Yarn is the most important component of crocheting and knitting. However, choosing the right type of yarn depends on your project and preference. In this buying guide, I will discuss the best yarn for baby blankets. If that is what you want to make, read my reviews below and pick the one that you like best.
What Yarn for Baby Blanket?
Usually, 2 balls of chunky yarn (Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn 10.5oz) is sufficient to knit a great sized baby blanket. However, when knitting with a medium yarn like the Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn, nine balls are recommended for creating a decent size baby blanket. It depends on your needs what yarn you choose.
How to Choose Yarn for a Baby Blanket?
I recommend that you choose a softer yarn made of cotton, bamboo or acrylic. It is believed that these fabrics cannot irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Also, I recommend machine washable and dryable yarn.
What Weight Yarn for a Baby Blanket?
I recommend bulky yarn for best and fast results. However, check this chart in order to determine the right weight if this is your first time looking at the gauge or weight of yarn. Scroll down for instructions.
Car Seat Size Blanket (24 X 24 inches)
- Three stitches per inch/bulky 230 yds
- Four stitches per inch/Chunky 325 yds
- Five stitches per inch/Worsted 410 yds
- Six stitches per inch/DK 580 yds
Stroller Size Blanket (30 x 30 inches)
- Three stitches per inch/bulky 428 yds
- Four stitches per inch/chunky 610 yds
- Five stitches per inch/worsted 770 yds
- Six stitches per inch/DK 1090 yds
Receiving Blanket (34 x 36 inches)
- Three stitches per inch/bulky 580 yds
- Four stitches per inch/chunky 830 yds
- Five stitches per inch/worsted 1050 yds
- Six stitches per inch/DK 1480 yds
Crib Blanket (36 x 52 inches)
- Three stitches per inch/bulky 890 yards
- Four stitches per inch/chunky 1270 yds
- Five stitches per inch/worsted 1600 yds
- Six stitches per inch/2260 yds
How Much Yarn Needed for a Baby Blanket?
Bigger baby blankets require 3 or 4 skeins of yarn while smaller ones may only need one. Most crochet baby blanket patterns use bulky or worsted weight yarn, so you will need around 900–1500 yds of yarn.
How Many Balls of Yarn for a Baby Blanket?
Examine the yarn label in order to determine how many yards it is. After, divide the total yards needed by the yards per ball. For instance, if you want to make a receiving blanket, you will need 580 yards yarn. Just divide 580 by 132 and you will get 4.39, meaning, you will need around 5 skeins to create a blanket.
What is the Best Yarn for Baby Blanket 2020?
I decided to highlight some of the best yarn for baby blankets in the market in order to help you choose the right one for you. Review their features and select the one that meets your needs and requirements.
- Best Overall: Bernat Softee Baby Yarn
“100% acrylic, machine washable and dryable, safety-tasted, famous brand, perfect for sensitive skin.” - Runner Up: Lion Brand Yarn Vanna’s Choice Yarn
“Affordable, made in Turkey, lovely shade of mustard color, strong but soft at the same time, durable.” - Best Universal Yarn: Universal Yarn Bella Chenille 113 Yarn
“Thick, soft, the perfect yarn for next-to-skin garments, made in Turkey, affordable, machine washable.” - Best Lightweight Yarn: Patons Silk Bamboo Yarn
“Best natural fiber yarn for baby blankets, soft and warm blend of bamboo and silk, machine washable.” - Best Budget: Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn
“100% acrylic medium worsted yarn, 256 yards of incredibly soft yarn, amazing washability, versatile.” - Best Natural Yarn for Baby Blankets: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn
“100% USA grown cotton yarn, perfect for home décor and blankets, versatile worsted weight yarn. ” - Best Yarn for Blanket Knitting: Bernat Baby Blanket Big Ball
“Versatile, machine wash and dry, luxurious, soft, chenille-style yarn in different shades, safety-certified.” - Best Acrylic Yarn for Baby Blankets: Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn
“Perfect for super-soft baby blankets, machine washable and dryable, 100% acrylic, affordable.” - Best Bulky Yarn for Baby Blankets: Bernat Blanket Yarn
“Chenille-style yarn, super cozy, soft and luxurious, machine washable and dryable, a generous size.” - Best Yarn for Newborns: Red Heart Baby Hugs Yarn
“Tested and certified, free of dangerous substances, easy to clean, super soft, premium acrylic yarn.”
