From Start to Snuggle: Mastering the Art of Finishing a Hand Knit Blanket

Hand knitting a blanket is a labor of love, taking hours upon hours of dedication and countless stitches. When the final row is reached and it’s time to bind off, there is a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that words cannot quite capture. But before you can cuddle up with your finished creation, there are some key techniques and tips to consider in order to successfully complete your hand knit blanket. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to finish a hand knit blanket, ensuring that all your hard work and effort results in a beautiful and functional piece. So grab your needles and yarn, because it’s time to wrap up your project with finesse.

A hand-knit blanket is a beautiful and unique creation that requires patience, skill, and dedication to complete. Whether you are a seasoned knitter or just starting out, finishing a hand-knit blanket can be both exciting and intimidating. With the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a professional look and create a treasured heirloom to be passed down for generations. In this guide, we will break down the steps on how to finish a hand-knit blanket, from blocking to weaving in ends, so you can achieve a flawless final product.

Blocking Your Hand-Knit Blanket

Blocking is the process of shaping your knitted piece by gently stretching it and allowing it to dry in its desired shape. It is an important step in finishing any knitting project, especially when it comes to blankets. Not only does blocking help even out any uneven stitches or edges, but it also enhances the drape and overall look of the finished product.

To begin blocking your hand-knit blanket, you will need a flat surface large enough to spread out your blanket. A clean bed or carpeted floor works well for this purpose. You will also need some rust-proof T-pins or blocking wires to hold your blanket in place while it dries.

Start by laying your blanket flat on your chosen surface. Gently smooth out any wrinkles or bumps by pulling on the edges of the fabric until it lies flat. Next, use T-pins or blocking wires to secure each corner of the blanket in place. If you are using pins, place them about an inch from the edge of the fabric; if using wires, insert them through the fabric at regular intervals along each edge.

Once all four corners are secured, you can move on to pinning or wiring the sides of your blanket. Start by placing pins/wires along one side of your blanket at regular intervals. Then, gently pull the fabric and place more pins/wires along the opposite side to create a straight edge. Repeat this process for the remaining two sides of your blanket.

Washing Your Hand-Knit Blanket

Before proceeding to the next step, it is important to wash your hand-knit blanket carefully. This will ensure that any dirt or oils from your hands are removed, and the fibers are clean and ready for the finishing process.

Fill a clean sink or bathtub with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent, such as baby shampoo or wool wash. Submerge your blanket in the water and gently squeeze it without agitating too much. Let it soak for about 10-20 minutes, then drain the water and refill your sink/tub with fresh water to rinse.

After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting your blanket. Lay it flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb more moisture. Unroll the towel and lay your blanket flat on another dry towel to air dry completely.

Weaving in Ends

Once your blanket is thoroughly dry, you can start weaving in all those loose ends. Take a tapestry needle with an eye large enough to accommodate your yarn and thread one of the loose ends onto it. Starting at one corner of your blanket, weave the end under stitches in a diagonal pattern until you reach the end of that section.

Then, turn around and weave back in an opposite diagonal direction until you reach where you began. This will secure the end without leaving any unsightly knots on the right side of your blanket. Trim off any excess yarn and repeat this process for all remaining loose ends.

Add Finishing Touches

To add a professional touch to your hand-knit blanket, consider adding some special finishing touches like edging or fringe. To create a neat and clean edge, you can use a crochet hook to add a simple single crochet border around the entire blanket. This will also help to prevent any curling at the edges.

If you prefer to have fringe on your blanket, you can easily add it by cutting even strands of yarn and attaching them onto the edges of your blanket using a crochet hook. Alternatively, you can create tassels by tying bunches of yarn together and then attaching them onto each corner of your blanket.

Finishing a hand-knit blanket may seem like a daunting task, but with these steps and some practice, you can achieve a professional and polished look. Remember to take your time and not rush through any step of the process. With proper blocking, washing, weaving in ends, and adding finishing touches, your hand-knit blanket will be ready to keep you warm and cozy for years to come. Happy knitting!

Materials Needed:

For beginners, finishing a hand knit blanket may seem like a daunting task. However, with the right materials and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and professional looking finished product. Here are the essential materials you will need:

1. Yarn: The type of yarn you choose will depend on the pattern and design of your blanket. Make sure to select a soft and durable yarn that will not only look great but also hold up over time.

2. Knitting Needles: Knitting needles come in various sizes and types, such as straight, circular, or double-pointed needles. Make sure to use the recommended needle size for your chosen yarn to achieve the correct tension.

3. Tapestry Needle: This needle is used for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

4. Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors will come in handy when cutting yarn and tidying up any loose ends.

5. Blocking Supplies (optional): Blocking mats or towels, rust proof pins, and a spray bottle are useful if you want to shape your finished blanket.

6. Stitch Markers (optional): These little markers are helpful in keeping track of your stitches when working on complex patterns.

Steps for Finishing a Hand Knit Blanket:

Finishing a hand knit blanket involves several steps that require patience and attention to detail. Here is a step by step guide to help you achieve a flawless finish:

Step 1: Weave in Loose Ends
Before beginning any finishing work on your blanket, make sure all loose ends are securely woven in using your tapestry needle. This step ensures that your blanket looks neat and tidy without any unsightly dangling threads.

