Q&A for How to Arm Knit a Blanket

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  • Question
    What's the best type of yarn for hand-knit blankets?
    Blythe Nudelman
    Knitting Expert
    Blythe Nudelman is a Knitting Expert based in Ponderay, Idaho. She is the owner and operator of Twilight Fibers, a knitting shop and business in Ponderay. Twilight Fibers' products are made of 100% all natural yarns & fibers. They sell a large variety of products for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and other craft hobbies.
    Knitting Expert
    Expert Answer
    If you plan to use the hand-knitted blanket regularly, choose a durable, tightly twisted yarn. Avoid using really thick fibers meant for arm knitting, as they tend to pill and look worn out quickly after washing or laundering. Tightly twisted yarns are less likely to form those unsightly little balls, keeping your blanket looking good for a longer time. If the blanket is primarily for display, then you can opt for the thicker fibers, which will give you a stunning display effect.
  • Question
    How do I pause when doing an arm knitting project?
    Community Answer
    You can move the stitches onto another object, such as a broom handle or other type of stick, when you aren't working on the project.
  • Question
    With 7 feet of yarn, I was only able to make about 8 stitches. Why?
    Jemay L
    Community Answer
    You are probably using very thick yarn. If you want more stitches out of your yarn, use thinner yarn or more of it.
  • Question
    I have never sewn anything in my life, but want to try this. Would this be a good project, or should I try something smaller? (I have difficulty finishing projects.)
    Community Answer
    You could try, but it is a big commitment, as the yarn for arm knitting is rather expensive. I recommend trying normal knitting first, because it is something that you can leave and come back to time and time again.
  • Question
    How would I finger knit a blanket? I've tried, and it is so hard!
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Using your fingers is the equivalent of substituting for loom pegs; reference Knit on a Loom . A blanket require a length of stitches beyond 5 fingers. Review the article to get a feel for how you want to make your blanket.
  • Question
    How long does it take to make a big blanket?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how much and how quickly you knit. It would take an intermediate knitter about five months.
  • Question
    How heavy in pounds does a blanket weigh?
    Kat Nordstrom
    Community Answer
    It really depends on the blanket size and what weight of yarn you are using. There is no one simple answer to this.
  • Question
    How do I knit the first row in detail?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    If you are referring to the cast-on row, review the wilkiHow article on 4 ways to cast on . Instead of casting on a needle, you will be casting on to your arm. You may find a method that makes sense and feel less confusing than the article method. The next row moves the stitches from the cast on arm to the other arm and completes a knit row.
  • Question
    How do I add another ball of yarn?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Making a knot with the yarn ends is not possible due to the bulky nature of the yarn. Splicing the yarn can also get bulky. Simply leave about 2 stitch lengths of yarn on the old skein and start the next stitch about 2 stitch lengths in on the new skein. Weave in the loose ends with a hook. Another option is to overlap about 2" of the yarn ends and using strong sewing thread, tie the ends together. This will reduce wasting yarn and avoid a bulky weaved in area.
  • Question
    What stores sell good arm-knitting yarn online, and do they deliver? With everyone locked inside, we can't go to stores these days.
    Community Answer
    Yes, craft stores that have an online presence are taking orders and delivering still in many countries. The best way to know is to check the store online to see what it says about its delivery at this time of lockdown. During lockdown, many postal services and even courier services will be delayed due to increased parcel volume, so be sure to allow for additional days before receiving your items.
  • Question
    How much yarn would I need to make a averge size blanket?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    You'll need about 7-8 lbs of yarn. A lot depends on your choice of yarn and the tension in your arm knitting. Research what type of look you want from this blanket, as the yarn type (and cost!) will affect the feel of of the blanket.
  • Question
    Can you arm knit a baby blanket?
    Community Answer
    You probably would be able to, It just wouldn't be ideal because of all of the holes. Little hands and heads could get stuck. You'd also have to make it a lot smaller.
  • Question
    What is the difference between arm and hand knitting?
    Zaynab Moustafa
    Community Answer
    When you are arm knitting, you use your arm to hold your loops, when hand knitting, you use no needle or needle like object, you leave the loops on what ever surface you are using.
  • Question
    How much yarn would I need to make an average size blanket?
    Krista Cagle
    Community Answer
    Work up a gauge swatch and use a blanket-sizing calculator that will give you the starting stitches and the exact yardage of yarn you will need to make a blanket of any size.
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