Top 23 Best Yarn for Baby Blanket Comparison Table 2020
Yarns are made of different materials, weight differently and have different yardage. Also, buying the right yarn for your project includes knowing what knitting needle size or crochet hook you need to make your garment. Scroll down to compare the features of different yarns and pick the one that seems right.
Best Yarn for Baby Blanket Reviews 2020
In order to help you choose the best yarn for a baby blanket, not only did I compared the best products on the market but also reviewed them in detail. Read on to check their pros and cons before your order.
Bernat Softee Baby Yarn
(Best Overall)
First, I have a soft, easy to care premium yarn that is 100% acrylic in light worsted weight released by a trusted brand in the market known as “Bernat”. It is best for crochet or knit baby garments like a blanket and other things, home décor and accessories. It comes in many traditional shades (Ombres and solids).
The best part? I would say that for me is the fact that products by this brand are tested for over 300 bad substances and proven to be completely safe for your little one. They take the sensitivity of a child’s skin seriously. This yarn is machine washable and dryable. Let’s review the pros & cons before you purchase.
Pros
- Machine washable and dryable
- The best yarn for blanket crochet
- Ideal for children with sensitive skin
- Tested for over 300 dangerous substances
- Soft and easy to care premium yarn
- 100% acrylic in light worsted weight
- Made by a well-trusted brand
Cons
- Some users received the wrong color
- The yarn was too shiny, according to some users
- Some customers reported tangling
Bernat Baby Blanket Big Ball
(Best Yarn for Blanket Knitting)
Next, I have another product by Bernat. It is the baby blanket big ball. I am talking about a luxuriously soft, chenille-style yarn that is ideal for baby blankets and other baby garments. It is machine washable and dryable just like the previous product. If you want a versatile yarn that will help you finish a blanket fast, this is the one. It is safety-certified, tested for over 300 bad substances and comes in many shades.
Pros
- Safety-certified
- It comes in different shades
- Luxuriously, soft, chenille-style yarn
- Ideal for baby blankets and other baby items
- Machine washable and dryable
- Versatile yarn
Cons
- Color as pictured
- Some customers received a stained yarn
- It does not unwind easily
Lion Brand Yarn Babysoft Pompadour Yarn
Another popular brand that makes some of the best yarns for blankets is Lion. Today, I am presenting their baby soft pompadour yarn. It is a soft, special acrylic blend in a generously-sized ball. This yarn is 60% acrylic and 40% polyamide. It is a medium sport weight yarn in different incredible pastel shades.
If you want your baby blanket to last, choose this yarn. It is machine washable, but the temperature should not pass 40C or 105F. Also, do not use bleach products. You can dry this yarn in a machine dryer at a high-temperature setting. However, keep in mind that you should not use an iron on this material.
Pros
- Affordable, high-quality yarn
- Soft, special acrylic blend in a generously-sized ball
- 60% acrylic and 40% polyamide medium sport weight yarn
- It comes in different amazing pastel colors
- Machine washable and dryable
Cons
- No polyamide as stated
Lion Brand Yarn Vanna’s Choice Yarn
(Runner Up)
One more product by Lion that will blow you away is their beautiful Vanna’s choice yarn. This brand’s primary goal is to earn the trust of their buyers. That is why they produce some of the best yarns on the market. And this one is no exception. It is made in Turkey and comes in a lovely shade of mustard color.
