As promised, here is 10 beginner friendly, gorgeous blankets to knit (or simply get inspiration from) for Christmas gifting! We’ve already covered the crochet version, and in that post, I promised a knitters version to come soon & I’ve managed to compile a list of those for you all. I hope this comes as a useful ‘series’ of inspirational gift-giving posts to some of you.
I’ve chosen to focus on beginner friendly patterns to feature here since this will allow beginners to check out some patterns that will fit their skill levels, too. Had I focused on more advanced patterns, I feel like I’d have limited the amount of folks that could participate in knitting the many different patterns out there available. This way, both beginners and advanced knitters can get in on the fun.
Another thing I’d wanted to accomplish with this and the crochet version of this post was to spark some confidence or inspiration in those of you who might not have been feeling confident enough in their skills to take on a gift project. Or for those of you who have been too afraid to take up the daunting task of trying your hand at something as big as a blanket. For that reason, I’ve tried to include as many quick and fast working projects as possible.
So, now that you feel motivated (and you do feel motivated, right? Right?), I hope you’ll try knitting up a blanket or two, or five!
P.S. To see my crocheters version of this post, go here.
1. Fuzzy Fluff Blanket Project from Craft Warehouse
*Update: It appears the owner of the website has removed this pattern & link. My apologies.
This fluffy, stylish blanket is knitted with specific yarn, to create the pom “pon” effect. However, you can whip up an equally beautiful blanket using the yarn of your own choice and following the pattern. The only difference is, well, for one, it’ll be much easier and for two, you won’t have to work with tiny “pom pons” on your yarn, which the pattern calls for. This is an easy to knit blanket otherwise.
2. Quickie Blanket by Big Box Detox
This blanket is not only simple and stunning, but it’s so easy to make! Nobody will ever know you whi
3. Super Easy Baby Blanket (Pattern Tweaked by Time for Dinner)
A simple baby blanket, originally found on the Purl Bee, which uses the garter stitch has been tweaked into unique perfection by Time for Dinner. She simply used knit 1 stitch, then purl the next and repeated that all throughout to create this awesome color block blanket! I love the results, and I think you will too.
4. Knitted Stripe Baby Blanket by Tiffany from Sweet Peonies
Stripes are a classic, and this pattern uses a combo of 3 different colors, although you can totally change it up or just use one. Or you could even knit each row in a new color if you really wanted! Virtually every human will love to receive a blanket with such simple beauty.
5. Quick Knit Blanket by Red Heart
This quick knit blanket has a lovely, feminine, lacy appearance, making it a beautiful gift. The skill level is do-able for most knitters, even many beginners. You will need a pair of circular needles (US size 13), though.
6. Chevron Baby Blanket by Espace Tricot
Let me just take a second to express my love and adoration for Espace Tricot. Ahh. Total knitters bliss, that blogger! The patterns are gorgeous. Stunning. To. Die. For! And so many of the beauties are offered for free, which definitely earns &** a huge shout out from me.
This chevron blanket features bold colors that are just irresistible. In fact, this pattern is already saved in my Ravelry queue for when I have time to knit it later. The pattern is also available in PDF format. Just follow the link provided and scroll down the page until you see the blanket. *There’s no link directed for the blanket pattern specifically, so you will have to scroll down the page to find it. The page is simply one full of Espace Tricot’s gorgeous, amazing free patterns, so if you’re like me, you’ll probably be clicking on every one on the list before you even make it to the blanket!
7. Arrowhead Lace Throw by Red Heart
This lightweight, lacy throw features an intricate-looking stitch design, although it’s actually rated as an easy pattern to follow.
The Arrowhead Lace Throw is beautiful enough — and really complicated looking, although it’s not so don’t even fret! — that it’s sure to earn you some respect as a knitter when you give one as a gift (or just show it off and keep it yourself!)
