There are fewer things softer and more comfortable than a beautifully knitted blanket. Especially when you do the knitting yourself, somehow, it feels even more luxurious.
With this project, as well as others, it’s important that you select the correct sized needles. However, the choice you make depends on a number of factors.
For example, the size of the blanket, the type and weight of the yarn, and the pattern and stitches all determine the correct size needles. The easiest method is to look at the pattern to determine the size recommended by the manufacturer. However, if you decide to combine different weight yarn, things become a more challenging, but not impossible.
The simplest solution is to add the measurements of the needle size recommended for each type of yarn, using millimeters. Then, you would select the size of needle that comes the closest to that number. As an example, let’s say you decide to make two swatches that you ultimately connect to make one large blanket.
Rather than use the yarn recommended for the pattern, you go with a bulky weight wool. For the two swatches, the manufacturer suggests a 6.5 mm needle. Therefore, you would add 6.5 and 6.5 to come up with 13. If you convert that to a US size and round up to the nearest number, you would need a size 17 needle.
You can use the same process when combining different gauge yarn. For instance, if one manufacturer suggests 9 mm yarn and the other 6 mm, you would again combine the two sizes to come up with 15. When rounding that up to the nearest number and converting to a US size, you would again, need a size 17 needle.
Circular Needles
Knitters often use a variety of needles when making blankets. Although there’s nothing wrong with straight needles, you might give serious thought to switching to a circular needle. Designed as two needles connected with a long cord, the benefit is the cord is what supports the weight of the blanket. Instead of your hands becoming fatigued, you’ll have an easier time knitting for longer periods, which means you finish your blanket quicker.
Another key advantage of using a circular knitting needle for blankets as opposed to straight needles is the cord makes it possible for all the stitches to fit on the needle. As a result, you avoid the problem of having too much yarn crammed to fit the needle or the stitches falling off.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to knitting blankets, you can use different needle sizes. Overall, the weight of the yarn you use, as well as the specific type of blanket you plan to make, dictate the correct needle size. In simple terms, the heavier the yarn weight the higher in number you need to go for the needle size.
As mentioned, checking the pattern manufacturer’s recommendation is by far the easiest method or you can look at the label on the yarn you buy for the suggested size. However, you can also use the technique mentioned. One last thing, if you want to make a blanket in a relatively short amount of time, you’ll finish the project faster by using larger needles.