When it comes to choosing the best yarn for baby blankets, it’s important to consider the type of project you’re working on. Whether you’re creating a knitted baby blanket or looking for other baby-related crochet projects, you want a yarn that is soft, gentle on the skin, and easy to care for. There are many different yarns available, but some of the best options for baby blankets are superwash wool and acrylic. Cotton can be used, but it’s not usually as soft or fluffy. Each of these yarns has its own unique qualities, making them ideal for different types of projects.
Knitting or crocheting a baby blanket is a fantastic way to create something that is both practical and beautiful for new parents. But when you approach creating a blanket for a baby, there are some things you need to consider.
To make sure that you are picking the best yarn for baby blankets, you should think about whether the wool is baby-safe, durable, soft, and even chew-proof! Read below to discover what things to check when you are looking for the best yarn for baby blankets.
How To Buy The Best Baby Blanket Yarn
What Yarn Makes The Best Blankets For Babies?
It is easy to get excited about blanket patterns and color options, but the first thing you should consider is what type of yarn makes the best baby blankets. Fluffy and soft wools such as angora, alpaca, and mohair may feel snug and look pretty, but they are rarely machine washable, shed easily, and stray fibers could be swallowed by the baby. These wools may also irritate the baby’s skin, so you need to be careful about wool choices for babies.
The best yarns for baby blankets will usually be superwash wool or acrylic yarn. You should be able to find plenty of options for smooth, super soft yarns that provide that gentle touch you are looking for.
What Is The Weight?
You should always remember to check the weight of the yarn before pressing purchase (or buying in person). If you have selected a pattern to work with, it will advise you on what types of yarn they recommend. If you have not picked out a pattern and are new to knitting (or crocheting), there are many free patterns available online for beginners.
Heavier-weight yarns that are chunky can be some of the easiest to work with, but many people use lighter yarn for a tighter knit. The lightest weights are often categorized as “baby” friendly, but not always the easiest to work with. Lighter yarn will require more stitches per row generally as well, so if you’re not an experienced knitter, a thicker yarn would be easier to work with.
Based on our research, and a life-long knitting family member’s respected opinion, we advise you to look for DK (Double Knit) or 4ply yarn which is strong but light.
If you would like to read more about yarn weights, check out this explanatory article over at thesprucecrafts:
How Easy Is The Yarn To Wash?
While you are making a blanket for the baby, you need to consider the busy lives of their parents and think about how easy the blanket will be to take care of. New parents have to deal with a lot of different new chores, a whole new schedule, exhaustion, and more. Simply put, the best yarn for a blanket is going to be one that is machine washable.
Consider The Design Options
Once you have chosen what type of yarn you feel is best for blankets, you will have the potentially daunting choice of picking between a vast range of different colors! You don’t have to restrict yourself to pastel blues, pinks, yellows, or creams! There are lots of options that include multiple colors twisted together already. Or, just let your creativity loose and create a fun, unique, and (hopefully) beautiful pattern you’ll enjoy creating and the baby’s parents will love!
Another option when choosing the best yarn for a blanket is to remember to think on where the blanket is going. If there is a set color scheme for their nursery, you could create a baby blanket that matches the decor! If you’re not sure of the nursery colors or theme, perhaps you might know that the parents are fond of a particular color, and go that route.
One last thing to consider for the color and pattern of the design would be the season. Is the baby due in the summer or winter? Is it due around a certain holiday? The season can play a major role in deciding both the weight and color of the yarn you choose and since you have to start knitting (or crocheting) months in advance, make sure you’re choosing for the due date or after, and not the season you’re crafting in.
Best Yarn For Baby Blanket: Where To Find?
Ordering the best yarn for baby blankets has never been easier. Previous generations had to contend with restricted color options, scratchy materials, and unraveling fibers! Today there is a whole host of assorted colors and fibers created exclusively for crafting baby blankets and clothes. You don’t have to drive to a yarn specialty store or even make a trip to the nearest city. It’s should be no surprise that just about any yarn you could want is available online. It is only fair to point out though that there’s no replacement for physically handling the yarn itself prior to purchase, unfortunately.
