Thick yarn making quick projects is a trend lately. Who doesn’t enjoy a quick project now and then? With the holidays less than six months away it is time to start thinking about how we will accomplish all that we want and thick yarn is a great answer. Today I want to share with you how to use Red Heart Irresistible to knit the Wonderful Big Stitch Throw, a super bulky blanket. Join me, and my mom, as we walk through some tips and tricks to work with super bulky yarn
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Red Heart yarn recently released a brand new #7 super bulky weight yarn called Irresistible. Irresistible is 90% acrylic and 10% wool. Coming in 21 colors you are sure to find something that will match what you are envisioning. This mega-thick yarn is the perfect choice for trendy fashion and home decor projects, including the Wonderful Big Stitch Throw from Red Heart.
Before you get started with Super Bulky Yarn:
Before you get started on your first ball of super bulky yarn you should consider that you will need to get a few additional tools.
To accommodate the thick yarn you will need a large hook or needles. When using the Red Heart Irresistible yarn it is suggested that you use a set of US 50 (25mm) knitting needles or a size Q (15mm) crochet hook.
Along with the larger needles and hooks you will need to purchase a set of finishing needles that will accommodate the yarn as well. Susan Bates has a great set that I love where the eye runs the whole length of the needle allowing the yarn to easily pass through. If you purchase the set from Susan Bates (on the Red Heart website) you will get a set of 5 needles to use on a variety of yarns from thin to very thick yarn.
Finishing your Super Bulky Blanket Pattern:
We must also take into consideration how we will finish off the projects. Unlike using thinner yarn it is much easier for the ends to come out of a bulky weight yarn. In order to combat this I suggest that you split the yarn as you weave it in, I even go as far as pulling the two plies apart to make it more secure. Splitting the yarn will help it stick to itself and stay in place. One of the great things about Red Heart’s Irresistible super bulky yarn is that it is 10% wool. This means that it will felt to itself to make a more secure finishing of your project.
Wonderful Big Stitch Throw, a Super Bulky Blanket:
Who doesn’t love a handmade warm blanket on their couch for those chilly winter days? You can make blankets out of any thickness of yarn but using a super bulky yarn will show off the stitches and work up quickly for any deadlines that you have.
Lately while I have been out shopping I have noticed that there are a lot of bulky weight knit options in the store. Looking closer at those blankets I noticed that they are using roving, which will end up piling with use and washing. I believe that you are much better off making your own handmade version. Irresistible is the perfect option for blankets, since it slightly spun to help keep it all together.
Wonderful Big Stitch Throw Video Tutorial:
In the video tutorial I will show you how to cast on using the large needles, how to join a new ball of yarn and even how to weave in the ends.
Watch and work along with me and my mom as we make this beautiful quick blanket.
Also on the Blog:
First time I’ve seen your Mom and loved how the two of you work together. Really enjoyed this video!
How many balls of yarn do I need ?
When I looked at how much this yarn costs, $14.99 for 31 yards, @ Red Heart’s web site, and you said you need 8 balls/skeins, this would cost approx. $120 to make. It’s really nice, but that’s a really expensive project.