purlJam

# Cosy Chunky Garter Stitch Blanket

A wonderfully squishy, beginner-friendly blanket worked entirely in garter stitch (knit every row). Because you knit every single row, there are no fiddly stitch patterns to follow — just relax and enjoy the rhythm. The chunky yarn means it grows quickly and feels gorgeously warm.

**Skill Level:** Beginner

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## Finished Measurements
- **Width:** approx 100 cm (39 in)
- **Length:** approx 120 cm (47 in)

A generous lap/throw size. See "Sizing Notes" below to adjust.

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## Materials
- **Yarn:** Chunky weight yarn (UK chunky / bulky). Approx **900–1000 g** total.
  - Suggested fibres: wool, wool-blend, or acrylic for easy care.
  - Yardage guide: roughly **800–900 m / 875–985 yds** in total.
- **Needles:** 8 mm (UK 0 / US 11) **circular needle, 80–100 cm long** (the circular needle simply holds the large number of stitches — you still knit back and forth in rows, not in the round).
- **Notions:** Tapestry/darning needle for weaving in ends; scissors.

> Tip: A long circular needle is strongly recommended over straight needles, as 120 chunky stitches will not fit comfortably on straights.

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## Tension (Gauge)
**12 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 in)** over garter stitch (knit every row) on 8 mm needles, after gentle blocking.

Tension is not critical for a blanket, but checking it ensures your finished size and yarn quantity are accurate. If you have more stitches than 12 per 10 cm, try a larger needle; if fewer, try a smaller needle.

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## Abbreviations (UK)
- **k** – knit
- **st(s)** – stitch(es)
- **RS** – right side
- **WS** – wrong side

(Garter stitch is fully reversible, so there is no "wrong" side to worry about!)

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## Pattern Notes
- The entire blanket is worked in **garter stitch**: you **knit every row**.
- Garter stitch naturally produces neat, non-curling edges, so **no separate border is needed**. The first and last few stitches and rows form a tidy frame automatically.
- Work loosely and evenly, especially the stitch at the start of each row, to keep the side edges smooth.

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## Instructions

### Cast On
Cast on **120 stitches** using your preferred method (the long-tail cast-on is recommended for a stretchy, even edge).

✔ *Maths check:* 120 sts ÷ 12 sts per 10 cm = **100 cm width** ✓

### Body
**Every row:** Knit all stitches to the end. (k120)

Continue knitting every row until your blanket measures **120 cm (47 in)** from the cast-on edge, or until you have worked approximately **288 rows**.

✔ *Maths check:* 288 rows ÷ 24 rows per 10 cm = **120 cm length** ✓

> How to count rows in garter stitch: each ridge (raised bump) you see on one side equals 2 rows. 288 rows = **144 ridges**.

### Cast Off
Cast off all 120 stitches loosely (knitwise). Cut the yarn, leaving a 15 cm tail, and draw it through the final loop to secure.

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## Finishing
1. Weave in all yarn ends securely using the tapestry needle, threading along the garter ridges so they are hidden.
2. **Blocking (optional but recommended):** Gently wet-block or steam-block to even out the stitches and relax the fabric to its full measurements. Lay flat to dry, easing to 100 × 120 cm.

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## Sizing Notes (Optional Adjustments)
Because garter stitch is so forgiving, you can easily resize:

- **To change the WIDTH:** Cast on a different number of stitches.
  - Stitches needed = desired width in cm × 1.2 (since 12 sts = 10 cm).
  - *Example:* For a 75 cm baby blanket → 75 × 1.2 = **90 sts**.
- **To change the LENGTH:** Simply knit more or fewer rows.
  - Rows needed = desired length in cm × 2.4 (since 24 rows = 10 cm).
  - *Example:* For a 90 cm length → 90 × 2.4 = **216 rows**.

**Popular sizes at this tension:**
| Size | Width × Length | Cast on | Approx rows |
|------|---------------|---------|-------------|
| Baby | 75 × 90 cm | 90 sts | 216 |
| Lap/Throw (as written) | 100 × 120 cm | 120 sts | 288 |
| Large throw | 120 × 150 cm | 144 sts | 360 |

> If you resize larger, remember to buy proportionally more yarn.

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## Yarn Quantity Guidance
The blanket as written (100 × 120 cm) uses approximately **900–1000 g** of chunky yarn. Always buy an extra ball, as dye lots vary and chunky yarn is used up quickly. Keep all balls from the same dye lot for consistent colour.

Enjoy your cosy, beginner-friendly chunky blanket! 🧶