29 Free Arm Knitting Projects
Are you familiar with arm knitting? It’s the same as knitting, except that you don’t need the needles! All you need is your arms and a ball (or more!) of yarn! Use your arms like needles to knit blankets, a bag, and all the cowls and scarves you want! We’ve rounded up 29 free arm knitting projects for you to explore this fun niche fo the craft. Bonus: finger crochet and finger knitting patterns too!
Yarn Suggestions for Arm Knitting
Typically, you’ll want to work with thick and bulky yarns when you’re arm knitting., You can hold several thinner yarns together. However, for the best look, use super bulky or jumbo yarns for your arm knitting project. Of course, the free patterns listed below will indicate the recommended yarn.
Arm Knitting Patterns: Blankets and Bag
It doesn’t take long at all to knit a blanket or bag when you use your arms as needles! Honestly, you’ll discover that once you get used to the process, it goes really fast. Mostly this has to do with the fact that you’re using big, thick yarn of course. However, it’s also because you’re able to move your fingers and arms a lot more quickly than your needles. As you’ll see, there are three-hour arm knit blanket patterns available. Great for quick gift making!
- Arm Knit 3 Hour Blanket
- Arm Knit 3 Hour Holiday Blanket
- Arm Knit Super Quick Blanket
- Arm Knit Market Bag
Arm Knit Cowls and Scarves
Cowls are a great first project to make while arm knitting! They work up quickly and you can be done before you know it. Plus, of course, you’re able to see right away whether or not you’re doing the steps correctly. And if you’re not, you can easily frog back and start over. If you’re just learning how to knit with your arms, these truly are great projects to start with.
- Arm Knit Cowl
- Arm Knit Cowl
- Arm Knit Cowl
- Arm Knit Cowl
- Totally Tubular Arm Knit Cowl
- I-Cord Arm Knit Cowl
- Arm Knit Cowl
- Field of Greens Arm Knit Cowl
- Arm Knit Cowl
- Arm Knit School Spirit Scarf
- Comfy Arm Knit Cowl
- Post Haste Pompom Arm Knit Scarf
- Alluring Arm Knit Cowl
- Cozy Arm-Knit Cowl
- Super Style Arm Knit Cowl
- Warm Wool Arm Knit Cowl
- Arm Knit Sashay Cowl
- Arm Knit Vivid Cowl
- Arm Knit Stellar Cowl
- Arm Knit Cozy Cowl
- Arm Knit Chic Cowl
- Amy’s Arm Knit Cowl
- Quick & Easy Arm Knit Cowl
Bonus: Finger Knitting and Finger Crochet
Get your fingers going with these projects that don’t require your entire arm — just your hands and yarn! You can do finger knitting. However, did you know that you can also do finger crochet? That’s right; skip the hook and just use your fingers. It’s actually a lot of fun.
Also on the Blog
- Get Thick With It: 20 Best Super Bulky and Jumbo Yarns
- Texture and Warmth: Cable Knit Hat Free Pattern with Pom
- Butterfly Crochet Cowl Free Pattern with Video Tutorial
- Colorful One Ball Knit Scarf Cowl Free Pattern
Frequently Asked Questions
What is arm knitting and how does it work?
Arm knitting uses your forearms as giant “needles”… you loop super chunky yarn over your arms and work the stitches by transferring loops from one arm to the other. You need no tools at all except yarn (and arms!). It works specifically with jumbo or extra jumbo weight yarn because the loops need to be big enough to fit over your hands and stay on your forearms. The resulting fabric is very open and loose… that gorgeous, cozy mesh look you see in chunky blankets and scarves.
What projects are best for arm knitting?
Blankets are the most popular arm knitting project… that’s what really went viral and introduced millions of people to the technique. A simple rectangular throw can be completed in an hour or two! Infinity scarves and cowls are another quick favorite. Headbands and ear warmers work up in minutes. Very simple bags can be arm knitted. The limitation is that arm knitting creates a loose, open fabric that’s not sturdy enough for very structured items… it’s best for cozy, draped pieces where the open texture is part of the appeal.
How much yarn do I need for an arm knitted blanket?
More than you’d think given how fast it goes! A lap blanket needs about 4 to 6 pounds of jumbo roving or arm knitting yarn. A full throw uses 8 to 14+ pounds. Arm knitting yarn is typically sold by weight in ounces or pounds rather than by yardage… check product listings for the specific blanket size recommendations. The yarn is the main cost in arm knitting since no tools are needed… budget accordingly for the size you want to make.
What yarn do I need for arm knitting?
Super bulky (#6) or jumbo (#7) weight yarn is required. Merino wool roving is the traditional choice for that gorgeous fluffy look… it’s expensive but beautiful. Acrylic “arm knitting yarn” is a budget-friendly alternative that’s machine washable and looks similar. Chunky jersey t-shirt yarn (recycled cotton fabric strips) creates a different aesthetic… more structured and striped. Look specifically for yarn sold FOR arm knitting… regular chunky yarn is too small to work with on your arms. The loops won’t form properly with anything that isn’t truly jumbo weight.
Is arm knitting good for people who can’t use regular needles?
It can be! Arm knitting doesn’t require fine motor hand skills like regular knitting does… the movements are broader and involve the whole arm. For some people with arthritis, hand injuries, or other fine motor limitations that make needle knitting difficult, arm knitting offers a way to still create beautiful knitted fabric. That said, holding very heavy yarn for the length of a blanket can be tiring on arms and shoulders. Short sessions with breaks are smart regardless of ability level. Always listen to your body!
Categories: Free Patterns