8. 6 Hour Afghan by Lion Brand
This super fast afghan is knitted with 4 strands of yarn held together. With 4 strands, expect a thick, chunky blanket. This is a beginner level project and the result looks so cozy it’ll be hard to pass up. Oh, and that fringe! Fringe is always in. Note: If you want to save $ you’ll spend on your knitting projects (and I understand because this craft can be extremely expensive, despite what many non-yarn-crafters think, so if you’re looking to cut costs, simple ditch the last 3 strands and simply use one. Or 2, if budget allows. Remember to use a smaller needle size if you use less yarn strands, though!)
9. F343 Coffee Beenz Textured Throw by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio
If knitting is your thing, but you’re ready to incorporate a little bit of texture into your handiwork, then perhaps this Textured Throw will be exactly the challenge you’ve been needing. This throw is knitted using 2 strands of yarn held together as you go. Remember, you can adjust how many yarn strands you use, if needed. Just use a smaller set of needles than a pattern calls for when you do this.
With a simple design though, this throw pattern will allow you to tweak to add multiple colors, if you like.
10. Weekend TV Lapghan by Lion brand
Can’t you just imagine how nice this would look on any couch?
This loose, light-weight throw is a fast piece of work and yet another gem that looks like it required serious work on your part, but it’s surprisingly simple to work.
This pattern requires a crochet hook (size P-15 or 10mm), but don’t worry. You don’t have to have extensive crochet skills in order to create this lovely blanket. The crochet hook is just for making the fringe border.
What do ya’ll think? Are any of these lovely enough to inspire you to try knitting a blanket (if you haven’t ever done so already) to give as a gift this year? If so, I’d love to know which you choose to knit!
If not a blanket, do any of you plan to crochet or knit any gifts for Christmas this year?
Hi, the first pattern can’t be find anymore on the Craft Warehouse website. I would really love to have the pattern, or at least the stitch that is use to make that effect! Does someone have the pattern or know the stitch ? It would be really appreciated. Thank you ! 🙂
Hello Nathania!
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I’m so sorry about the mess up. It looks like the owner of that website took down the page/pattern! Anyways, I’m trying to hunt the pattern down elsewhere for ya (and have made the corrections in my post here.) Let me see if I can’t find the pattern published elsewhere on the web. I’m so sorry about that! 🙁
I copied and pasted this after seeing your article.
Fuzzy Fluff Afghan 4/19/13
MEASUREMENTS
Width (approx) 125 cms/50 ins
Length 150 cms/59 ins
YARN
Palette Fuzzy Fluff YARN Series 162/219 or 162pt/219 12 x 100g balls
NEEDLES
A pair 4.00mm (US 6), (UK 8) Knitting Needles or size that gives correct tension/gauge.
MATERIALS
A Yarn Needle.
TENSION/GAUGE
6 sts and 15 rows to 10 cms/4 ins over garter st, using 4.00mm (US 6), (UK 8) Knitting Needles.
Note – Correct tension/gauge is essential for a successful handknit.
ABBREVIATIONS
St/s – stitch/es, K – Knit, RS – right side, WS – wrong side, garter st – every row knit, beg – begin/ning.
SPECIAL NOTE
Work the thumb method when casting on sts rather than using a pair of needles, ensure that each stitch has a pom pom. When knitting make sure that on each stitch a pom pom is left at the back of the work, ie. work each stitch on the yearn that is between each pom pom on the yarn.
Before casting/binding off, trim very carefully each alternate pom pon off main yarn.
CREATE
Using 4.00mm (US 6), (UK 8) Needles, cast on 75 sts (see note above).
Knit in garter st until work measures 150 cms/59 ins from beg, working last row on WS.
Cast/bind off loosely (see note above).
FINISHING
DO NOT PRESS. Using yarn needle, darn in ends.
Hi, I sorta replicated the first blanket on this post. I used lion brad yarn ” quickie” , cast on 25 stitches. Then proceeded to knit one row, then pearl one row with size 50 knitting needles and 12 skeins of yarn. It turned out really well and is super fuzzy.