Finger knitting is a fun and easy way to create beautiful and cozy custom knit blankets. Unlike traditional knitting, finger knitting doesn't require any needles, making it a great craft for kids and adults alike. With a few basic materials and some simple instructions, you can create a unique and personalized blanket that will keep you warm and add a touch of charm to your home. In this article, we will go over the step-by-step process of how to finger-knit a blanket.
Step 1: Choose Your Yarn
The first step in finger-knitting a blanket is to choose your yarn. There are many different types of yarn available, each with its unique texture, thickness, and color. When choosing yarn for your blanket, consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Do you want a chunky and cozy blanket? Or a lightweight and delicate one? Also, consider the color scheme of your room or the person you are making the blanket for. You can choose a single color or multiple colors to create a pattern.
Step 2: Create a Slip Knot
Once you have chosen your yarn, you will need to create a slip knot. To do this, hold the end of the yarn between your thumb and forefinger, leaving a tail of about six inches. Then, using your other hand, wrap the yarn around your four fingers, starting at the back and going over the top of the first finger, behind the second finger, over the top of the third finger, and behind the fourth finger. Bring the yarn back to the front of your hand and tuck it through the loop between your first and second fingers. Gently pull the tail of the yarn to tighten the knot.
Step 3: Cast On
The next step is to cast on the stitches for your blanket. To do this, hold the slip knot on your non-dominant hand and insert your dominant hand's index finger under the loop. Then, wrap the yarn around your finger counterclockwise, from back to front. Use your finger to pull the loop on your finger through the slip knot, creating a new loop. Place the new loop on your non-dominant hand and repeat the process until you have the desired number of stitches.
Step 4: Knitting the First Row
Now that you have cast on the stitches, it's time to knit the first row. To do this, hold the working yarn (the yarn attached to the ball) in your non-dominant hand and the tail of the yarn in your dominant hand. Insert your dominant hand's index finger into the first loop on your non-dominant hand, going from front to back. Then, wrap the working yarn around your finger counterclockwise and pull it through the loop on your non-dominant hand, creating a new loop. Slide the new loop onto your non-dominant hand and repeat the process for each loop on your hand. This is called the knit stitch.
Step 5: Knitting the Body of the Blanket
After completing the first row, you will continue knitting the body of the white knit blanket. To do this, repeat the process of knitting the first row. Insert your dominant hand index finger into the first loop on your non-dominant hand, wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around your finger, and pull it through the loop, creating a new loop. Continue this process for each loop on your non-dominant hand until the blanket is the desired length.
Step 6: Binding Off
Once the brown blanket has reached the desired length, it's time to bind off. This process creates a finished edge and prevents the stitches from unraveling. To bind off, knit the first two stitches in the row. Then, using your dominant hand, lift the first stitch over the second stitch and let it fall off your finger. Knit the next stitch and repeat the process of lifting the first stitch over the second stitch until you reach the end of the row. Cut the working yarn, leaving a tail of about six inches, and pull it through the last loop to secure the end of the blanket.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
To finish your finger-knit blanket, you can add some optional touches to give it a personalized touch. You can add fringe to the ends of the blanket by cutting several strands of yarn and tying them onto the edge of the blanket. You can also add tassels or pom-poms to the corners of the blanket to add a playful touch.
Tips for Finger-Knitting a Blanket
Use thick yarn to make the process faster and easier. Chunky yarns are a great option for finger-knitting blankets, as they create a cozy and warm texture.
Consider the length and width of the blanket. You can make a small lap blanket or a large throw blanket depending on your needs.
Keep your tension consistent. The tighter you pull the yarn, the smaller the stitches will be, and the looser you pull the yarn, the larger the stitches will be. Consistent tension is important to ensure a uniform look for your blanket.
Practice makes perfect. If you are new to finger knitting, practice the basic knit stitch before starting your blanket. This will help you develop your finger-knitting technique and ensure that your stitches are consistent.
Conclusion
Finger-knitting a blanket is a fun and easy way to create a personalized and cozy accessory for your home. With a few basic materials and some simple instructions, you can create a unique and beautiful custom knit blanket. The process of finger knitting is also a great way to relax and unwind, making it a perfect activity for both kids and adults. So grab some yarn and start creating your own custom knit blankets today!