Only a few things can be as cute as a baby wrapped in a blanket. A hand-knitted blanket is even better because it comes with some sort of sentimental value. When I had my mother make blankets for the kids those keepsakes have been kept with them now for many years.
A good blanket should be soft and long-lasting among other things. If you are looking to make one, then you need to find the best yarn for baby blanket. But it should also look cool!
Don’t stress yourself too much about that because, in this review, we are going to help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
- Why Do you Need Premium Quality Yarn?
- Factors to Consider When Purchasing Yarn for Baby Blanket
- Does the Yarn Shed?
- When will the Baby be Born?
- Which is the Best Baby Blanket Yarn?
- How Much Yarn Would Be Enough for a Baby Blanket Pattern?
- Review of Top-Selling Yarns for Baby Blankets
- 1. Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn
- 2. Caron Simply Soft Solids Yarn
- 3. Lily Sugar’n Cream Yarn
- 4. Lion Brand 920-168 Yarn
- 5. Lion ‘Wanna Make a Blankie” Brand Yarn
- 6. Caron 29400909010 Ombre Yarn
- 7. Red Heart Soft Yarn
- 8. Caron Simply Soft Paints Yarn
- 9. Caron Simply Soft Heather Yarn
- 10. Patons Grace Yarn
- 11. Alize Puffy Baby Blanket Yarn
- 12. Gazzal Organic Cotton Yarn
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Top Pick
- Conclusion
Why Do you Need Premium Quality Yarn?
As you plan to knit that treasured blanket for your baby, you want to use high-quality yarn for the job. The yarn should also be functional, lightweight, and cuddly.
Perhaps you want to make a customized piece for a loved one and gift it to them? Great, but you want to think about what a baby would do in their blanket.
Think about drooling and accidental diaper bursts. A good baby blanket should withstand frequent washing.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Yarn for Baby Blanket
You need to consider several factors as you pick yarn for your baby’s blanket especially if you want something that will look and feel good as well as last long.
Here are some of those factors.
Yarn Wash ability
Babies are messy and you have to make your peace with that. The thing is that the messiness doesn’t happen once and that means that their blanket will require frequent washing.
Now, you can choose to hand wash their blanket but that will take a lot of energy and time. So, what then? Ideally, the yarn used to make the blanket should be machine-washable so that whenever it needs to be cleaned, all you have to do is toss it into the washer.
Some superwash wool blends, commercial sock yarns, and linens make good choices.
Parent’s Preference
Babies do not speak so they do not have a say regarding the clothes they wear or the décor in their nursery. That leaves the parents as the sole decision-makers.
If you intend to gift your baby blanket to new parents, you need to consider what they would prefer especially in terms of color. Some parents like bright colors, while others would prefer neutral or darker colors.
Others have the traditional notion of having pink things for baby girls and blue for baby boys. You have to factor this in as well. If the parents you intend to git haven’t hinted at anything, it would be best to ask them what they like.
If they would rather have a cotton blanket rather than a woolen one, that is what you should use.
Your Budget
Baby blankets can be affordable or costly but then there is the in-between. For instance, Alpaca and bamboo yarns are quite costly mainly because they are super soft. On the other hand, non-wool and acrylic yarns tend to be a bit affordable.
We don’t need to tell you that price plays a major role when it comes to picking anything. Therefore, you need to do your due diligence before parting with your money.
You see, baby blankets are usually useful for the first year of a child’s life, and after that, they become somewhat obsolete. That means that you do not have to splurge.
Baby’s Skin
Babies tend to have sensitive skin so it would be wise to check with parents to find out if they have sensitivities.
Chances are that the baby will have the same sensitivities as the parents. You can also ask the parents if they know of any sensitivities that the baby has.
That way, you can avoid using yarn made from any material that is likely to cause sensitivity.
Does the Yarn Shed?
If you have been around babies, then you know that they put whatever they can get their hands on into the mouth. Their blanket will not be an exception.
In that case, you want to avoid novelty yarns as they are too fluffy and tend to shed. Of course, no one would like to see their child choking on yarn!
When will the Baby be Born?
Perhaps you do not know this but babies cannot regulate their body temperatures adequately. Moreover, they tend to swaddle and wiggle out of covers.
In that regard, you want to go for yarn the matches the season. Another thing is that you need to have the right size blanket. You want to match the size of the blanket with the weight of the yarn. If it is too large, it will have to be folded making it warmer.
What we are trying to say here is that the baby will need a lighter blanket if they are born in warmer months and a heavier one in colder months.
Which is the Best Baby Blanket Yarn?
By now, you know that there are different kinds of yarn in the market so it can be hard to single out one as the best.
However, most knitters do recommend Cotton Blends or Acrylic for their ease of cleaning and softness. Another great thing about those kinds of yarn is that they come in an assortment of colors and are a bit cheaper.
