NEEDLES: I recommend ALWAYS using circular needles when knitting a blanket. You will still knit back-and-forth in rows, but the weight of the numerous stitches and growing fabric will rest on your lap as you work, rather than your wrists having to bear the strain.

Can you knit a blanket without circular needles?

Even though a blanket is knit flat, not in the round, circular needles can still be used. To do this you will still knit flat and flip the work at the end of every row. The process is the same as straight needles, they're just connected together.

What needles do you need to knit a blanket?

The most common lengths used are 16”, 24”, 32”, and 40”. These needles work well for knitting blankets. However, unless you always knit the same blanket with the same yarn, you'll need to buy a different needle for each blanket you make. This can get expensive and create storage issues for all the needles you buy.

Can you knit with straight needles instead of circular?

Circular needles are great for distributing stitches evenly, but can't be easily used for small diameter knitting. ... Fortunately, you can knit a tube open on both ends using straight needles for the entire project. You may want to use a cable needle or DPN to help with casting on and off, but this is up to you.

Do you have to use circular knitting needles?

If you are knitting a large project like a sweater or a blanket you will most likely need to use circular needles to accommodate all of your stitches. ... They are used for projects like hats, socks, sleeves, mittens and more. Unlike circular needles you can't knit flat pieces and you can only knit in the round with dpn.

How to Knit a Blanket With Circular Knitting Needles

23 related questions found

What can I use instead of circular knitting needles?

Double pointed needles are still the best option in certain cases. It's easier to use DPNs instead of a circular needle when knitting very small circumferences in the round. For example, while you can easily knit the main part of a glove on a circular, it's best to knit each glove finger on double pointed needles.

Can a beginner use circular knitting needles?

Straight needles can be a great option for beginner knitters and work well for simple scarves or anything that is worked flat and not too wide. ... Circular needles can be used for both flat and in-the-round projects.

What needles for chunky blanket?

WHAT KNITTING NEEDLE TO USE: You'll need this 32 inches long 25mm circular needle US 50 for this Chunky knit blanket pattern. You knit back and forth on the circular needle and not in the round. The circular needle is simply to accommodate a large number of stitches.

What size needles for chunky wool blanket?

A pattern using chunky wool will generally need large needles. Around 7 - 8 mm is average, while 5.5 - 6 mm will give you a tighter fabric. Super chunky wool, which is ideal for making a very thick blanket, will need even bigger needles.

How many stitches do I cast on for a blanket?

If you want a medium sized blanket, then try casting on 120 stitches. For a large lap blanket, cast on 160 stitches. For an extra-large lap blanket, cast on 200 stitches.

Can I use straight needles for a baby blanket?

We are often asked how to knit a baby blanket on straight needles? If you don't feel comfortable knitting on circular needles, you can knit a baby blanket on straight needles. Most of the blanket sizes will fit on 14” long needles. It's okay of the stitches are a bit smooshed, it won't affect the completed project.

What can I knit with 29 inch circular needles?

The 29″ needle can be used for things like baby blankets or cardigans that are large but not as big (or heavy) as a shawl or adult-sized blanket. If you're knitting a sweater in the round, this is a solid choice for working the body.

Are circular or straight needles easier to knit?

Working with straight or circular needles doesn't affect the difficulty or ease of knitting, which depends on the level of the specific pattern or project you are working on and not on the needles used for it.

Are circular needles better for beginners?

Circular needles are very similar to single-pointed needles. The only difference is the flexible cable connecting the two needles. This allows you to cast on a lot more stitches while keeping the weight of the needles low at the same time. They can be a great choice for beginners.

What can I use if I don't have a yarn needle?

You can use a crochet hook, for best results, use one one or two sizes smaller than the hook you used to make it. That way it can just slip inbetween the stitches.

How many DPNS should I use?

Double pointed needles come in a pack of five, but the knitting tradition in America is to usually use only four at a time. Three needles hold the stitches while a fourth knits them. Sometimes you do use all five, four to hold the stitches and the fifth to knit.

Can I use chopsticks as knitting needles?

Try using chopsticks as needles. I've met more than one knitter who learned to knit on chopsticks! The rounder variety is easier to knit with than the squared kind because they have a nice, tapered point. ... Because chopsticks are tapered, their gauge is variable.