In today’s post: If you’ve been intimidated by finger knitting (or any knitting) in the past, this post is for you! Anyone can use loop yarn to make a gorgeous finger knit blanket without knowing how to knit.
So I’ve stumbled on a new craft product that I’m super excited about. At the craft store a few weeks ago I found this crazy looking yarn with all these loops on it. I was wondering what in the world it was so I picked up a package and oh my goodness it’s the softest thing I’ve ever felt.
And then I read the package and realized you can use this crazy looking yarn to make gorgeous finger knit blankets (and scarves, and hats, etc) without knowing how to knit! I was sold. I got working and a few days later my kids were fighting over this gorgeous chunky knit blanket:
Just so you guys know, this post is not sponsored – I just really enjoyed working with this stuff and wanted to tell you about it! I’ve been wanting to learn finger knitting for a couple of years, but it always seemed intimidating – one more thing to learn, you know? But loop yarn makes finger knitting absolutely foolproof. This is knitting for dummies, and it’s really fun!
Finger knitting with loop yarn (aka finger looping)
This is what the loop yarn looks like:
Right now there are at least four different brands making this type of loop yarn and you can find it at both Jo-Ann Fabrics and Michaels (and probably other stores that carry yarn). I’ve been using the Bernat Alize Blanket EZ yarn from Jo-Ann’s because there are fantastic patterns and instructions online for it at Yarnspirations.com. Like any nice yarn, it can be pricey to get enough for a large blanket, but it’s been on sale pretty regularly, and I was able to buy most of mine on sale with an additional 25% off coupon.
Jo-Ann’s carries another brand called Loopity Loop Yarn and Michael’s carries the Red Heart brand version. ETA: it looks like Jo-Ann online is now carrying a version made by Lion Brand which is lower in cost than the other options, but I haven’t tried it so I can’t compare quality.
Anyway, one of the reasons it’s so easy to learn how finger knit with loop yarn is that you don’t need knitting needles or crochet hooks, just your fingers. Basically, you pull one loop through another to “knit” the yarn into a blanket.
You can find lots of video tutorials for how to finger knit with loop yarn on the Yarnspirations Youtube Channel. Watch the “Stocking Stitch” video for a great explanation of the basic stitch, which is what I used on the blanket I made:
Finger knitting with loop yarn tips
The first project I made with this yarn was a baby blanket. It takes three balls of yarn, and probably took about 4 hours to make (I made it over a weekend while watching TV).
My next project was this plaid blanket. You can find the pattern for the blanket here. It uses the same easy finger looping technique (stocking stitch), but you make squares of different colors and connect them together as you go. This makes it a bit more complicated, so I’ve made a walk-through video to help you figure out the different steps if you’d like to make one too. The video is about 10 minutes long.
Note: When weaving in the tails, I did find it faster to use a crochet hook. It’s not necessary, but does make that step go a little faster.
I didn’t keep track of the time I spent on this blanket but I’m going to guess somewhere around 15 hours. All of that time was while watching TV, listening to an audio book, or chatting with my family. It’s so relaxing to sit with this super soft yarn and finger knit it together!
My kids are obsessed with the finished blanket. It’s very soft and very warm, and it’s gotten a ton of use at our house already. Luckily, the yarn is machine washable and dryable so I don’t have to stress about it getting dirty.
Besides the basic stitch, there are other stitches, like a criss cross stitch, that you can learn to vary the look of the finished blankets. I can’t wait to try them out!
Love making blankets? Check out these DIY blanket tutorials:
How to make a fleece blanket with three different edge trim options
How to make a fringed edge fleece blanket
How to make an easy fringed flannel throw
Debbie says
This is so pretty! My teenager is trying her hand at finger knitting a blanket (to fit her twin bed), using Red Heart brand yarn that she got for Christmas. The first skein went perfectly, but the second skein seems to be tighter, if that makes sense? As in, more loops closer together? The first row done with the new skein is scrunching the existing rows in and it’s no long nice neat straight edges. Not sure if that makes sense but is it possible that the skeins vary that much? Or is she doing something wrong? It doesn’t seem like she should skip any loops, as that would cause holes in the knitting, but something is definitely not right. I’ve never knitted a thing in my life, with needles or my fingers!
Debbie says
PS – She is not doing this beautiful checked pattern of yours; just all one color but she has 9 skeins of it to work with. I figured the people reading this post would have some knowledge on the subject 🙂
TINA says
I need help attaching the end of the the first square A, strip 2 to strip 1 in the top corner of A, to MC, and then starting the new B square attaching to A in strip one?
