Image: MomJunction Design Team
Knitting can be an amazing experience, and when you are knitting something for your little munchkin, you can put in some delicate efforts for the best results. A baby blanket is a great way to start your knitting as it’s less intricate than clothing pieces. To achieve good quality, you need to use the best yarn for baby blanket knitting. The yarns are of wool or other fabric balls you will use for knitting.
We have listed some of the best-selling yarns you can choose from in this post.
Top Picks
14 Best Yarns For Baby Blankets
1. Best Versatile: Bernat Baby Blanket Big Ball
The soft 100% polyester fiber yarn by Bernat in pitter-patter color is ideal for baby blankets and garments. It is a soft chenille-style yarn with a big gauge. Among the best baby yarns in the market, this one is super long-lasting and ideal for knitting and crocheting. It is soft on the baby’s sensitive skin and has been tested for over 300 harmful substances. Therefore, it keeps your baby safe, warm and snuggled. The ball size is 300g and 201m. This snuggly yarn for cozy baby blankets has over 10,000 user reviews on Amazon, and a majority of the buyers have highlighted its softness. Learn more about this product in this review video showcasing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Versatile
- Machine-washable
- Available in various colors
- Safety-certified
Cons
- Some skeins may have too many knots
Review:
A reviewer says, “I’m happy with the quality and color of this online-found yarn by Bernat. It suited my project perfectly. I quite liked its softness but found it a bit challenging to work with. A satisfying purchase regardless.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 9,592 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
2. Best Economical: Caron Jumbo Ombre Yarn
Caron Jumbo Yarn is a worsted weight four yarn. It has a large range of shades and is available in an economical big ball skein. This medium-weight yarn is machine-washable, easy to dry, and care for. The ball size is 340g and 544m. You can use it for knitting and crocheting blankets, garments, and accessories. It is ideal for home decor projects. This easy-care yarn for busy parents has more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon, and buyers seem to love the color combos. This video, showcasing a tester’s experience, can help you make an informed decision.
Pros
- Rich variety of colors
- 100% acrylic
- Versatile
- Soft
Cons
- Some steins may fray
Review:
A reviewer says, “I wove a baby blanket with this Caron Jumbo Ombre Yarn. It has a soft and cozy feel and is perfect for my sofa and baby’s bed. The colors complement my décor beautifully too.”
Point to consider3. Best Easy To Maintain: Bernat Pipsqueak Yarn
The Bernat Pipsqueak Yarn is a set of three skeins of variegated yarns for interesting blanket patterns. It is made from 100% polyester and has a super bulky weight yarn no.5. This four-inch gauge is suitable for knitting and crochet. The yarn can be hand washed and dried and is easy to maintain. The yarn boasts over 1,000 reviews on Amazon. This product testing cum review video can tell you more about this product.
Pros
- Dry cleanable
- Machine washable
- Soft on children’s skin
Cons
- Might form knots easily
Review:
A user writes, “I’m delighted with the Bernat Pipsqueak yarn’s softness and color. I was concerned about its thinness initially, but I found it surprisingly easy to work with. I made a snug couch throw with it, and the final feel and finish make it worth every penny.”
Bernat Baby Blanket Big Ball Best Versatile | Caron Jumbo Ombre Yarn Best Economical | Bernat Pipsqueak Yarn Best Easy To Maintain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Pitter Patter | Rainbow | - |
| Material | Yarn | - | - |
| Weight | 10.6 ounces | 12.3 ounces | 0.8 ounces |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.75 inches. | 12 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches. | 2.5 x 5.06 x 9.13 inches |
| Batteries | - | - | 2 AAA batteries required |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,592 | 1,685 | 13,992 |
| Price | $9.98 | $16.28 | $14.99 |
4. Best Delicate: Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta Yarn
Feels Like Butta yarn from The Lion Brand has a velvety touch of chenille. The yarn feels soft and delicate on the skin and suitable for children and adults. The artful pastel palettes make these yarns comforting and cozy.
Pros
- Machine wash and dry
- 100% polyester
- Available in many colors
- Suitable for babies and adults
Cons
- Color may differ from product image
Review:
“I love the matchless softness of this Lion’s “Feels Like Butta” yarn,” says a user. “It is a perfect solution for knitting cozy baby items, such as sweaters, booties, and slippers. Every yarn project is worth it with this product. I’m happy.”
5. Best Soft Texture: Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn
If you are looking for a yarn for a 5mm knitting needle or a 5.5mm crochet hook, the Soft Baby Steps yarn from Red Heart could be a perfect choice. It measures 234m and is made of 100% medium worsted acrylic material. This is one of the softest yarn for baby blankets and is dye-free to keep your little one irritation-free.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Soft texture
- Acrylic
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Might split easily
Review:
A reviewer says, “The Soft Baby Steps yarn by Red Heart is just what I was looking for. The versatile yarn is great for weaving cozy baby blankets and various crochet items. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for knitting sweaters. Overall, I’m satisfied with the quality.”
