Should I use size 50 knitting needles for a baby blanket or size 35?

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

I want to make a baby blanket but I don’t know what size needles to use. What size should I use?

Depends on the project and the yarn.

The Lion Brand Homespun 4-Hour Bias baby blanket (http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/50561.html?noImages= ) is done on size 50 needles. It actually took me a bit more than 4 hours (two movies and part of a third one), and if I were doing it again, I’d do "twisted fringe" instead of the tassels. Also, one of my skeins of Homespun was significantly shorter than the other three, which is important with you’re using 4 strands held together. Other than that, I’m happy with the blanket, and so is my 27-month-old grandson who has slept with it virtually every night of his life.

You can use the same principle with size 35 needles and any combination of yarns you want to use–just knit it to the size you want. It will, of course, take longer than 2-1/2 regular movies. Your choice.

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Does anyone know where I can find a free pattern and directions for a crochet prayer afghan or throw blanket?

Thursday, October 15th, 2009


Lion Brand’s site had a free prayer shawl pattern. It uses four skeins of homespun. Sounds like a lot, but it works up pretty quickly.

lionbrandyarn.com

Update: I used Lion Brand’s "pattern finder" and searched for "prayer afghan" and a free pattern did come up.

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How much yarn do I use to make a baby blanket?

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

My aunt just adopted a baby boy and I want to knit a baby blanket for her. I’ve never knitted a blanket before. How much yarn will I be needing? Also, what’s the best yarn to use for a baby blanket? Cheapest? Blankets can get expensive, ha!

It depends on how big you want the blanket to be. I prefer the blankets I make to be a little bigger so the child doesn’t out grow it as fast. Two skeins of Lion Brand Pound of Love or Caron One Pound is more than enough for a larger than average baby blanket. If you are using smaller skeins (such as something that is 5 or 6 ounces per skein), three or four skeins will be enough for a larger blanket. As for the price, shop around. You never know what sales a store is having, especially if it’s a holiday!

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