Big, Bold, Beautiful: Crocheting A Statement Blanket

Crochet blankets are a fun and creative way to add warmth and comfort to your home. They can be made in various sizes, from tiny doll blankets to large king-size bed covers, and everything in between. The size and shape of the blanket depend on the person's age, the space where it will be used, and their personal preference. When making a crochet blanket, it is essential to consider the type of yarn, hook size, and tension to ensure the desired measurements are achieved. With some simple adjustments, anyone can create a custom-sized blanket that fits their needs perfectly.

Chunky crochet blanket patterns

Chunky crochet blankets are perfect for cold winter nights. They are usually made with super bulky yarn, which makes them quick and easy to make. This type of yarn is great for beginners or those who want instant satisfaction, as the thickness of the yarn makes the stitches taller and wider, reducing the time of a crochet project.

Materials and Tools

Depending on the pattern you choose, you will need super bulky yarn, a crochet hook (usually a large one), and sometimes other items like a tapestry needle.

Patterns

• The Cora Blanket by I Can Crochet That: This pattern uses Hue and Me yarn from Lionbrand and creates a beautiful, knitted look.
• Easy Crochet's Chunky Crochet Blanket: This pattern uses Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn in the colour Hudson Bay to create a colourful blanket. It comes in 5 sizes.
• Marching North's Chunky Crochet Throw Pattern: A quick and easy pattern that uses Bernat Blanket Big yarn, a chenille-type yarn.
• Cypress Street Home's Chunky Crochet Blanket: This pattern uses Wool-Ease Thick and Quick yarn and reminds one of a cozy sweater.
• Moogly's Chunky Crochet Blanket: A super easy pattern that comes with a video tutorial.
• Mama In A Stitch's Chunky Icelandic Crochet Blanket: This pattern uses the lemon peel stitch and Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick N' Quick yarn. It is a beginner-friendly pattern that works up quickly.
• Yarn, Hook, Needles' Chunky Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern: This pattern uses velvet yarn to create a soft and luxurious blanket.
• Lulo Stitch Co.'s Faith Chunky Crochet Throw Blanket: A textured design using super bulky yarn.
• Persia Lou's Chunky Feather and Fan Stitch Blanket: A beautiful, chunky version of the classic feather and fan stitch.
• MJ's Off The Hook Designs' Hello Harvest Chunky Crochet Blanket: A colourful and textured blanket perfect for fall decor.
• All About Ami's Braided Blanket: A detailed photo tutorial teaches you how to make a chunky crochet blanket with braids.

Tips

When crocheting a chunky blanket, it is important to use a larger hook than you would typically use for the yarn weight. This will help you achieve a nice, loose fabric. You can also crochet without a hook using your fingers, which will give you a looser fabric and a slightly larger blanket.

Crochet blanket sizes

When it comes to crochet blanket sizes, the possibilities are endless as you can make a crochet blanket in any size you want. However, there are some standard sizes that you might find useful to know.

Baby Blankets

A "lovey" is a small comfort blanket for babies and toddlers, measuring 12 by 12 inches. A "stroller" blanket is designed to keep babies warm during stroller rides and is typically 30 by 36 inches. The "receiving" blanket is a versatile option often used to swaddle newborns and usually measures 40 by 40 inches. Finally, a "crib" blanket fits well within a standard crib and can serve a child well into their toddler years. This blanket typically measures 45 by 60 inches.

Child Blankets

A 40 by 50-inch blanket is perfect for toddlers, while a slightly larger option, measuring 42 by 52 inches, is ideal for young children. A "throw" blanket, measuring 52 by 60 inches, is a good size for children and can also be used as a "lapghan" for teens and adults. If you want to make a square blanket for a child, a good size is 54 by 54 inches.

Decor/Throw Blankets

A "lapghan" is a cross between a lap blanket and an afghan, designed to cover your lap and legs while sitting. It typically measures 36 by 48 inches. A "small throw" blanket is a stylish addition to living rooms and usually measures 52 by 60 inches. An "oversized throw" is bigger than your average throw and is ideal for wrapping around more than one person. It typically measures 54 by 70 inches.

Bedding Blankets

For adult beds, the size of the blanket depends on whether you want it to just sit on top of the bed or drape over the sides. A twin/twin XL blanket is suited for single beds and typically measures 66 by 90 inches. A full-size blanket is ideal for double beds and measures 80 by 90 inches. A queen-size blanket, measuring 88 by 92 inches, is a common adult bed size. A king-size blanket, measuring 106 by 90 inches, is one of the larger bedding sizes. For a California king bed, the blanket should be 106 by 90 inches, but a regular king-size blanket will also fit.

Custom Sizing

You can also customise the size of your crochet blanket by adjusting the number of stitches and rows, or by joining together individual squares. Adding borders is another great way to make a blanket larger without altering the main stitch pattern.

Crochet hooks for chunky yarn

When it comes to crochet hooks for chunky yarn, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the thickness of the yarn and the desired tension will determine the size of the crochet hook you need. Chunky yarn typically uses a larger hook size, usually ranging from 6mm to 9mm. However, if you're working with super chunky or super bulky yarn, you may need an even larger hook, ranging from 9mm to 14mm. It's important to check the recommended hook size on the yarn band, as different yarns of the same weight may have different suggestions.