Quick tip6. Best Lightweight: Lion Brand Yarn Babysoft Yarn
The pack of three balls from Lion Brand BabySoft yarn is available in a lovely palette of pastel colors. It has a comfortable texture and is soft to touch. It contains 420m of yarn and is made of 60% acrylic and 40% nylon polyamide materials, making it one of the softest yarns for baby blankets.
Pros
- Soft on baby’s skin
- Available in various colors
- Machine-washable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Could get messier
Review:
A user says, “I recently tried the Lion Brand Yarn Babysoft Yarn for a baby blanket. Its matchless softness and vibrant and cute color make it a perfect set for baby items. The versatile product is a good option for all my crochet and weaving projects.”
7. Best With Velvety Touch: Mary Maxim Twinkle Yarn
Knitting and crochet projects with baby yarn become easier with Mary Maxim Twinkle yarn. The acrylic sock yarn is four-ply and 210m. It is a super lux yarn blend that is ultra-soft and extremely warm. This baby-friendly yarn is suitable for handcrafted sweaters, clothes, baby Afghan blankets, hats, socks, and winter gear.
Pros
- Durable
- Cozy and cuddly
- 100% washable
- Non-fade colors
Cons
- Yarn twist is lose
Review:
“Working with the Mary Maxim Twinkle Yarn was a joy,” says a tester. “The baby sweater I knitted turned out soft, warm, and charming. Expect some shedding though.”
8. Best Durable: Baby Alpaca Yarn
The Baby Alpaca yarn is available in sets of over 35 colors. Each ball is 50m long and bulky. The 100% Alpaca wool is soft and snugly. The wool yarn is insulating and temperature-compensating, worn in any weather. It is a long-lasting and versatile yarn and does not cause any itching or scratching. Moreover, it is lightweight, itch-free, and boasts a low absorption level, making it one of the most trustworthy wool to craft baby blankets.
Pros
- Durable
- Odorless
- Hand wash
- Natural yarn fibers are soft on the skin
Cons
- Might shed easily
Review:
A reviewer says, “The softness and luxury of the Baby Alpaca Yarn are a class apart. It helped me make a beautiful scarf. I’d consider buying it again for quality projects.”
9. Best Super Soft: Himalaya Dolphin Baby Yarn
The tried-and-tested Himalaya Dolphin Baby Yarn comes in two steins of 100 grams each. Each ball of baby-safe yarn measures 120m and is formulated with 100% micro-polyester. It is suitable for knitting, crochet, and crafting.
Pros
- Super soft
- Suitable for 6.5mm needle size
- Machine washable on delicate cycles
- Velvety
Cons
- Might break easily
Review:
A parent says, “Himalaya Dolphin Baby Yarn is wonderfully soft and easy to work with. I have created scarves, booties, and a baby blanket, and I am impressed by their durability. It’s a reliable choice for cozy creations.”
Did you know?10. Best Itch-Free: Drops Baby Merino
The Drops baby merino yarn is temperature regulated and works well for summers and winters. Features such as being spun from extra-fine merino wool and softness make it one of the best yarns for baby blankets. This wool yarn is machine-washable and suitable for daily use.
Pros
- Superwash
- Solid shades
- Itch-free
- Durable
Cons
- Color may vary
Review:
According to a tester, “The Drops Baby Merino yarn is a great choice for knitting as it is temperature-regulated. The smooth texture ensures easy knitting, and the softness and quality are quite impressive too.”
11. Best For Crafting: Himalaya Dolphin Baby Blanket Amigurumi Yarn
The Amigurumi yarn from Himalaya Dolphin is suitable for baby blankets and crafting other masterpieces. The chenille velvet yarn measures 120m per ball and weighs six super bulky. You can use the yarn for knitting or crochet and it is made of 100% micro-polyester. It helps make cardigans, hats, shawls, lush blankets, crochet pillow covers, and other home decor items.
Pros
- Includes four skeins
- Color choices available
- Great for doll making projects
- Extremely soft
Cons
- Falls apart at the ends
Review:
A reviewer writes, “It has been a joy weaving garments and baby blankets with the Himalaya Dolphin Baby Blanket Yarn. I love its matchless softness, and this yarn is lighter than most other yarns I own. ”
12. Best For Crochet: Alize Puffy Fine Yarn
Puffy fine yarn from Alize is perfect for making baby blankets. The soft yarn for baby blankets is constructed from 100% micro-polyester that is super chunky and woven. It has a thickness of six super bulky, and each ball is 14.5m long. This pack contains three steins and can be used for loop weaving and crochet.
Pros
- Soft
- Quick
- No needles or crochet hooks required
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Loops are relatively small
Review:
A user says, “I am impressed by the quality of the Alize Puffy Fine Yarn. It’s Oeko-Tex certified and is perfect for DIY knitting projects. Its vibrant colors and softness make the crafted items stand out from the rest.”
13. Best For Baby Blankets: Truevalue Finger Knitting Yarn
The Truevalue knitting yarn is suitable for finger knitting as it is a chunky yarn for quick and cozy baby blankets and does not require any needle or hook. 100gm and 7m of yarn in each of these five steins are ideal for making baby blankets. It can be used for making garments and accessories and is also perfect for improving a child’s creative skills.
