Finishing a hand-knit blanket involves binding off all stitches, cutting yarn, then weaving in loose ends using a tapestry needle. It’s important to block your blanket to shape it and create an even fabric. You can use blocking mats or other tools to help you achieve the desired result.
Finishing up a hand knit blanket can be an exciting moment, akin to the final strokes of a painting. After dedicating countless hours and stitches to your project, it is time to proudly bind off all stitches and weave in the loose ends.
With just a few simple steps you’ll be able to show off your beautiful masterpiece. Let’s learn how!
What You'll Learn
Binding Off All Stitches
You’re almost done – it’s time to secure your stitches and get ready for the next step!
Now that you have knitted your blanket, you need to bind off all of the stitches. This will help create a neat edge and ensure that none of the stitches unravel.
First, check the tension of your stitches by gently tugging on them with your fingers. Ensure that they’re not too tight or too loose – adjust as necessary.
Next, depending on the weight of yarn used in your project, select an appropriate size knitting needle or crochet hook to use for binding off. For heavier yarns, opt for larger needles; conversely, lighter yarns require smaller needles.
Finally, once you’ve chosen a suitable tool, begin binding off each stitch one at a time until all are secure.
Move onto the next phase without delay!
Cutting the Yarn
After trimming the yarn, you’ll be one step closer to verifying your hypothesis – that you can successfully knit a blanket.
Working quickly, take some matching yarns and prepare for cutting. Make sure your scissors are sharp so you don’t tug at the knitted material. Cut the yarn with a few inches of extra length beyond where it is attached to the knitting needle, as this will make it easier to weave in later. Be careful not to cut any of the stitches when snipping away the extra thread.
Once all of the excess yarn has been trimmed off, loosen up each stitch from its respective knitting needles and slide them off onto the newly-trimmed thread. It’s time for one last check before moving onto weaving in loose ends – ensure there are no stray threads left on either side of your blanket!
Now that everything looks neat and tidy, tie a double knot at each end of your thread for extra security. After tying knots into both sides of your thread, pull out any remaining slack until only a couple inches remain between them; this will help keep all of your stitches secure while also preventing unraveling in future washes or use.
Take pride in what you’ve accomplished so far! You’re almost done with creating your very own handmade blanket – just one more step remains before throwing it onto a sofa or cuddling up under its warmth: weaving in those pesky loose ends.
Weaving in the Loose Ends
Now that you’ve cut the yarn, it’s time to get those loose ends tucked away – let’s weave them in with a tapestry needle! To ensure your blanket edges won’t come undone, it’s important to weave in the loose ends using a tapestry needle.
Begin by threading the tapestry needle with the end of the yarn and making sure to tension it so that your finished work will look neat and professional. Then, use your gauge swatch from when you were knitting as a reference for weaving patterns along the edge of your blanket.
For example, if you had used knit two purl two for making your blanket, then use this pattern when weaving in the loose ends. Weave in each side separately and make sure not to pull too tightly when doing so or else it may cause puckering on one side of your blanket.
When weaving in one side is complete, move onto another end until all four sides have been woven in properly and securely. As you go along, check back at regular intervals by tugging at the edges gently to make sure they are secure.
Once everything looks good and is firmly secured into place, tie off any excess yarn near where you started weaving or simply snip it off close enough so that nothing unravels further than desired.
After weaving both sides together tightly without any gaps between stitches, take a step back and admire what you have accomplished! Your hand knit blanket is now ready for its finishing touches – let’s get started on edging!
Finishing the Edges
With a few quick snips of the scissors, you’re ready to give your masterpiece the perfect finishing touch – binding off all its stitches with flair.
There are various seaming techniques available for this task, and you can choose whichever pattern suits your project best.
If the edge needs to be neat and tidy, then try using a basic stretchy bind-off stitch like a knit two together or a purl two together loop. For something more decorative, consider an eyelet bind-off or even ribbing.
If you want an extra special finish for your blanket that will really make it stand out from the crowd, why not try adding some fringe?
This is easily achieved by cutting lengths of yarn in any color of your choice and knotting them directly onto the edges of your piece. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover yarn that you may have!
Once all the binding is done and the fringe has been carefully attached, turn your attention to securing all those pesky loose ends that might otherwise unravel over time.
A tapestry needle is ideal for this job as it allows you to weave in each strand securely without leaving unsightly lumps or bumps in your fabric.
Make sure not to leave any long tails sticking out either; trim them off once they’re tucked away safely inside.
With those finishing touches firmly in place on both sides of the blanket, it’s time to move on to blocking it into shape so that every stitch looks just right.
Blocking the Blanket
Giving your blanket the perfect shape requires a bit of blocking, so don’t skimp on this important step for a truly polished look.
When it comes to blocking, you’ll want to consider factors such as the knitting tension, yarn choice, and fiber content. If your stitches are too tight or too loose, they won’t hold their shape after blocking. Make sure to keep an eye on your tension throughout the project and adjust accordingly.
The type of yarn you choose will also influence how well the blanket holds its shape when blocked. Look for yarns that have been designed specifically for blocking projects like blankets. The fiber content of your yarn is also important when it comes to blocking. Natural fibers tend to block better than synthetic ones, so if possible, opt for those whenever possible.
Once you’ve finished blocking your blanket, add any finishing touches such as decorative buttons or ribbons before showing off your creation! Blocking helps bring out all the beauty in hand knit items by smoothing out any wrinkles and giving them an even finish.
Spending some time on this crucial step will help ensure that all the hard work you put into creating your masterpiece pays off in the end! With a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to show off your beautiful hand-knit blanket with pride!
Showing Off Your Hand Knit Blanket
After blocking, it’s time to show off your pride and joy – the hand-knit blanket! It is truly a labor of love that deserves recognition. Here are some tips for displaying your masterpiece:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hang on Wall | Use removable wall hooks or cup hooks to hang the blanket artfully. Make sure you use sturdy anchors so they can handle the weight of the blanket! |
| Drape Over Furniture | Place over the back of a couch, chair or bed – this will add a splash of color and texture to any room in your home. Make sure it is secure and won’t slip off. |
| Give as Gift | Your handmade knit blanket would make an amazing gift for someone special such as a family member, friend or co-worker. Wrap it up in tissue paper with a beautiful ribbon and tag for an extra special touch! |
You can also use your knitted blanket as decoration around your house by draping it over furniture like couches, chairs or beds. This will instantly add warmth and texture to any room in your home! If you want something more permanent, consider framing it and hanging it on the wall like artwork. You could even give it away as a gift – just wrap up in tissue paper with a beautiful ribbon and tag for an extra special touch! When showing off your hand knit project, be sure to remember how much time and effort went into creating such a unique piece – let everyone know you made this yourself with love!
Conclusion
So, are you ready to show off your hand knit blanket? You’ve done it! All the hard work and dedication that went into this project have paid off.
With a few simple steps, you’ve bound off all stitches, cut the yarn, and woven in the loose ends. Finishing the edges and blocking your masterpiece will ensure it lasts for many years to come.
Now you can proudly display it in your home or give it as a special gift to someone you love. Who knows — maybe you’ll even inspire them to make their own blanket someday!