The quality of this yarn is similar to Red Heart with Love. That is another yarn by another brand. I used for comparison because they have some fine yarns as well but I will review them later. If you are looking for a strong but soft yarn that does not cost much, look no further than this one. Let’s present the cons.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made in Turkey
- Lovely shade of mustard color
- Strong but soft yarn
- High-quality yarn
Cons
- Too stiff according to some users
- Too small according to some buyers
- Not for large projects
Universal Yarn Bella Chenille 113 Yarn
(Best Universal Yarn)
Looking for a thick yarn that will help you make the softest crochet baby blanket? If yes, look no further than the Universal Yarn Bella Chenille 113 yarn. It is a fuzzy dream, as many satisfied customers describe it. Ideal for next-to-the-skin garments for little ones, this soft yarn is affordable and produced in Turkey.
It is machine washable, just like the rest of the yarns I present. However, do not use bleach product and tumble dry. Also, avoid ironing because yarns cannot handle ironing. Instead, use a clothes steamer that will shape your knitted or crocheted items. You can dry-clean with any solvent except trichloroethylene.
Pros
- Thick and soft yarn
- Ideal for next-to-skin garments
- Affordable and produced in Turkey
- Machine washable and tumble dry
- Affordable product
Cons
- Some buyers received a stained yarn
Lion Brand Yarn Jiffy Thick and Quick Yarn
Back to Lion brand, they have one more quality yarn for baby blankets. It is the Jiffy Thick and Quick yarn for next-to-skin garments. As the name of this product refers, it is thick and helps you complete blankets faster. It is 100% acrylic and super fun to use. Just ideal for prints or accessories in a super bulky weight.
Just like the previous yarns by this brand, it is machine washable and can be dried in a machine dryer at a high-temperature setting. Now, let’s summarize the most important pros and cons before you order it.
Pros
- Reasonably-priced
- Ideal for next-to-skin garments
- 100% acrylic yarn that is fun to use
- Great for prints and accessories
- Machine washable and dryable
- Super bulky weight
Cons
- Feels itchy
- Extremely fuzzy
- Several knots
Caron Simply Soft Solids Yarn
Have you ever heard of Caron? It is one of the most popular brands for yarns in the market. They make a great yarn for baby blankets such as the Simply Soft Solids yarn. It is one of their best yarns that knitters and crocheters simply adore. It is a versatile worsted weight yarn that is soft and pleasant to the touch.
You can also use it for home décor and fashion garments. It comes in different colors (neutrals, pastels, and brights). You can choose the color you need and complete your project with great ease. It works up with a beautiful drape and a fabulous lustrous look. It has a unique sheen. It is easy to maintain as well.
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Made by a popular brand
- Versatile worsted weight yarn
- Pleasant and soft to the touch
- It comes in different colors
- Unique sheen
Cons
- Very thin for worsted yarn
- Some buyers received a wrong color
- Frays very easily
Patons Silk Bamboo Yarn
(Best Lightweight Yarn)
If you are looking for a natural blend of bamboo and silk, look no further than Patons silk bamboo yarn. It is a soft, warm and lightweight yarn that you will absolutely adore. No matter if you want to create an accessory, baby clothes or blankets, this yarn has your back. It comes in many colors you can pick from.
Everyone will admire your homemade projects if you do them with the Silk Bamboo yarn. It is very easy to clean. You can wash it by hand and lay it flat to dry. However, keep in mind that you should not iron it or dry-clean it. Otherwise, you will destroy your favorite blankets. Let’s review the cons before ordering.
Pros
- Lightweight, soft and warm yarn
- Best natural yarn for baby blankets
- A natural blend of silk and bamboo
Cons
- Too many knots
- It splits and unravels
- Expensive shipping
Lion Brand Yarn Cotton Yarn
(Organic Cotton Yarn for Baby Blanket)
As you can notice, the Lion brand has some of the best yarns for blankets. This one is also top-rated by customers and loved by many. If you want a 100% cotton in worsted weight, this is the perfect product for you. It is the best yarn fiber for baby blankets. It has a stunning color & sheen which lasts very long.
You can choose your favorite color and complete your fashion project, baby garment, kitchen and bath accessories or home décor with great ease. It is ideal for making garments for children and babies. Now, let’s review the advantages and disadvantages of this incredible yarn before you make your final order.
