{craft along} - Knit a blanket with us!

We are not starting small! What fun would that be. We are going all out and will create Lion Brand's Bright Garter Patches Throw. I wanted a project that I could take on the go, something that could be broken down into small allotments of time and something cute for my little one. This blanket is I don't have much experience knitting, but we can learn together. There are many great resources that I will share that will make this craft along a success! Lets get started.



Materials
• 9 balls of Vanna's Choice baby yarn
{your choice of colors, though the pattern choices are brilliant}
• Lion Brand Knitting Needles- Size 8
{I am using size 10.5 which seem to be working well}
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
{We will not need these until the very end}


Directions
Step 1. We are going to knit a lot of little squares - 81 to be exact. At the end of the project we will connect all of the squares to create the blanket. To create your first square we need to learn to cast on. You will cast on 13 stitches.


I will refer to Lion Brand's Learn to Knit instructions since we are using their pattern, and because they are very detailed. They use the knitting cast on, but there are a few other methods to cast on. You may need to watch the video a few times before you get it. I have to come back every time I start a new square, but take it slow and you will get it.



If you would like to try a different method, this is a great video that shows the "long-tail cast on." I used this method, but either method will work fine.



Make sure you cast on 13 stitches.

If you are unsure how to make a slip knot, check this video out:


Step 2. Work in Garter stitch (knit every row), until piece measures 3 in. (7.5 cm) from beginning. So use the Garter stitch, which I will show you here, until you have a square.




Lion Brand Yarn has great visual instructions for the Garter Stitch. Take your time with them, view the video a few times and pause when needed. Once you get the hang of it, these squares will take you no time at all.



This video shows the stitch from a different angle, which might be helpful.



Step 3. Finally, when you have knit enough rows to create a square you will need to cast off.


Lion Brand Yarn shows casting off as well. Make sure you take your time with this step. Soon you will have your first square created.



This week we will just concentrate on learning to knit. Create your first square with the directions provided. Different visuals work for different people. Check out the resources on YouTube. You may find a different video that you understand better. Next week we will get to work creating multiple squares for our blanket. Have fun!