How to Arm Knit a Blanket

Co-authored by Blythe Nudelman

Last Updated: August 19, 2024

Arm knitting is an easy way to create chunky garments in a hurry. Arm knitting is so fast that you can create a blanket in about an hour. All you need to get started is some super bulky yarn in the color of your choice and your arms!

Things You Should Know

Use bulky yarn made for arm knitting for the best results. If you don't have any, you can use 3 strands of bulky regular yarn held together instead.
Cast 18 stitches on your arm for a small blanket. For a large blanket, cast on 24-30 stitches instead.
Use your arms to knit just like you would with needles.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Casting on Your Stitches

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1
Choose your yarn. Arm knitting requires no needles or other equipment, just some yarn and your own two arms. However, it is important to choose yarn that will be bulky enough to complete your project. One option is to purchase yarn that is super bulky and meant for arm knitting. You can find this type of yarn in a craft store.^{[1]
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- If you can’t find super bulky yarn, then you can also use three strands of bulky yarn held together to arm knit your blanket.^{[2]
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- The amount of yarn you will need will depend on how large you want your blanket to be. Plan on needing at least a three skeins of super bulky yarn to complete this project. If you are going to hold together three strands from three bulky skeins to knit your blanket, then you will need at least nine skeins of bulky yarn.
2
Pull five feet of yarn out of the skein. To begin casting on, pull about five feet of yarn out of the skein. This is the tail of your yarn, which you will use to cast on your first row of stitches. Allow the yarn to drop onto your lap or onto the floor beside you.^{[3]
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- Five feet is enough to cast on about 18 stitches for a small blanket. If you want to make a large blanket, then pull out a bit more, like six or seven feet of yarn.
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3
Cast on your first stitch. Start by making a slipknot with some of the yarn from the five foot length of yarn you pulled out. Start near the skein and work downwards. To make a slipknot, make a loop in the yarn and then pull a second loop of yarn through this loop. Then, slip this loop onto your right arm. This will be your first cast on stitch. ^{[4]
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- Continue to loop the yarn and pull loops through to create more cast on stitches. Slip these stitches onto your arm as you go.
- Continue casting on until you have at least 18 stitches on your arm. This will make a small blanket or throw.^{[5]
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  Research source} If you want a larger blanket, then try casting on 24 to 30 stitches.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Knitting on Your Arms

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1
Knit your first row. Knitting on your arms uses the same basic technique as knitting with needles. However, it can be more challenging at first since you will be using your fingers to create the new stitches.
- To knit the first row, take the free end of the yarn (set the tail aside) and loop that yarn around your hand. Then, insert this loop into the first loop on your right arm. As you pull the loop through, slide the old loop off your right arm and slide the new loop onto your left arm.
- Continue to knit the stitches in this way until you reach the end of the first row.
2
Transfer the stitches back to the right arm for your second row. As you knit using your arms, you will be transferring the stitches from one arm to the other. That means that if you started on your right arm, then you will be transferring the stitches over to your left arm by the end of the first row, and then back to your right arm by the end of the second row.
- Continue knitting until you have achieved the desired length.
3
Bind off the stitches. You will need to bind off the stitches to finish the blanket. As with knitting using needles, you will be casting off by knitting the first two loops and then pulling each loop through the one that is behind it.
- For example, start by knitting the first two loops in your row. Then, stop knitting and grasp the first loop in your row with your fingers. Pull this loop up and over the second loop on your hand so that it is secured and you only have one loop on your hand.
- To continue casting off, follow the pattern of knitting one and looping the first loop over the second loop until you reach the end of the row. As you cast off, you should never have more than two loops on your casting off arm.
4
Weave in the ends. After you have cast off the final loop, pull the free end of the yarn through the loop. Then, weave the tail end of the yarn through the loops on the edge of the blanket to hide it. You can also tie the end of the yarn in a knot going through one of the stitches to secure it.
- Trim off any excess yarn from the tail and your blanket is complete!

Expert Q&A

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Question

What's the best type of yarn for hand-knit blankets?

Blythe Nudelman
Knitting Expert
Blythe Nudelman is a Knitting Expert based in Ponderay, Idaho. She is the owner and operator of Twilight Fibers, a knitting shop and business in Ponderay. Twilight Fibers' products are made of 100% all natural yarns & fibers. They sell a large variety of products for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and other craft hobbies.

Blythe Nudelman

Knitting Expert

Expert Answer

If you plan to use the hand-knitted blanket regularly, choose a durable, tightly twisted yarn. Avoid using really thick fibers meant for arm knitting, as they tend to pill and look worn out quickly after washing or laundering. Tightly twisted yarns are less likely to form those unsightly little balls, keeping your blanket looking good for a longer time. If the blanket is primarily for display, then you can opt for the thicker fibers, which will give you a stunning display effect.

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Question

How do I pause when doing an arm knitting project?

Community Answer

You can move the stitches onto another object, such as a broom handle or other type of stick, when you aren't working on the project.

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Question

With 7 feet of yarn, I was only able to make about 8 stitches. Why?

Jemay L

Community Answer

You are probably using very thick yarn. If you want more stitches out of your yarn, use thinner yarn or more of it.

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