That said; you may want to go for something like silk or alpaca yarn if you want something that will last and can be used through the years.
How Much Yarn Would Be Enough for a Baby Blanket Pattern?
That would depend on the size of the blanket you intend to knit, but generally, 2 balls of chunky yarn will be enough to make an average size blanket.
If you will be using a medium yarn such as cotton, about 9 balls of yarn will suffice.
As for the knitting patterns, what you need to know is that most will come with the number of yarn balls required to make a blanket so be sure to read the label before buying.
Alternatively, you can divide the number of yarn balls mentioned by the number on the label to get a rough idea of how much yarn you will need for patterned blankets.
Review of Top-Selling Yarns for Baby Blankets
Now that you have the buying guide, why don’t we look at some best-rated options when it comes to yarns for baby blankets? That should simplify the selection process for you.
1. Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn
| Fiber | 100% polyester |
| Gauge | 6 |
| Crochet Gauge | 7c |
| Weight | Super Bulky |
This yarn is 100% Polyester that means makes it perfect for making a soft and luxurious blanket for your baby. With this big ball of yarn, you can effortlessly make an average-sized, heavy baby blanket.
It is also the softest baby yarn so do not expect it to irritate the baby’s skin either. Yarns from Bernat are certified and proven to be safe as well.
What we found most appealing about it nonetheless is that it is easy to clean seeing as it can be tossed in the washer.
Pros
- User friendly
- Easy to clean
- Extremely soft on baby’s skin
Cons
- Some balls come with knots
2. Caron Simply Soft Solids Yarn
| Fiber | Acrylic |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Crochet Gauge | 13 sc |
| Weight | Worsted |
Besides, it is easy to use and equally easy to maintain. We say that because it can be machine-washed. What we loved most about it is that it can also be used to make décor pieces and crotchet garments making it quite versatile.
Pros
- Can be machine-washed
- Durable and soft
- Comes in different colors
Cons
- Tends to stretch out and does not regain its original shape
3. Lily Sugar’n Cream Yarn
| Fiber | Cotton |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Crochet Gauge | 13 sc |
| Weight | Medium Worsted |
You will also appreciate the versatility of this yarn because it can also be used to make other things like potholders and dishcloths.
What stood out most for us however is that any garment made from this yarn is machine-washable. That takes all the hard work out of the cleaning process.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to use
Cons
- The range of colors is inconsistent
4. Lion Brand 920-168 Yarn
| Fiber | Acrylic Blend |
| Gauge | 3 |
| Crochet Gauge | 6 sc |
| Weight | Super Fine |
It is a soft yarn so you can rely on it not to irritate your baby’s skin. It is lightweight as well so if your baby is a summer baby, this would be the perfect yarn to knit them a blanket.
We love that this yarn is also among the most reasonably priced on this list even with all the features it has thus giving you value for money.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Made for durability
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
5. Lion ‘Wanna Make a Blankie” Brand Yarn
| Fiber | Polyester |
| Gauge | 6 |
| Crochet Gauge | 6.5 sc |
| Weight | Super Bulky |
Made from 100% polyester, you can rely on this yarn’s softness on your baby’s skin but that is not all it has to offer though. The yarn can be machine-washed and dried and we love that about it.
Pros
- Ideal for heavy blankets
- Easy to clean
- Skin-friendly
Cons
- The yarn has a greasy feel
6. Caron 29400909010 Ombre Yarn
| Fiber | Acrylic |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Crochet Gauge | 12 sc |
| Weight | Medium Worsted |
Other than that, it is quite versatile and can therefore be used to make décor pieces, accessories, and garments. It also comes in different shades making it the best yarn for baby blanket crochet patterns.
As far as care and maintenance, you will appreciate that this yarn can conveniently be washed in the washer and dried as well. We love that about it.
Pros
- Features different shades
- Comes in a jumbo economical ball
- Multipurpose
Cons
- The yarn is not as soft
7. Red Heart Soft Yarn
| Fiber | Acrylic |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Crochet Gauge | 12 sc |
| Weight | Worsted |
It is also easy to work with and can be machine washed so if you want an easy cleaning process, this is the best bet for you.
Nevertheless, what we loved most about this yarn is that it comes in different muted colors that are perfect for making baby blankets.
Pros
- Features a range of muted colors
- Quite lightweight
- Ideal for baby’s skin
Cons
- Yarn tends to split
8. Caron Simply Soft Paints Yarn
| Fiber | Acrylic |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Crochet Gauge | 13 sc |
| Weight | Medium Worsted |
Now, this yarn is available in different varieties so you can pick whichever you feel suits you best. Moving away from that, the yarn is extremely easy to care for seeing as it can be thrown into the washer for cleaning. It can also be dried in the dryer.
We love that the yarn is versatile as well because it can be used in the making of other items such as baby garments and décor.
