Have you worked hard on your arm knitting technique and now want to learn the skill of making a blanket? You’re in luck! It’s a little tricky, but you will love the results when you’ve finished.
Today I am going to share with you this DIY Arm Knitting a Blanket tutorial, and also include another (shorter, and hopefully just as easy to follow) video as well. You can click here for the video, or scroll below to make this chunky knit blanket.
DIY Arm Knitting a Blanket
How to Make a Chunky Knit Blanket
You know, after I tackled the whole Arm Knitting Infinity Scarf challenge, I couldn’t stop there. I had to keep going, as I love to crochet and knit.
That’s why I am sharing this DIY Arm Knitting a Blanket tutorial, and also including another (shorter, and hopefully just as easy to follow) video as well. You can click here for the video, or scroll below to click play!
I have become addicted to making things by arm knitting now. I cannot for the life of me understand why I have not been doing this sooner.
I love the look of the chains, the thickness of the blanket, and the softness of the yarn. This chunky knit blanket is one of my favorites to make.
DIY Arm Knitting a Blanket
I made this blanket as a birthday present for my mom, and I used (affiliate link) Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in RoCoCo. It’s a bulky No.5, 6oz. (185 yards) Weight yarn. I love this color!
For this blanket, I used three skeins, and still had a little left over. It doesn’t take too long.
I will tell you that this is generally not a “kid-friendly” blanket because my toddler likes to pull everything as hard as she can. It is a fun gift to give, and I made one of these for my mom who I know will cherish it.
DIY Arm Knitting
- Three skeins of yarn (185-yard length or longer)
- 36 links
- 28 rows
To get started, I created 36 links. Making sure not to start too tight as they have to move up your arm much further than if you are doing a scarf.
Once I had my 36 links, I created 28 rows before finishing and binding off.
Once completed, this blanket (unfolded) fits as a twin sized bed blanket would. It’s perfect for cuddling on the couch.
I also love to drape it over the end of my bed and let the weight and chunkiness of it keep my feet warm.
You can always add links and rows to make this even more abundant, but I thought that this would be the perfect size for us.
Take a look at my (much faster and from my view) video. If you are still a little confused how to get started, you can always go back and check out my arm knitting infinity scarf video here.
Or you can even go to my Arm Knitting Learning the Basics video.
I recommend watching the video to learn the basic techniques of Arm Knitting if you have never done it before. It can be a little daunting until you have all of the steps down.
Just make sure that you have patience while learning, and hopefully, the basics video will show you everything you need to know when it comes to starting (casting on), creating your links, as well as binding off (casting off) your projects.
After you have this figured out, you can make anything!
Arm Knitting a Blanket
There are so many different things you can make once you learn how to Arm Knit. It’s a little daunting if you have never done it before, but once you learn you will find it easy and therapeutic.
It’s an enjoyable craft to learn, and one that makes great gifts.
After you feel comfortable making blankets, move on to do more projects!
You can find so many different ideas and things to do online. I have several projects on this blog as well. If you are into scarves, then this is a craft you are going to love to learn and master.
I can’t tell you how many scarves I have made, and they are all super fun and easy to do once you have the basics figured out.
Scarves are probably not going out of style any time soon, and making your own is a fun and therapeutic way to relax while working.
DIY Arm Knitting a Blanket
What do you think? Can you make one of these now? If you are still having a few problems figuring things out, make sure you go and watch the Arm Knitting Learning The Basics video.
You will be so glad you stuck this out and learned to Arm Knit. I hope you enjoyed this DIY Arm Knitting a Blanket Tutorial and looked forward to seeing what you are making next!
The blanket is BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the color of the yarn you used, too! Gorgeous!! –Lisa
Thanks you! 🙂
Whoa… gorgeousness again! I wondered if that was possible! I seriously am going to try this. I’m hoping over winter break we get snowed in and the power goes out (I better go shopping in advance and print out these instructions!) I tried knitting and used to love to crochet. This looks simple enough for a newbie like me! I can’t wait to try it!!!!
Thanks so much! You totally need to get some yarn to stash away for those snowed in days!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!! So…from start to finish, how long do you think it takes? Can’t wait to try it out!
Seriously, from start to finish, this took me an hour. I have done a few (gazillion) infinity scarves with this technique so if this is your first time, I know it will probably take longer. If you have haven’t tried it before, I would guess it may take you about an hour and a half. Once you get in the swing of things, you will be popping these out left and right in now time!
So pretty! I thought about doing this too! Love!
Ah, you totally should do this! My mom loves her new blanket! I have to make one for myself now…
That blanket is so beautiful! I absolutely love it! It’s definitely something I would buy if I saw it in a store.
DOn;t buy it!! Make it!! 🙂 Thanks Kristen, I am so addicted to making these. I think everyone is getting a scarf and blanket this year!
Ooh, I also love how it looks and I can imagine how it feels. It feels like I want to cuddle with it for a hundred hours!
