Need help on adult afghan? Should I even use a pattern with Homespun?

[Rebecca419]

I have only ever made basic scarves, but I want to make an afghan for an adult now. I am using the Lion Brand Homespun yarn- is there a point to even doing a pattern with this since it is already curly or should I just knit and purl it?
Also, around how many stitches would you recommend?
Thank you!

[Moxiemade]

I just did a pretty large afghan with Homespun yarn that was a pattern out of Boyd's "I taught myself to knit" book. I used size 13 needles as suggested (larger needles the better with this yarn and loose tension) and the pattern is a nice Old Shale ripple (no yarnovers though). It turned out wonderfuly soft and elegant. You can definately see the ripple pattern and it's a lot more classy than it would have been just knit and purled, in my opinion.

I *HATED* working with the yarn. It was SUCH a pain! But I have to say that I'm glad I kept with it and finished. I've never felt anything so soft and cozy.

Here are a couple pictures of the finished blanket. It's about 60" long and 50" wide. The pictures are horrible quality because I don't have a digital camera and had to use my cell phone. If you're interested in this pattern pm me.







Hope this helps!

[jcmom]

You may want to do a search about Homespun. Others have had some "iffy" results and I appreciated their input. I'd agree that it's a pain to work with.

[Moxiemade]

Jcmom has a good point about searching for posts about homespun. I did. I was quite worried about what I read but since I had already spent $40 on the yarn I just decided to go for it anyway. The afghan I did was my very first knitting project I started. It taught me a lot though. Because the yarn is so difficult to work with *VERY SPLITTY AND ONERY* it taught me to be mindful of keeping loose tension and I learned that using large needles was a MUST. A few times I wanted to throw the project away. I frogged several inches of it at least 3 times (mostly from learning to knit). But I'm VERY happy that I stuck with it to the end. Imagine being wrapped up in silky clouds. That's what it feels like. Big squishy heavenly clouds. It was worth all the curse words I invested into it.

[suzeeq]

Very loose tension and at least size 11 needles. Simple patterns like the F&F/old shale or ripple/chevron ones would work best.

[Jaxhil]

I have made 2 afghans with homespun, and am very pleased with both-though I do admit to using knots (GASP!) to make sure the buggers stayed together! And wove in lots of slithery ends on top.

Though it is somewhat of a pain to work with, the afgahans are well loved, so imho, worth it.

Good luck!

[sarahbean]

i agree that it is hard to work with but if you already bought the yarn, go with it! i tried using a pattern and size 10 knitting needles with homespun yarn, but it didn't work so i just did stockinett stitch

[Azlynn]

Oh wow Carmen, that blanket is gorgeous!

I have a bunch of that yarn lying around that I bought when I was first learning to knit, then I realized how much I hated it. I even have a half-started stockinette stitch blanket with it but couldn't finish because the yarn just.....sucks so bad. lol I gave it all to my son who loves using it for his Nifty Knitter loom set. It works great with that!

[kellee0302]

I have used this yarn on many projects, including an aghan and multiple sweaters and scarves. I didn't have any problems working with it but I do knit very loose; and it makes the warmest items.