Knit Instructions: How to Knit an Afghan

Would you like knit instructions on how to knit an afghan? Knit instructions for afghans look intimidating at first but are actually simple. I thought so too, and then one day I got brave enough to decipher the knit instructions. Yes, it was hard work but worth the time. Completing an afghan gives a sense of accomplishment. You'll have something to keep you warm on cold winter nights and to spruce up you home. Here are a few hints on how to knit an afghan.

First, I'm assuming you know how to knit and understand knit instructions. You don't have to be an advanced knitter but you'll need some knowledge of basic knitting. You can knit simple afghans just by learning the basic knit and purl stitches. Knit and purl stitches are the foundation of knitting. All stitch patterns are made up of combinations of these stitches. It isn't hard to find tutorials on line. Knitting.about.com and Craftown.com are good places to start. You Tube has several videos on how to knit.

The next step is to select an afghan size. Afghans come in several sizes: baby, doll, pet, lapghans, and full size. Doll and pet afghans usually measure around 15 inches -20 inches in length and lapghans around 40 inches" in length. An average size baby afghan measures 36 inches by 36 inches and full size Afghans are around 50 inches to 60 inches in length. The sizes in patterns vary from standard measurements. You can always add or subtract the length to suit your preferences.

Choose the yarn. Yarn comes in an assortment of colors and textures so it can be a little confusing for first time knitters. If you want a knit afghan for a cold winter's night, you may prefer bulky yarn and fuzzy worsted-weight. For a light, summer afghan, sport and worsted yarn are good selections. Patterns tell the type yarn you need. Use colors that match your décor or the recipient's décor if you make it for someone else. Neutrals, blues, and greens match most any décor if you are not sure. Make sure you purchase the same dye lot or the colors will not match. Dye lots are located on the yarn labels.

The next step in learning how to knit an afghan is picking a pattern. For your first afghan, look for something easy without too many intricate details or row repeats. A complicated pattern will only frustrate you when you are a beginner. Patterns are usually ranked by skill: levels easy, medium, or advanced. There is a big selection of knit afghan patterns online. Knitting Pattern Central .com is an online directory of links to patterns in many categories and sub-categories. Free Patterns.com is another popular source of knitting patterns. You will need to register free first.

Here are a couple of knit afghan patterns you can start with for practice. The first knit afghan pattern uses the moss stitch. You will need a size 10 circular needle and several balls of chunky yarn. Thicker yarns will make the project go faster. Cast on 144 stitches.

Row 1-2: knit across
Row 3-4: purl one; knit one across

Repeat pattern until desired length. If you want a smaller blanket, cast on multiples of two. Garter stitch afghans are another simple pattern to make. For a small doll blanket or pet blanket, cast on 75- 80 stitches with size 5 or 6 straight knitting needles. Work in garter stitch or knit every row until desired length and cast off. You can use sport weight yarn or worsted yarn for this project.

The knit instructions and advice above will start you in learning how to knit an afghan. There are numerous patterns available by doing searches on the internet. Afghans also make excellent gifts for friends and family. Knit afghans take time so don't get impatient. It is worth the wait.