Last week, Author left a question for Kate and me to answer:
I've just begin to knit and want to go beyond dishcloths. I'd like to knit a baby blanket. Any suggestions for an easy pattern and what yarn to use? I can't afford and don't need to use the expensive yarn, but is there a brand/store that you would recommend? I've looked at Hobby Lobby and Michaels and just end up confused. Patterns I've seen call for a certain needle size, but the yarn has a different recommended needle size. What to do??? I'm about to give up :(
I thought that it might be better to answer your questions through a blog post rather than a video so that I could easily share links.
When you are ready to move on to more complicated knitting, the first step is to chose a pattern. Here are a few easy (and free) blankets that might appeal to you:
Easiest Baby Blanket
Garter Rib Baby Blanket
Project Linus Security Blanket
Once you choose a pattern, you must look for materials. All patterns list the weight of yarn and size of needles you will need for the pattern. For all of these patterns, the yarn that is worsted weight.
Yarns: One of my favorite yarns that comes in worsted weight is Cascade Superwash 220. It is available in a lot of lovely colors and can be washed in the washing machine, making it quite a workhorse. You will need to buy around 4 skiens of the Cascade 220 to make any of these blankets. Another option is to buy Patons Classic Wool at Michaels. You will need 5 skeins of Patons.
Needles: Each blanket calls for a different sized needle (Easiest Baby Blanket: size 15, Garter Rib baby Blanket: size 7, Project Linus: size 10). When you choose the blanket you would like and get your yarn, buy the needles you need in a circular size with a 24" cord.
Notions: It is helpful to have stitch markers (to help you keep track of where you are in your knitting), scissors, and a crochet hook (to weave in the tail once you cast off).
I hope that this little post helps you, Author. Please let me know if there is anything else that you would like to know!
1 comment:
Thank you for your answer to my questions! I appreciate the links, too! Do you use the recommended needle size on the band around the yarn or do you use the size on the pattern? For example, if the yarn has a recommended needle size of 8, can you still use it for a pattern that says to use a needle size of 10? Do you have to adjust the pattern to have it turn out right?
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