Introduction
Chunky blankets have been gaining popularity in the last few years. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also incredibly cozy and perfect for snuggling up on the couch or adding some extra warmth to your bed. Making a chunky blanket by hand is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can do with the right materials and a bit of patience.
What is a chunky blanket? A chunky blanket is essentially a large, heavy blanket made with thick yarn and usually created using one of four techniques: arm knitting, crochet, Tunisian crochet, and chunky knitting. Each technique has its own unique look and feel, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.
Making a chunky blanket by hand has many benefits. It’s an affordable way to create a unique piece of home décor that will last for years. It’s also a great way to practice and refine your crafting skills, while creating something beautiful and useful.
Gather Materials
The first step in making a chunky blanket is to gather the necessary materials. You’ll need different types of yarn depending on the technique you choose. Arm knitting requires super bulky yarn, crochet needs worsted weight yarn, Tunisian crochet needs aran weight yarn, and chunky knitting needs super chunky yarn.
When choosing yarn for your project, consider the colors and textures you want. There are hundreds of different colors and textures available, so take your time and find the ones that best suit your style. Consider buying a few extra skeins in case you run out.
You’ll also need needles, hooks, and other tools depending on the technique you choose. For arm knitting, you’ll need two pairs of arms; for crochet, you’ll need a crochet hook; for Tunisian crochet, you’ll need a Tunisian crochet hook; and for chunky knitting, you’ll need large knitting needles.
Arm Knitting
Arm knitting is a relatively new technique for making chunky blankets. It’s easy to learn and doesn’t require any special tools. All you need is two pairs of arms and super bulky yarn.
To begin arm knitting, make a slip knot with your yarn. Hold the working yarn in your left hand and the tail in your right hand. Place the working yarn over your left thumb and the tail over your right thumb. Bring the working yarn under your left index finger and the tail under your right index finger. Then loop the working yarn around your left index finger and the tail around your right index finger. Finally, pull the working yarn through the loop and pull tight.
Once you have a slip knot, you can start arm knitting. Loop the yarn over your left arm, then bring the working yarn behind your right arm. Pull the working yarn through the loop on your left arm and tighten. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of stitches. To finish, cut the working yarn and pull it through the last loop on your left arm.
Crochet
Crochet is another popular technique for making chunky blankets. It’s slightly more complicated than arm knitting, but still easy to learn. You’ll need a crochet hook and worsted weight yarn.
To begin crocheting, make a slip knot with your yarn. Place the slip knot on your crochet hook and hold the working yarn in your left hand. Wrap the working yarn over your right index finger and insert the crochet hook into the loop. Yarn over and pull the working yarn through the loop. This is a single crochet stitch.
Once you have a single crochet stitch, you can continue crocheting. Yarn over and insert the crochet hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull the working yarn through the loop. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of stitches. To finish, cut the working yarn and pull it through the last loop on your crochet hook.
There are many different types of crochet stitch patterns you can use for your chunky blanket. The most common is the double crochet, which creates a tighter, denser fabric. Other popular stitch patterns include the half double crochet, the treble crochet, and the shell stitch.
Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian crochet is similar to regular crochet, but it creates an even thicker, denser fabric. You’ll need a Tunisian crochet hook and aran weight yarn.
To begin Tunisian crochet, make a slip knot with your yarn. Place the slip knot on your Tunisian crochet hook and hold the working yarn in your left hand. Insert the Tunisian crochet hook into the loop and yarn over. Pull the working yarn through the loop. This is a Tunisian simple stitch.
Once you have a Tunisian simple stitch, you can continue crocheting. Insert the Tunisian crochet hook into the next stitch and yarn over. Pull the working yarn through the loop. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of stitches. To finish, cut the working yarn and pull it through the last loop on your Tunisian crochet hook.
Chunky Knitting
Chunky knitting is another popular technique for making chunky blankets. It’s slightly more complicated than crochet and Tunisian crochet, but still easy to learn. You’ll need large knitting needles and super chunky yarn.
To begin chunky knitting, cast on your desired number of stitches. To do this, make a slip knot with your yarn. Place the slip knot on your right needle and hold the working yarn in your left hand. Insert the right needle into the loop and wrap the working yarn around the right needle. Pull the working yarn through the loop and slide the stitch off the left needle. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of stitches.
Once you have cast on, you can start knitting. To knit, insert the right needle into the front of the first stitch on the left needle. Wrap the working yarn around the right needle and pull the working yarn through the stitch. Slide the stitch off the left needle. Repeat this process until you have knitted all the stitches on the left needle.
There are many different types of chunky knitting techniques you can use for your chunky blanket. The most common is the garter stitch, which creates a flat fabric. Other popular techniques include the stockinette stitch, the moss stitch, and the seed stitch.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve finished your chunky blanket, it’s time to add some finishing touches. You can try adding decorative tassels, fringe, or pompoms to the edges. You can also try adding buttons or patches to give it a unique look.
To make tassels, cut several pieces of yarn in the same length. Gather the pieces together and tie them at the top. Wrap a piece of yarn around the bundle several times, then tie it off. Cut the loops at the bottom to create the tassels. Attach the tassels to the edges of your chunky blanket with a few stitches.
Fringe is another fun way to add some flair to your chunky blanket. Cut several pieces of yarn in the same length. Fold each piece in half and loop it around the edge of your blanket. Pull the ends of the yarn through the loop and pull tight. Repeat this process until you’ve added the desired amount of fringe.
Conclusion
Making a chunky blanket by hand is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can do. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create a unique piece of home décor that will last for years. Whether you choose arm knitting, crochet, Tunisian crochet, or chunky knitting, you’ll be sure to enjoy the process and end up with a cozy and stylish blanket.
Finally, don’t forget to add some finishing touches to your chunky blanket. Try adding tassels, fringe, pompoms, buttons, or patches for a unique look. And don’t be afraid to experiment – there’s no wrong way to make a chunky blanket!
