The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Heavy Crochet Blanket

crochet blanket heavy

Weighted blankets are a great way to calm and soothe a person, helping them sleep and feel comforted. They can be particularly beneficial for people with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID), often associated with autism and learning disabilities, as the weight of the blanket has a soothing and calming effect. When making a crochet weighted blanket, it is important to consider the weight of the yarn and the size of the hook, as these factors will determine the overall weight and density of the blanket. For a heavier blanket, using multiple strands of yarn and a smaller hook will create tighter and more compact stitches, resulting in a rigid and heavy blanket.

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Chunky crochet blanket patterns

The Icelandic Crochet Blanket

The Icelandic Crochet Blanket is a beginner-friendly pattern that uses super simple crochet stitches. It is a quick and easy make, perfect for a last-minute gift. The lemon peel stitch gives the blanket a gorgeous, textured look and feel. The finished blanket is approximately 36" x 40", making it a nice, small lapghan or toddler-sized blanket. However, you can easily adjust the size by chaining more or fewer stitches to make it bigger or smaller. The recommended yarn for this pattern is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick N' Quick in Fisherman, or any other super chunky yarn. You will also need a US Size P 11.5 mm crochet hook and a tapestry needle to weave in the ends.

The Movie Nights Throw

This simple and quick crochet blanket pattern is perfect for beginners. It uses super bulky yarn, which makes the stitches easier to see and work with. The pattern includes instructions for a small throw measuring 56" x 60", but you can easily adjust the size to make it bigger or smaller. The recommended yarn for this pattern is Bernat Blanket, or any other super bulky chenille-type yarn. You will also need a size 12 mm crochet hook.

The Cora Blanket

This beautiful crochet blanket pattern by I Can Crochet That is an easy make that resembles a knitted blanket. The pattern uses Hue and Me yarn from Lionbrand, but you can use any super bulky yarn.

The Easy Crochet Chunky Blanket

This colourful crochet blanket pattern by Easy Crochet uses Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn in the colour Hudson Bay. The pattern includes instructions for 5 different sizes, so you can make a blanket that's just the right size for your needs.

The Marching North Chunky Crochet Throw

This quick and easy crochet blanket pattern by Marching North uses Bernat Blanket Big yarn, a super soft and chunky chenille yarn. The pattern includes instructions for a throw measuring 40" x 50", but you can easily adjust the size by chaining more or fewer stitches.

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Weighted blankets for kids

Weighted blankets have surged in popularity in recent years, with many people turning to them to help with insomnia and anxiety. They are also used to help children with sensory-processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, sleep problems, and issues of self-regulation.

When it comes to children, it is important to ensure that a weighted blanket is safe for them to use. The general rule is that weighted blankets are suitable for children over the age of 3 who weigh more than 50 pounds. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or therapist before purchasing a weighted blanket for a child.

The weight of the blanket is crucial. It should be around 10% of the child's body weight. For example, a 5-pound blanket would be suitable for a child weighing 50 pounds. The child should be able to move freely under the blanket, and it should not restrict their movement or be too heavy for them to lift.

Luna Dream Weaver Kids Weighted Blanket

Luna offers weighted blankets in various weights, ranging from 5 to 15 pounds, making them suitable for children weighing between 50 and 150 pounds. The blanket has a breathable cotton shell and is filled with microbeads and microfiber batting for extra softness. It is machine washable and comes in solid colors and playful prints.

Bearaby Nappling

The Bearaby Nappling is unique in that it does not contain any beads or pellets. Instead, it is made from layers of organic cotton yarns in an open-knit design, allowing for better airflow. It weighs around 8 pounds and is suitable for children between 4 and 14 years old, or those weighing around 80 pounds. It comes in solid colors and a multi-tone option.

Harkla Weighted Blanket for Kids

The Harkla weighted blanket comes in weights ranging from 5 to 15 pounds and is made from soft, textured fabric for sensory input. It has a removable cover for easy washing, and the inner fiber is made from breathable bamboo.

YnM Kids Cotton Weighted Blanket

The YnM Kids Cotton Weighted Blanket is made from breathable cotton and filled with glass beads and synthetic fiberfill sewn into small squares to distribute the weight evenly. It comes in various weights, from 5 to 20 pounds, and in multiple kid-friendly patterns, including stripes and superhero themes.

Mosaic Weighted Blanket

The Mosaic weighted blanket is available in a 5-pound weight, making it suitable for smaller children. It is made from a soft blend of 65% cotton and uses plastic pellets for weight. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, and the quilting ensures even weight distribution.

These are just a few examples of weighted blankets designed specifically for children. It is important to consider factors such as weight, breathability, ease of cleaning, and texture when choosing a weighted blanket for a child.

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Yarn types for crochet blankets

Yarn weight and fibre are two important factors to consider when choosing the best yarn for your crochet blanket.

Yarn Weight

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand. Thicker yarns, such as bulky or super-bulky yarn, will make your blanket work up faster, whereas lighter weight yarns may take longer to finish. For crochet blankets, a weight 2 to weight 6 yarn is recommended. If you're looking to make a hand-crocheted blanket, a weight 6 or 7 yarn is the way to go.

