Learn how to make a soft chenille throw blanket using loop yarn, no knitting needles required! An easy project for non-knitters that you can complete in weekend.
Calling all non-knitters, this EZ knit project is ideal for the winter blues and will keep you warm and cozy! This an EZ craft project you can complete over a weekend, using loop yarn that allows you to knit without needles.
Are you familiar with loop yarn? I discovered it last year when I had the January Blues and finally got around to making a throw on my ‘to-do’ list.
Procrastination, thy name is Mary :)
I’m not a knitter or crocheter so this project had lots of appeal: no needles or hooks, fancy stitches or counting required beyond your first row of loops, using only your fingers . . .exactly as the yarn promises -> EZ!
I used Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ yarn that I found at JOANN fabric and craft store. The Alize Blanket EZ yarn comes in 18 yard skeins and is considered a jumbo size #7 gauge yarn. You’ll need 6 skeins (108 yards total) to make a throw approximately 51 x 60- inches. The Alize chenille yarn is SO soft and comes in pretty variegated colors as well as solids.
I loved it so much I bought more yarn to make a second throw as a gift!
It’s a perfect project for when you’re stuck indoors and one you can finish over a weekend. After the first few rows, you easily get into a rhythm.
Start on a table or desk where you can lay your yarn out flat and count off your loops to get started. After you have 4 or 5 rows completed, you can move over to the sofa to work while you’re binge watching your favorite Netflix series.
To begin, count out 65 loops for your foundation row. Mark your 65th loop with a safety pin or clip of some sort. I used a plastic Christmas ornament hanger.
Place your working yarn with the loops facing up in a row behind your foundation row of 65 loops.
Working from left to right, pull the 66th loop from your ‘working yarn’ up through the 65th loop (last loop of foundation row) to create a knit stitch. Pull your next loop from your working yarn up through next loop on your foundation row. Continue until your first row has been connected to a loop from the second row.
Second row: Working from right to left, pull the next loop from working yarn up from behind through last stitch worked on previous row. Repeat across to the end of the row. Continue with your rows until you need to add a new skein.
There are a couple of ways to join a new skein. The method that I found the easiest is to hold the last loop of your previous skein and first loop of your new skein together and work as if they are a single loop. Treat them as a single loop again when you come back to them on the next row. I found it helped to mark the double loops with a clip so I would be sure to pick both of them both up together.
Another method to join your skein is to snip the threads of the last two loops and your first two loops on your new skein and tie the tails together. You’ll weave the loose tails back through your knitted stitches when finished.
I realized I dropped a loop after I was several rows ahead. . .oops! I used a bobby pin to weave the loop back through back of throw to secure it. The fluffy chenille yarn is very forgiving so an extra loop can be camouflaged without being too obvious.
When you get to end of your final skein, you’ll bind off your stitches to complete your throw. Bind off working in same direction as your last row, pulling the 2nd stitch up through first stitch. Pull the 3rd stitch up through the 2nd stitch and so on. Continue to end of row. Cut the last two loops, snipping them apart by the thread that creates the loop to create a yarn ‘tail’.
Pull the tail through your last loop to secure it, then weave the tail through the back of your stitches to secure and conceal it.
The binding off directions sound more complicated than they are and I found it helpful to watch a couple of videos. There is a good one for binding off, here.
When you’re finished you’ll want to secure any other loose tails, weaving them through the back of the throw.
Several videos I watched recommended using a tapestry or darning needle to secure loose yarn tails. I reached for a bobby pin again but in truth the yarn is so fluffy and the loops are loose enough that you can use your fingers to weave any loose tails of yarn through your stitches to secure them.
Helpful tips:
- Keep your working yarn behind your current row of loops. The loops from your working yarn are always pulled through the previous row of loops from the back to the front.
- Check your work every 10 stitches or so to make sure you haven’t dropped a loop. Straighten your working yarn and untwist the “squiggly” loops to prevent skipping or dropping loops in your rows.
- If I stopped for a while, I clipped my next set of loops together to make it easier to pick up where I left off.
- Look for coupons available from JOANN to buy online and pick up at your local store or download their mobile app to your phone to access their weekly coupon when you shop.
Lola and Sophie say the finished throw blanket is so soft and warm and perfect for napping!
You can find printable instructions for a loop yarn afghan from JOANN, HERE.
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase anything through an affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for your visit, sharing with:
I am a knitter and I had not seen this luscious yarn. Beautiful throw and in my favorite colors! Thank you for sharing this idea.
Mary, What a wonderful project. They are a pretty color and look quite snuggly. The girls are certainly enjoying them and will probably share with the parents. Have a great day! Clara❤️
Did you do your whole blanket in the knit stitch or did you use the purl stitch also as they showed in the blanket video ? Your throw is beautiful
Hi Emmie, this a beginner pattern and only requires a knit stitch: https://www.joann.com/bernat-alize-blanket-ez-afghan/26913744P75.html
Oh Mary, these are beautiful! You’ve made it sound easy enough that even I could do it. I love the blue and turquoise colors. Thanks for sharing!