Take a look at our favorite picks for the best yarn for baby blankets below
Herrschners Baby Wonder Yarn
Description
Herrschners Baby Wonder Yarn is the perfect choice for comforting your little one with its ultra-soft texture. Made from a blend of easy-care acrylic and superwash wool, this yarn is gentle on delicate skin and provides warmth to keep your baby feeling cozy. The soothing color palette offers a range of calming hues to choose from, making it easy to create the perfect project for your precious little ones. Whether you’re knitting a blanket, hat, or booties, Baby Wonder Yarn is sure to be a hit with both you and your baby.
Things to know:
- Yarn Material: 75% Acrylic/25% Superwash wool blend
- Yarn Weight: 4 Medium
- Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 4 mm
- Recommended Crochet Hook Size: 4 mm
- Care: Machine Wash
Things to love:
- The soft texture of the yarn makes it perfect for creating cozy projects for babies’ clothes or blankets.
- The yarn has a nice weight and stability, making it suitable for a variety of projects including adult sweaters.
- The beautiful color palette choices are perfect for creating projects for babies.
- It produces a beautiful crochet finish, and it is comfortable to knit with.
Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn
Description
Baby Blanket Yarn by Bernet is a luxurious, soft chenille-style yarn that is perfect for creating cozy blankets and garments for your little one. This machine washable and dryable yarn is versatile and easy to care for, making it a great choice for busy parents. With a big gauge, projects will work up quickly, so you can have a finished product in no time. The Bernat Baby yarns are Oeko-tex certified and have been tested for over 300 harmful substances, ensuring they are safe for your baby’s skin. With a range of shades to choose from, you can make a project in every color.
Things to know:
- Yarn Material: 100% Polyester
- Yarn Weight: 6 Super Bulky
- Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 8 mm
- Recommended Crochet Hook Size: 8 mm
- Care: Care: Machine Wash, Delicate Cycle
Things to love:
- They have a very wide range of colors to choose from.
- They’re soft and comfortable to work with.
- It’s durable and long-lasting.
- Great for a variety of projects, including baby and toddler blankets.
- It’s Safety certified for use with babies!
Lion Brand® Ice Cream® Yarn
Description
Lion Brand Ice Cream yarn is a haled as a “joy to work with – it easily slides off the hook and never splits”, making it a pleasure to use for all your baby projects. One ball is enough to create a baby garment, and two balls will make a blanket. (Check pattern instructions to be certain.) With its soft and easy care, this yarn is perfect for baby showers or your own baby projects. With the unique and cheerful color combinations, you’ll love creating delightful self-striping designs. Plus, there’s even a sophisticated tonal grey shade for trendy modern gender-neutral projects. Give it a try and see why it has quickly become many people’s go-to choice for all their baby yarn needs.
Things to know:
- Yarn Material: 100% Acrylic
- Yarn Weight: 3 Light
- Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 3.75 mm
- Recommended Crochet Hook Size: 5 mm
- Care: Machine Wash & Dry
Things to love:
- This yarn is soft and easy to care for.
- Self-stripping colorways with unique and cheerful combinations.
- The yarn is easy to work with and slides off the hook without splitting.
Patons Beehive Baby Sport Yarn
Description
Patons Beehive Baby Sport is the perfect yarn for making blankets, garments, and accessories for your little one. Made from a durable blend of acrylic and nylon, this easy-care yarn is machine washable and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Made in Canada, this yarn comes in the sweetest pastel colors and is suitable for both knitting and crocheting. Use it to create all your adorable baby projects!
Things to know:
- Yarn Material: 70% Acrylic, 30% Nylon
- Yarn Weight: 3 Light
- Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 3.75 mm
- Recommended Crochet Hook Size: 3.75 mm
- Care: Machine Wash & Dry
Things to love:
- The yarn is easy to care for and machine washable, making it practical for everyday use.
- It is made from a durable blend of acrylic and nylon, ensuring that it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use while still being beautiful enough for an heirloom piece.
- The yarn comes in lovely pastel colors and is suitable for both knitting and crocheting light weight projects.