Step 2: Block (Optional)
If desired, block your blanket using blocking mats or towels. This process involves gently stretching out your blanket into shape while dampening it with water from a spray bottle. You can use rust proof pins to keep your blanket in place while it dries. Blocking helps even out any stitches and gives your blanket a more polished look.

Step 3: Machine Wash (Optional)
If your blanket is made from machine-washable yarn, you can give it a gentle wash before proceeding with any other finishing steps. This will help soften the fibers and remove any excess dye that may have bled during the knitting process.

Step 4: Seam Pieces Together
If you have knitted individual pieces of the blanket, such as squares or strips, you will need to seam them together using a mattress stitch. This stitch creates an invisible seam and gives your blanket a seamless finish.

Step 5: Add Fringes or Tassels (Optional)
For a decorative touch, you can add fringes or tassels to the edges of your blanket. This is done by cutting equal lengths of yarn and attaching them to the edges of your blanket using a crochet hook.

Step 6: Pick Up Stitches for Borders (Optional)
A border can add a nice finishing touch to your blanket. To create one, pick up stitches along the edge of your work using a crochet hook or knitting needle. Then work in ribbing stitch or any other pattern of your choice.

Step 7: Wash and Dry
After completing all the finishing touches on your blanket, give it one final gentle wash according to the yarn care instructions. Once clean, lay it flat or hang it to dry completely before folding or storing.

Tips for Professional Looking Finish:

To achieve an expert finish on your hand knit blanket, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use high-quality yarn that is suitable for the intended purpose of the blanket. For example, use sturdy yarn for blankets that will be used frequently and delicate yarn for decorative blankets.

2. Make sure all seams are straight and even before stitching them together.

3. When adding fringes or edgings, make sure they are evenly spaced and the same length.

4. Be patient and take your time to achieve a neat and polished finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Finishing a hand knit blanket can be challenging, especially for beginners. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not weaving in ends properly: If you do not weave in ends properly, they may come loose over time and unravel your hard work.

2. Skipping the blocking step: Blocking may seem like an unnecessary step, but it can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your blanket.

3. Seaming pieces too loosely or too tightly: This can result in a bumpy or puckered appearance on your blanket’s edges.

4. Using the wrong type of yarn: Choosing the wrong yarn for your project can result in an unprofessional looking finish, such as using bulky yarn for delicate baby blankets.

With these handy tips and step by step guide, finishing a hand knit blanket is within reach even for beginners. Remember to use high-quality materials and take your time to achieve the perfect finish. By following these tips, you can create beautiful and professional

Q: What materials do I need to finish a hand knit blanket?
A: To finish a hand knit blanket, you will need a tapestry needle, yarn, scissors, and a crochet hook (optional).

Q: How much yarn do I need to finish a hand knit blanket?
A: The amount of yarn you need will depend on the size of your blanket and the weight of your yarn. You can calculate the required amount by measuring the width and length of your blanket in inches and multiplying it by the recommended stitch gauge for your chosen pattern.

Q: Can I use a different type of yarn for finishing my hand knit blanket if I run out?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of yarn for finishing as long as it is of similar weight and thickness to the original yarn used for knitting the blanket.

Q: How do I weave in the loose ends when finishing my hand knit blanket?
A: Use a tapestry needle to weave in the loose ends of yarn. Thread the needle through several stitches on the wrong side of your work, going back and forth in different directions until the end is secured.

Q: Do I need to block my hand knit blanket before finishing it?
A: It is recommended to block your hand knit blanket before finishing it. Blocking helps even out tension and correct any irregularities or curling in your stitches.

Q: Do I need to add any additional border or edging when finishing my hand knit blanket?
A: Adding a border or edging is optional when finishing your hand knit blanket. It can provide a polished look and help prevent curling edges. You can choose from various techniques such as single crochet, slip stitch, or picot edging.

In conclusion, finishing a hand knit blanket involves a few key steps that can greatly enhance the overall appearance and durability of the final product. From properly weaving in loose ends to blocking the blanket to achieve a professional and polished look, these techniques are essential for any knitter looking to create a truly high-quality piece. Additionally, choosing the right yarn and stitch pattern can play a significant role in both the ease of finishing and the overall aesthetic of the blanket. Careful attention should also be paid to blocking and washing methods, as these can greatly impact the final outcome of the project.

Moreover, while finishing a hand knit blanket may seem like a tedious or mundane task, it is well worth the effort in creating a truly stunning and long-lasting creation. Not only does proper finishing techniques result in an aesthetically pleasing final product, but they also ensure that all your hard work will stand the test of time.

Finally, with patience, attention to detail, and some helpful tips and tricks, anyone can successfully finish their hand knit blanket with confidence. Remember to take breaks when needed, seek assistance or advice when unsure, and above all else – enjoy the process! With practice and experience, you will become more comfortable with each aspect of finishing a hand knit blanket and can apply these skills to

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.