I did not see a video explaining that.
Jennifer K. says
Hi, this was the first craft I have ever done that made me so happy! I made a 9 block by 9 block massive blanket. Your tutorial was phenomenal!! I washed it when I finished it, because it smelled like JoAnn Fabric store 🙂 Some of the tied ends on the underside came out. How can I secure these little guys so they stay put. Any ideas? Thank you!
Lola says
Thank you, great tutorial! Have you come across the issue of seeing the thread through the yarn that is holding the loops together?
Brittany says
HELP! Lol. I’m to binding off but when I go to the next block there’s one loop of the previous color within that block. I’ve searched many videos and can’t find anything. How do I make it a solid square, even through the binding? (I hope this makes sense)
Ann says
When you joined the two stripes why did you skip the first stitch
Charlyene C. says
This is the best video I seen. You explained it perfectly. Thank you. I’m starting one for my granddaughter now
Terri B says
Love this !!! I did a baby blanket as well in December for the arrival of first grandchild! Everyone loved how soft it was! So I was at Joann’s and bought more, thank you for sharing your pattern as I was trying find a pattern for adult size!
Kandy McKeown says
For those asking how many balls… I found the pattern she made it from
BERNAT ALIZE BLANKET-EZ YARN, CREAM
QTY
2
BERNAT ALIZE BLANKET-EZ YARN, DARK GRAY
QTY
3
BERNAT ALIZE BLANKET-EZ YARN, BLACK
QTY
2
Samantha Smith says
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Last time I did one, I did it with 3 balls of yarn, and I had to then turn into a baby blanket instead. Now I know!
Samantha Smith says
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Joyce Cote says
I love your video!! I absolutely love this blanket!! I think I can do this lol!?i’ve Never knitted before, but I can’t wait to get this yarn & start!! Thank you so much for your very informative video!!???
Irene Stiger says
Would I be able to make one if I can’t crochet.
Judith Solorzano says
Yes there’s tons of videos on YouTube on how to do loop yarn blankets it’s easy once you get the hang of it good luck
Samantha Smith says
yep, it is really easy even though you don’t know how to crochet.
Rachel says
How many packages of tarn did you need to complete the blanket? How many squares did you use for the entire pattern? It looks amazing, would love to try.
Madison says
How much did the blanket roughly cost to put together
Tammy says
I’m confused about attaching when changing to a new color. I’m not sure how to tie-off and begin with the new color. I’m obviously doing something wrong.
Sylvia Bee says
Same here. How do you tie the 2 colors together WITHOUT them coming untied when you wash the blanket. Always have trouble with this!!
Kathy says
Please share the amount of yarn for the buffalo plaid blanket. For Christmas I’m going to make this beautiful blanket for my 16 yr old granddaughter. Something she can keep long after grandma is gone. Thank you so much Autumn .
Kathy Meyer says
This looks absolutely amazing. I was looking for something new to make my new great grandson a soft blanket and my granddaughter and I scarves. This is perfect I can’t wait to try it. Thank you so much!
showbox apk says
Looks gorgeous! Love lit
Maria says
Omg! How absolutely lovely. I am doing this very soon. Questions- how many completed strips vertically and do 8 blocks make one strip?
Your video directions were very clear but I was uncertain on the measurements of the blanket. Thanks
Scott says
Love it!
Maggie says
I was forced to use Joann’s Loopity brand for white because my store didn’t carry the Bernat in white. It is terrible! It shreds, it falls apart if you tug it at all. Avoid it at all costs! But, the rest of it worked up quickly and I love it! Everyone on my list is getting one of these for Christmas this year! Thanks!
Bridget Hancock says
How many balls of the finger loop yarn did it take for the blanket in the video?
cally says
What is the size of the blanket you made? How many Loopty Loop yarn did you use?
Rebecca Arseneaux says
The directions show 52 inch square. 7 x 7 squares.
Sherri says
Did you find out the size and how much yarn to purchase? Please let me know. Thanks, Sherri
Sherry says
No please tell me how much yarn I will need for a 50″x60″ blanket
Connie says
Wow! So pretty! I had not seen this before. Love the Buffalo Plaid look! Im trying this! Thanks!!
Judy says
I don’t see a link to your video. Am I just missing it?