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I absolutely love crocheting baby blankets for friends and family members who are expecting. But the more blankets I make, the more I realize that baby blankets require a special touch.
They are, after all, created for comforting little guys and gals who are experiencing everything for the first time. Cute and cuddly babies deserve snuggle-worthy blankets.
With that in mind, we crafters need to learn how to pick the “snuggliest” yarn to please these little cuddle bugs. So, let’s learn some more about how to pick the best yarn for baby blanket, and this time, we will focus specifically on baby blanket yarn.
Things to Consider
When you are looking for the best yarn for a baby blanket, there are a few things to consider. If you know the right questions to ask, the shopping process will be quick and painless. Then, you can proceed to the fun part – making the blanket!
What Is the Texture of the Yarn?
Since babies have delicate skin and can be irritated by prickly textures, I think this is the most important aspect to consider. Personally, I prefer to feel any yarn before I purchase it.
This seems like a practical step, especially when it comes to making a baby blanket, an item where texture is incredibly important.
A good baby blanket texture is when the blanket:
- feels soft
- does not pill
- does not irritate the skin
Keep these qualities in mind as you decide which type of yarn to use. Right away, some yarn fibers will be excluded (wool).
If you have a yarn store nearby, go take some time to squish some yarn. You’ll know with one squeeze whether or not the yarn will be kind to a baby’s delicate skin. If in doubt, try a different yarn. Or, make it easy on yourself and go for a yarn that is marketed for use in baby products.
While I prefer to purchase yarn in person, sometimes buying yarn online is actually the best option, so don’t limit yourself just because you cannot touch the yarn first.
If you learn a little bit about yarn fibers, you may feel confident enough to know a particular type of yarn will work for your upcoming project even if you have never felt it.
Top Picks for Baby Blanket Yarn Texture
I Love This Yarn
I keep this yarn on hand at all times. This is because it is super versatile and makes any project feel and look fabulous. The fact that it works for adult sweaters, amigurumi animals, or baby blankets makes it one of my favorite yarns.
Yarn Weight: 4 – Medium
Contents: 100% Acrylic
Skein Weight: 7 oz.
Skein Yardage: 252 yards
Care: Machine wash, machine dry, dry clean, no iron or bleach
Knitting Gauge: 18 stitches x 23 rows = 4”
Recommended Knitting Needles: 5mm (USA Size: 8 or UK Size 6)
Crochet Gauge: 12 Single Crochet stitches x 15 rows = 4”
Recommended Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (USA Size I-9 or UK Size 5)
Red Heart Cutie Pie
This yarn is extremely soft and lightweight. Once you touch it, you will know it is perfect for creating a baby blanket. I have used it for several different blankets and found that it works best when two or more strands of yarn are used together.
It seems that it so soft and thin that using one strand alone is difficult because it easily breaks or creates too much friction on a hook or needle.
Yarn Weight: 3 – Light
Contents: 100% Polyester
Skein Weight: 3.5 oz.
Skein Yardage: 326 yards
Care: Machine wash with warm water on gentle cycle, tumble dry low, no iron or bleach
Recommended Knitting Needles: 3.5mm (USA Size: 4)
Recommended Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm (USA Size E-4 or UK Size 9)
Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn
With this yarn, you get the perfect balance of softness and speed. The chunky yarn fibers make it quicker and easier to finish a baby blanket in record time. Your fingers will thank you as you work through a project with this yarn.
Yarn Weight: 6 – Chunky
Contents: 100% Acrylic
Skein Weight: 3.52 oz.
Skein Yardage: 108 yards
Care: Hand wash or gentle wash with like items, lay flat to dry
Recommended Knitting Needles: 8 mm (USA Size: 11 or UK Size 0)
Recommended Crochet Hook: 8 mm (USA Size L-11 or UK Size 0)
Is the Yarn Washable?
While it is true that babies are cute and cuddly, they are also extremely tough on clothing and bedding. Spit, drool, and diaper messes are good reasons to look for a yarn that is washable.
Also, remember that for new parents, time and energy are at a premium. So, give them a baby blanket that they can easily throw into their machine washer and dryer.
No hassles. No handwashing.
Good washable yarn means that the blanket:
- can be washed in a machine washer
- can be dried in a machine dryer
- does not pill when washed
- does not stretch when washed
The problem with finding yarn that fits the criteria for making a washable blanket is that sometimes you have to forfeit the softest selection of yarn. Deciding whether your blanket is super soft or easy to wash will have to be your decision.
Top Picks for Washable Baby Blanket Yarn
Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn
This yarn is incredibly soft and durable, but also has the added feature of being thick and chunky. It is this combination of features that makes it so ideal as a yarn to use when creating a baby blanket.
Yarn Weight: 6 – Super Bulky
Contents: 100% Polyester
Skein Weight: 11.2 oz.
