Knitting and Crochet Forum banner
1 - 20 of 34 Posts

gundydee

· Registered
Joined
·
296 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Howdy. I just finally finished weaving in the ends on a bunch of squares which I've joined into blocks. The yarn was all from my stash, and the project's going to be a little ridiculous looking but pretty colorful. I thought the pattern looked like fun! And it was! It's based on "Knitted Patchwork Recipe" by Martine Ellis of Martine Makes. Now I need to decide how to join the blocks and put on an edging. But here's my question ... The reverse of these blocks is not attractive. Joining-as-you-go left a lot of weird ridges. My intent with the blanket was to use up scraps and make something a new mother could spread on the floor for a place for baby to sleep or play. But the more I thought about it, I began to wonder if maybe I should put on a backing. I've never done that before and am looking for a little guidance. I'm thinking fleece would be nice since I wouldn't have to worry about finishing the edges. I was thinking about blanket stitching the backing to the top after I've joined the blocks and then knitting a ten-stitch border through both layers. How does a backing work on a knitted top? Should I instead be looking for something stretchy to back the blanket? Should I plan to apply some ties to hold the two layers together? I just don't know if the layers will shift or bunch up with each other. So, I'm asking if anyone has any advice for me. (The blanket will be for my first grandbaby who's due to arrive in the winter!) Thanks for looking!
 

Attachments

Ridiculous? NO! That will brighten any dull, dreary day and a baby will love it. I wonder, would the baby like the reverse with its ridges too? They might be more stimulating. Anyhow, I'm no help as I've never backed a knitted blanket. I just had to say I love your work and please lose the idea that it's ridiculous.
 
Once you have joined your squares you can blanket stitch your fabric to the knitted blanket. I recently knit an intarsia dinosaur blanket for my gs and attached the fabric in this fashion.

 
I have to agree with the others on " no backing"....as long as the ends have been woven in there isn't a problem & the sewn edges just add some texture for baby if he even touches that side.

It's a beautiful blanket btw....
 
You did a great job. The colors are lovely.

I have a quilt I made years ago. The cotton top became all torn but the wide wale corduroy back looks good as new. You could sew all your squares together. Then place them face up on a piece of corduroy (or other) fabric that is about two to three inches bigger all around. Then you fold over the extra to make a border/binding. You can miter the corners or just sew them straight. Fold in the edges to make a small hem. If you want to, you can top stitch all around near where the backing meets the knitting and maybe also at the edge.

Another way is to lay a piece of fabric face up for the backing. Put your knitting face down. Sew all around the edge leaving an opening. Turn inside out. Sew open the opening and topstitch along the edge. Voila!

You may be able to use a sewing machine for ths project.
 
My friend did a blanket very similar to yours only her squares were twice as big. She lined it with flannelette and ditch stitched the two together. She said it launders well as long as it is ditch stitched. ????
 
Never understood the need to line a blanket, but if the seams where the squares are joined are rough or uneven, lining might be the answer. If I did that, I would also tie it like a quilt that is tied, going through all the layers to hold it from shifting.
 
gundydee said:
Howdy. I just finally finished weaving in the ends on a bunch of squares which I've joined into blocks. The yarn was all from my stash, and the project's going to be a little ridiculous looking but pretty colorful. I thought the pattern looked like fun! And it was! It's based on "Knitted Patchwork Recipe" by Martine Ellis of Martine Makes. Now I need to decide how to join the blocks and put on an edging. But here's my question ... The reverse of these blocks is not attractive. Joining-as-you-go left a lot of weird ridges. My intent with the blanket was to use up scraps and make something a new mother could spread on the floor for a place for baby to sleep or play. But the more I thought about it, I began to wonder if maybe I should put on a backing. I've never done that before and am looking for a little guidance. I'm thinking fleece would be nice since I wouldn't have to worry about finishing the edges. I was thinking about blanket stitching the backing to the top after I've joined the blocks and then knitting a ten-stitch border through both layers. How does a backing work on a knitted top? Should I instead be looking for something stretchy to back the blanket? Should I plan to apply some ties to hold the two layers together? I just don't know if the layers will shift or bunch up with each other. So, I'm asking if anyone has any advice for me. (The blanket will be for my first grandbaby who's due to arrive in the winter!) Thanks for looking!
I would think any backing would need to be tacked in many places , similar to a quilt, throughout the blanket, as well as the edges worked. I also think a light fleece might be your best choice since there is some stretch to that fabric.
 
1 - 20 of 34 Posts