Lion Brand A Star is Born: Oh Baby Yarn
Description
Oh Baby! yarn is a fantastic choice for those with sensitive skin, eco-conscious consumers, and anyone who loves the softness and easy care of cotton. It is made from 100% organic cotton and has a gorgeous 12-color palette featuring both bright and muted, sophisticated hues. This yarn is very soft and easy to work with, with great stitch definition and no splitting. It is suitable for a variety of projects including adorable items for babies and kids. It is bound to keep the baby warm and cozy. Overall, this is a high-quality Lion Brand yarn that is sure to become a favorite for anyone who prefers working with cotton.
Yarn Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Yarn Weight: 2 Fine
Recommended Knitting Needle Size: 3.25 mm
Recommended Crochet Hook Size: 3.5 mm
Care: Machine Wash & Dry
Things to love:
- This yarn is made from 100% organic cotton making it our most eco-friendly pick of the day.
- The yarn is soft and easy to work with multiple reviews stating it doesn’t split.
- It can be machine washed and dried on low-medium heat.
Questions And Answers
What is the softest yarn to make a baby blanket?
There are many different types of yarn that are suitable for baby blankets, and the softness of the yarn can depend on a number of factors such as the fiber content and ply. Here are a few options that are known for their softness:
- Cashmere: Cashmere is a luxurious and soft fiber that is made from the undercoat of the Cashmere goat. It is very soft and gentle on the skin, but isn’t the easiest to care for, so it might be better reserved as an heirloom piece or special occasion blanket.
- Merino wool: Merino wool is a type of wool that comes from the Merino sheep. It is known for its softness and warmth, and if blended with acrylics, can be a washable wool that’s also easy to care for.
- Alpaca: Alpaca fiber is soft, hypoallergenic, and warm, making it a lovely choice for a baby blanket if handwashing isn’t an issue.
- Bamboo: Bamboo yarn is made from the pulp of bamboo plants and is known for its softness and durability. However, it’s generally processed heavily, so it’s not the eco-friendly option that organic cotton is. Like bamboo clothing, you will have to check the specifications of the specific material chosen to know whether or not it’s processing is harmful to the environment.
- Acrylic: Acrylic yarn is synthetic and usually more affordable than natural fibers. It can be very soft and easy to care for, but the quality varies greatly so make sure to choose the brand/collection carefully.
Ultimately, the best yarn for a baby blanket will depend on your personal preferences and the needs of the receiving baby (family). It may be helpful to feel the yarn in person and/or read reviews from other customers to determine which yarn is the softest option for your project.
What is the safest yarn to use for baby blanket?
Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and bamboo are generally considered safe and hypoallergenic for babies. Synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester can also be good choices, but it’s important to make sure they are high quality. It’s also important to follow the care instructions for any yarn you choose to ensure that it is safe for your baby. Some yarns may need to be hand washed or dry-cleaned, which can be inconvenient for busy parents. If you or the baby have known allergies, it’s important to choose a yarn made from hypoallergenic fibers. Overall, the safest yarn for babies is one that is made from hypoallergenic fibers, is easy to care for, and is of high quality.
Is cotton or acrylic better for a baby blanket?
Cotton yarn is a natural fiber and is generally more breathable than acrylic , which is a synthetic fiber. This can make cotton a good choice for warm weather or for babies who tend to overheat easily. In terms of care and durability, acrylic is generally easier to wash than cotton yarn. It is machine washable and dryable, and it is less likely to shrink or fade. Cotton yarn is also machine washable, but it may shrink or fade over time. Some people are allergic to synthetic fibers like acrylic, so if you or your baby have allergies, you may want to choose cotton yarn instead. Ultimately, the best yarn for a baby blanket will depend on your personal preference and the specific needs of your project.
What is the best material to make a baby blanket out of?
When it comes to baby blankets, there is no single material that is always better than the rest. Different kinds of materials have different benefits, such as insulating or allowing for breathability. Cotton is a popular choice due to its soft texture and breathability, while fleece can provide extra warmth. Wool and bamboo are also great options for their natural properties, but if you’re knitting the blanket, acrylic is often the most user-friendly to wash and care for. Ultimately, you should consider your needs and preferences when choosing the best material for the baby’s blanket.