Knitting a throw for my bed - advice needed

spidystrider

I haven't knitted for years and can only do the basic plain and purl stitch. I really want to knit a throw for the bottom of my bed. I would like it to be washable and for it to hold it's shape after washing.

Can anyone advise me on what wool to use, was thinking double knit or chunky and also what size of needles? I have had a look around but can't see any info anywhere.

I really want this to be my new year project.

mioliere

Hi there

If you look for 'Afghan' instead of 'throw' patterns on the net, there are loads and loads. Here's a link to some free patterns http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/afghans.php. They will usually be American patterns so here's a link to a chart which will give you the yarn and needle sizes to convert to UK http://www.kcgtrading.com/conversioncharts.html

I hope you find something you like.

no.1swimmum

wow that sounds like a great idea, if it were me I would go for a thicker wool like a chunky or aran, when you get your wook it should give you an idea of the needle size on the label. Just a quick tip to get a really straight edge always slip the first stitch and knit the last stitch of every row, you get a really nice straight edge that way. good luck you will have to post some pictures when it is finished.

SunnyGirl

What a lovely idea! Have you thought of doing largish squares and then sewing them together like patchwork? It works if you don't want a big throw on your knee whilst knitting. I did it for a cot blanket when I was pregnant with DD (all those years ago!) I used white, lilac & pale pink and sewed it all together then a friend did a crochet edging for me.

What a lovely new year project you are doing - good luck & please post some pics as you go x

spidystrider

Thanks everyone :T

SunnyGirl, that is exactly my plan. We only moved on 6th November and we're decorating our bedroom first as it should be a reasonably easy project. We live by the sea and want to decorate it in pale blues, white and navy.

The plan is to knit a patchwork throw in these colours and I am really looking forward to it

[Deleted User]

I have made lots of these for my family.All of my grandchildren have had 'Nanny's blankeys' My eldest DGS one I did in West Ham colours (Claret and Blue) and he is 19 and still wraps it round himself when he is cold or feeling a bit poorly.I bought a pattern for afghans from a company in Lancashire their website was [EMAIL="wooly_thoughts@compuserve.com"]wooly_thoughts@compuserve.com[/EMAIL] The phone no. if its still going is 01282 864273 and another email was [EMAIL="steveplum@compuserve.com"]steveplum@compuserve.com[/EMAIL] They had a pamphlet called Cubism which is brilliant and does a lovely patchwork effect and it gives a three-D effect very easily.If they have gone out of buisness pm me and I'll photocopy my little book and send it to you.I have made around ten of these afghans over the past 5 years
There is also a book you can buy called Learn-to-Knit Afghan Book that I bought from America by Barbara G.Walker Published by the Schoolhouse Press ISBN 0-942018-13-3 I bought this online as well and its very good ,but you maybe able to see if your library can get it for you

spidystrider

Thank you so much Jackie, I will have a look to see if that books available right now.