There are two effective and proper ways on how to wash a knitted blanket – either to hand wash or machine wash them. Whichever method you use, it’s essential to know how to properly care for and maintain these handmade treasures if you want them to last for years. 

There are other nagging questions about knitted blankets you might want to answer, like how often you should wash them and store them in the UK properly. Read on, and we will provide you with the answers you need to prevent damaging them!

How To Wash A Knitted Blanket

Before you jump towards the process of how to wash a knitted blanket, you might want to dwell on which method to use. There are two choices to consider: either go at it with your hands or use a washing machine. Take into account the blanket’s type of yarn to help you decide.

For blankets made of delicate material like wool, cashmere, or alpaca, you can do a hand washing method to prevent any damage. Meanwhile, use a washing machine to handle those with more robust material (polyester, cotton, or acrylic).

Hand Washing

Step #1. Use a detergent appropriate for hand washing

You need one that will be gentle, not just on the blanket but also on your hands. This will help you wash the blanket without damaging its texture, color, and shape.

If you are washing wool, pick a detergent with lanolin this oil aids in preserving wool fibers.  

Step #2. Check the label on the blanket to know its material type

Delicate fibers need to be hand-washed. Checking the labels is necessary since most have laundering instructions in them – like fabric care labels.  

Step #3. Soap it up

Fill a basin or bowl with cold water and mix detergent in it. Soak the blanket into water. 

Swish it gently to help the blanket absorb the water. Don’t press nor agitate the blanket too much as it could stretch it out.

Step #4. Rinse the knitted blanket 

Rinse it using cold water until it is soap-free. Don’t wring it out too much since that could lead to felting or stretching. 

Step #5. Let it air-dry 

You need to delicately dry cotton yarns and animal hair. Squeeze the blanket to remove the excess water and roll it up in a towel. 

Machine Washing

Step #1: Choose the right detergent 

Similar to hand-washing, you need to choose a gentle detergent. For cotton or synthetic fibers, use a mild detergent. 

Step #2: Use a safety tool 

If your blanket is acrylic, cotton, or polyester, put it inside a lingerie bag, then drop it inside the machine. Then, separate it from clothes or items with buttons or zippers. 

Step #3: Add the detergent

Add a bit of detergent and turn the machine on. Select either a permanent or a delicate press cycle. 

Step #4: Let it dry

Layout a shower curtain (or tarp) on a large surface and hold it. A bed or floor would be ideal. On top of it, lay a white sheet or dry towels. 

Reshape the knitted blanket and place it flat on the sheet. The drying process takes about 24 hours. Turn it periodically for even drying.   

Is Using A Dryer Advisable?

If the material is either synthetic linens, fiber, or cotton yarns, you can go ahead and use a tumble dryer. Keep note that you should only tumble-dry linens at low temperatures. 

Be careful not to over-dry it! You may burn the fabric this way, so only settle for low to medium heat. 

If you are unsure about the yarn or material type, it might be safer to air-dry the blanket. 

How Often Should You Wash A Knitted Blanket?

Knitted blankets don’t require frequent washing. You can wash them once every season. That is unless in the UK you have messy roommates or pets. 

If it’s the case of messy housemates, you can wash them if you deemed them dirty or smelly enough. Just keep in mind the proper way to clean and store these blankets so you wouldn’t damage them. 

What Is The Proper Way Of Storing A Knitted Blanket?

If you are not using it, you can fold the knitted blanket and store them inside a closed plastic bag, plastic bin, or cotton bag to keep it dust and dirt-free. You can place it inside a cool corner inside the closet.

Don’t store them in the attic or basement in the UK. The humidity won’t be suitable for the fabric. Also, avoid placing them near buttons or zippers as they can potentially cause damage. 

To prevent pests from feeding and making a home on your blanket, you can use cedar balls or dried herbs to keep them away. For keeping moths away, you can use essential oils like clove, cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary. 

