So you want to make a blanket?

In many ways, handmade blankets are the perfect project. From squishy garter throws to heirloom baby blankets, from scrap projects to luxury investment pieces, there’s a project for every crafter. Let’s dive into what you need to know to knit or crochet a perfect blanket.

Knit or crochet?

The very first consideration will probably be the easiest decision: do you want to knit a blanket, or crochet one? Knitting uses less yarn, creates a lighter fabric, and may be your usual go-to craft. However, with such a high stitch count on your needles at any one time, knitted blankets can be bulky to work and carry (unless you knit single squares at a time and join them later, we’ll get to that!).

Crochet is super flexible and creative for blankets: you’re just working with one loop on your hook at a time, which is great for big projects. From granny stripes and squares to intricate crochet lace, there are so many options for crochet blanket patterns.

Selecting a pattern for your blanket

Our best sources of knitting and crochet blanket patterns is Ravelry. With literally thousands of options for all crafts, yarns, and styles, you’re sure to find something great. Check out the blanket projects we’ve knit here, including some of our own blanket designs!

When looking for a pattern, consider your priorities. Do you know what yarn you want to use? Search for patterns just in that gauge range. Do you want to use lace, or cables, or colourwork? Ravelry lets you filter results to find patterns that use the techniques you love, or hide the techniques you want to avoid. Are you giving the blanket to someone? Consider their tastes and style - or better yet, ask them what they like, to make sure you pick something they’ll love and use.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to make: a blanket is a big investment of time and patience, so pick the pattern that’s going to keep you motivated.

Choosing the right yarn for your blanket

We usually recommend a DK or worsted weight yarn for knitting or crocheting blankets. If you’re giving the blanket to someone else, we always recommend a machine-washable yarn : you never know where it may end up!

Our most popular yarns for blankets in-store are:

Berroco Vintage: a reliable workhorse in our range for many years now, our customers come back to it time and again to make blankets for their families. Its great colour range, ideal price point, and easy-care blend of acrylic, nylon, and wool make it the number one choice for knitting or crocheting blankets. 

Along Avec Anna Double Merino: this 100% merino wool yarn is a perfect choice for blanket patterns using DK-weight yarn. Machine washable yet still natural-feeling, it works up beautifully in colourwork and has great stitch definition for lace and cable patterns - or just enjoy its soft, squishy texture in a simple garter blanket! 

Dolly Maxi: a plump, soft, bouncy merino wool yarn, machine washable and available in a broad and bright colour range, this is a fairly new addition to our collection has quickly become a favourite staple.

Julie Asselin Leizu DK: a luxury blend of merino and silk, this silk and merino yarn is dyed by hand in Quebec. A gorgeous choice for heirloom baby blankets or lap throws, blankets knit in Leizu DK will be treasured for years to come.

BC Garn Alba: this comfortable and smooth cotton yarn is a perfect choice for hot days, as well as for anyone who avoids wool. Try it in our Antioch Blanket!

Scrap Blankets and Blanket Squares

Knitting a blanket in separate squares and then seaming it together is a great way to get a beautiful handknit result without wrangling hundreds of stitches and lots of heavy fabric on your needles. Blanket squares give you the opportunity to play with different stitch patterns like cables, lace, and colourwork - and it’s a great chance to learn new stitches! You can even mix knit and crochet for the ultimate patchwork look! We recommend using mattress stitch to sew panels together for a seamless finish.

There are also many beautiful patterns specifically for using leftover yarns in stripes, granny squares, mitered squares. These designs are also perfect for using mini skeins or advent calendars. Check out a few of our favourites:

Cozy Memories Blanket

Garter Granny Blanket 

Habitation Throw 

How big does a blanket need to be?

The beauty of a handmade blanket is you can make it any size you like! Here’s a guide for standard blanket sizes to help you plan your knitting or crochet project.

How do you modify a blanket pattern?

Because they don’t need to fit a body, handmade blankets are fairly easy to modify. For example, if you find a pattern for a baby blanket and you want to make it bigger, you can usually cast on more stitches - and the reverse is true if you find a large blanket that you want to make smaller. If there is a stitch pattern (like lace or cables), you’ll need to take this into account: cast on in multiples of the stitch repeat to make sure the pattern works out.

Another easy way to modify a knit or crochet blanket pattern is to use a different yarn and gauge to the pattern. If you work with smaller needles and thinner yarn, the blanket will be smaller. If you knit with bigger needles and thicker yarn, the blanket will be bigger (watch out though, you’ll also need more yarn!).

Happy knitting!

The most important part of knitting or crocheting a blanket is to enjoy the process! Making a blanket can be a relaxing, meditative, process that brings contentment and fulfillment. When you cast off that last stitch, give yourself a pat on the back - it’s a major achievement and you should be proud of yourself!