Knitting Blanket Size Calculator

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Created by: Ethan Brooks

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Plan your blanket project with exact dimensions, stitch counts, and yarn estimates. Choose from standard sizes (baby to king) or enter custom dimensions, then input your gauge for a complete project plan.

Knitting Blanket Size Calculator

Knitting

Plan your blanket project with exact dimensions and yarn estimates

Blanket Size

Your Gauge

Optional: Border

1-3 inches of garter or seed stitch border prevents curling on stockinette blankets.

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What is a Blanket Size Calculator?

A Blanket Size Calculator helps knitters determine the dimensions, stitch count, row count, and yarn requirements for any blanket project. Select a standard size or enter custom dimensions to get a complete project plan.

Planning a blanket requires knowing not just the finished size but also how many stitches to cast on, how many rows to knit, and how much yarn to purchase. This calculator handles all the math for you.

Understanding Blanket Sizes

Baby Blanket: 30×40" - perfect for cribs and strollers

Throw/Lap: 50×60" - ideal for couch draping

Twin Bed: 66×90" - covers a twin mattress with drape

Queen Bed: 90×100" - full bed coverage with overhang

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I knit a baby blanket?

Standard baby blankets are 30×40 inches (receiving) or 36×52 inches (crib). A smaller lovey/security blanket is about 14×14 inches. For car seats, 28×34 inches works well. Consider the baby's age and intended use.

What are standard blanket sizes?

Common sizes: Baby (30×40"), Throw (50×60"), Twin (66×90"), Full/Double (80×90"), Queen (90×100"), King (108×100"). Lap blankets are typically 36×48" to 40×60". These are guidelines - adjust to your preference.

How much yarn do I need for a blanket?

It depends on gauge and blanket size. A typical worsted weight throw (50×60") needs about 2,000-2,500 yards. A baby blanket needs 800-1,200 yards. Bulky yarn uses more weight but fewer yards due to thicker fabric.

Should my blanket have a border?

Borders add a finished look and help prevent curling (especially for stockinette). Common border widths are 1-3 inches. Plan for border stitches in your cast-on count and row count. Garter stitch or seed stitch borders work well.

What's the best stitch pattern for blankets?

Garter stitch lies flat and is reversible. Seed stitch and basketweave also lie flat. Stockinette curls without a border. Cable patterns add texture but use more yarn. Choose based on whether the blanket needs to be reversible.

How do I prevent a stockinette blanket from curling?

Add a non-curling border (garter, seed, or ribbing) of at least 1 inch on all sides. Alternatively, choose an inherently flat pattern like garter stitch, seed stitch, or a combination pattern with balanced knit/purl stitches.

What yarn weight is best for blankets?

Worsted and bulky weights are most popular - they work up faster and create warm fabric. DK is great for baby blankets (softer drape). Super bulky makes extremely quick blankets. Fingering weight creates beautiful but time-intensive blankets.

How long does it take to knit a blanket?

A bulky weight throw takes roughly 40-60 hours. A worsted weight throw takes 80-120 hours. A baby blanket in worsted takes 20-40 hours. Time varies greatly with pattern complexity and your knitting speed.

Sources and References

  1. The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
  2. Craft Yarn Council, "Standard Blanket Sizing Guide", 2024
  3. Interweave Knits, "Blanket Planning Guide"