How to Knit a Blanket for Complete Beginners | Full Tutorial + Written Instructions | Arctic Throw

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of hand knitting the Arctic Throw blanket, designed specifically for beginners. You'll learn essential knitting techniques including casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, binding off, adding new skeins of yarn, and weaving in ends. By following these steps, you'll create a cozy blanket perfect for any space.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials:

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
• Knitting Needles: US 13 (9mm) circular knitting needles
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends

You can find the materials at these links:

• Yarn
• Knitting Needles
• Tapestry Needle

Step 2: Choose Your Size

Decide on the size of your blanket:

• For the full size, cast on 106 stitches.
• For a smaller size, cast on 74 stitches.

Step 3: Cast On

Follow these steps to cast on your stitches:

1. Make a slip knot and place it on the left needle.
2. Insert the right needle into the slip knot from front to back.
3. Wrap the yarn around the right needle and pull it through the loop on the left needle.
4. Repeat until you have the desired number of stitches on your left needle.

Step 4: Knit the First Row

1. Hold the needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand.
2. Insert the right needle into the first stitch from front to back.
3. Wrap the yarn around the right needle and pull it through the stitch.
4. Slide the original stitch off the left needle.
5. Continue knitting each stitch until you reach the end of the row.

Step 5: Knit the Second Row

1. Turn your work to start the next row.
2. Repeat the knitting process for the second row, inserting the right needle into each stitch and wrapping the yarn as before.

Step 6: Alternate Rows (Knit and Purl)

To add texture to your blanket:

1. Alternate between knitting and purling in subsequent rows.
2. For purling, insert the needle from back to front, wrap the yarn around the needle, and pull it through to create a purl stitch.

Step 7: Bind Off

Once your blanket has reached the desired length:

1. Knit the first two stitches.
2. Use the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle.
3. Knit another stitch and repeat the process until all stitches have been bound off.
4. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last loop to secure.

Step 8: Add a New Skein

If you run out of yarn:

1. Leave a few inches of the old skein.
2. Place the new skein next to the old one.
3. Knit with the new yarn as normal, ensuring to weave in the ends later.

Step 9: Weave in Ends

1. Thread the tapestry needle with the yarn tails.
2. Weave the needle through the stitches of the blanket to secure the ends.
3. Trim any excess yarn.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you've completed your Arctic Throw blanket! Remember to practice your knitting techniques as you create more projects. For future knitting endeavors, consider exploring different patterns and yarns. Enjoy your cozy blanket!