Q&A for How to Knit a Patchwork Blanket

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  • Question
    How many stitches do you need for a blanket square?
    Gregory Patrick
    Knitting Specialist
    Gregory Patrick is a knitter who runs the popular blog Madman Knitting. He is also the author of the book "Mad Man Knitting or The Waiter and the Fly". He has been knitting and writing about knitting for over 10 years.
    Knitting Specialist
    Expert Answer
    The size of your blanket will depend on the thickness of the yarn and the tightness of your stitches. When you're knitting, bulky or sport weight yarn will have fewer stitches than a finger weight yarn. Tension is also a factor, or how tight or loose your stitches are when you knit. This is why many patterns call for a swatch before you begin, especially with patterns that require precise measurements. The pattern will let you know with a quick 1" square practice piece how many stitches you should have.
  • Question
    How many square do I need to make a full size afghan?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how big your squares are. If you follow the size of the squares in this article, you'll probably need 9x9, so 81 squares in total. if you do bigger squares, you won't need as many.
  • Question
    I only have 9mm needles. Will the rows/stitches remain the same?
    Community Answer
    Yes, your needles will work just fine. The only difference is that the stitches in your blanket will be tighter than that one and not as much air will circulate through it, but it will work. Do double the amount of stitches and rows so yours will be a little more even.
  • Question
    Can I use double knit?
    Community Answer
    I have heard double knit refer to two different techniques. If you mean use the cast on stitches to knit opposite directions, you can, if you keep in mind that you will be making rectangles. If you mean where two yarns are interwoven - if you have the skill to do this you should try it. It will make a thick square and heavier blanket. Either technique would be a creative twist, so take pictures and submit them to wikiHow to share with others.
  • Question
    I am knitting blanket squares, but the bind-off ends are slightly wider than the cast-on ends. What can I do to fit and stitch the squares together for the blanket?
    Community Answer
    Pin the two seems together with the right sides facing each other, and use the mattress stitch.
  • Question
    I have knitted all my squares from knit and stitch patterns and now need to join them to make my throw and cushions. Where do I find the instructions?
    Community Answer
    See the instructions in Part Four. You thread the needle after lining up your squares, then sew them together.
  • Question
    In order to make sure all the squares fit together, does the number of rows that I knit for each square need to equal the number of stitches that I cast on?
    Community Answer
    You would need to check the tension guide for the yarn you are using. Generally there are more rows than stitches cast on. Measuring is your best help here as everyone's tension can be different. Blocking your finished squares will also help you improve your square.
  • Question
    If I do a square with 12 stitches, how many rows do I need to do?
    Community Answer
    You would most likely have to do 12 rows. The best way to get a square is to do the same number of stitches as rows. Try that, and if it ends up being too tall or too short, take off or add another row or two to get a perfect square.
  • Question
    Does the type of yarn make a difference for the needle size I need to use?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The weight of the yarn and the drape of the knitting will decide your needle size. Usually, the advised needle size is on the wrapper. There is often a gauge size in the pattern too. If it's a garment, you want to match the gauge, and depending on your tension, you may need to change needle sizes. If it is a shawl, the drape is important, so you will need a bigger needle.
  • Question
    Can I use circular needles?
    Community Answer
    Yes. There is no reason as to why you could not. Be sure to not connect both ends.
  • Question
    I am trying to buy these needles; which length do I buy? I understand I need a 15mm diameter needle, but not sure about length of needle.
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    The standard length of knitting needles is 14". You can also purchase circular needles, which are connected and are less bulky to handle due to their shorter working length.
  • Question
    Is there a video available for demonstrating how to purl knit?
    Community Answer
    First up, check out the wikiHow How to Knit the Purl Stitch , which has step-by-step photo instructions detailing this knitting stitch. There are a lot of great YouTube videos demonstrating this. Check out one by sheep and stitch (my personal favorite) or just search up “how to purl” on YouTube.
  • Question
    What do I do with the ends of the yarn I am sewing with when stitching the squares together?
    Community Answer
    Weave your tail through the stitches to hide (usually 3 then back) and cut the remainder.
  • Question
    How many stitches should I cast on to knit separate squares for a blanket?
    Community Answer
    For these blanket squares, cast on 14 stitches. Do keep in mind the thickness of your yarn. If it is thicker, you may want to cast on a few less, and if it's thinner, a few more.
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