Choosing Yarn for Blankets

Blankets are often the go to project for beginners and experienced hands alike. Though time-taking and laborious, the projects are easy in construction. All you need is either make a flat fabric with knitting needles where you go back and forth row by row or work with a crochet hook creating a wide piece of textured fabric. But, the main factor in this project is yarn. You need to carefully consider a few factors for the selection of the yarn for making your blanket.

Before you go exploring yarn skeins online or in your favorite LYS, here are a few tips to choose the right yarn.

1. Ease of Care

When it comes to a project that is huge in size and time invested, the ease of care in regards to the yarn is a big factor. Many prefer an easy to maintain fabric especially for ones with little kids or even adults who enjoy snack on their couch wrapped up in the blanket. The fiber content of the yarn is a huge factor in how easy it is to care for. When knitting or crocheting a blanket, you want to choose a yarn that feels soft, is a joy to work with and fits the intended use of the blanket.

The fiber content affects the feel and performance of the blanket. Common yarn fibers for blankets include wool, acrylic, cotton, and blends. Here are some considerations for each:

Wool provides excellent warmth and is a natural fiber with good durability. However, some people may find wool to be scratchy, so consider a softer wool or a wool blend if this is a concern.

Acrylic or acrylic blends are often more affordable and easy to care for. It can be a good option for blankets that will see heavy use or if you’re looking for budget-friendly yarn.

Cotton is ideal for lightweight, breathable blankets, especially in warmer climates. Cotton can be a bit heavier than wool, so it’s a matter of personal preference.

Blended yarns that combine different fibers can offer the best of both worlds, such as the softness of acrylic with the warmth of wool.

Many yarns are machine washable even in variants of merino wool, mix of acrylic, cotton, etc. that can easily maintained where the blanket is used extensively.

2. The Use of the Blanket

Think about the purpose of the blanket. Will it be a lightweight summer throw, a cozy winter blanket, or a decorative accent piece? The use of the blanket will determine the type of yarn you should choose. If it’s for use while you snuggle in the bed or the couch, choose a yarn that feels warm and comfortable. Consider the softness of the yarn, especially if the blanket will be in direct contact with the skin. Some fibers or blends can be softer than others.

If you just want to dress up the room with a new look of colorful yarns, a beautiful throw made with hand-dyed yarns can look exquisite.

3. Cost

Blankets require a lot of yarn, especially if you are making one larger than a baby blanket. Even a toddler blanket can use up an impressive amount! Consider the cost factor carefully as you will invest in around more than 10–15 yarn hanks or skeins and would be a significant amount. Consider your budget and choose yarn that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that blankets can require a significant amount of yarn, so it’s good to plan ahead.

Check the yarn label for the recommended gauge and yardage. Calculate how much yarn you’ll need based on the size of the blanket and your chosen pattern.

4. Consider the Pattern

If you already have a specific pattern in mind, check the recommended yarn type, weight, and yardage requirements in the pattern instructions. For the blanket pattern, you can experiment with textured stitches or work with intricate edging. Once you consider the pattern, the discussion will once again head towards the fiber content that will help finalize the yarn.

5. Test Swatch

Before committing to a large project like a blanket, make a small swatch to knit or crochet and see how the yarn behaves and how the stitch pattern looks.

By considering these factors, you can find the perfect yarn for your knitting or crocheting project, ensuring your blanket is not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting. With Symfonie Yarns explore the range of hand-dyed yarns. Available in varieties of superwash merino wool, blend of 25% acrylic, blend of 25% silk or naturally dyed yarns, each skein is a beauty that transforms into a beautiful piece of knitted or crocheted fabric.