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Natural fiber yarn for baby blankets
- 100% cotton in worsted weight
- Ideal for making baby blankets
- Stunning color
Cons
- Too small for worsted yarn
- Some buyers received a damaged yarn
- Not the best quality control
Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn
(Best Natural Yarn for Baby Blankets)
Next, I have another yarn by Bernat, one of the most popular brands in the market. It is the handicrafter cotton yarn. As the name of the product reveals, it is a 100% USA grown cotton yarn that is just ideal for making kitchen and home décor but blankets as well. It is a versatile worsted weight yarn you will adore.
If you want to complete small projects like potholders, afghans, dishcloths or baby blankets, this yarn is perfect for you. You can choose between many bright, pastel and neutral shades. It is machine washable and dryable for easy care. However, before you order it, make sure to check out the main pros and cons.
Pros
- 100% USA grown cotton yarn
- Perfect for home décor and blankets
- Machine washable and dryable
- Versatile worsted weight yarn
- Ideal for smaller projects too
Cons
- None
Caron Jumbo Ombre Yarn
(Best Baby Yarn for Knitting)
Another great yarn by Caron is their jumbo ombre yarn. I am talking about a versatile, economical, big ball yarn that is suitable for making different projects. You can make garments, blankets, home décor or accessories. It is easy to clean and maintain. Meaning, it is conveniently machine washable and dryable.
If you want a medium worsted 100% acrylic yarn that will add a personal touch to your items, this yarn is made for you. The suggested knitting needle is 5mm while recommended crochet hook is 5mm. Now, I would like to present the benefits and downfalls that this yarn comes with. Let’s check them out quickly.
Pros
- 100% acrylic yarn
- Machine washable and durable
- Versatile, economical big ball yarn
- Suitable for different projects
- Affordable yarn
Cons
- Flimsy and fried
- Too thin for worsted yarn
- Too hard to untangle
Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn
(Best Acrylic Yarn for Baby Blankets)
Bernet Softee chunky yarn is one of my favorite yarns for baby blankets. It is a super-bulky weight yarn I used for completing home décor projects, super-soft blankets, and accessories. As I already mentioned, it is a very bulky, 100% acrylic yarn that is suitable for machine wash and dry. It is very easy to maintain.
If you want a bulky gauge that can help you finish your projects fast, look no further than this one. Pick a color that meets your needs and enjoy great stitch definition. The recommended knitting needle is 8mm and recommended crochet hook is also 8mm. Now, let’s summarize the main pros and cons of this item.
Pros
- Ideal for super-soft blankets
- Buyer’s favorite baby blanket yarn
- Machine washable and dryable
- Affordable 100% acrylic yarn
- Super fast to work with
Cons
- Too thin for a super-bulky yarn
- Some buyers received a defective yarn
- Not very flexible, hard to work with
Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love Yarn
Lion brand yarn pound of love yarn is a premium worsted-weight yarn in an economical size. Meaning, it saves you money too. If you want a classic yarn that is easy to clean and maintain and comes in different baby colors, this product is the best choice for you. You can make baby blankets and different garments.
However, the best part is that this yarn is 100% premium acrylic and you can dry it in a dryer at a super high-temperature setting. If you order this practical and adorable yarn, you will get one skein only which measures around 12 x 5.25 x 5.25 inches. Let’s review the crucial pros and cons before you buy this yarn.
Pros
- Premium worsted-weight yarn
- Easy to clean and maintain (machine washable and dryable)
- Best acrylic yarn for baby blankets
Cons
- Knots reported by customers
- Poor quality, according to some buyers
- Some users received a stained yarn
Mary Maxim Starlette Sparkle Yarn
Mary Maxim Starlette Sparkle yarn is another premium quality acrylic and polyester yarn. It is super soft, cuddly and comes in seven different non-fade colors. It is easy to clean. Meaning, it is 100% washable & can be dried in a dryer. If you want a yarn that is knit and crochet friendly, look no further than this one.
Starlette spark yarn is super easy to work with and can be used with a knitting needle 5mm. Honestly, it is one of the most versatile yarns on the market. I am talking about a worsted weight yarn well known as the “all-purpose yarn”. You can use it to make baby garments, winter gear, afghan blankets, and clothes.