Pros
- Soft
- Looped yarn
- 100% polyester
- Suitable for unique crafts
Cons
- Color may vary
14. Best For Comfort: Bernat Baby Velvet Yarn
Made from 100% polyester, this soft yarn for baby blankets is the ideal choice if you want to knit blankets that have a velvety finish. The ball is 300 grams and 492 yds, and the yarn is available in a variety of colors. The acrylic yarn can be used for a variety of DIY projects to create luxuriously soft clothing and other baby essentials to keep your little bundle of joy comfy and snug. What’s more is that the uniquely built yarn also makes knitting a fun activity.
Pros
- Machine-washable yarns for baby blankets
- Worsted weight
- Doesnt pill or shed
- Ideal for blankets and boots
Cons
- Can be a little slippery to adjust
Review:
A tester writes, “Crocheting is my escape from reality, and the Bernat Baby Velvet Yarn has been my companion throughout. It is luxuriously soft and easily glides through the hook. And the final products are snugly warm, soft, and stunning.”
How To Choose The Right Yarn For A Baby Blanket?
Here are some points to consider when buying yarn for a baby blanket.
- Yarn fiber: Acrylic, bamboo, superwash wool, and cotton fibers are ideal choices for baby blankets. Pick a hypoallergenic yarn for blankets that has soft and non-irritable fibers suited to the baby’s sensitive skin. Fluffy fibers, such as alpaca, mohair, or angora, may feel snuggly but may shed, posing danger to the child. Single-ply fibers are less durable
- Washing instructions: Choose a yarn that is machine washable and tumble dry. You can also find yarns that require hand wash.
- Temperature regulated: Choose a fiber that does not overheat or hardly heats. It should keep the baby’s body temperature regulated and comfortable. Merino yarns are a good choice for temperature regulation – keeping babies cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Weight: If the yarn is heavy, it may be suffocating and uncomfortable to the child. Choose a soft and lightweight yarn for baby blankets, such as four-ply and DK for baby blankets and wraps.
- Color: A darker color may hide spills and stains, but bold colors may not be cute. Shaded and colorful yarns for vibrant baby blankets are also available to match every outfit.
- Yarn tension: Do a small, destructive test before you venture on a project of knitting a whole blanket. The best baby yarn should take the tension of the pattern and design of your knit. Knit a swatch to check the durability of the yarn.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is wool a good material for a baby blanket?
Wool is an excellent choice for baby blankets, especially all-natural and organic ones. These gentle yarns for baby skin contain no synthetic fibers and are safe for sensitive skin. Wool also absorbs moisture quickly to keep the baby warm.
2. Is it safe to wash knitted garments?
It is safe to wash knitted garments to help them last longer. The type of yarn determines the type of care required. Most yarns come with instructions on whether they can be machine-washed, hand-washed, or dry-cleaned.
3. How should I decide on yarns for warm and cold weather?
Breathable yarns for baby blankets made of cotton or any plant fiber, including rayon, linen, hemp, and bamboo, are great for summer as they are lightweight and porous.
Heavier and thicker yarns add warmth to the garment. A wool blend or acrylic with wool is a good option for extra warmth in cold weather.
4. How many skeins of yarn do I need for a baby blanket?
It depends on the size, pattern, and gauge you’d like for the baby’s blanket. On average, you would need 900 to 1500 yards or one to five skeins of yarn.
5. What is the ideal size for a baby blanket?
It can be tricky to come up with a standard magic number for the size because it largely depends on the size of the baby and the type of blanket you’re aiming at–stroller, swaddle, crib, etc. Two of the most common sizes are 30x36in and 34x46in.
6. Is it better to knit or crochet a baby blanket?
It depends on your needs. While crochet stitching could be less time-consuming than knitting, a knitted blanket would have fewer holes and create a more solid blanket.
7. At what age is it safe to give my baby a blanket?
For safety and health reasons, you should not give your baby a blanket until they are at least twelve months old (1).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our team of knowledgeable writers and reviewers has done in-depth market research and analysis of the available products to bring you this list of the best yarns for a baby blanket. This well-researched list has been prepared by considering the yarns’ quality, breathability, and safety on the baby’s skin. Several reviews and product listings were also referred to, and only the good reviews have been chosen for you.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning to knit a blanket for your little one, you should pick the best raw materials to knit a durable and skin-friendly blanket. Therefore, choosing the best quality yarn made from skin-friendly fibers like bamboo, cotton, superwash wool, etc., is an essential part of the process. If you want to knit a blanket that’s easy to maintain, ensure that the material you choose is washing machine-safe. Our top picks are the Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn, which has been tested for over 300 harmful substances, the easy-care Caron Jumbo Yarn, and the Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn for its softness. Please remember, a yarn that’s breathable and lightweight retains warmth without feeling suffocating.
Infographics: Best Yarns For Baby Blankets
Babies cannot moderate their body temperature before 11 months, making them more susceptible to heat loss. They are also prone to infections due to their fragile skin. Hence, you should make a baby blanket with good-quality yarn for extra protection. Check out the infographics below to learn about the features of a good yarn.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
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