Fantastic Blankets for Teenage Boys
Out of ideas or want something new? Try knitting blankets for teenage boys!
Over on Loop Knits, contributors Craig and Laura make an interesting point about blankets for teenage boys: there aren't any!
According to Craig, Janet Geissler, head of the Philadelphia chapter of The Linus Project, says that her biggest need is blankets for teenage boys. Why should that be?
Well, think about it. Let's face the facts: most knitters are women. So what do you instinctively go for when you select yarn? Soft or bright colors, interesting textures, funky patterns -- in other words, things women love! Young boys enjoy bold patterns and colors, and older men are happy with anything that doesn't scream FEMININE in capital letters. But teenage boys -- even those in need -- are notoriously picky.
Whether you're knitting for your own son or for charity, there are great ideas when it comes to knitting blankets for teenage boys. You just have to exercise a little creativity -- and occasionally control your more exotic instincts!
1. Blankets based on sports teams
If you're good at Fair Isle knitting or inastarsia, you should have no problem with this one: grab some graph paper and knit some blankets based on popular sports teams. Even if you don't hit the exact team, it'll be a lot "cooler" than rainbows and flowers.
2. Camouflage
What makes cooler blankets for teenage boys than camouflage? And Bernat just so happens to have a pattern for... well, not a camouflage blanket, but camouflage knit pants, which I'm not sure I'd want to wear. More to the point, though, Bernat actually stocks camouflage yarn to go with this project. Check it out and see if you're up to the challenge.
3. Solid, dark colors
You might think everyone loves brights and bolds, but trust me, many teenage boys don't. Sticking to neutral and dark colors -- blacks, browns, creams, dark green, navy, etc. -- might be the ticket to a teenage boy's heart. Put them together in a pattern of alternating stripes or blocks with a dark border.
4. Plain with an edge
And no, I don't mean a knitted edge! When working on blankets for teenage boys, keep in mind that they all secretly long to be living on the edge. A plain black or gray knit blanket with a cool embellishment -- say, a skull in the bottom right square, or a lightening bolt, or a soccer ball -- will go over much better than a boring old black square of cloth.
People tend to think knitting for boys is difficult, but remember, there are a lot of teen boys out there in need of warmth and assistance! Try some of these patterns and start knitting blankets for teenage boys today!