Chunky Knit Blankets: 15 Cozy No Needle Throws Everyone Wants This Christmas

Chunky knit blankets are the coziest handmade gift of the season, and you can make one on your living room floor with nothing but your own two hands. No needles, no pattern books and no hard counting. You simply pull fat, soft yarn through big loops, row after row, until a thick, squishy throw is sitting in your lap. People cannot stop watching it happen. One cozy blanket reel collected about 77,500 reactions this October, and a simple tutorial was shared about 12,000 times this month as people saved it for holiday gifting (see the chunky knit blanket videos on Facebook). Boutique throws can cost a small fortune, but the yarn for one costs far less, and an afternoon or two is often enough to finish. Here are 15 cozy ideas, from a classic cream throw to a sweet pet bed and a gift ready roll..

Chunky Knit Blankets Start With a Classic Cream Throw

Every cozy collection begins with a classic cream throw. It goes with every sofa, every bed and every season, which is why it is the most saved idea of the bunch. You work with jumbo chenille yarn and use your hands as big knitting needles, pulling each new loop through the one below it. The yarn is soft and forgiving, so a mistake is easy to pull out and fix. A 50 by 60 inch throw usually takes about three to four pounds of yarn. Put on a holiday movie and let’s begin..

You will need: Jumbo chenille yarn in cream (about three to four pounds for a 50 by 60 inch throw), scissors and a big clean table or floor space.

How to make it: 1. Make a slip knot and pull loops through it until you have a chain of about 25 loops, each two fingers wide. 2. For each new row, reach through the next loop, pull the working yarn up through it and keep going to the end. 3. Repeat row after row until the throw is long enough, then close the last row by pulling each loop through its neighbor and tie the tail on the back.

Sage Green Throw for the Sofa

Sage green is one of the most loved colors for chunky knit blankets right now, and it looks gorgeous in a thick knit. Drape a sage throw over a cream or gray sofa and the whole room feels calmer and softer. It works for fall, winter and even spring, so it never has to go back in the closet. Make it a little longer than the classic throw so it can hang over the arm and still reach your toes. Do you have a favorite corner that needs a little green?

You will need: Jumbo chenille yarn in sage green, scissors and a measuring tape.

How to make it: 1. Cast on about 25 loops with the sage yarn. 2. Knit row after row with your hands, keeping every loop about the same size. 3. Stop at about 65 inches long, close the last row and drape it over one arm of the sofa.

Chunky Knit Blankets in Two Tone Stripes

Stripes make chunky knit blankets look modern and a little playful. Pick two colors you love together, such as cream and caramel or gray and blush, and switch colors every few rows. Wide stripes look calm, while thin stripes feel lively. Kids love choosing the colors, and older kids can help by feeding the yarn while you knit. Every stripe you finish feels like a small win, which keeps you going all evening. Which two colors would you pair?

You will need: Jumbo chenille yarn in two colors, scissors and a few soft hair ties to mark your rows.

How to make it: 1. Knit four rows in the first color. 2. Tie the second color to the first with a tight double knot on the back and knit four rows. 3. Keep switching every four rows, then tuck all the knots to the back side.

Checkerboard Throw Made From Squares

Checkerboard is everywhere this year, from rugs to mugs, and it looks amazing in thick yarn. The easiest way to get the look is to knit small squares in two colors and join them like a puzzle. Each square takes only a few minutes, so this is a great project for short breaks between busy days. Lay the squares out on the floor first and move them around until the pattern feels right. Is a soft charcoal and cream board too bold for you, or just right?

You will need: Jumbo chenille yarn in two colors and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Hand knit 25 squares, each about 10 by 10 inches, 13 in one color and 12 in the other. 2. Lay them out in five rows of five, alternating the colors. 3. Lace neighboring squares together with matching yarn, pulling loops through the edges, and tie off on the back.

Chunky Knit Blankets for a Cozy Pet Bed

Cats and dogs seem to love chunky knit blankets as much as we do. Turn the same hand knitting method into a pet bed with a soft, raised rim. You knit a flat base for the middle and a long stuffed tube for the edge, then join them. It is squishy, warm and much cuter than a plain cushion. Pick a color close to your pet’s fur so loose hair does not show, and keep an eye on pets that like to chew yarn. Who in your home would claim it first?

You will need: Jumbo chenille yarn, a bag of polyester fiberfill and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Knit a base about 20 by 24 inches. 2. Knit a strip 6 loops wide and about 90 inches long, fold it around fiberfill and lace the long edge closed. 3. Lay the stuffed tube around the edge of the base and lace them together with yarn.

Chunky Knit Pillow Cover for the Couch

Do you have leftover yarn after your first throw? A chunky knit pillow cover is the perfect way to use it up. Knit two small panels, lace them together around a plain pillow insert and your sofa looks styled in minutes. Match it to your blanket for a set, or pick a contrast color for a pop. If you love quick home updates, our no sew pillow covers guide has even more easy ideas. Will you make just one, or a whole stack?

You will need: Leftover jumbo chenille yarn, an 18 inch pillow insert and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Hand knit two squares about the size of the pillow insert. 2. Lay the insert between them. 3. Lace the edges together on all four sides with matching yarn and hide the tail inside.

Mini Lap Blanket for a Gift Basket

A mini lap blanket is a sweet, quick gift that fits perfectly in a holiday basket. It is just big enough to cover knees on a chilly evening, and it uses only a fraction of the yarn that full size chunky knit blankets need. Roll it up and tuck it into a basket with a mug, cocoa mix and a good book. Teachers, neighbors and grandparents all love getting one. Who on your list could use a little extra warmth this winter?