Pros
- Premium quality acrylic & polyester yarn
- Super soft, cuddly yarn that comes in non-fade colors
- All-purpose yarn that can be used for different projects
- Easy to clean (machine washable and durable)
- This yarn is crochet and knit friendly
Cons
- Color not as pictured
Bernat Blanket Yarn
(Best Bulky Yarn for Baby Blankets)
Looking for a chenille-style yarn that is super cozy, soft and luxurious? If yes, look no further than Bernat Blanket Yarn. It is ideal for creating home décor projects, baskets, blankets, and many others. It is super bulky and stitches up fast. Meaning, it is best for baby blankets and afghans if you are into making those.
If you order this baby, you will get a machine washable and dryable, super bulky yarn in a generous size. It is just perfect for larger projects and saves you cash. What more could you possibly ask for in a yarn? It is recommended that you use knitting needle 8mm and crochet hook 8mm when working with this yarn.
Pros
- Chenille-style yarn
- Super cozy, soft and luxurious
- Ideal for blankets and other projects
- Machine washable and dryable
- Generous size
Cons
- Some users received a stained yarn
- Some buyers received a damaged yarn
- The yarn is too difficult to untangle
Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn
(Best Budget)
Remember the Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn that I mentioned before? I personally recommend this one because it is a fresh, incredibly soft yarn made of acrylic medium worsted material. It is suitable for different projects, including baby blankets and other children garments. It has an impressive washability.
You will need a 5.5mm crochet hook and a 5mm knitting needle in order to work with this yarn. It says on the label that you should not bleach, dry-clean and iron this material, however, you can wash it in the machine and tumble dry. If you order this item, you will get a white yarn that measures 256 yds length.
Pros
- Incredibly soft yarn
- It measures 256 yards length
- 100% acrylic medium worsted yarn
- Ideal for different projects including blankets
- Amazing washability
Cons
- Too small
- Too many joins
- Over-priced
Red Heart Baby Hugs Yarn
(Best Yarn for Newborns)
Another great product by the same brand is the Red Heart Baby Hugs Yarn. I forgot to mention that this brand releases tested and certified products. Meaning, they are free of dangerous substances. This one, in particular, is tested for over 300 harmful chemicals and meets the high-quality standards worldwide.
It is one of the best yarns that you can trust. If you buy this yarn, you will get a premium soft acrylic yarn for making a perfect baby and toddler blanket. It is easy to clean and super soft to the touch. Looking for a medium worsted yarn that is long and saves you time & money while providing softness and comfort?
If yes, look no further than this one. It is suggested that you use us k-10.5 crochet hook and size us nine knitting needles for most projects. This yarn is machine washable, gentle cycle, tumble dry low. Also, do not bleach and iron it. Let’s summarize the most important pros and cons of this yarn before you buy it.
Pros
- Premium acrylic yarn
- Tested and certified product
- Free of dangerous substances
- Easy to clean and very soft
- Machine washable
Cons
- Color not as pictured
- Not ‘baby’ soft as described
- Too stiff for some users
Red Heart Gumdrop Yarn
Last but not least product by this brand is the red heart gumdrop yarn. It is also 100% premium acrylic like the previous yarns. However, this one comes in bright trendy colors and has a silky soft touch. It is just perfect for children, toddlers, and adults. You can make different projects, including baby blankets.
It is recommended that you use a 5mm knitting needle and 5.5mm crochet hook for this yarn. Also, do not worry because it is machine washable. However, remember that you should not bleach and iron it.
Pros
- 100% premium acrylic
- Silky soft touch yarn in bright trendy color
- Ideal for children, toddlers and adults’ garments
- Ideal for different projects, including baby blankets
- Machine washable
Cons
- Too many knots
- Color not as pictured
- Very thin
JubileeYarn 100g Soft Touch Fuzzy Fur Yarn
(Best Fuzzy Yarn for Baby Blankets)
JubileeYarn deserves a spot on my list of best yarns for baby blankets because it is a soft touch fur yarn in the shade of lavender. It is absolutely cute and adored by many customers, according to their many positive reviews at Amazon. It is ideal not only for blankets but also jackets, hats, mittens, and scarves.
