Completing an afghan is one of the most rewarding projects you can knit. It's easy too, because often there's no shaping involved. But because of its size, an afghan doesn't give you instant gratification. Once you're past the beginner's level and want to get serious about your knitting efforts, follow these steps to make an afghan.
Instructions
1. Decide the style and purpose of the afghan. An afghan of squares is easier to tote around but it's best as a home decoration. For a blanket, knit a one-piece afghan.
2. Examine afghan patterns that fit your purpose and style. A lap blanket or afghan for the cat calls for a different approach than a baby blanket or a cover for the couch.
3. Choose an appropriate yarn. Consider where you live, your budget and who the afghan is for. You'll be happier with cotton in a hot climate. Yarn should be machine washable if the afghan's for a child or pet.
4. Experiment with needles. Remember that a lace afghan requires larger needles than the yarn band suggests. Choose at least a 29-inch circular needle if you're knitting a one-piece afghan because it's going to get heavy after a while.
5. Take the trouble to make a swatch. It gives you the chance to test the yarn, needles and pattern.
6. Accept that making an afghan is a long process. The pattern will become familiar at some point, so enjoy the "zoning out" effect this gives you.
7. Follow the yarn band instructions carefully when washing your afghan. Block lace patterns.
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