How to Knit a Chunky Blanket with Tube Yarn: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

 

If you want to be cozy, to create a chunky, stylish touch to your home decor without spending hours learning complex knitting and crocheting techniques, arm knitting, finger knitting or hand knitting is your best option. One of the most popular materials for home projects right now is tube yarn.

 Unlike traditional fluffy merino wool roving that may shed and pill, tubular yarn consists of a knitted or woven fabric tube stuffed with polyester filling, similar feeling to a plush toy. This makes projects durable, easy care, pet-friendly, and surprisingly easy to work with.

This guide explores the different types of tube yarn available and shows you how to create a gorgeous chunky knit blanket from scratch.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Chunky Knit Blanket

You don't need any knitting needles or hooks for this project—just your hands and about 2 to 3 hours of free time. But if you prefer to – you can use big size jumbo knitting needles or jumbo hooks. Size recommendation 20-35 mm, US 36-85. 

Step 1: Calculate How Much Yarn You Need

For a standard throw blanket (approx. 40x50 inches (100x120 cm), you will generally need about 60 meters (64 yards) (or roughly 3 to 4 lbs (2 -3 kg)) of cotton tube yarn. Or you can also use our yarn calculator to find out how much yarn you need. Just enter project measurements, choose the type of knitting yarn and choose the finished knitting tightness (loose, medium or tight). What I choose? I usually go with medium. 

Step 2: Lay Out Your Foundation Chain

1. Unroll your tubular yarn and leave a 12-inch (20-30 cm) tail at the beginning.

2. Make a slip knot and pull a loop through it, measuring about 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm) in diameter.

3. Continue pulling new loops through the previous ones until your foundation chain is as wide as you want your blanket to be (usually 14 to 20 loops for a standard throw).

Step 3: Work Your Rows

1. Take the working yarn attached to the ball and lay it across your foundation chain to form a new row of loops.

2. Pull new loops of the same size up through each loop of your foundation chain, working from right to left (or left to right).

3. Keep your loop tension as uniform as possible so your finished chunky knit blanket looks neat and professional.

Step 4: Bind Off and Secure the End

Once you reach your desired length, weave the final working yarn through your last row of loops one by one to bind them off. Tie a secure knot with the remaining tail and weave it neatly into the stitches so it stays hidden. Usually you get matching sewing yarn together with tube yarn to sew the ends, so they can hold and your chunky blanket would be long lasting and quality made. 

Pro tip: if tube yarn is really good quality, usually it comes together with the exact same match sewing yarn so you could make not visible, quality endings. 

Caring for Your Tube Yarn Creation

To keep your handmade throw looking fresh, take a moment to check care instructions:

• Check the label: Most cotton tube yarn pieces can be spot-cleaned, gently hand-washed in cool water or washable in washing machine on gentle cycle. 

• Avoid harsh wringing: Gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry to maintain the structure of the internal stuffing.

Which color of tube yarn are you planning to use for your first blanket project?