There’s something really special about starting a creative project, that feeling of excitement before anything has even been made. For me, that project is a chunky hand-made blanket. I haven’t started looping the yarn yet, but the planning and preparation have already been such a fun but stressful part of the process. I’ve been working on gathering materials, watching videos, and imagining what the finished blanket might look and feel like.
Finding the Perfect Pattern
After scrolling through countless patterns online, I found one that instantly stood out to me: the Chunky Knit Pattern – Watermelon on Etsy. It’s sold by an independent creator, DowntimeWithDawn, who specializes in cozy, modern knit and crochet designs.
What I loved most about this pattern was how approachable it looked. It’s designed for chunky yarn and hand-knitting, so no hooks or needles are required, just your hands. Even though the pattern name “Watermelon” suggests bright colors, it can be made in any palette, which gives it a nice creative freedom. I could have taken the easy route and just created a blanket with a single colour of yarn for ease of learning, but I wanted to take on a challenge.
Gathering My Yarn
To make the blanket, I ordered my yarn from BeCozi, a small business from the United States of America that specializes in chunky yarns and hand-knitting supplies. Their chunky chenille yarn is thick, velvety soft, and perfect for the oversized stitches this pattern calls for.
The site made it easy to figure out how much I needed, with sizing guides for different blanket dimensions — lap throw, couch blanket, bed-size, and more. Knowing that the yarn is made specifically for hand-knitting gives me confidence that it will be durable yet cozy. I can already imagine how satisfying it will feel to weave those big loops together and see the blanket slowly take shape.
One thing that is incredibly hard to overcome when making crocheted creations is that yarn isn’t cheap! I knew taking on this project would be expensive, but since we live in such a rural area, finding the exact yarn in all the colors I needed for this specific blanket was not without difficulty. Boy, was it a hard pill to swallow when I found out how limited my options were.
Learning from Video Inspiration
Before I dive in, I’ve also been watching a few helpful videos to build my confidence. One of my favorites is a reel where the creator demonstrates how to start a blanket by forming what she calls a “perfect loop” — or a “nine.” (Instagram reel link) Watching her hand movements helped me understand how to make that first loop feel even and secure, which seems like such an important foundation for the whole blanket.
I also found another short video showing how to close off the blanket cleanly. (Instagram reel link) Even though I’m nowhere near that stage yet, it’s nice to visualize the full process — from the first loop to the last stitch.
I also needed to research how to change the yarn colour, as I know from previous experience that the size and type of yarn I plan to use for my blanket require a much different approach. I found this video on YouTube to show me how, and I’m nervous but excited to try this new technique. I have a feeling I will be taking to YouTube for more videos during my process.
Looking Ahead
Even though I haven’t started crocheting yet, I already feel connected to this project. Every step, choosing the pattern, ordering the yarn, and learning the techniques, has reminded me how much joy there is in slowing down and making something with your hands.
My yarn has arrived at the Montana Shipping Outlet in Eureka, Montana. When I find the time to go and pick up my yarn, I’ll finally roll it out, make that “perfect loop,” and begin. I know it’ll take patience and practice, but I’m excited to see it unfold, one loop at a time.