If you’re searching for the best knit stitch for blankets that’s both simple and stunning, look no further! This stitch brings structure, texture, and parallel lines to your projects with just a four-row repeat. Even new knitters can master it easily. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to knit this beautiful stitch and get tips for making your own blanket.
UPDATED: APRIL 3, 2024 BY BRITTANY
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This stitch is perfect for those who’ve already got the hang of basic knit stitches like garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and basic ribbing.
It’s a great next step because each row focuses on just one stitch, while also introducing beginners to two new stitches: the knit front back (KFB) and knit two together (K2tog). These are basic increases and decreases that every knitter should learn.
And if you’re not new to knitting, it’s still a relaxing stitch that lets you zone out and enjoy the process.
In the rest of this tutorial, we’ll cover everything about this stitch: how to knit it, what projects work best with it, and how to use it in your own project. I’ll also answer some common questions so you don’t have to look for answers elsewhere.
Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:
- Why Use This Knit Stitch For Blankets
- What Needle Do You Need to Use?
- Textured Knit Stitch for Blankets Tutorial
- Stitch Multiple
- Stitch Abbreviations
- Textured Knit Stitch Pattern
- Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
- What Projects Are Best for This Stitch?
- How Many Stitches to Cast On for a Blanket?
Why Use This Knit Stitch for Blankets?
This stitch has a timeless appearance, but that’s not the only reason it’s ideal for knitting blankets. Firstly, it creates a lovely drape no matter what kind of yarn you use, making it perfect for blankets. When you match it with the right needle size, your blanket will be cozy and snug.
Another great thing about this stitch is the texture it adds, thanks to the increase and decrease stitches. It gives a subtle lattice-like effect that really stands out.
But the best part about using this knit stitch for blankets is how easy it is to memorize. You don’t have to worry about complicated repeats from one row to the next; each of the four rows focuses on just one stitch.
What Needle Do You Need to Use?
I’ve found that using the needle size recommended on the yarn label, or one to two sizes bigger, works best.
If you go smaller, your blanket won’t have as nice of a drape. But if you use a needle that’s much bigger, it might look more lacy. Before you dive into your blanket or project with this stitch, it’s smart to knit a few test swatches and see which needle size gives you the look and feel you like best.
Knit Stitch for Blankets Tutorial
Are you ready to learn how to knit one of the best knit stitches for blankets?
Supplies
This stitch is incredibly versatile so you can pair it with any weight yarn from lightweight to bulky weight. The thicker your yarn, the faster your blanket will knit up!
In order to see the texture this pattern creates, use a smooth or slightly textured yarn if you want a little more visual interest. To knit up a swatch, here’s what I recommend using:
- Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
- Needles: US 9 (5.5mm). You can use straight needles for a swatch, but you’ll need at least 36″ circulars for knitting a blanket.
Pattern Notes
- The side facing you as you knit the odd-numbered rows is considered the right side of the work.
- The side edges will look straight and even right off the needles, but the top and bottom edges like to curl a little bit. It’s best to block projects made with this stitch, or pick up and knit a border to tidy it up.
Stitch Multiple
This stitch must be worked over an even number of stitches. So when you start your project, make sure your total number of cast on stitches is an even number.
Stitch Abbreviations
- CO Cast On
- K Knit
- K2Tog Knit 2 Together
- KFB Knit Front Back
- P Purl
- Rem Remaining
- Rep Repeat
- St(s) Stitch(es)
Cast on an even number of stitches.
Row 1(RS): K all sts.
Row 2 (WS): K2tog to end of row.
Row 3: KFB to end of row.
Row 4: P all sts.
Repeat: Rep rows 1 through 4 until the project measures the length you want, ending after finishing a 4th row.
Bind Off
A simple knitting bind off works best for this stitch. After you have finished knitting a purl row, turn your work and start the bind off by knitting the first two stitches. Then pass the first loop over the last. Knit the next stitch, and pass the first loop over the last. Repeat that until only one loop remains on your needles. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Textured Knit Stitch for Blankets Tutorial
If you’re more of a visual learner, I completely understand! This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the stitch pattern and bind off.
Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.
What Projects Are Best for This Stitch?
If you’ve tried knitting a test swatch, you might have noticed something about this stitch: it’s not reversible. It looks different on each side, so there’s a clear right and wrong side. That’s why it’s best for projects where you only see one side at a time.
For example, a scarf wouldn’t be the best choice for this stitch because you see both sides when you wear it.
But a pillow is perfect! You only see one side of it.
I love using this stitch for blankets, but it’s also great for clothing. I made a poncho with it a few years ago, and it turned out beautiful. I think it would also look great as a sweater or cardigan.
How Many Stitches to Cast On for a Blanket?
I would love to give you a simple and straightforward answer, but unfortunately, the number of stitches you need to cast on for your blanket depends on the yarn you’re using and the size of the blanket you want to make.
But don’t worry, it’s not that difficult to figure out! Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Knit a swatch with the yarn and needle size you want to use. Make sure the swatch is at least 5″ wide.
Step 2: With a ruler, measure how many stitches you can count in four inches. It’s best to count the stitches just above your K2tog row.
The number of rows in four inches isn’t nearly as important for a project like a blanket, so it’s okay to skip this step. Instead of calculating how many rows your blanket will have before you start, it’s so much easier to keep knitting until it’s as long as you want your blanket to be.
Step 3: Figure out how big you want your blanket to be. This guide will give you some common blanket sizes to go off of.
Step 4: Let’s say you want to knit a couch-sized throw that’s 48″ wide. Divide 48 by 4 (the size you measured and counted stitches for), to get 12. Then multiply the number of stitches you counted in your 4″ section by 12.