Skein Yardage: 220 yards
Care: Machine wash, machine dry
Recommended Knitting Needles: 8 mm (USA Size: 11 or UK Size 0)
Recommended Crochet Hook: 6.5 mm (USA Size K-10.5 or UK Size 3)
Bernat Softee Baby Yarn
Bernat has done it again by providing another excellent choice for baby blanket yarn. This particular yarn gets rave reviews for its softness, thickness, and value for the cost. Plus, it provides a color scheme that keeps the creative process lively but easy.
Yarn Weight: 3 – Light
Contents: 100% Acrylic
Skein Weight: 4.25 oz.
Skein Yardage: 310 yards
Care: Machine wash, machine dry
Recommended Knitting Needles: 4 mm (USA Size: 6)
Recommended Crochet Hook: 4 mm (USA Size G-6 or UK Size 8)
Red Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek Yarn
This yarn is a pleasure to work with. The soft and silky but sturdy texture of it meshes together to form a trio of crafting perfection. Use it to construct the next baby blanket you make and you may never use anything else.
Yarn Weight: 4 – Medium
Contents: 100% Low Pill Acrylic
Skein Weight: 5 oz.
Skein Yardage: 232 yards
Care: Machine wash cold, dry flat, dry clean, no iron or bleach
Knitting Gauge: 18 stitches x 23 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Knitting Needles: 5mm (USA Size: 8 or UK Size 6)
Crochet Gauge: 12 stitches x 15 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Crochet Hook: 6 mm (USA Size J-10 or UK Size 4)
What Does the Yarn Cost?
Money may not matter to you when it comes to gifting to a precious little one, but take some time to consider how a baby blanket is going to be used.
- It will be frequently spit-up on or soiled in some way
- It will need to be washed regularly
- It will only be used for a short period of time
Perhaps the thought of your special gift being tarnished so easily will cause you to reconsider how much money you put into creating the baby blanket. If so, there’s no need to feel like you are a cheapskate.
Put your money into a gift that will yield dividends and get some more practically priced yarn.
Top Picks for Cost-Effective Baby Blanket Yarn:
Caron Simply Soft Solids Yarn
One brief touch of this yarn and you will realize that you don’t need to spend a fortune on yarn to get a luxurious feel. This yarn provides you with great texture, durability, and an ample selection of colors. A baby blanket made with Caron Simply Soft yarn will certainly meet the needs of any precious little one’s opulent tastes.
Yarn Weight: 4 – Medium
Contents: 100% Acrylic
Skein Weight: 5.92 oz.
Skein Yardage: 315 yards
Care: Machine wash cold, machine dry
Recommended Knitting Needles: 5mm (USA Size: 8 or UK Size 6)
Recommended Crochet Hook: 5 mm (USA Size H-8 or UK Size 6)
Knit Picks Brava Worsted Yarn
A yarn like this will really become your crafting companion after one use. It is hypoallergenic, washable, durable, colorful, and most importantly, affordable. Baby blankets may be the reason you get it, but there is no doubt you will be using it for many other types of projects.
Yarn Weight: 4 – Medium
Contents: 100% Premium Acrylic
Skein Yardage: 218 yards
Care: Machine wash cold, machine dry
Recommended Knitting Needles: 4.5 mm – 5 mm (USA Size: 8 or UK Size 6)
Recommended Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm – 6.5 mm (USA Size H-8 or UK Size 6)
Baby Bee Cuddly One Yarn
If you really do want to splurge to create a baby blanket, feel free to do so. This soft jumbo-sized yarn is here to help you make a posh and plush gift. This yarn is so plush it will feel like a cushion and a blanket rolled into one. It will make any baby feel like they are reclining in the lap of luxury.
Be lavish and comfortable.
Yarn Weight: 7 – Jumbo
Contents: 100% Polyester
Skein Weight: 8 oz.
Skein Yardage: 33 yards
Care: Machine wash cold, dry flat, dry clean, no iron or bleach
Knitting Gauge: 5 stitches x 6 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Knitting Needles: 15mm (USA Size: 19)
Crochet Gauge: 5 stitches x 5 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Crochet Hook: 15 mm (USA Size P/Q)
What Color Scheme Is Requested?
Sometimes parents choose a color scheme for their newborn’s bedroom and dressing style. When you create a baby blanket, be sure to consider the color scheme chosen by the parents. If you know what colors the parents have chosen, you can either try to match the colors exactly or choose complementary colors.
When looking for yarn to create a baby blanket, be sure to select a yarn brand that will offer a wide selection of colors. Also, remember that it is very important to select yarn from the same color lot number. Even if the color and brand are the same, color lots can differ enough to ruin the look of an entire project.
Top Picks for Baby Blanket Yarn Colors
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Yarn
Vanna’s Choice yarns are a beautiful selection of modern colors. These are not your grandmother’s colors. What is awesome about this brand is that they are not only beautiful, but they are also durable, affordable, and lovely to work with.