You can also make a rug with this super soft fuzzy yarn that is made of 50% nylon and 50% polyester. It is machine washable (gentle cycle with lukewarm water) and tumbles dry (delicate cycle). However, you cannot use softener and iron on this yarn. Let’s check out some of the main pros & cons before you buy.
Pros
- Soft-touch fur yarn
- Adorable and loved by many
- Ideal for baby blankets and other projects
- 50% nylon and 50% polyester
- Machine washable
Cons
- None
Zituop Super Chunky Soft Bulky Yarn
(Best Chunky Yarn for Baby Blankets)
Ziuotop Super Chunky soft bulky yarn is made of cotton and filled with hollow fiber. A cozy, lightweight and warm yarn. You will get a 2.5-3cm thick 0.25kg yarn that measures 22 yds in length. It is chunky and big and has no smell. Do not worry about the color because it will not fade and fall apart while knitting.
It is machine washable and one of the most durable yarns in the market. You can use it to make hats and scarves. It is also perfect for baby blankets, carpets, and pet beds. I personally recommend it because of the comfort and softness it provides. It will keep your loved one warm and add fashion to your projects.
Pros
- Super soft bulky yarn
- Made of cotton and filled with hollow fiber
- No smell and ideal for baby blankets
- Lightweight, cozy and warm
- It is super comfortable
Cons
- Over-priced
- Some buyers received a yarn with a torn end
- Poorly made
Bernat Bulk Buy Baby Blanket Yarn
Bernat Bulk Buy Baby Blanket Yarn is a fast working yarn that is just perfect for super soft blankets, hats and other baby garments. If you order this yarn, you will get a 100% polyester yarn that is imported and machine washable. The suggested knitting needle is 8mm and recommended crochet hook is also 8mm.
Pros
- Fast working yarn
- Ideal for baby blankets
- Perfect for hats and other garments
- 100% polyester yarn
- Machine washable
Cons
- Too small
- Over-priced
- Low quality
Bernat Blanket Bright Yarn
Another yarn that you will fall in love with is the Bernat blanket bright yarn. I am talking about a soft & cozy chenille-style yarn in bright shades. It is also made of 100% polyester just like the previous one. And can be machine washed and dried. If you order, you will get a super bulky yarn that is suitable for home décor, accessories, and blankets. Let’s check out the main pros and cons before you actually purchase it.
Pros
- Ideal for various accessories and blankets
- Soft and cozy chenille-style yarn in bright shades
- 100% polyester machine washable yarn
Cons
- Misleading product name (says 2-pack but you only get 1 ball)
Caron One Pound Solids Yarn
Last but not least, I want to review another Caron yarn. It is called ‘one pound solids yarn’ and provides the best value for money. It is versatile. You can complete many projects like home décor, baby blankets and more. It is a 100% acrylic economical yarn with great yardage that is machine washable and dryable.
Pros
- Made by a popular brand
- Ideal for home décor and baby blankets
- Versatile and brings the best value for money
- 100% acrylic economical yarn with great yardage
- Machine washable and dryable
Cons
- Stiff and rough
- Misleading product name
- Over-priced
What is the Best Size for a Baby Blanket?
Usually, 36 x 53 inches is the perfect dimension for a baby blanket. However, in order to determine the right dimensions, measure your baby’s crib. This will help you determine the size of your baby blankets.
How Long Does it Take to Knit a Baby blanket?
This depends on the dimensions of your blanket, the type of yarn you use, the patterns and complexity. Usually, experienced knitters spend a week or less for worsted on size eight with a simple pattern. If you knit 2 hours per day, you will finish a baby blanket in about a week. It will take approximately 14 hours.
Is it Easier to Knit or Crochet a Blanket?
