Beginner-Friendly Striped Knit Blanket Tutorial: Easy Row-by-Row Method

Updated at: 23/05/2025

Cozy up with a handmade striped knit blanket, perfect for snuggling on the couch or gifting to a loved one! Even if you're brand new to knitting, this project is surprisingly achievable. Forget complicated patterns and intricate stitches; this tutorial focuses on a simple, row-by-row method that's ideal for beginners. We'll guide you through each step, from casting on to binding off, ensuring a beautifully striped finish that you’ll be proud of. No prior knitting experience is necessary – just a willingness to learn and a pair of knitting needles!

This beginner-friendly tutorial will walk you through creating a stunning striped knit blanket using an easy-to-follow, row-by-row approach. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly you can craft a warm and welcoming addition to your home. Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions that will transform your yarn into a cozy masterpiece.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Size 9 circular needles (or straight needles)
  • Yarn (multiple colors)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp scissors to cut yarn to avoid fraying and ensure clean edges.
  • Be mindful of your tension throughout the project. Inconsistent tension will result in an uneven blanket.
  • If using metal needles, be cautious of sharp points and take breaks to avoid hand fatigue.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Casting On

    • Cast on 121 stitches using a long tail cast-on method.
    Cast on 121 stitches using a long tail cast-on method.
    Casting On

  2. First Color Stripes

    • Slip slip knit pattern. Knit one stitch, then slip the next two stitches as if to knit them together, then knit one more.
    • Knit 9, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, knit 10, Miter Decrease (MD), knit 10, yarn over.
    • Knit 1, yarn over, knit 9, knit 2 together, knit 1.
    • Purl all stitches. Purl through the back loop of yarn overs.
    Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches. Purl through the back loop of yarn overs.Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches. Purl through the back loop of yarn overs.Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches. Purl through the back loop of yarn overs.Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches. Purl through the back loop of yarn overs.
    First Color Stripes
    • Repeat rows 1 and 2 for 10 rows using your first color.
    Repeat rows 1 and 2 for 10 rows using your first color.
    First Color Stripes

  3. Changing Yarn Color

    • Cut yarn, leaving enough tail to weave in later. Create a loop with the new color, knit the first stitch with the new yarn.
    Change yarn color: Cut yarn, leaving enough tail to weave in later. Create a loop with the new color, knit the first stitch with the new yarn.
    Changing Yarn Color

  4. Adding Stripes

    • Continue with the established pattern, using the new color.
    • Repeat steps 6-8 to create the desired number of color stripes.
    Repeat steps 6-8 to create the desired number of color stripes.Repeat steps 6-8 to create the desired number of color stripes.
    Adding Stripes

  5. Binding Off

    • Knit 2 stitches, pass the first stitch over the second, repeat until all stitches are bound off.
    Bind off loosely: Knit 2 stitches, pass the first stitch over the second, repeat until all stitches are bound off.
    Binding Off

  6. Finishing Touches

    • Weave in loose ends.
    • Lightly steam-iron the finished blanket to achieve desired shape. Allow to completely cool and dry while laid flat.
    Blocking: Lightly steam-iron the finished blanket to achieve desired shape. Allow to completely cool and dry while laid flat.Blocking: Lightly steam-iron the finished blanket to achieve desired shape. Allow to completely cool and dry while laid flat.
    Finishing Touches

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • Use circular needles for easier work with the large number of stitches.
  • Purl through the back loop of yarn overs on the wrong side rows to prevent holes.
  • Bind off loosely to maintain a nice, relaxed edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Varying tightness of stitches throughout the rows creates an uneven and bumpy blanket.
Solution: Practice maintaining even tension by knitting at a consistent speed and pressure.

2. Dropped Stitches

Reason: Missed stitches create holes and gaps in the fabric, ruining the overall look.
Solution: Carefully check your work after each row and use a crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches.

3. Incorrectly Counting Rows or Stripes

Reason: Losing count leads to stripes of uneven width or a mismatched number of rows.
Solution: Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end of each stripe and/or row, and count carefully.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for a beginner's striped blanket?
A super bulky or bulky weight yarn is recommended for beginners. It works up quickly, making the project less daunting, and the larger stitches are easier to see and manage. Choose a yarn that's easy to care for, like a wool blend or acrylic.