In today’s post: You don’t need any knitting experience to make this gorgeous cable knit blanket! Learn how to finger knit without needles using looping yarn.
Alright guys, I have another post for you about loop yarn. It is seriously my favorite thing these days! A few months ago I shared photos of my first finger knit blanket, and today I’m sharing my second. This blanket uses a cable knit stitch, which sounds hard, but like pretty much anything you make with looping yarn it’s dead simple. No needles, hooks, or knitting skills necessary! Keep reading and I’ll show you exactly how to finger knit a blanket using looping yarn.
The best thing about looping yarn is how easy it is to work with; the next best thing is how soft it is – I don’t think I’ve ever felt yarn this soft. I made a throw size cable knit blanket, perfect for cuddling up with.
How to use looping yarn
This is what looping yarn looks like:
The loops (that you would normally create while you knit) are already pre-stitched in, which means the hard work is done for you. Even though I have no idea how to knit, I was able to make this throw size blanket (50×60 inches) in 10 hours, while watching my favorite shows on TV.
I’ve seen quite a few different brands of looping yarn, but my favorite is the Alize Blanket EZ yarn from Bernat, which you can buy at Jo-Ann. All the loop yarns are a bit pricey, but Jo-Ann almost always has them on sale and if you watch coupons you can get a good deal; I bought yarn for this cable knit blanket when it was on sale and used an additional 20% off coupon.
NOTE: Some other brands of loop yarn seem to be cheaper than the Blanket EZ brand; however, when you compare the length that comes in each skein I think the Blanket EZ is actually a better deal.
I really love the texture that an easy cable knit stitch gives you!
How to make a cable knit blanket with looping yarn
For a 50×60 inch blanket (throw size), I used 6 skeins of Blanket EZ loop yarn. I used a variegated yarn to get a pretty multi colored look without having to switch yarns.
Watch this video to learn how to make a cable knit blanket with loop yarn:
More loop yarn tips:
Remember, when making a blanket you’ll want to start by counting out as many loops as you need to get to the width of your blanket. My blanket is about 50 inches wide, and I counted out 70 loops for my first row. If you are making a cable knit blanket, be sure to count an even number of loops for your starting row, since you will be working in pairs or loops.
When you begin your blanket, you’ll want to make sure you have a “tail” on the very end of the yarn. To make a tail, just clip across the stitch that holds the first loop together at the bottom.
When your blanket is complete, you’ll just tie the tail off and then weave it into the blanket to hide it.
Finger knit your blanket as directed in the video above.
Anytime you need to start a new skein of yarn, just cut a tail at the end of your current yarn and a tail at the beginning of the new yarn and tie them together. When the blanket is complete, weave in any tails to hide them.
To finish the blanket, you’ll bind off the top row. Start at the opposite end of where the yarn tail is. In the photo below, I’ve labeled the loops 1, 2, 3, etc.
To bind off, pull loop #2 through loop #1, as shown below.
Then continue in the same way, pulling loop #3 through loop #2, then loop #4 through loop #3, etc., until you get all the way to the other side of the blanket.
Pull the tail through the final loop and tie it off, then weave the tail in to hide it.
Looping yarn FAQs:
What brand of yarn did you like best? I used the Alize Blanket EZ yarn. This post isn’t sponsored; I’ve just checked out a few different brands and this one is my favorite.
How much yarn does a blanket take? For this throw size blanket (50×60 inches), I used 6 skeins of the Blanket EZ loop yarn. The first blanket I made was larger, closer to a twin size, and it was 3 different colors, so it took 8 skeins. I’ve also made a baby blanket (about 1 yard square) and that used 3 skeins.
How long does it take to make a blanket? I find that once I get going I can work through an entire skein of looping yarn in about 90 minutes. I stop often to check my work and smooth out the yarn, so once you’re used to it you could probably go even faster. This throw size blanket that takes 6 skeins took me about 10 hours, and it’s easy to work on while watching TV or listening to an audiobook.
Where can I learn different stitches? The Yarnspirations website has lots of patterns for different types of blankets, as well as scarves, pillows etc. You can also find lots of video tutorials on Youtube.
Is looping yarn washable? According to the package it is machine washable and dryable. I haven’t washed my blanket yet, but I’ll update the post when I do.
Let me know if you give looping yarn a try – I’d love to see photos of your projects!
Mary says
Excited to do this! Just to clarify, after the second row I repeat the same looping as the first row? Or I do the criss cross stitch from there on? Thank you!
Autumn says
Yes! You’ll alternate a row of normal loops, then a row of criss cross loops, then normal, then criss cross again.
Allie Custer says
Everytime I start the second row, the bottom starts pulling and becomes wavy😞 what am I doing wrong? Love the idea and can’t wait to figure it out!!!
Autumn says
Just keep going Allie! Sometimes it looks a little wonky when you are on row 2 or 3, but once you have more rows done you’ll be able to smooth out that bottom row. My guess it that it will turn out just fine if you keep going.
Muriel Whalen Robichaud says
I am going to try this. It looks lovely.
Deborah Halbrooks says
Great covid project for making my grandchildren. Thanks so much!!