You need to make one of these in PURPLE for Princess Scarlet. 🙂
Thank you! The video is so helpful. 🙂
I am so glad you find the video helpful! 🙂
my mom tried to teach me to knit and my rows looked a mess. some were loose, some were tight, it looks so fun and relaxing and i just think i need to loosen up a bit when doing it so they are nice even lines and rows. it’s such a talent. knitters make it look so easy! beautiful blanket, i love that chunky open knit.
Thanks Kendra. It is a quick learning curve, but I always try and make sure to get the same sized loops for everything. My first scarf was a little crazy, but everything after that has been perfect!
I actually think I could do this!!! I need to watch your video like ten more times though- what a perfect idea for Christmas Gifts!! You are so talented Jen. 🙂
Thanks Chris! You totally need to do this….when you are feeling better!! 🙂
I’ve never heard of this before! You have intrigued me for sure. I learned how to crochet once upon a time and I definitely want to get back into it for sure.
That’s awesome! That’s how I was wanting to get back into crocheting…this is a great way to get started!
Did you finish off the edges, or just the last that you cast off? Just wondering how you keep the original starting edge from having miss-shaped hoops, which is what I have at the moment.
I just casted off. On a couple of scarves I have gone back and rewoven in a few loose loops, but I have done this several times now and keep the same tension and haven’t had a problem since.
There is no sound after the music. I can’t hear anything you’re saying. : (((
Oh no! I have gone into YouTube and I think I have it working now. Sorry for the glitch!
Lovely! I wonder how big it would be with the 8 oz super bulky. I recently made an infinity scarf in size 13 needles with lion brand home spun thick and quick super bulky. And it is soft and fluffy! Definitely wanna try this with the super bulky!!
The maroon (Bordeaux colored) scarf was made with 8oz! It is AWESOME and thick.
If you did it with the super bulky yarn, would you still need three skeins?
I would still use the 3 skeins.
The blanket turned out so pretty. I’ve knitting with knitting needles before but never even knew that you could use your arms. How creative thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much. You are a step ahead of me with the needle knitting. I haven’t tried that….YET!! 🙂
i have never seen this typ of blanket making before. i am going to show the video to my daughter and see if she can make me one! thanks for linking up to the all things pretty party
Awesome!! Thanks so much for popping in 🙂
Is there a way to make it more dense (ie smaller holes) this sounds totally doable for me (the awkward kid with extra long arms lol) but i keep picturing my frozen toes getting stuck on the large holes hahaha
WEll, to make smaller holes, I think you would then need to move down to the knitting needles, which there are a ton of sizes. The loops for an arm knitting scarf are going to be about the size of your arm/wrist.
Hi! This blanket is awesome. I think Im gonna try it out for christmas presents this year. How hard is it to switch colors in the blanket? Just tying the two yarns together maybe? And how big does this end up being? Thanks for the video!
You can probably tie off the yarn and change colors that way, I actually haven’t tried that yet. The blanket I made fit a twin size bed! So it’s a good size. 🙂
I actually just made one, and I did just tie off and switch colors and worked great. Thanks for the video, it was a big help! 🙂
Loveee this vid 🙂 it helped me finally complete my scarf..but now i have to try this as well!! thank u soo much!!
That’s awesome! So glad it helped 🙂
How long were the skeins of yarn? This looks great!
Thanks so much! They were 6oz weight and 185 yards for each skein. 🙂
just wanted to share with u …that everything u said u felt about arm knitting and youre addiction to it now describes my husband to a T!!! lol he has arm knitted 5 infinity scarves in 2 days. he is already planning a blanket now. thank you for sharing.
Any ideas where we can find something chunkier than a 5 or 6?
That’s awesome!!! I love hearing that. 🙂 I did find a really chunky 8oz. at my local Michael’s craft store. I would try and check with your local craft stores, and if al else fails, you could probably order online. I made my mom a blanket and she loves it!
Just wondering when it says 3 skeins you mean the 3 used together correct? Not 1 skein at a time. I want to make this quick as a prayer blanket this weekend for a friend going in to have surgery next week. Thanks!
Yes, you use all three at the same time. You will be knitting with three strands. It’s explained in the video 🙂
Hi there. Im new to arm knitting but loving it. But I’m having a problem. The first two I made were with homespun thick and quick and I ran out of yarn. I cast on 36 and it was a solid rectangle. I tried 28 with the second and still rectangular. I tried my third one just now with regular homespun and I ran out of yarn on row 22 and its reallys rectangular. What can I do to make it more square? Im such a nit pick it drives me crazy.
Hi Jessica, mine was actually more of a rectangle and fit a twin bed. I would try and make as many arm stitches as I would rows, and that should help you have more of a square. I hope that helps! 🙂
I was planning on needle knitting blankets for my father in law and dad for Christmas. Of course, my kids and I all got sick and all the Christmas crafting got pushed back. I did get through the first blanket and thought I was about finished the second one, when I realized to my horror that in my overtired and recooperating fog, I’d been making a baby sized blanket for three days! I was in a dead panic about being able to take it all apart, start over and getting it done in time, when I found your blog. This was a lifesaver! So simple and so pretty! Can’t wait to give my dad his gift. Oh, and for anyone looking for other yarn to try, I absolutely loved how the Loops and Thread Charisma worked for this project. Michaels has had it on sale all season!
