Easy Tips For Knitting With Multiple Strands Of Yarn

Knitting with multiple strands of yarn or multi strand knitting is a great way to use up the yarn you might already have to create unique colorways with texture. I love how you can make these deliciously thick stitches with a mixture of colors that is so beautiful!

I love making and sharing simple Knitted Blanket Patterns and today I will walk you through the steps of knitting with multiple strands of yarn which is often referred to as multi strand knitting. As you see how this blanket comes together in this post, many questions will pop in your mind, and I am going to try and answer those questions at the bottom of this post.

If you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment to let me know.

How do you knit with multiple strands?

Multi Strand Knitting is done holding multiple strands of yarn together as one. You use two or more yarn skeins and pull the yarn, hold them together to make a thicker yarn to knit with.

What size needle for Multi Strand Knitting?

Every yarn skein comes with a recommended needle size suggestion on its label. But what do you do when you are knitting with multiple strands of yarn? You will need to figure out which needle size works the best.

Start by doubling your needle size– so if the yarn skein recommends a 5mm needle, try using a 10mm needle for two strands or a 15mm for 3 to 4 strands of yarn

Create a small swatch of fabric with the needle size you choose or have. Here is how I move forward once I have the swatch-

• If the swatch fabric feels too thick and stiff- the needle size is too small
• If the swatch fabric feels too thin and the stitches are loose or full of holes- the needle size is too big
• If the swatch fabric feels and looks good- that is the right size needle to use!

Does Multi Strand Knitting make chunky Yarn?

Yes! I love using 2 strands of medium 4 worsted yarn to create a chunky feel. This is also a great way to inexpensive yarns to create a luxurious look easily. I have held 2 strands of yarn in all of these previous blanket patterns: Garter Stitch Blanket, Easy Stockinette Stitch Knit Throw That Won’t Curl, and Chunky Knit Blanket Pattern

Can you knit with 3 strands?

Yes! You will need to adjust the needle size accordingly like I show in my Bulky Knit Blanket Using 3 Strands of Yarn Pattern.

How do you keep yarn from twisting when knitting with two strands?

To keep the working yarn skeins from tangling up, first I like to start my skein from the middle! This means that the yarn comes out of the skein easily and you don’t have to twist the yarn skein.

Next, place each set of yarn into a drawstring bag of its own and close the bag top. This will keep each color from tangling up too much! You can also use plastic ziploc bags or small plastic containers to keep the yarn skeins separate.

Seen below is my Simple Knit Striped Scarf Pattern Using Paintbox Yarn

I’ll show you how to use a large needle and 4 strands of yarn held together to knit a quick cozy blanket for your home

Multi strand knitting blanket Tutorial:

Supplies used in this project

*affiliate links used

I pulled out a bunch of yarns from my collection- some textured bulky yarns and a couple of regular yarns for this blanket. Mostly medium worsted yarns and a large knitting needle – size 19/15mmYou will also need a pair of scissors,  and a tapestry needle or crochet hook.

Unlike my previous blankets Garter Stitch Blanket or Easy Stockinette Stitch Knit Throw That Won’t Curl this blanket is knit in smaller blocks that require straight needles only.

No Circular Knitting Needles = Perfect for Beginner Knitters.  

knitting with multiple strands of yarn

To make each block, cast on 20 stitches on a size 19 needle holding four different yarns together as one.  

Work in alternate knit and purl rows on these stitches – Knit one row then purl the next one

Knit and cast off each block when it reaches 12 inches long. Repeat the process and make 20 such blocks. Each block measures about 12 by 14 inches.

Once you have knit all 20 blocks, lay them out and arrange them to distribute the color variation. Sew or crochet the blocks together to form a blanket.  

This is a great blanket to use up all of the random balls of yarn you have accumulated. If I ran out of a particular color of yarn in the middle of a block, I simply continued the block in a new color.  

All done!

Tada! The finished blanket is huge and so comfy. The big needle size makes a nice warm blanket that is winter wonderful. If you enjoyed this Multi Strand Knitting tutorial please share it with your knitting friends on social media!

Click here to download a printable version of this Pattern

Multi Stranded Knitting is fast and fun! For me, knitting is the perfect craft to keep my fingers busy while watching some TV. This knitted blanket pattern works up easily and you can mix and match yarns from your stash to finish it up.