Both practices use yarn to complete projects, however, knitting is done with 2 knitting needles and the stitches are loops. Crocheting is done with a single crochet hook and the stitches look like smaller knots. However, knitting is easier to learn because you use only 2 stitches, so it is easier to knit a baby blanket.
If you would like to sew a blanket, please check my latest reviews on best professional sewing kits. In case you need a sewing machine or knitting machine, check out my reviews and pick the best model.
How do You Crochet a Blanket for Beginners?
If this is your first time crocheting a blanket, just follow these simple steps and you will complete it fast.
Determine the Size
The size of your blanket depends on your needs and the recipient. Select some of the listed sizes below:
- Infant receiving blanket (36 x 36 inches/90 x 90 cm)
- Child’s afghan (36 x 42 inches/90 x 105 cm)
- Teenager’s afghan (48 x 60 inches/120 x 150 cm)
- Adult’s afghan (50 x 70 inches/125 x 175 cm)
- Lap blanket (36 x 48 inches/90 x 120 cm)
Select the Right Type of Yarn
The thickness and size of your blanket can help you determine the type of yarn you need. If you are new to the craft, select a yarn with bright color and smooth texture, so you can see your stitches clearly. Pick a worsted medium weight. You will need around 3 skeins of yarn for a lap blanket or a receiving blanket.
Double that estimation for a large-sized blanket. If you cannot determine the right amount of skein, buy a few extra. If you want a yarn made in a dye lot, make sure that each skein has the same number on the label of the ordered product. Otherwise, you might receive skeins in different shades and get frustrated.
Select the Right Hook Size
Keep in mind, that the bigger the crochet hook, the larger the stitch. The benefits of larger stitches are visibility and fast work. However, the main downfall is that you will waste more yarn. Crochet hooks go from B (2.25mm) to S (19mm). If you are a beginner, order a hook in N size or bigger. As your skills grow, you can use smaller hooks because they are more comfortable to use. Next, you need to select a stitch.
Select a Stitch
Your stitch will determine the composition and look of your blanket. There is a wide selection of stitches to choose from. However, you can improvise on basic stitches and create your own stitch. Take a look at this useful video in order to learn how to crochet a blanket. I believe that visual instructions work better.
What is the Softest Kind of Yarn?
I will list some of the softest yarns that people use to make baby blankets and other children garments.
Merino Wool Yarn
This yarn is super popular in advanced knitting. It is ideal for making big chunky garments. It comes from sheep. However, not from any sheep by a specific breed named Merino Sheep. This yarn keeps its shape and is extremely soft. It does not cause allergic reactions, meaning it is perfect for making baby projects.
Alpaca
Alpaca is extremely warm fiber (natural wool) that comes from the South-American Alpaca. It is ideal for knitting sweaters. However, you can select between two types of Alpaca yarn, the Suri and Huacaya. It is super soft, almost silky. However, keep in mind that Alpaca yarn does not hold the shape as wool does.
Cashmere
Cashmere is considered the softest yarn in the world. It comes from the goats that have the same name as the wool. However, it also comes from other goat types. Remember, it is not as strong as sheep fiber.
What is the Best Quality Yarn?
You can choose between natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers include Mohair, cotton, wool, cashmere, alpaca, angora, and silk, while synthetic fibers include rayon, nylon, acrylic, and polyester. It is a matter of preference which yarn you buy. However, cotton and acrylic are preferred for baby blankets.
How to Weave Blankets?
If you have no experience in weaving blankets, I believe that it is easier to learn how to do it if you watch and try various techniques. Follow this beginner’s guide on how to weave blankets and watch this video.
FAQ
Conclusion
I personally recommend the Bernat Softee Baby Yarn if you want to buy a high-quality yarn that is cheap and versatile. However, if you want a fuzzy yarn, Universal Yarn Bella Chenille 113 Yarn is right for you. If you want a very soft, safety-certified yarn, Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn Yarn is the perfect product for you.
Have you used some of the yarns that I have reviewed? What is your comment? Share your experience in the comments below. Also, ask questions if you have some. I sincerely hope that this buying guide can help you select the best yarn for baby blankets and help you complete the softest blanket for your baby.