Have you ever dreamed of creating your own cosy blanket, all soft and squishy, perfect for snuggling up on a cold night? Well, good news! You absolutely can knit a blanket in just 30 days—even if you’ve never picked up a knitting needle before. Whether you're planning a cool cotton blanket in Auckland, or a thick wooly snuggle for Dunedin, or somewhere in between, knitting a blanket is a fun and achievable challenge for beginners!. It’s the perfect project to dive into as you start building your knitting skills.
In this quick guide, we’ll break down the steps, give you tips, and share tricks that will make you feel like an expert—even if you’ve just started learning how to knit. Ready to make a beautiful, handmade blanket in 30 days? Let’s get started!
Why 30 Days?
You might be thinking, “30 days? That sounds like a lot!” But here’s the deal: Knitting a blanket is totally doable within this timeframe if you break it down into manageable chunks. It gives you enough time to learn, make progress, and still feel the excitement of watching your blanket grow. Plus, the goal of knitting in 30 days means you don’t have to rush, and it takes the pressure off. A blanket is a BIG project, we want you to have plenty of time to knit your way through the smooth repetitive movements and enjoy the meditative process!
By setting a reasonable pace, you’ll also enjoy it even more and create something that’s truly personal and special!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you cast on, gather up your materials. Here’s a list of the basics you’ll need to create your very own blanket:
Yarn – Choose a bulky or chunky yarn for a quick, snuggly finish. We at Flock of Knitters in New Zealand offer great options. Depending on the size of the blanket you are after you may need approx 900g for a medium-sized throw blanket. Look for soft, comfy fibres like merino wool or acrylic blends which will keep you warm and are easy to work with or you may consider a natural fibre like cotton as a cool blanket for a baby or buggy blanket.
Needles – A set of knitting needles (usually circular needles are best to accomodate for the large size of a blanket) Bigger needles help the project move along faster and create a squishy texture but this will ultimately depend on the pattern you choose.
Scissors – You’ll need these to trim your yarn when you're finished.
Yarn Needle – To weave in those pesky loose ends and give your blanket a polished finish.
A Comfy Spot to Knit – Make sure you have a relaxed and comfortable place to sit. Think comfy chairs, blankets (other than the one you're making, of course), and maybe a good cup of coffee or tea!
Step 1: Master the Garter Stitch
As a beginner, you want to start simple, right? That’s why the garter stitch is your new best friend. It's a basic stitch pattern that creates a super cosy texture—perfect for blankets. Plus, it’s great for beginners because it’s all about knitting every row. That’s right, you don’t even need to learn purling just yet!
Here’s how to knit the garter stitch:
Cast on around 100-120 stitches. This will give you a good width for your blanket (around 50-60 cm), but you can always adjust depending on how wide you want it.
Knit every row. Yes, you read that right—just knit every row across. No need to worry about complex patterns or shaping. The more rows you knit, the more your blanket grows!
The beauty of garter stitch is that it’s easy to remember, super relaxing, and you’ll get a lovely squishy fabric that’s perfect for your blanket.
Step 2: Break It Down Into Daily Goals
Now that you've got your first few rows under your belt, it’s time to set some daily goals. This will help keep you on track and ensure you complete your blanket in 30 days without feeling overwhelmed.
Let’s break it down:
- Aim to knit a specific number of rows each day. For example, if you plan to knit around 10-12 rows per day, you should be able to knit a good portion each evening without it feeling too much like a chore.
- Each row will likely take 15-20 minutes to knit, depending on how quickly you work. So, setting aside just 20-30 minutes a day will have you progressing in no time. Keep knitting until you get your desired length.
The key is to stay consistent. It’s like working on a puzzle—one piece at a time! By the end of week one, you’ll already see the magic happening as your blanket starts taking shape. Don't worry if you miss a day or two, just get back to knitting when you next have the chance. Although more likley you will be having trouble putting the needles down!
Step 3: Add a Neat Border
You might notice that your blanket edges are a little bit uneven (totally normal for beginners!), but don’t worry—there’s an easy fix! A simple border stitch can make all the difference and give your blanket a clean, professional look.
The Slip Stitch Border is perfect for beginners:
- On the first stitch of each row, slip the stitch purl-wise (this just means you don’t knit it, but slide it off the needle without doing anything with it).
- Continue knitting the rest of the row as normal. This will create a nice, tidy edge that won’t curl up.
It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in the overall look of your blanket!
Step 4: Take Your Time & Enjoy the Process
Knitting isn’t a race! Remember, this is your time to relax, unwind, and be creative. Whether you’re watching Netflix, listening to a podcast, or chatting with a friend, knitting a blanket is all about enjoying the journey. Knitting can also be a great summer activity just like picking up some new novels for your summer kiwi camping.
Pro Tip: Keep a cup of tea or a warm drink nearby while you knit. It’s the perfect combo—your blanket will feel even cosier as you stitch away.
Step 5: Bind Off & Finish Strong
When you’ve reached your desired length (trust me, you’ll know when it’s time to stop), it’s time to bind off. The good news? Binding off is a simple process and means you’re nearly done with your blanket!
Here’s how to bind off:
- Knit the first two stitches of the row.
- Lift the first stitch over the second stitch (you can use your left needle to do this).
- Knit one more stitch and repeat the process until there’s just one stitch left.
- Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the yarn through the last stitch and tighten it to secure it.
And just like that, your blanket is done! Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
Step 6: Weave in the Ends & Snuggle Up
The final step is to weave in any loose ends using your yarn needle. Once you’ve tidied up those stray bits of yarn, it’s time to snuggle under your masterpiece.
You did it! You’ve now knit a blanket in 30 days, and you’re officially an expert (at least, in your own eyes).
Tips for Success
- Stay Consistent: Even just 20 minutes a day will make a big difference over the course of a month.
- Get Creative: While garter stitch is a great go-to, don’t be afraid to try new patterns, or add in some colour work if you're feeling adventurous!
- Celebrate the Small Wins: Each row is progress, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things slow down now and then.
Finally
Knitting a blanket in 30 days may seem like a big task, but with the right attitude and a little bit of time each day, you’ll have a gorgeous, handmade blanket that will keep you warm for years to come. Whether you're in Wellington, Dunedin, or anywhere else in New Zealand, this project is a fun way to immerse yourself in the world of knitting. Blankets also make wonderful gifts for your loved friends and family.
So grab your yarn, needles, and comfy chair, and get ready to create something beautiful, one stitch at a time. Happy knitting from Flock of Knitters!.
If you are up for a change get in touch with us at info@flockofknitters.co.nz or send us a message and we can set you up with all your requirements for your blanket making, You can let us know what kind of blanket, how big, and your skill level and we can easily get you on your way.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY FREE BLANKET PATTERNS
Garter Stripe Throw
Garter Check Throw
Garter Columns Throw
Pretty Posies Blanket
(free patterns courtesy of Premier Yarns)