Beginner Knitted Blanket Lesson

Work at your own pace

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Knit, wash, and measure a swatch

   With the suggested needle, cast on enough stitches for a square about 5 in (13 cm) wide and tall. Knit every row, just as you will for the blanket. Wash and dry the swatch as the yarn label directs, then lay it flat without stretching. Measure across the center: the draft gauge is 16 stitches in 4 in (10 cm). If your count is different, use your measured gauge in the width calculation in step 2. You can try another needle size and make a fresh swatch if you want a closer match.

2. 2

   Choose a width and calculate the cast-on

   The one-size example aims for a finished width of 36 in (91 cm). At 16 stitches per 4 in, that is 36 × (16 ÷ 4) = 144 stitches. For another width, use: desired width in inches × your measured stitches per inch = approximate cast-on. For example, divide your stitches in 4 in by 4 to get stitches per inch. Round to a whole stitch. A different gauge changes the cast-on and may change how much yarn you use.

3. 3

   Cast on loosely

   Make a slip knot and place it on the left needle; it counts as the first stitch. For a simple knitted cast-on, insert the right needle into the last loop on the left needle as if to knit, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull a new loop through. Place that new loop onto the left needle without twisting it. Repeat until you have 144 stitches. Keep the loops even and loose enough for the needle tip to move through them.

4. 4

   Knit every row in garter stitch

   Hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand. Insert the right needle through the front of the first loop, wrap the working yarn around the right needle, pull a new loop through, then slide the old loop off the left needle. Repeat across the row. When you reach the end, turn the work and knit every stitch again. Knitting every row makes garter stitch, a ridged fabric that lies flat. Keep the first and last stitches relaxed so the sides do not pull in.

5. 5

   Keep knitting and measure the length

   Continue knitting every row until the piece is about 48 in (122 cm) long, measured from the cast-on edge with the blanket resting flat. There is no required row count; your row gauge and yarn can change it. If you need another ball, join it at the beginning of a row so the join sits at an edge. Leave yarn tails to weave in later, and check the label to make sure you have enough yarn from the same dye lot.

6. 6

   Bind off loosely

   Knit the first 2 stitches. With the left needle tip, lift the first stitch on the right needle up and over the second stitch and off the needle. Knit 1 more stitch, then lift the earlier stitch over it. Keep repeating across the row. Do not pull the loops tight; the finished edge should stretch about as easily as the blanket. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last loop.

7. 7

   Weave in ends, wash, shape, and dry

   Thread each yarn tail onto the blunt needle and weave it through several ridges on the wrong side, changing direction once so it stays secure. Trim the ends without cutting the fabric. Wash the blanket according to the yarn label, shape it flat to about 36 × 48 in (91 × 122 cm), and let it dry fully before folding or using it.