Conclusion

Knitted blankets are beloved and precious treasures that bring you infinite comfort and warmth. Being the treasures they are, you need to keep them in good condition. To do that, you need to know how to wash a knitted blanket and store them in the UK properly.

If you’re confused about stuff you need to buy for your baby, check out the rest of the article as we talk about what is a stroller blanket and why you should get it. This blanket is a great tool to use when you’re heading out with your child. It protects them from the heat of the sun and prevents your baby from catching a cold during cool weather. 

The safety of your little ones should be your primary concern. Do you know that newborn children are more prone to infection? Especially when you’re going out for a walk with your child, it’s essential to keep everything as clean as possible. 

Learn more about stroller blankets from our essential guide below!

What You Need To Know About Stroller Blankets

When to use them

Stroller blankets are a covering that your baby can use when riding a stroller. You can also use it in a lot of ways if you’re resourceful enough. You can use stroller blankets for car trips or a visit to the park.

It ensures that your child is comfortable and can enjoy a nice day while exploring a new world. You can also use them for any season since several types of stroller blankets to choose from. We will discuss the two basic types later on in this article.

These blankets are not too large nor too small, which makes them the perfect companion when you’re out and about with your child!

What are the types of stroller blankets?

• Lightweight

You would want to use lightweight stroller blankets when it’s sunny outside, and the temperature is warm. Manufacturers typically make it with cotton materials. Light blankets are also more extensive compared to heavyweight ones.

According to the Skin Care Foundation, exposure to the sun under six months of age increases the risk of skin cancers in the future. Fortunately, lightweight blankets are here to protect your child from harmful UV rays.

• Heavyweight

Heavyweight stroller blankets commonly used for cooler temperatures like fall to winter. You can also use this for air-conditioned areas. It’s essential to make sure that your baby is warm and cosy during these times. 

Babies tend to feel cold four times faster than adults. This tendency happens because they don’t have much body fat that will help keep their body warm. Heavyweight blankets generally made from fabrics that promote warmth, such as polyester, flannels, or knits. 

However, is stroller blankets worth it?

Why Should You Use It?

If you’re still wondering why you should consider buying a stroller blanket, here are the advantages of having one. First of all, it provides shade and protection from the harsh heat of the sun. Babies have delicate skin that is very sensitive to numerous environmental factors. 

Babies are also prone to heat rashes caused by exposure to hot or humid areas. Even though they eventually go away on their own, this can make your child uncomfortable and cry more often. Having a stroller blanket will lessen the risk of having one and other types of infections as well. 

How Do I Choose The Right One After Finding Out What Is A Stroller Blanket?

Here are some of the things you need to consider when choosing a stroller blanket in the UK.

• Material

The material should be the first thing to consider when looking for a stroller blanket. You must think about which one will work best for your child. It’s also important to note that some babies in the UK are allergic to certain kinds of fabrics. 

Make sure that the fabric is suitable for sensitive skin. It should also be breathable enough to make napping easier and comfortable. 

• Weather

It will help to check out the weather forecast when planning to go outside with your child. If the forecast predicted to be sunny, bring lightweight stroller blankets. They can shield your baby from heat and other pollutants. 

However, if the weather is going to be colder, it is best to use heavyweight ones. These can help your child to stay warm and avoid catching a cold. 

• Safety

As a UK parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that what you’re buying for your baby is safe. One way to do this is to check the size. Blankets that are too big can get stuck in the wheels and cause an accident. 

It can also collect dirt and germs from the ground that can cause sickness or infection.

• Right Size

The next thing that you have to remember is to look for just the right size. It shouldn’t be too small that it barely covers them. However, it also doesn’t have to be too big as it can be difficult for them to move around. 

There are no specific measurements for the “ideal size” of a stroller blanket. The right size for a stroller blanket depends on how big your baby is.

Conclusion

Stroller blankets are a covering that is made convenient, especially for stroller usage. However, it`s versatile enough that you can also use it for other things. It`s important to differentiate types of stroller blankets to ensure maximum benefits for each one. 

