It’s been 10 years since I designed the original Bertha Blanket, a simple, raw-edged knitted throw that was soft, weighted, and effortlessly cozy. And now, a decade later, I’ve unintentionally created what feels like Bertha 2.0—this time, with a completely different technique: pin loom weaving. The result? The Forever Fleece Pin Loom Blanket—a stunning, no-crochet, no-knitting-required woven throw that’s beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and incredibly soft.
Why I Chose Pin Loom Weaving
Crocheting or knitting a large blanket can be exhausting, especially for those of us with hand pain or arthritis. Pin loom weaving, however, requires no complex hand motions, making it a fantastic alternative. And with bulky-weight Forever Fleece yarn, the process was even easier—this yarn doesn’t separate or fray, making it smooth to weave and quick to finish.
A No-Border, Raw-Edged Beauty
Unlike most woven projects that require a crochet or stitched border, I chose to leave my blanket as is—simply whip-stitched together, with no extra finishing. The squares came off the loom with clean edges, making them perfect for this “raw” look. This means no crochet or knitting skills needed—just a simple needle and yarn to seam the squares!
Final Size: The blanket measures approximately 50” x 70”, making it a generously sized throw perfect for curling up on the couch or layering on a bed.
The Power of Yarn Efficiency
A fun discovery while making this blanket was how much less yarn weaving uses compared to crochet or knitting. The Forever Fleece skein label includes a crocheted blanket pattern measuring 50” x 58” that requires 6 skeins. My woven blanket? 50” x 70” and only 5 skeins!
That’s a larger blanket using one less skein, proving that pin loom weaving is incredibly yarn-efficient. This makes it a fantastic option for those who want a soft, substantial blanket without breaking the bank.
Project Breakdown
- Loom Used: 12-inch pin loom
- Yarn: Forever Fleece in Banana Pie (bulky weight)
- Total Skeins Used: 5 (with some leftover!)
- Weaving Time: Each 10-inch square took me about 30 minutes on the loom.
- Joining Method: Simple whip stitch
- Total Blanket Size: ~50” x 70”
*****************
Copyright Notice: This pattern is copyrighted and designed by Marni Reecer. It is free to use for personal projects, and I encourage it to inspire your creativity! If this design inspires your own original work (e.g., a woven piece adapted to knit), I kindly ask that you credit me, Marni Reecer, as the source of inspiration. Sharing credit builds our creative community!
For selling finished items made from this pattern, a Commercial Use License is required. Learn more at https://www.patreon.com/c/TheYarnyWay. Reselling or redistributing this pattern in any form is strictly prohibited.
*****************
Final Thoughts: Bertha 2.0?
This project reminded me so much of my original Bertha Blanket—a raw-edged, ultra-soft, beautifully weighted piece that drapes effortlessly. But instead of knitting, this time I wove each square individually and stitched them together. I love how the weight of the Forever Fleece gives the blanket a luxurious feel, without needing a single stitch of crochet or knitting.
So, is this Bertha 2.0? Maybe. But whatever the name, this is one of my favorite pin loom projects yet! If you’re looking for an easy, relaxing, no-skills-needed way to make a cozy, weighted throw, this is it.
Have you tried pin loom weaving? Let me know in the comments!
2 Comments
Petra Breakstone
I love this! Well done Marni!
marni
Thank you so much, Petra! I love it, too. So soft, weighted, and cozy. 🙂