Yarn Fibre

Yarn fibre refers to what the yarn is made of. Common fibres include:

  • Acrylic yarn: Versatile, affordable, and available in a wide range of colours.
  • Wool yarn: Great for winter items as it provides warmth, but may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
  • Cotton yarn: Soft, breathable, and perfect for spring and summer projects like picnic blankets and market bags.

When choosing a yarn fibre, it's also important to consider the washing instructions and the cost. Animal fibres, such as wool, tend to be more expensive and usually need to be hand-washed, whereas fibres like cotton and acrylic can typically be machine-washed.

Recommended Yarn Types for Crochet Blankets

  • Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran: Soft yarn that comes in a wide array of colours and washes well.
  • Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn: Glides easily on your hook and comes in about 60 shades.
  • Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino Wool: A bit of a splurge, but offers beautiful texture and stitch definition.
  • Premier Anti-Pilling Every Day Worsted: Soft and similar to Vanna's Choice Yarn but with a slightly softer feel.
  • Stylecraft Special Yarn: Soft, available in a variety of colours, and can be purchased in Aran and DK weight.
  • Lion Brand Mandala: Self-striping yarn that comes in a wide variety of colours and is nice to work with.
  • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton: Cotton yarn that creates a breathable fabric and is great for warmer months.
  • Vanna's Choice Acrylic Yarn: Soft yarn with a good range of colour options.
  • Paintbox Yarns Simply Cotton: Great for everything from dishcloths to blankets, providing beautiful stitch definition.
  • Bernat Forever Fleece Yarn: Thick and soft yarn that works up quickly.

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Crochet hook sizes

Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes, which are measured in either letters (US) or metric units (UK). The smaller the hook size, the smaller the resulting stitches. For example, an H-8 (US) or 5mm (UK) hook is commonly used with worsted weight yarn, while a D-3 (US) or 3.25mm (UK) hook is suitable for finer fingering weight yarn.

When creating a heavy crochet blanket, it is recommended to use a larger hook size to achieve the desired weight and drape. A larger hook will create bigger stitches, resulting in a more open and airy fabric. For a super-bulky weight blanket, crochet hook sizes can range from 7.0mm to 10.0mm. Using a larger hook will also make it easier on your hands and wrists, providing a more comfortable crocheting experience.

It is important to note that crochet hook sizes are not completely standardized, and there can be variations between different manufacturers. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the packaging or a crochet hook size conversion chart to ensure you are using the correct size for your project.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider the weight of the yarn when choosing a crochet hook size. The size of the hook should correspond to the specific weight of the yarn you are using. Most yarn labels will provide a suggested hook size or a range of sizes that are suitable for that particular yarn.

To ensure your crochet blanket turns out as desired, it is recommended to create a gauge swatch. This involves crocheting a small sample using the chosen hook and yarn to determine if the stitches and rows per inch match the pattern's specifications. If the gauge is too small, a larger hook should be used, and if it is too large, a smaller hook is needed.

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Crochet blanket care instructions

Washing

It is recommended that you wash your crochet blanket by hand using a gentle detergent or soap. Fill a bathtub or large sink with cold water, adding a small amount of gentle detergent. Mix the water and detergent until the latter is evenly distributed. Submerge your blanket and let it soak for 10 minutes. Gently swish and squeeze the blanket in the solution, avoiding wringing or scrubbing. Drain the soapy water and add fresh, cold water for rinsing. Repeat this process until the water is clear and free of suds.

If you don't have the space or time to handwash your blanket, you can use a washing machine. Place the blanket in a mesh laundry bag and put it in the machine without a central agitator. Always wash on a delicate cycle with cold water.

Drying

Air-drying your crochet blanket is preferable. To do this, spread heavy plastic over a bed or the floor to protect the surface, then top the plastic with dry towels. Smooth the blanket over the towels to begin the drying process. Drying your blanket flat will help prevent stretching. Replace the towels with dry ones after several hours, and turn the blanket periodically to allow for even drying, which can take up to 24 hours.

If you must use a machine dryer, choose a low-heat setting. Acrylic fibres can be damaged by high temperatures.

Frequency

Crochet blankets should be washed once a season unless you have pets or messy family members.

Stain Removal

Most stains can be removed by treating the area with a dab of heavy-duty detergent. Work the detergent into the yarn with your fingers and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before washing.

Storage

Store your crochet blanket in a cool, dark closet. Avoid basements and attics where humidity and temperatures fluctuate. Fold the blanket and stow it in a breathable cotton bag or storage bin.

Frequently asked questions

The weight of a crochet blanket depends on the yarn used and the size of the blanket. A crochet blanket can be as heavy as 15-20 lbs.

For a heavy crochet blanket, it is recommended to use a super-bulky weight yarn. This will make the blanket thicker and heavier.

The best crochet hooks to use for super bulky weight yarn are between 7.0mm and 10.0mm. Using a smaller hook will result in tighter and more compact stitches, making the blanket heavier.

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