Knit A Thick, Cozy, Chunky DIY Blanket...in One Day!

1 Material
I guess it's possible that you haven't seen all the chunky, delicious looking throws that are sprinkled all over pinterest and the internet. But if you have, and you're kinda craving one this winter, I have a treat for you.
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I made this thick, cozy, chunky blanket in one day, while binge watching 'Nurse Jackie' during Winter Storm 'Jonas'. It was a great reason to stay inside and in front of a fire.
Even though I really like natural fibers, I used acrylic in this case because of 1) its washability and 2) its cost. I saw this yarn at Michael's and liked the feel of it, so bought 17 skeins (because it's what they had). I figured I would make a blanket as big as 17 skeins would make. The yarn recommends a US 15 knitting needle. I wanted a looser knit, so I tried it on US 19 (15mm), which I found knitted a way too tight fabric. So then, I cut a PVC pipe (19mm) in half and tried it. I also found that knit way to tight as well. But...since I had just cleaned out my attic and garage, I knew I had 2 flag poles. And, since I had just cleaned out my attic and garage, I knew exactly where they were. The flagpoles have a diameter of 32mm, so they were a good bit larger and ended up just being perfect.


While I just happened to have 2 flagpoles lying around, you might have something different. I looked into broomsticks and was going to use them until I remembered my flagpoles. The broomsticks were a little smaller diameter, so your weave will be tighter, but think it's completely doable given manufacturer's needle size.
What You Need to For a Chunky DIY Blanket ( 56 X 60 ):


14 skeins of Super Bulky (size 6) yarn. I used Loops & Threads Biggie I've been asked to recommend some other yarns If you can't find the Biggie (doesn't look like it is sold online anymore). You might try some of these. I haven't seen and felt them, so can't attest to their feel, but they look like they might be thick enough. I can't make any promises though.


Red Heart Grande Yarn 78% acrylic, 22 % wool


Blue Sky Alpacas This looks DELICIOUS! 50% Alpaca and 50% wool, but it'll be pricey.


Spinrite Mega Bulky 100% acrylic


Lion Brand Quickie, 100% acrylic


Martha Stewart Lofty Wool Blend, 75% wool, 25% acrylic


I can't tell you how much you'll need for a blanket in these other yarns, since I really don't know how they'll knit up. It may be worth getting a skein and knitting a swatch and then go from there.


2 poles, 32mm (or 1 1/4) in diameter. You could also use US 35 knitting needles (which would have a smaller diameter than my poles) or US 50 knitting needles (which have a larger diameter). You can surely use many things, just check your gauge. Mine was 4 stitches and 5 rows for a 6 by 6 square.


White yarn and transparent thread for tassels


How to Make Chunky Blanket:


Cast on 34 stitches. This video shows how I did the cast on with the poles
1 row of ribbing, (Knit, Purl)


Stocking stitch for remaining rows, starting and ending with a knit stitch on each row.
When you reach desired length , in my case this was 60, do one more row of rib edging and then cast off.


I added tassels on the cast on and cast off edges. I cut 20 pieces of yarn, each 16, to make my tassels.
After I wrapped the thinner yarn around to make the tassel, I wove in the ends of the yarn through the loops as shown below.
I attached the tassels to the blanket with the transparent thread so that you can't see any thread tails.
Those mathematically inclined will have noted that I only used 14 of the 17 skeins that I purchased. I'm thinking that Puddles, the somewhat ornery cat, would love a bed made from the rest. Stay tuned!
Lynn @ Nourish and Nestle
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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