Now that you have adequate information about what is a stroller blanket, it is up to you to get one for your baby!

Over the quarantine, many people in the UK have taken up various hobbies. Learning how to crochet a simple blanket is one of those hobbies that have boomed in the pandemic. 

This article will teach you to crochet a simple blanket, from the materials you need to the various steps involved €“ and even a few handy tips!

What Materials Do You Need?

The first and most important thing you need to do is prepare your materials beforehand. You should have enough materials for the size of the blanket you want to make. Below is a complete list of all the things you will need:

• Chunky yarn
• Size H, 5.0 mm Crochet Hook 

Once you’ve gathered all of your materials, you can begin making your very own crocheted blanket!

How To Crochet A Simple Blanket?

Crocheting may seem daunting, but fear not! Once you figure out the basics, you’ll have a blanket in no time.

Here are the steps you need to follow so you can crochet your very own blanket.

Step #1. Determine the size

You can measure your mattress and add a few inches to that according to your liking to determine this. Ensure that the length and width of the blanket are enough to cover the user and the bed. 

If you require assistance with measuring, you may use these standard sizes instead:

• Baby blanket – 30 inches by 30 inches

• Throw blanket – 50 inches by 60 inches

• King blanket – 108 inches by 90-100 inches

Once you’ve figured out how large you want your blanket to be, purchase enough yarn to make it. 

Step #2. Look for a pattern or design your own

To make a blanket, you will need a pattern. There are many of these available on the internet, often for free! You can opt for a simple, easy-to-follow pattern or challenge yourself with a complicated design. 

For beginners, one of the easiest methods, and the one we will be using here, is the Granny Square Blanket method.

Step #3. Crochet 

This section is heavy with crochet terminologies. Here is a quick cheat sheet before we begin:

• Ch – chain
• Dc – double crochet
• Sl st – slip stitch 

Now that you’re familiar with the terms, here are the instructions:

• Start your first round of granny square by making a slip knot on your hook. Then, ch 3.
• Crochet two dc stitches to the base of your ch 3. Then, ch 2.
• Crochet 3 dc stitches into the base of the first ch 3 round. Then, ch 2. Repeat this step twice.
• Close this round with an sl st.
• Start your second round. Crochet three dc stitches, ch 2, and crochet another three dc stitches. Do this in just one corner. Ch 2.
• Repeat the step above on each of the corners of the square.
• Once you reach the corner where you started, make three dc. Ch 2. Sl st to close.
• Start your third round. Chain 3, then crochet two dc stitches in just one corner. Then, ch 2.
• Crochet a cluster of 3 dc stitches on the side of the square, then ch 2.
• Make your way around the square by repeating the steps for round 3 on each corner.
• Once you reach the starting corner, make three dc stitches, ch 2, and sl st.
• Keep repeating rounds 1 to 3 until you reach the desired size for the blanket. Add more spaces in between clusters as you make more rounds.
• Once you’re satisfied with the size, cut off the yarn. Leave a trail of at least 6 inches and then weave in the ends.

What are the best stitches for beginners?

The best crochet stitches for UK beginners are those that are simple and easy to do. 

The first one is the crochet chain stitch. This stitch is the most basic among all the crochet stitches. It is abbreviated to ch and used in the instructions above.

The next stitch is the slip stitch (sl st). It is considered the foundation of all crochet projects. It used to join two crocheted elements or to add flourish to your design. It also used in the Granny Square pattern.

The last stitch is the double crochet stitch, which once more used in the instructions above. It abbreviated to dc. It combines all the basic stitches.

Does It Take Long For A Newbie To Crochet A Blanket?

It depends. 

A blanket can take anywhere between a week and a whole month to finish. Sometimes, the type of yarn you use can speed up the process. Chunky yarn projects are usually faster to complete than thinner yarn.

Ultimately, a project’s duration depends on how much time and effort you’re willing to spend on learning and practising a new craft.

