The pattern for this is simple enough: knit every stitch in every row. But by mixing it up with some color blocking and adding fringe, you end up with a unique and playful afghan. To create a similar color effect as in the sample, choose three colors that are close to each other. Use three skeins of the darkest shade, two skeins of the middle shade, and one skein of the lightest shade. This uneven color fade adds to the visual interest. Of course, you can also use six different colors, two colors in alternating stripes, or make it all in a single solid color. Choose your yarn colors and get started on this cheerful and chunky blanket that will turn any grimace into a grin!
Jumbo Garter Stitch Blanket Information
Project Level
Easy
Sizing
Approximately 56x72 inches, plus fringe.
Materials
Yarn: 6 skeins of Bernat Blanket Extra (100% Polyester; 97 yards/00g) or approx. 585 yards of 7 - jumbo weight yarn. To color block like the sample, use 3 skeins of color A, 2 skeins of color B, and 1 skein of color C. Needles: US 19 circular needles, at least 40 inches long. Other notions: extra large crochet hook.
Gauge
10 stitches = 8 inches and 19 rows = 8 inches. Gauge is not vital for this pattern, though it may affect the finished size of the blanket.
Note
This blanket gets big and heavy in a hurry. Be sure that the cable on your circular needles is secure and as you knit, lift and move the blanket itself instead of pulling it by the needles. This will help prevent the needles from breaking.
Prepare the Fringe Pieces
Before you start knitting, cut the fringe pieces. By doing this first, you won’t have to keep track of the row count and risk running out of yarn. Measure and cut 60 14-inch pieces of color A and 60 14-inch pieces of color C. If you are color blocking in another way, you should cut the pieces to match the two ends of the blanket. Set the fringe pieces aside. Note: The recommended yarn can create a bit of fluff coming from the ends of the fringe. If you want to avoid that, you can either use another yarn (and check that it doesn’t release fluff) or skip the fringe and knit all the yarn.
Cast-On and Start Knitting
Using the wrap cast-on method, cast on 61 stitches. Knit every stitch in every row to create the garter stitch pattern. Continue knitting every stitch in every row with color A until you no longer have enough yarn to work an entire row. Depending on your gauge, it should take a little less than 4 yards per row.
Change to the Next Color.
At the beginning of the next row, change to color B. Knit every stitch on every row with color B until you no longer have enough yarn to work an entire row or so you can end on the same side as where color A ended. This keeps the wrong side of the color change consistent. Change to color C and repeat. Stop when you have 5-6 yards of yarn left so you can bind off the stitches.
Bind off the Stitches
After knitting the last row with color C, bind off all of the stitches with a stretchy bind off so it matches the stretch and width of the cast-on stitches. Your blanket is almost finished! All that’s left is to weave the ends and add the fringe.
Weave in All the Ends
Because this yarn is so thick and chunky, any time it’s doubled on a stitch it can be more obvious. As you weave the ends, try to avoid a pattern or straight direction which will show more. Since you probably don’t have a needle large enough for this yarn, use a giant crochet hook to weave the yarn ends in. You can also pull it through with your fingers.
Add the Fringe to the Ends
Attach the fringe pieces to the cast-on and bind-off edges. Insert your crochet hook through the first stitch. Hold two pieces of fringe together and fold them in half. Hook the center of the fringe and pull the loop through the stitch on the blanket. Pull the ends of the fringe through the loop and tighten in on the blanket. Skip a stitch and insert the hook in the next stitch, and then repeat the process. Add fringe pieces to every other stitch on both ends of the blanket.
Enjoy Snuggling Under Your New Blanket
This blanket is large enough for snuggling under on the couch and it would also be perfect at the foot of a bed. Stock up on this yarn when it goes on sale so you can make one for yourself, and then make them for gifts!