What a fabulous tutorial, Mary! Both throws are lovely and I especially love the hues of the second one. You have adorable “models” too! Always a pleasure to hop with you! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
one word – WOW!
I am not at all familiar with loop yarn, and had no idea that you could make something so beautiful without needles or a crochet hook. It’s really nice, Mary. I see that it is pooch approved.
Such a fun project! I love loop yarn, I crocheted a throw with it last year, and because it’s so big, it took no time at all! I tried knitting but found it tedious with all the counting etc., but I love crochet, I think you’d like it too Mary…Lola and Sophie look like they are big fans of the soft and comfy throws! Love the colors you chose, so pretty!
Jenna
Love, Love, Love your new blanket, and all your photos of the little babies snuggling with it.
Looks so warm and snuggly and beyond my skill set! So many things I would love to do in winter, but we never got one, spring is ramping so fast ill have to try next year! Love you can pick your perfect colors that feature your girls to perfection 😊
I wasn’t familiar with loop yarn, what a great option for some quick turn-around gratification, something I always like, lol. Your blankets look cuddly and soft and are obviously puppy approved. Thank you for the idea and tutorial. XO
I am a non-knitter, Mary! You called and I’m answering the call! Lol! I’ve read your instructions and they do seem easy – BUT . . .Your blankets look so luscious, and soft! And the loop yarn looks quite lovely! I can imagine it in beautiful hues of purple! Maybe one day!
Mary, I have often wished I could knit or crochet. This would be perfect for me to try. Both blankets are beautiful and the girls are the ideal models. Happy Thursday!
wow beautiful blankets, I am not a knitter either but these are gorgeous and sound like I may be able to do too. Great tutorial Mary, thank you. :)
Mary, I’m eager to try the new throw instructions! Thanks for sharing the pattern! Love the fact that it’s a quick project!
It’s go the Lola and Sophie stamp of approval. I am and knitter but love this project and that yarn is so interesting; I’m really intrigued. Thanks for all your troubleshooting tips Mary; I’ll remember those when I try this for myself.
Love the throw and how easy the steps are. Your two furry babies are so darn cute. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Pinning to make me one.
Wow, Mary, these are beautiful! I am not a knitter, but you have certainly provided perfect instructions. Of course your models are adorable, as always!!
Wow, I never knew such a thing was possible Mary! I have done some knitting of mostly scarves and recently crocheted a stuffed zebra. After seeing your fur babies loving the soft blanket, you’ve got me motivated one in tartan colors for Whiskey.
What pretty colors! And what a neat yarn for non-knitters. It looks so soft.
Mary, it looks like everyone in the is family enjoying the throw.
I wish they had this technique back when I was in high school. I may just have passed home ec. class :)
Love the pretty colors – and that it can be make in a weekend.
This is so cute. I had no idea there was something like loop yarn that meant you don’t have to know how to crochet or knit. I’m definitely going to try this. Your dogs look like they love it. They are so cute. Do you know if it washes well? I fell like my dog would love it too. Looks very cozy. Thanks for being in the hop
Hi Andrea, I haven’t washed it yet but the yarn care directions say Machine Wash, Delicate Cycle, Tumble Dry Low. Thanks so much for your organizing efforts! ❤️
A great tutorial and I can do this. Your fur babies are adorable!
Pinned!
Cindy
Thank you so much for sharing this loop yarn Afghan pattern. I crochet, but looks like this is much faster. I absolutely love your blog and your cute little fur babies!!
This is so beautiful and cozy feeling. I like this a lot. Definitely is something I would make. Thank you!!
This is such a beautiful blanket and I love the colors. I might need to try and learn how to make this so I can have one. Thanks for sharing.
I am intrigued with this, Mary!! The blanket looks so soft and Lola and Sophie look so cozy on it. Thank you for sharing this project with us. 💙💙💙
Well done Mary! Both blankets are beautiful and the models are darling also. There sweet faces say it all! ♥️🐾 I enjoy crocheting and have made many afghans and have knitted some scarves, but have never seen such puffy, fluffy yarn! It just looks so soft and comfy, I am amazed you did all this with your fingers, no needles or hooks! Wow. Thank you for sharing, I am going to show this post to my sister-in-law (recent widow). This may help pass the long, lonley evenings.
I had no idea you can make a blanket without knitting needles! I love that it’s blue and white. It looks so soft and cozy. The pups definitely approve! This would make a thoughtful gift. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Pinned! It’s always fun to hop with you, Mary :)
As an avid crocheter, can you tell me what you use to pull each loop through? I know it doesn’t say you need a tool, but if you use your fingers, you don’t mention that. Neither does the Joann’s pattern. Thanks!
Hi, The preformed loops are designed for finger knitting, no needles or hooks required. :)
Thank you Mary…I printed the instructions…wish me good luck because I too am procrastinator, thy name is Ellen!!
What a beautiful blanket, Mary! I have never used loop yarn, but your post and tutorial has inspired me to give it a try. Your sweet fur babies look like they’re enjoying their new blanket. So cute! It was so much fun to hop with you. Happy Spring, my friend! Pinned!
This is such a beautiful blanket and I love the colors. I hope I can get my wife to knit it for our little dogs.