Yarn Weight: 4 – Medium
Contents: 100% Premium Acrylic
Skein Weight: 9.07 grams
Skein Yardage: 170 yards
Care: Machine wash cold, machine dry, dry clean, no iron or bleach
Knitting Gauge: 16 stitches x 22 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Knitting Needles: 5.5 mm (USA Size: 9 or UK Size 5)
Crochet Gauge: 12 Single Crochet stitches x 15 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Crochet Hook: 6 mm (USA Size J-10 or UK Size 4)
Paintbox Simply Aran Yarns
This yarn is going to quickly become your go-to for amazing colors. Let your creative juices flow with the wide variety of available shades. An extra awesome feature of this yarn is that it is incredibly affordable and durable. You might want to get these by the dozen.
Yarn Weight: 5 – Worsted
Contents: 100% Acrylic
Skein Weight: 3.5 oz.
Skein Yardage: 201 yards
Care: Machine wash cold, machine dry low heat, dry clean, low, iron, no bleach
Recommended Knitting Needles: 5 mm (USA Size: 8 or UK Size 6)
Recommended Crochet Hook: 5 mm (USA Size H-8 or UK Size 6)
Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Yarn
This yarn comes in eighteen understated but highly elegant colors. They will turn your baby blanket into a truly modern work of art. Soft and velvety to the touch, this yarn makes everything feel warm and cozy. Try using one of these lovely colors to complete your next baby blanket project.
Yarn Weight: 4 – Medium
Contents: 100% Polyester
Skein Weight: 3.5 oz
Skein Yardage: 218 yards
Care: Machine wash cold, machine dry
Knitting Gauge: 18 stitches x 26 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Knitting Needles: 4.5 mm (USA Size: 7 or UK Size 7)
Crochet Gauge: 16 Single Crochet stitches x 19 rows = 4” x 4”
Recommended Crochet Hook: 4 mm (USA Size G-6 or UK Size 8)
FAQs
Question: How do I find a baby blanket pattern?
Answer: Even though there are a couple of ways to do this, this is actually a really simple process. Here are three ways to find a pattern:
• Buy a book of baby blanket patterns
This is something that you will want to look into for yourself; after all, you will probably need to pay some money for it. The benefit of buying a book is that it is yours to keep and take with you wherever you go. And you don’t need the internet to work on your project.
• Search for a baby blanket pattern online
This is a great way to find many different styles of baby blankets. You may get overwhelmed with the search results, but chances are, you will find something amazing.
If you like to crochet, try Lovecrafts.com for a variety of modern and traditional baby blanket patterns.
If knitting is more your thing, Nobleknits.com is going to be the perfect place to find a baby blanket pattern.
• Search on YouTube for a baby blanket pattern
This is a great way to learn a new pattern because there is someone on the screen teaching you. If you are a visual learner, this may be the best way to go.
Another advantage of this method is that you can watch and re-watch the presenter work a stitch until you get it and you can interact with other viewers or the YouTuber.
For those who love to crochet, consider trying this waffle baby blanket by Sirin’s Crochet.
For those who love to knit, consider trying this baby blanket by B. Hooked Crochet & Knitting.
Question: Are there other baby items that can be created with baby yarn?
Answer: Yes, and they are super fun to make. Let’s look at a few that will get you excited to try something else new.
• Crocheted Teddy Rattle: This is the way to go if you are trying to create personalized baby gifts. Use complementary yarn to pair this with the baby blanket you are planning to make and you will be the talk of the baby shower circuit.
• Crocheted Baby Booties: How cute are babies in booties? Adorable. A pair of these will certainly be worn and then closeted away as a keepsake for future generations.
• Knit Cardigan: A knit cardigan is sure to be worn again and again to keep the baby snuggly warm. All will be delighted to see the new little one in such an outfit.
Knit Amigurumi Toys: These are usually a crocheted project, but not anymore. Knitters can also have fun creating cuddly animals and toys for the babies they love.
Question: Where can I find the best prices on yarn?
Answer: This will vary from place to place. One way to be sure that you are getting the best deal is to do a thorough internet search of the yarn you want to purchase. There may be places that have it on sale and the internet is the best way to find sales and compare prices.
Here are several places to begin your shopping:
• Amazon Yarn Shop: Almost every type and color of yarn can be found here. The only downside to purchasing yarn here is that you cannot touch the yarn before you purchase it and you will have to wait for it to be delivered.
• Hobby Lobby Yarn: The beauty of shopping for yarn here is that you can look for it online and buy it in-store as fast as you can get there. Plus, they have regular sales on their yarn to keep your expenses low.
• Joann Yarn: This is a store that has special deals on its yarn selection and it is always a unique selection. Find what you are looking for here and get inspired for something out of the box.
• Michaels Yarn: This is another store that offers online and in-store yarn sales. They also have frequent sales and coupons to help keep the cost down.
In Conclusion
When you make a baby blanket you are sending a gift of love to friends and family. But more importantly, you are welcoming a new little person into the world by snuggling them with love and warmth. Can anything feel better than that?
I hope this list will help you as you head into a new creative project. And I hope you are able to spend some time snuggling with the little one in your life.
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