That’s awesome Meg! So glad it was able to help you out 🙂
I have been having fun arm knitting today and my blanket is beautiful BUT it is toooo tiny – at 36 stiches cast on, I only got 9 rows and ran out of yarn – at the cost of the yarn there is no way I can buy enough more to make it big enough. 🙁 I think you need to include the # of yards on the skein so that others can avoid this problem ( I looked for this info but didnt see it if it’s there). As for me, I am going to take it all apart, make it 28 stitches wide at only double strands as opposed to triple, and hope I end up with something more adult sized!
Hi Kate, I did not have the yardage included in the post, but it was in the comments as someone else asked the same questions. All of my skeins were 185 yards…hopefully that helps!
I bought the exact yarn that you show in the video, creating the same links and hoping for the same amount of rows. I only was able to create 16 rows before I ran out of yarn?! It stated that you even had leftovers… I have re-started twice and had the same problem. Because I only have 16 rows, the blanket is beautiful, but way long and skinny. Am I the only one having this issue, any suggestions? Help is appreciated(:
Hi Danielle, I am not sure why you are having that issue, but it is not going to be a square blanket, it will be long and fit a twin sized bed. If you do not want the blanket to be that long, don’t cast on as many links and then you can do more rows. I am not sure how you are running out of yarn when I had yarn left over either. Sorry you are having difficulty, you may have a thicker set yarn and that could also be the problem.
Thanks for responding! I went back and found the labels to my yarn.. And I had got bulky 6 therefore it was 165 yards, rather than 185 yards. I apologize:)! I will pay more attention next time, I love the blanket and it is beautiful!
A friend of mine wants me to make a blanket just like this only for a king size bed! I’ve only made the infinity scarves and I know that you cast on 12, so I’m wondering how many did you cast on for this one? I saw in other comments you said yours would fit a twin bed. So maybe do what you did x3?
That may work, but I would buy more yarn, there will be a point where you run out and will need to tie on the additional skeins of yarn to be able to keep going. Let me know how it works out!!
I am so excited to try this but can you stop in the middle or do you have to finish it all at once.
Hi Tami, my daughter has made scarves like this and stopped in the middle. She would have an empty paper towel roll, or something long enough to place her links on without having them get tangled or loose. Hope that helps!
I’ve been trying to make this for my boyfriend for valentines day. I keep having the problem of the edge where I cast on is… hm loose? And so much longer than the side I’ve casted off. Help? I’ve redone this three times now.
hi Brie, i am sorry you are having issues. I don’t quite understand what you are having the problem with. I think you are saying that the end you cast off is shorter than where you started? If so, you may be casting off the stitches tighter than you need to. I have a video for Arm Knitting for beginners on my YouTube channel. Try and check that out and see if that helps.
The edge I cast off is fine it seems to be the perfect size and its tight enough. Its the first edge I’ve casted on. All the stitchs slide and is very loose. =\ maybe there’s a way of casting on tighter? Sorry I’m not sure how else to explain it.
I would try and cast on your first row as tight as you can. Then just even out the tension in the second and remaining rows. I always “adjust” my stitches after every row to make them the same and uniform. Hopefully that helps. Let me know how it goes!
Hi. I literally envisioned this for my own black leather sofa (just like your pic-exactly…) for my mil to knit. Started shopping patterns and voila!!! Found a pic from ur link & now it’s my own creative project since I don’t knit. Thanks for sharing!
Heather that is awesome! I am so glad you were able to make it your own 🙂
I am so going to make this! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hoping to make the arm knit blanket today. Do you connect the skeins of yarn before you start???
Awesome..wanted to do a blanket for my daughter …I will give this a try. Let you know how it turned out.
I tried to make this blanket and on the end on the last loop or knot or whatever it slipped throughout my fingers and no I’m desperately trying to undo this blanket. But I loved it up till then I used the same yarn and it is a great colour and its really soft. When I undo this blanket I am definitely making it again
So sorry! It has happened to all of us. Hope you make it again and LOVE it!
Is it warm even though the holes in it are so large?
Very much so!
What color yarn did you use for the pictured blanket?
Can I use 4 or 5 skeins at a time for a thicker blanket? I bought 5 skeins (all that was left) of the Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn….106 yards each. Just hoping it’s long enough…..
I am sure you can, but the thicker it is, the shorter it will probably be. Just keep that in mind when you make it 🙂
I made one using a different tutorial but my problem is that it came out like a giant fish net…Is there a way to make the holes tighter together?
You could try using bulkier yarn and adding a strand or two more to thicken it up. However, it will look a bit like fishnet if you are using a thin yarn. 😉 Hope that helps!
Hi,
I am so in love with this! I have arm knit scarves before but not blankets. Wondering if anyone had luck with the king size version? Do you just tie the yarn together when you get to the end of the skeins? Thank you!
I have never tried that! That could be cool with different colors woven together.
I’m following along, would love to make a blanket like this, maybe one day for my king size bed?;) so far I’ve finger knitted a scarf and arm knitted a scarf ( but I took that apart, I only used one skein of thinner yarn and it was loose and didn’t look right:) now I know to use 3 strands;).