Loop Yarns Product Review and FREE Blanket Pattern [Knitflix Throw]
Catch up on the latest binge-worthy series while staying super cozy under the new Knitflix Throw, a chunky blanket with a twist!
Have you been curious about the latest loop yarns that are hitting craft store shelves this season? I had a chance to try two of them – Big Twist’s Loopity Loops and Bernat Alize’s Blanket E-Z, both available at JOANN Stores. Are they worth the hype? Maybe. Are they really as easy to use as everyone says? Definitely. Will I really want to get rid of my needles and hooks? Hold on one second! I’ll answer all these questions and more, along with a tutorial and free pattern so you can try these yarns yourself.
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Right around this time every year, new yarns make their way into my local crafts stores and onto the sites of my favorite yarn companies. last year, we saw the introduction of gradient cakes, super saturated solids, and all-in-one skeins. Fall 2018 looks to be all about texture and ease. Lately, I’ve seen lots of super chunky blanket yarns and yarns that mimic velvet or velour. Another popular novelty yarn hitting the shelves are loop yarns, marketed toward hobbyist, kids, and beginners who want to get the look and experience of knitting without the hassle of pesky needles.
If you’ve set foot in JOANN store recently, I’m sure you’ve seen these yarns. They rolled out slowly in August and September, but now they’re everywhere. In short, the length of yarn is made from continuous loops. You can push these loops through each other to make a fabric that looks and acts similar to knitting. Since each loop already exists, there’s no need for knitting needles. The only tools you need are your hands and a set of scissors. Easy peasy!
Depending on what you’re planning to make, there’s likely a shade of loop yarn within the Loopity Loops and Blanket EZ line that you’ll love. As a whole, the Loopity Loops collection of colors leans toward baby decor and design. There are lots of pastel colors and a few brights. I’m most drawn to the Tangerine and Peach, but Seafoam is a close third.
Blanket EZ leans more toward the rustic home decor side of color. The whole palette is pretty neutral and features solids as well as variegated options. I’m more a fan of solids myself, but I’d give the Warm Clay colorway a try. If these yarns last past this season, I’d love to see more options for the solid colored yarns or even a self-striping option.
Like any new product, working with loop yarns takes some getting used to. A little practice goes a long way and I was able to finish my first Knitflix Throw in two days. Working with the loop yarns is actually pretty fun, especially since I’m not primarily a knitter. You don’t even have to turn your work, which I love. And techniques like changing colors and binding off is super easy. I made a blanket for my first project, but I could see this yarn being used for plenty other home decor applications. Oh, and it’s kitty approved, says Mr. Peanut Butter.
Once I got going with the Knitflix Throw, the stitching got really addictive and I couldn’t put it down. I barely had to look at my hands! I was able to finish the second season of Ozark (a must-watch!), get caught up on Kimmy Schmidt (let’s be honest – we only watch it for Titus’ parts), and sob through Sierra Burgess is a Loser (spoiler alert – she is far from a loser). What are some of your favorite Netflix programs to watch while making all the things? Let me know in the comments – I’m always looking for a new series.
If you’re thinking about trying out loop yarns, I made this quick YouTube video. Here’s what it covers:
- Basic info about loop yarns
- Color cards for Bernat Alize Blanket EZ and Big Twist Loopity Loops
- My candid review of loop yarns
- Basic techniques like:
- Starting your project
- The knit stitch
- The purl stitch
- Adding a ball of yarn or changing colors
- Casting off your project
- Weaving in your ends
Knitflix Throw Blanket Pattern
FINISHED SIZE: 65″ X 40″
MATERIALS:
–Big Twist Loopity Loops in the color Light Gray (6 balls)
Step 1: Start with 65 loops as your base.
Step 2: Knit each stitch across for 3 rows. Do not turn work between rows. This is the wrong side of the work.
Step 3: Turn work so the right side is facing.
Step 4: Purl 5, knit 55, and purl 5 across your row. Repeat to 70 total rows (including the rows from Step 2). Do not turn work between rows.
Step 5: Turn work so the wrong side is facing.
Step 6: Knit each stitch across for 3 rows.
Step 7. Bind off.
Step 8. Weave in all ends.
So, do you think you’ll be trying loop yarns? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! And don’t forget to share progress pictures of your Knitflix Throw with me on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #KnitflixThrow for a chance to be featured on my feed. Special thanks to my friends at JOANN for sponsoring this post. I’m headed back to the couch for a little more knitflix and chill. Catch you next time!
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