How To End A Knitted Blanket: A Personal Experience And Guide

Knitting a blanket can be a time-consuming and fulfilling project. However, once you reach the end, it can be tricky to know how to properly finish it off. As someone who has recently completed a knitted blanket, I wanted to share my experience and provide a step-by-step guide on how to end a knitted blanket.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cast Off

The first step in ending a knitted blanket is to cast off. This is done by knitting two stitches, then using the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. Repeat this process until you have one stitch left, then cut the yarn leaving a tail of around six inches.

Step 2: Weave in Ends

Next, weave in the ends of the yarn using a tapestry needle. Thread the needle with the tail of the yarn and weave it in and out of the stitches on the back side of the blanket. Once you have woven in enough of the tail, cut off the excess yarn.

Step 3: Block the Blanket

Blocking the blanket is an important step in ensuring it keeps its shape and looks neat. To block the blanket, wet it with cold water and lay it flat on a towel. Use another towel to gently press out any excess water. Then, shape the blanket to the desired size and leave it to dry completely.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Use a stretchy cast off to ensure the edge of the blanket isn’t too tight.
Choose a yarn that is machine washable for ease of care.
Consider adding a border to the blanket for a finished look.
Use circular needles to knit the blanket, as they can hold more stitches and make it easier to handle.
Keep a row counter handy to keep track of your progress.
Use lifelines to prevent having to rip out rows if you make a mistake.
Try different stitch patterns or colors to add interest to the blanket.
Make sure to knit a swatch to check your gauge before starting the blanket.
Join new skeins of yarn at the beginning of a row to prevent knots and a bumpy texture.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out tutorials if you get stuck.

Pros and Cons

Ending a knitted blanket can be both satisfying and frustrating. On the one hand, it’s a great feeling to finish a long-term project and have a beautiful blanket to show for it. On the other hand, the process of casting off and weaving in ends can be tedious and time-consuming. However, taking the time to properly end the blanket will ensure it looks its best and lasts for years to come.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

I recently completed a knitted blanket using a simple garter stitch pattern. While the process of ending the blanket was a bit tedious, I found it to be a satisfying end to the project. I used a stretchy cast off to ensure the edge wasn’t too tight and added a simple border to finish it off. Overall, I would recommend taking the time to properly end a knitted blanket for a professional and polished look.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cast off method?

A: Absolutely! There are many different cast off methods that can be used depending on the desired finished look. Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for your project.

Q: How do I prevent the edges of my blanket from curling?

A: To prevent curling edges, try using a different stitch pattern or adding a border. You can also block the blanket by wetting it with cold water and laying it flat to dry in the desired shape.

Q: Can I use different yarns for the same project?

A: Yes, you can use different yarns for the same project, but be aware that they may have different textures or colors that can affect the overall look of the blanket.