Arm Knitting Made Easy

Stay Tuned for our Step-by-Step guide to creating your own arm-knitting projects and Tips to make it easier!

This is the perfect post to help you get started with arm knitting. We share our best techniques for casting on, and simple ways to safely pause your work. You’ll also learn the pros and cons of using wool vs. synthetic yarn. Finally, we have your resource for the best arm knitting tutorials and where to get everything you need to become an expert arm knitter.

Arm Knitting: Take Two

We’re back! My best friend Janine from Happy Happy Nester and I are at it again, arm knitting for our second project together.

Read until the end to learn the best and easiest way to arm knit the most luxurious blanket ever. By the end of this post we hope you will be confident enough to try this yourself. And just in case you’re not in the mood to knit, we’ve got links to where you can buy one just like it. Plus, we have a 10% off coupon code. Simply use TWINS10 at checkout to save off your entire purchase on the BeCozi website!

This is a sponsored post.  But all the words and opinions are authentically our own.

Real Wool Makes All the Difference

First of all, while Janine and I really liked the way our first arm knitted blanket turned out, we still saw a huge difference between the synthetic wool and the blankets made out of real wool. We used acrylic (synthetic) wool the first time because, well, we were experimenting. To be honest, we really had no idea what we were doing, nor if it would turn out. So, we hesitated at the idea of spending the money for real wool.

Now, with more confidence and the technique down, we are ready to try it again. This time we are using real Merino wool. If you missed our post about our first arm knitting experience, you can read all about it. We learned a lot and you will too.

In Search of a Better Way to Arm Knit

Secondly, we wanted to try this project again because we were not very happy with the videos we used the first time. We had trouble following the techniques and came across several problems that were never addressed. It seemed as though the videos over-simplified the method.

They underestimated the real amount of time the project would take. The first videos we used skipped over many potential issues that could (and did) sabotage the project. We knew there had to be a better way. We were on the hunt for improved information to help our friends, followers and ourselves.

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Arm Knitting Blanket for Beginners

Thirdly, we wanted to arm knit another blanket because I came across a technique for casting-on that was so, so simple and very different from the casting-on method that we used. I was eager to try this new method.

The two cast-on methods are the “M” Method and the “Loop” Method. The Loop method is the more simplified version and the one I prefer. But this is a personal choice. Click here for a great beginner arm knitting tutorial by BeCozi.

Our Arm Knitting Game-Changer

We soon came across Larissa from BeCoziand started reading her easy arm knitting tips. Larissa also shares her unique HAND knitting technique which is a great option for people who don’t like the idea of knitting on their arms. We learned BeCozi sold very high quality 100% Australian Merino wool at competitive prices. The BeCozi website is a great source for all your chunky knit throw supplies and needs.

Synthetic vs. Merino Wool: All the Facts

I want to spend a few minutes discussing the pros and cons of using synthetic wool vs. merino wool in terms of arm knitting thick blankets.

The Feel

Truthfully, synthetic wool isn’t nearly as soft as Merino Wool. Even during the knitting process itself, the synthetic wool felt harsh and somewhat abrasive against my skin. My arms were red and irritated after knitting. In contrast, the Merino wool is the softest thing I have ever felt. Even when I had it pushed tightly up my arms it never felt harsh. The entire experience was noticeably more comfortable because of the softness of the Merino wool. You can imagine how wrapping yourself in this luxury would feel.

The Look of the Knit

Because the synthetic wool we used was smaller and thinner than the merino wool, the look of the knit is very different. The real wool version is much fluffier, so it tends to create a much more uniform stitch. The synthetic wool we used was somewhat flat rather than round, so it showed twists and angles depending on if you were twisting the yarn. Twisting the yarn is nearly impossible to control, so this contributes to a lack of consistency in the final look of the blanket.

In addition, because the real wool is fluffier, it is easier to create the impression that all the stitches are even. This is because the fluff takes up any extra space created by a slightly bigger stitch. If I’ve lost you with this explanation, don’t worry about it. My main point here is that it is much easier to make a perfect, uniform and professional looking blanket (even your first time) using Merino wool than with the synthetic wool.  You can read all about our first arm-knitting experience and all we learned if you haven’t yet.

Wear and Care

Both types of wool are somewhat delicate and need to be treated with care. The synthetic wool can be hand washed while the Merino wool should only be spot treated or dry cleaned. In either case, you should wash with care in order to protect the shape and longevity of the wool.

