

I found the technique easy to learn and very easy to do once I'd mastered it, but the bit that was hard was working out what size to make it with some trial and error which did damage the wool. As the wool is expensive I am really glad that I bought a small amount to give the technique a go, I would definitely go ahead and buy more wool and make myself a big blanket, but probably next Winter now. I think it would probably take me a good couple of hours to make a large one, but I'd be quite confident to try it although I'd obviously only be able to make this one design.

I think if you fancy a mini blanket like mine its well worth buying some wool and giving it a go as its quite cheap but if a big blanket is what you fancy and you don't wan't to risk a diy then there are some great shops you can buy from.
Pomme Pomme shop (run by a fellow blogger) has some really affordable options of blanket or for a HUGE choice of designs and colours then head to Lauren Aston designs. Yes these blankets are expensive but having experienced the cost of materials and the technique and time needed it really is worth it.

So that's my thoughts after making my own hand knit blanket! I'd love to know what you think, would you make your own chunky knit blanket or would you buy a ready made one instead?

Debs

Photos taken on the Olympus Pen 

This post may also contain PR Samples or gifted items. It may also contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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8 Comments

  • Claudia February 5, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    This looks amazing! I would love to try something like this but I know I would end up ruining the wool! Looks amazing, and I love the colour xx

  • Sarah February 6, 2018 at 9:27 am

    I love this! I’ve just ordered the wool to make one for my niece-to-be’s baby shower! Fingers crossed it turns out as well as yours!! Thank you for the inspiration!

    • Bang on Style February 19, 2018 at 11:14 am

      OOh cant wait to see it! Good luck xxx

  • Samantha February 6, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    I shall definitely be trying this! It’s looks lovely and soft, just need to hunt around for some wool. You did such a good job xx

    • Bang on Style February 19, 2018 at 11:13 am

      Thanks so much Samantha, definitely have a go xxx

  • Claire Adams December 20, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    Wow Debs love it. I met you with Vicky the other day !!

    You’re amazing and I love your crafts

    Love Claire xx

  • Elnaz October 29, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    Hi. I want to diy my own blanket but there some questions that I have, it would be wonderful if you could help me.

    1. When you buy the wool, it is ready to use? Or you have to make it ready? Like washing it with special materials or…

    2. For this blanket wool is better or cotton? based on its weight and washing process, which one gets dirty easily? And it’s look, which one make it look more natural and cute
    Also which one is more comfortable

    Thanks for your help.

    • Bang on Style January 14, 2020 at 9:29 am

      Hi lovely, Only just seen this so apologies for the delay. Yes its ready to use when it comes. I chose wool but I find it does fluff easily. I believe the cotton is more hard wearing but I don’t have direct experience of it I’m afraid.

      Debs x

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