Conclusion

Making a crochet blanket uses only a few materials. It also done with simple and easy steps. It is a beginner-friendly hobby worth trying.

Now that you have discovered how to make your simple blanket, you can move on to bigger and more complicated projects.

Warm, cosy knitted blankets usually made of thick yarn. However, they could get costly in the UK, so you can learn how to arm knit a blanket with thin yarn instead.

This arm knitting method will require multiple strands of thin yarn to create a bulkier blanket, but you can easily make various colour combinations.

Arm knitting is fun and easy, so with a bit of practice, you can start knitting your blankets in an hour or two, like a pro.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Arm Knit A Blanket With Thin Yarn

Step #1. Make a slip knot 

Start with making a slip knot. To do this, create a loop at the tail end of your yarn on top, then pass through the loop with your thumb and index finger.

Pinch the end of the yarn that is attached to the skein. Pull the long end of the yarn through the loop and tighten the knot.

Step #2. Cast row one

Put your slip knot on your right arm and your left index finger and thumb between the working yarn or the yarn connected to the skein.

Grab the strands of yarn with the rest of your fingers in the left hand, and twist the yarns up.

Using your right hand, grab the yarn in front of your thumb and pull it up. Reach through the loop and grab the end of the yarn in front of your left index finger.

Pull the yarn through the loop and slip your right hand through. Repeat these steps until you have at least ten loops on your arms.

Step #3. Work on the rows

Pull the tail of your yarn to the side and grab the working yarn with your right hand. Wrap your yarn around the front of your thumb.

Working from the bottom up, fold your hand around the working yarn to form a fist.

Using your left hand, pull the stitch of yarn on your right wrist over the other holding the working yarn. Drop the stitch and slip your left hand through the working yarn.

Pull tight, but not too tight, to allow the yarn to slide on your wrist. Repeat until everything transferred to your other arm.

Your stitches will alternate from your right to your left arm, so repeat the process until you have the length or size you desire.

Remember to have at least four yards of yarn left to bind off your blanket.

Step #4. Bind off

Put all your stitches on your left arm and create two more stitches on your right arm. Drop your working yarn, and with your left hand, grab the stitch closest to your elbow on your right arm and pull it over the other stitch.

Pick up the working yarn and knit another stitch on your right arm. Repeat the process until all stitches are off your left arm, save for the last stitch.

Remove the last loop and pull to make a large loop. Measure four inches on the working yarn and cut. After, you can pull the working yarn up through the loop and pull tight like a knot.

Step #5. Finishing the blanket

Lay the blanket out flat. With the working yarn, pull the blanket under the first line of stitches from where you see the first V and pull the yarn all the way through.

Find the first stitch on your blanket, on the left side. Pull the yarn underneath, all the way through.

At the end of the last row of yarn, cut around seven inches off the tail. Pull through the final loop and discreetly weave the end into the backside of the blanket.

How Do I Use Thin Yarn For Arm Knitting?

You can use different methods in making your chunky yarn from thin yarns. You can choose to knit single crochet strands, use multiple strands, or create a center-pull cord.

• Use a single crochet strand

Make a chunky yarn strand by crocheting one. You only have to crochet a chain as long as you can.

Come back at the beginning and single crochet the first row of your blanket, which should give you a strand about a quarter of an inch thick.

• Use multiple strands

You can increase or decrease the thickness of the yarn simply by adding strands. You can use different colours and get creative with this idea.

However, the problem with this technique is that the blanket could look a bit stringy, so you may want to twist the strands together before starting your blanket project.

• Make a centre-pull cord

The centre-pull cord is easy to make. Make a loop with the yarn and grab the yarn through the centre to make another loop.

Conclusion

This project is easy enough if you know how to arm knit a blanket with thin yarn. A good aspect of this project is that you only need yarn, your arms, and probably a pair of scissors to put everything together.

Take your time and enjoy creating your blanket. This arm-knitted blanket is a great project to do by yourself or your kids if they are up to it.