Pros
- Comes in neons, neutrals, and pastels
- Features different varieties
- Comfortable on sensitive skin
Cons
- Not as reasonably priced given the quality
9. Caron Simply Soft Heather Yarn
| Fiber | Acrylic |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Crochet Gauge | 13 sc |
| Weight | Medium Worsted |
Anyway, the yarn is adequately lightweight so it can be used to make a baby blanket for the summer. That said; you can knit a bigger blanket that can be folded to be used in colder weather.
Now, this yarn is not suitable for machine-washing but that is not to say that you will have a hard time cleaning it. Simply hand wash for stains to come out effortlessly and lay on a flat surface to dry. We love that about it.
Pros
- Soft texture ideal for baby skin
- User friendly
- Comes in a 3-pack that gives value for money
Cons
- The product description could be clearer
10. Patons Grace Yarn
| Fiber | Cotton |
| Gauge | 3 |
| Crochet Gauge | 21 sc |
| Weight | Super Fine |
You will also find it easy to knit using this yarn and that makes it a great option for beginners. Again, this is one of the yarns that are not suitable for machine washes but the cleaning process will not take much out of you.
All you will be required to do is hand wash it lightly and lay it out in the sun to dry. The yarn is quite lightweight as well making it a suitable option for knitting summer blankets.
Pros
- Soft texture ideal for baby skin
- Easy maintenance
- Quite lightweight
Cons
- The yarn is quite slippery hence difficult to work with
11. Alize Puffy Baby Blanket Yarn
| Fiber | Polyester |
| Gauge | 6 |
| Crochet Gauge | L11/8mm |
| Weight | Super Bulky |
The yarn is velvet-made so you can imagine how soft it is especially against a baby’s skin. It doesn’t hurt that it looks a bit different as well and in a good way. That makes it aesthetically appealing, something that we loved.
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing
- Very soft
- Easy finger knitting
Cons
- Product description could be clearer
12. Gazzal Organic Cotton Yarn
| Fiber | Cotton |
| Gauge | 4 |
| Crochet Gauge | 13 sc |
| Weight | Light Worsted |
As if that is not enough, the yarn is sourced from natural fibers meaning that it is less likely to cause harm. It is also versatile and can be used to make different things like baby clothes and crotchet dolls.
Nonetheless, what we loved most about it is that it comes with a money-back guarantee that allows you to claim a refund in case you are not satisfied.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Sourced from natural fibers
- Can be used to make other garments
Cons
- Could be thicker
Frequently Asked Questions
You must have a question or two when it comes to the yarns for baby blankets at this point. We are up to the task but we cannot address all the questions here. Instead, we have answered a few commonly asked ones to give you a clearer understanding.
What is the best material for a baby blanket?
We cannot pick one in particular, because there are several great options. Cashmere, wool, and cotton are some of the commonest choices and for good reason too. Most woolen fabrics are natural and organic with no synthetic fiber.
They also absorb moisture well thus keeping your baby warm regardless of circumstances.
Is acrylic yarn good for babies?
Yes, because of the fiber count but no, because it is flammable. Acrylic yarn will easily melt into plastic hence not ideal for baby garments.
The material is also synthetic meaning that it is not eco-friendly. It is also thought to contain some toxins that may be harmful to babies.
How many yarn skeins do I need to make a baby blanket?
Well, that depends on the size of blanket you intend to make. A small baby blanket will take up about one yarn skein while a bigger one would require three to four skeins.
Most crocheted baby blankets use bulky or worsted weight yarn meaning that you will require about 900-1500 yards of yarn.
What size should a baby blanket be?
This depends on the size you want but the average baby blanket for a newborn should be 30 inches or 28 x 34 inches if you want a square blanket. However, you can also use it as a 30 x 40-inch quilt or a 30-inch one if you want.
Our Top Pick
Having assessed all the products on our list, we have settled on the Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn as our top pick.
The first thing that appealed to us is the fact that the yarn is made from pure polyester. Now, polyester is extremely soft hence making this yarn the best for your baby’s skin.
Another thing is that it comes in a ball that is big enough to make a medium-sized and heavy baby blanket.
As far as the cleaning process, you simply need to toss your garments made from this yarn into the washer and dry them in the dryer afterward.
It doesn’t hurt that the yarn is user-friendly as well making it ideal for beginners. We love that about it.
Conclusion
The difference between regular yarn and the baby yarn is that the latter is tested for safety. You have to prioritize your baby’s safety as well as their wellbeing when knitting a blanket for them seeing as they are helpless and extremely sensitive beings.
Whichever yarn you decide to use, ensure that it is as soft as can be to avoid irritating your baby’s skin. Now that you have this guide at hand, it shouldn’t be hard for you to pick the best yarn for a baby blanket. Don’t you think?
