The Knitters Thread

Blairweech

I have a question for all you knitters - I am sure it is a very slly question, but I do not know the answer

I want to knit a blanket. I have two thoughts

1) - Knit many individual squares of different stitches - e.g. garter, stockingette, baksetweave etc, then piece all the squares together. Can this be done? Would I have to knit all the squares to the same tension, so instead of them all being 40 stitches wide, they would all be 20cm wide?

2) Knit the blanket in strips, then piece the strips together.

I know the ideal way to knit a blanket is to knit on circular needles, but I don't know how to do that

Thanks!

whatatwit

Hi Blairweech, if you are using the same type of wool and size of needles...double knit with appropriate needles, then the squares should be of the same size.

Personally, I think squares are the best bet.

dizzy_lizzie

[quote=Blairweech;7912469
1) - Knit many individual squares of different stitches - e.g. garter, stockingette, baksetweave etc, then piece all the squares together. Can this be done? Would I have to knit all the squares to the same tension, so instead of them all being 40 stitches wide, they would all be 20cm wide?quote]

Ooh that sounds really nice. Unusual textures as well.:D
Luvz Dizzy x

Churchmouse

I agree, go with the squares Blairweech:D You can do squares almost anywhere, and I think the variety will make for a really original piece;)

meanmarie

I also agree with the idea of squares Blairweech, just want to remind you of the tip someone gave here a while ago, to use 'children's' needles, as they are shorter and take up less room when you take your knitting with you.

If wool is different thickness, you may find that if you knit two strands of thin wool together, or alter the size of your needles your squares may work out more evenly sized.

Marie

Blairweech

Thanks guys! I think I am sort of going to follow this pattern. Am borrowing some needles off my MIL, so will get started asap - you never know, it might be finished for next winter at this rate!

whatatwit

That looks great Blairweech.
If MIL needs her needles back, then try asking at a charity shop, needles tend to be kept hidden in the back.
Also, they might have some wool, part balls would be ideal for a project like this.
Another thought, whilst it is often easier to sew up as you go, I think for a throw/afghan such as this, you would get a better overall idea by leaving the squares loose and then arranging them before sewing together.

Keep us posted as to your progress.

tooties

Morning fellow knitters,
i am nearly caught up on my squares have 12 of them knitted and have sewn together 8 so far so nearly up to date with it. i got my blue jumper finished so just going to have a look at my patters and wool stash to see what my entertainment for this afternoon and evening will be!!!
i have knitted my squares in different stitches, some garter some basketweave, some ribbed, and some moss stitch its looking quite effective so far.
my youngest son who is 17 is going away to uni in september and i thought i could make the squares into a blanket for his bed at uni what do you folks think? good or bad idea?
tooties

whatatwit

Tooties, I think I would wait and see if he admires it and passes comment on it. He might think you were going to start on the home knitted tanktops next.

You wouldn't be too impressed to find it screwed up in the bottom of his wardrobe.....or worse :eek:

Maybe a Mr Bean teddy or a PG monkey might be better.

(apologies just in case he does like tanktops)

hev_2

Just had the courage up to start reading this thread - it could be a bad influence on me. I alternate between knitting and cross stitch and I am currently on a knitting phase. I knitted a little sweater for DS over Christmas, not for him to wear, just to keep me sane. Actually I think he will look cute in it and I actually finished it. Love starting stuff, but hate finishing - I have actually junked sweaters that have been sitting around for years with front, back and one and a half sleeves. Not MSE but I knit for therapy more than anything else.

On Leeds market they used to do bags of wool that was all tangled up, buy a bag of around 500g for £2-3 pound for double knitting. Has anyone seen anything like that around or if there is a mail order outlet? I just loved untangling the stuff - sad but true. Only therapeutic if you lock the cats out of the room.

Redicut sent a catalogue and I broke all my good resolutions and read it. Now waiting for massive amount of wool to be delivered. Still, it will keep me sane.

It is nice to see this thread and know that I am not the only one who loves knitting.