It only takes three steps to learn how to sew a blanket, and it will be as easy as crocheting. You can surprise your friends in the winter months with their personalised blanket, which is more special since you made it yourself. And best of all, this project isn’t too tasking. 

Before anything else, make sure that you have chosen your materials for the blanket. You’ll need a plush fabric, flannel, and batting to create the cosiest UK homemade blanket. You can also prepare a sewing machine for this project if you’re making a large-size blanket.

How To Sew A Blanket For Beginners

1. Prepare the fabric pieces for sewing

You can use different fabrics to make a blanket but ensure that you have materials for the batting, flannel, and plush parts of the blanket. Cut the three fabrics at the same size to achieve your desired blanket dimensions. Then, align them for sewing and pin the batting at the bottom, followed by the flannel, and finally, the plush material at the top. 

Remember that when you’re placing the flannel over the batting, it should be right side up, and the plush will be right side down over the flannel. The flannel and plush material will face each other with their right sides. Pin the three layers together and smoothen them out for stitching. 

2. Stitch the fabric layers together

You can sew the materials together with a machine or by hand and tape around the plush fabric to guide you with the seam. Beginners who decided to sew a blanket by hand will start at the corner and down to the sides. You can do blanket stitching until you finished around the blanket. 

What if you want to use a sewing machine? Place the blanket under the needle and move downward. Sewing using a device is self-explanatory and according to what’s comfortable for you as long as you are on the outside edge of the tape you used for marking the seam.

3. Finish the blanket

Once you’ve sewed all around the blanket, cut around the edge and remove the tape and pins. Then, iron the edges with the low setting starting from the top edge of the blanket. Flip the blanket right side out and ensure that no material bunched inward, especially on the corners. 

Finally, sew the hole with a blanket stitch, and your blanket finished!

How Much Fabric Needed For A Blanket?

The amount of fabric you’ll need to make a blanket depends on the size you’re making. To give you a quick guide, the smallest size, a baby blanket, will need a yard of fabric. On the other hand, the enormous dimensions, adult Afghan and adult oversized, will need twice the amount.  

What are the standard blanket sizes?

When sewing a blanket, it would help to familiarise yourself with different standard blanket sizes. You’ll use the dimensions when cutting the pieces you’ll need and gauging how much fabric required in the first place. For bed blankets, there are crib, twin, double, queen, and king-size blankets. 

Bed blankets dimensions

A crib blanket is 45 by 60 inches, while a king-size blanket is 108 by 90 inches. Most people in the United Kingdom choose the twin blanket, which is a  good middle-size at 66 by 90 inches, or a double, 80 by 90 inches. It’s also worth noting that blankets are typically bed-sized, while Afghans more commonly knitted or crocheted. 

What is the best fabric for a blanket?

The best fabric for a blanket will differ for every person, depending on their preferred design or feel. The most popular ones are cotton, wool, fleece, and mink. But for our beginner’s sewing guide above, let us familiarise you with the materials for the plush, flannel, and batting blanket layers. 

Plush fabric

The plush fabric you’ll use for a blanket is polyester, and you can select a specific colour or design as long as it matches your flannel. Remember that this material will also be what you’ll immediately contact when using the blanket. 

Flannel

The flannel material comes in different designs and colours. And since it is cotton, it feels soft, and some are even fuzzy. 

Batting

The batting will fill up your blanket to improve its cosiness. Generally, you can choose from polyester or cotton. The latter is more preferred because of its softness. 

How Do You Make A Simple Quilt Blanket?

Making a simple quilt blanket is straightforward, and the easiest one you can do is a patchwork square. Cut the blocks you’ll need for the blanket size and sew the pattern together. Baste the layers and then bind the edges to finish the quilt blanket.

You can check out different quilt patterns online to help you find which you think is the easiest. Some even share their favourite quilt block patterns online that you can use as guides. 

Conclusion

Do you want to make your blanket? Then it would be helpful to learn how to sew a blanket! You will only need to prepare three types of materials and stitch them together by hand or with a sewing machine.