Using a larger hook size than recommended will result in looser, more open stitches and a larger finished piece. On the other hand, a smaller hook size will give you tighter, denser stitches, and your project will turn out smaller. It's worth noting that some patterns may require you to adjust your hook size to match the specified tension. Additionally, certain crochet techniques, such as amigurumi, typically use a smaller hook to create a tight fabric.

When working with chunky yarn, it's essential to consider the weight of the final product, especially for projects like blankets. Substituting a different weight yarn can significantly impact the size and functionality of your project. For example, using super chunky yarn for a blanket will result in a much heavier and thicker finish, which may not be desirable.

If you're a beginner, chunky yarn is a great option as it's easy to work with and mistakes are quickly noticeable. You can find chunky yarn in various colours, and it's perfect for creating warm garments, blankets, and home décor items like throw pillows and rugs. Remember to always check the pattern and yarn instructions for the recommended hook size, and don't be afraid to experiment with different hook sizes to achieve the desired effect.

Crochet stitches for chunky yarn

Chunky yarn, also known as bulky yarn, is a super cosy option for crochet projects. It's no wonder that it's a favourite for blankets and throws. The larger stitches created by chunky yarn are great for showcasing stitch detail and texture. However, not all stitches are ideal for this type of yarn. Here are some of the best crochet stitches to use for chunky yarn projects:

Single Crochet Stitch

The single crochet stitch is a basic stitch and an important one to master, as it forms the foundation for many other crochet stitches. When paired with chunky yarn, it creates a super thick and tight-knit fabric with no gaps, making it perfect for items like bags and coasters.

Double Crochet Stitch

The double crochet stitch is similar to the single crochet stitch but with a slight variation. It is essentially two single crochet stitches stacked on top of each other, and the enlarged format of chunky yarn benefits this stitch by making it more prominent.

V-Stitch

The V-stitch is a variation of the double crochet stitch, creating a row of Vs by working two stitches into one spot with spacing in between. This stitch is perfect for adding a lacy texture to your chunky yarn projects.

Half Double Crochet (HDC)

The half double crochet stitch has a unique twist and a third loop, giving it a different look from the single and double crochet stitches. This basic stitch is highlighted beautifully when worked with large yarn.

Back Loop Only (BLO)

Working in the back loop only is more of a technique than a stitch, but it works exceptionally well with bulky yarn. It creates a ridge effect that is beautifully exaggerated for amazing texture in your crochet projects.

Post Stitches

Post stitches are simple stitches worked around the stitch from the row below, rather than through the loop. They create a super textured and cosy effect, perfect for warm accessories like hats, scarves, and mittens.

Puff Stitch

The puff stitch pops off the surface of your crochet project, creating a touchable, bubble-like effect that is emphasised by the chunkiness of the yarn.

Bobble Stitch

The bobble stitch is similar to the puff stitch but even more three-dimensional, making it a stunning choice for bulky accessories like hats.

Broomstick Lace

Broomstick lace is typically considered a delicate technique for lightweight yarns, but using it with chunky yarn is a unique way to create a powerful visual impact.

Feather Stitch

Although simple stitches are generally recommended for chunky yarn, the feather stitch is an exception. This stitch has a beautiful, tropical bird-like texture that pairs well with thick or variegated yarn.

These stitches are a great starting point for experimenting with chunky yarn. Remember that you can always try out different stitches to see which ones you like best and suit your project. Happy crocheting!

Best yarns for a chunky blanket

When choosing the best yarn for a chunky blanket, there are a few factors to consider, such as the fibre content, thickness, and construction of the yarn.

Firstly, fibre content is generally divided into two categories: natural fibres and synthetic fibres. Wool yarn is a popular choice for its insulating properties, while cotton yarn is easier to care for and can be washed and dried like regular laundry. Synthetic fibres, such as acrylic, are also a good option as they are relatively easy to care for and are available in various formats, including pure acrylic or acrylic-wool blends.

The thickness of the yarn is another important consideration. While thicker yarns are often used to create a chunky blanket, it is important to note that bulky weight yarn can result in a stiff blanket with gaps in the stitches. Therefore, it is recommended to use a lighter-weight yarn for children or individuals who get overheated easily.

Lastly, the construction of the yarn should be considered. Yarns that are loosely spun may not be durable or suitable for machine washing. Instead, look for yarns with strands that are spun together firmly, such as worsted spun yarns, which are more durable due to their tight construction.

• Bernat Blanket Big: A super thick yarn that is perfect for bulky crochet patterns and simple stitches.
• Lion Brand Yarn: Lion Brand's Thick and Quick or Hometown USA lines are great options for chunkier yarn.
• Premier Yarns: Their Parfait Chunky line is ideal for bulky crochet projects.
• Red Heart Sweet Home: A plush, chunky chenille yarn that works up quickly and showcases stitch patterns nicely.
• Bernat Blanket Stripes: A chenille-style yarn with a velvet feel, perfect for creating comfy blankets.
• Bernat Softee Chunky: A bold yarn that makes a bold statement.
• KnitPicks Tuff Puff Yarn: A vibrant wool yarn that works up quickly and is perfect for creating eye-catching sweaters and accessories.

Frequently asked questions