You will need: About one pound of jumbo chenille yarn, scissors, a basket, a mug and a few small treats.

How to make it: 1. Cast on 15 loops and knit until it measures about 30 by 35 inches. 2. Close the last row and tie off the tails on the back. 3. Roll it up and tuck it into the basket with the other goodies.

Chunky Knit Blankets in Christmas Red

Nothing says Christmas like chunky knit blankets in a deep, happy red. Lay one across a chair near the tree, or fold one at the foot of the bed for holiday guests. It looks beautiful next to green garland and warm white lights. A red throw also makes a lovely gift to open on Christmas morning, because everyone wants to wrap up in it right away. Will yours stay out all winter long?

You will need: Jumbo chenille yarn in cherry or cranberry red and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cast on about 25 loops in red. 2. Hand knit row after row until it reaches about 50 by 60 inches. 3. Close the final row, tie the tails on the back and drape it near the tree.

Bobble Edge Throw With Pom Pom Trim

Add a little fun to a plain throw with a bobble edge. Big yarn pom poms tied along the short ends give it a playful boutique look. You can make the pom poms from regular yarn in a matching or contrast color. The trim also hides a slightly uneven edge, which makes it a great fix for a first blanket. Kids can help wind the yarn while an adult does the cutting. Matching or contrast color for yours?

You will need: A finished chunky throw, regular weight yarn, a pom pom maker or a strip of cardboard, and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Wrap yarn about 80 times around a pom pom maker or a cardboard strip. 2. Tie the middle tightly, have an adult cut the loops and fluff it into a ball. 3. Tie one pom pom to every second loop along both short edges.

Chunky Knit Stocking for the Mantel

A chunky knit stocking looks like it came straight from a snowy cabin. The thick loops make it soft and puffy, and it pairs beautifully with a matching throw. Make one for each family member in a different color, then tie on a felt name tag. It works best for light treats and small gifts, so the loops do not stretch out. Hang it on a sturdy hook away from any heater. Which color would each person in your family pick?

You will need: Jumbo chenille yarn in red, white or cream, scissors, a felt tag and a sturdy stocking hook.

How to make it: 1. Hand knit a rectangle 8 loops wide and about 30 inches long. 2. Fold it in half, lace the side and bottom closed, then pinch one bottom corner forward and stitch it to shape a toe. 3. Fold the top down for a cuff, add a yarn loop for hanging and tie on the tag.

Chunky Knit Tree Skirt

Swap a flat tree skirt for a thick, squishy one and your tree will look like it is wearing a sweater. Cream or white looks like soft snow under the branches and makes wrapped gifts stand out. Knitting it in two halves keeps it easy to handle and lets you place it around the trunk without lifting the tree. It also hides a plain metal tree stand. Will you go snowy white or cozy red?

You will need: About two pounds of jumbo chenille yarn in cream or white and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Hand knit two rectangles, each about 20 by 40 inches. 2. Lay them on both sides of the tree stand with the long edges meeting at the trunk. 3. Lace the ends together with yarn ties and tuck the corners under so it looks round.

Chunky Yarn Wreath for the Front Door

Leftover yarn makes one of the coziest wreaths you will ever hang. Simply wrap thick yarn around a foam wreath form until it is fully covered, then add a few pine sprigs, wooden beads or a felt bow. It looks great on a front door, a kitchen window or above a bed. Best of all, it is light enough to hang on a simple over the door hook. This is a perfect craft to make with kids on a rainy afternoon. Where would you hang yours?

You will need: Leftover chunky yarn, a 12 inch foam wreath form, tacky craft glue, pine sprigs and a felt bow.

How to make it: 1. Glue the yarn end to the back of the form. 2. Wrap the yarn snugly around the form, side by side, until it is fully covered. 3. Glue the tail on the back and add the sprigs and bow.

Chunky Knit Blankets at the Foot of the Bed

Folding chunky knit blankets at the foot of the bed is the easiest hotel style trick there is. It adds texture to a plain duvet and keeps an extra layer ready for cold nights. Fold it in thirds so the loops show, and let a little hang over each side. It is a lovely touch for a guest room too. Because these throws are heavy, keep them out of cribs and away from sleeping babies. Is your bed ready for winter?

You will need: A finished chunky throw and a neatly made bed.

How to make it: 1. Fold the throw in thirds the long way. 2. Lay it across the foot of the bed. 3. Smooth the loops so the knit side faces up.

Rolled Throw Tied With a Ribbon

Sometimes the best wrapping is no wrapping at all. A tightly rolled chunky throw tied with a wide velvet ribbon looks like something from a boutique window. Tuck a sprig of eucalyptus or a cinnamon stick under the bow and add a handwritten tag. It is easy to carry to a party, and it is the gift everyone wants to hug right away. Who will get the first roll this year?

You will need: A finished chunky throw, wide velvet or satin ribbon, a greenery sprig and a gift tag.

How to make it: 1. Fold the throw in half the long way. 2. Roll it up tightly from one short end. 3. Tie the ribbon around the middle in a big bow and tuck the greenery and tag under it.

Chunky Knit Blankets in a Gift Box With a Tag

Finish your gifting with chunky knit blankets folded inside simple boxes. Line a sturdy box with tissue paper, fold the throw neatly and add a tag with care tips, such as spot clean or hand wash gently and lay flat to dry. That little note shows you made it with love and helps it last for years. Stack a few boxes under the tree and watch faces light up. Who is first on your gift list?

You will need: A large gift box, tissue paper, a finished throw, a gift tag and twine.

How to make it: 1. Line the box with tissue paper. 2. Fold the throw into a neat square and set it inside. 3. Write the care tips on the tag, close the box and tie it with twine.