Arm Knitting an Autumn Blanket

Have you ever seen these absolutely huge knitted blankets around and thought how gorgeous they look? I've had my eye on them for ages but had no idea how they were made (are there really knitting needles big enough for that?!). Then I heard it was called 'arm knitting' and knew I had to give it a try. 

Luckily at the time I was looking for makers to come and share their skills in craft workshops at our shop Tissington Craft Corner in the Derbyshire Peak District. Searching for arm knitters I  found that local crocheter Sophie James (check out her social media @jamesandco.artisandesign) was also a fabulous arm knitter!

So I have my teacher, Sophie now runs regular Arm Knitting craft workshops for us where guests can make a gorgeous chunky blanket to keep them cosy this winter.

To make a chunky blanket you will need:

• Arm knitting wool - 2kg bundle (we absolutely love Woolly Mahoosive's Mammoth chunky yarn which we stock in Tissington Craft Corner)
• And your arms - yes that's all!

Using 2kg of yarn makes an arm knit blanket approximately 5ftx5ft depending on how loosely you stitch. Of course if you'd prefer a bigger blanket then you can use 2 yarn balls where you tie the ends together.

Method:
Make sure you're wearing something short-sleeved  as you will need your arms clear for the wool loops. Importantly make sure you go to the loo beforehand because you'll likely be tied up (literally) for an hour or two. If you're a knitter you'll know how your needles work passing the loops from one needle to the other to build your blanket. This works in exactly the same way. 

Start with a slipknot on your wrist, continuing to loop the yarn and pull loops through, creating your cast-on stitches. You'll need about 15 cast-ons. Using the same method as knitting with needles proceed to knit one, pearl one. This can take some getting used to but stick with it and you'll get there. There are many videos online which can demonstrate the movement. 

If you're a knitting beginner or you'd prefer to learn arm knitting in-person book onto one of our workshops and make your beautiful, cosy blanket in a friendly group with the help of Sophie.

Join us for an Arm Knitting Workshop
We run regular workshops for Arm Knitting in our upstairs craft studio. If you'd like to join us we'd love to have you! Please check our Workshops page for the latest listings. Coming up in November 2022 we have Saturday 5th 10am-12pm, Sunday 13th 2pm-4pm, Saturday 19th 2pm-4pm and Sunday 27th 10am-12pm.