Best Source for High Quality Merino Wool for Arm Knitting Projects

BeCozi sells the most beautiful 100% Australian Merino chunky wool. They provide all the information you might need to decide how much wool you will need for the size of your project and how much it will cost. We decided to make full size blankets and bought 8 lbs. of yarn. BeCozi sells their chunky knit wool yarn for $32/lb. So, our blankets cost $256 for the wool. The estimated size blanket is 40″ x 60 ” but it depends on the size of your knitting. My blanket ended up being closer to 5′ x 6′ because my stitches were somewhat tight (I have small arms). You can expect your blanket to be anywhere between these two sizes. They offer the wool in 22 different colors, more than enough to give you a very hard time deciding which one to choose.

How to Arm Knit: Start Off Small

We are guessing you’re already in love with the beauty of these blankets (or you probably wouldn’t be here). Janine, Julie and I know you will agree that BeCozi’s Merino wool is the better choice. If the cost is stopping you, why not start off small? Here are some ideas and the amount/cost of the yarn necessary to complete each project.

Infinity scarf: 1 lbs.
An extra-long scarf: 2 lbs.
25×30 inch blanket: 2 lbs. (baby)
35×45 inch blanket: 4 lbs. (Small throw for your bed or sofa)
40×60 inch blanket: 6 lbs. (Medium throw for your bed of sofa)
50×60 inch blanket: 8 lbs. (Fits Queen size mattress up to pillows)
58×70 inch blanket: 10 lbs. (Fits Queen size mattress, mattress of 60×80 inches)

All Super Chunky Merino Wool is sold by the pound at BeCozi so keep this in mind when planning your project(s).

BeCozi sells many Chunky Knit Wool products pre-made, as well as patterns and other home decor and fashion items. If you love the look and feel of chunky knit Merino wool, you should check out all the unique products that BeCozi makes including poufs, pillows, pet beds, rugs, knitwear and more.

Coupon Code

To encourage you to get started and reward you for coming to our blog, we want to share this 10% off coupon code off your purchase from the BeCozi. Just use the code TWINS10 at checkout.

Arm Knitting for Beginners: Tips from Jodie and Janine and Mistakes to Avoid

Note: We learned these tips the hard way, but you don’t have to.

Arm Knitting Tip #1

Don’t leave your skeins rolled up and start arm knitting with just one skein opened up.

Learn from our mistakes. Janine and I were so eager to get started that we did this and soon found ourselves in knots. This is because each stitch creates a twist, so you end up twisting the yarn as you go. Be sure to unwind all of the skeins and either pile it on the floor in front of you or roll it into a ball like Janine did. I placed a plastic mat on the floor to protect the yarn from any dog hair (two black labs roaming about) and worked that way.

Arm Knitting Tip #2

Plan ahead and pay attention to the amount of yarn you have left. Don’t get distracted and knit to the very end. You need to leave enough yarn (enough for about a row and a half) to bind off.

I was doing a Live Instagram video and was having fun chatting away, knitting, and answering questions when I looked down and realized I only had a bit of yarn left. After attempting to bind off and getting about halfway through, I realized I didn’t have enough yarn. 

Arm Knitting Tip #3

Pay attention. This tip goes along with the above lesson but is a bit more general. Basically, especially as a novice, you want to pay attention to what you are doing. If you relax into the rhythm too much you may lose track of what you are doing. It’s good to leave the TV off and focus your attention as much as you can.  

Arm Knitting Tip #4

You can safely take a break during your project.

Use Saran wrap. Pull out a piece of Saran wrap long enough to string through all of the loops of your row as you take the stitches carefully off your arm. I actually traveled from Janine’s house to mine with my project held by the Saran wrap. For transport, I just tied the ends of the Saran wrap together and was able to carry it safely like that. It’s brilliant.

We see an Arm Knit Merino Wool Blanket in your future!

We would love to hear any tips you learn when you try arm knitting. Just comment below and I will potentially add them to my post so others can benefit from them as well.

After reading this post we hope you feel confident, armed (get it?) and equipped to make your own arm knit blanket or throw. You may want to start as we did by trying out your first arm knitting project using synthetic wool. You may want to choose a smaller project. But, if you are like us and you are lusting after a thick, luscious, luxurious chunky knit blanket, we encourage you to invest the time and money in knitting a gorgeous real Merino wool blanket. And take advantage of our coupon code from BeCozi, TWINS10. There is nothing quite like it and we are sure you will agree. Happy Knitting!

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