How to Choose the Best Yarn for Baby Blankets
Knitting a blanket for your little one is an exciting way to start out the journey of making clothing with colorful merino or any other yarn. You can make it any shape you desire, and the best thing is you can use up odds and ends of yarn and leftovers from other projects.
Blankets are so versatile that they can be used as strollers, car seats, or crib blankets. As the child ages, they can serve as a toddler blanket or an easy throw on the sofa. If you are new to knitting, you’ll find that baby blankets are a great way to practice various skills and get familiar with different styles. However, we must make a conscious choice when choosing the best type of yarn for making baby blankets.
What to consider when knitting a baby blanket?
When choosing yarn for a baby blanket, consider a few things. Will you be using a specific pattern, and is it designed for a particular type of yarn? You’ll also want to choose the right fiber, gauge, and yarn weight for the project.
Yarn Weight
The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of yarn you want to use. Nobody wants to create a blanket that feels like a winter coat in July. Opt for lightweight yarns like fingering weight or DK weight. These will create a warm blanket for snuggles but light enough for airflow. You can make baby blankets with either worsted weight or chunky weight yarn for winters. The latter is thicker, which makes it a bit faster to work with. If you want your blanket to look great and not be too thick, go with the worsted-weight yarn. If you are looking for a quick and easy project, consider using sport-weight yarn. It is thinner than the worsted weight but thicker than the fingering weight.
Ease of Care
If you have a baby, you know just how many spills and messes can happen in a day. You want your blanket to be washable and easy to clean. This will eliminate a lot of the worry about the blanket’s safety, especially when the child is still very young.
Avoiding Pilling
Blankets tend to collect static and get snagged on rough surfaces. Choose a yarn that is not prone to pill. If the yarn is a bit fuzzy, it will hold less static. If the blanket is going to be placed on a smooth surface, such as a car seat, you’ll want to pick a softer yarn that will not irritate the skin.
Fiber Content
Consider the delicate nature of a baby’s skin. We want a yarn that feels like a gentle hug, not a scratchy surprise. Here are some fantastic fiber options, each with its own unique benefits:
Merino Yarn: Merino wool gets a gold star for being incredibly soft, breathable, and naturally temperature-regulating. It comes in a variety of weights, from luxurious fingering weight for heirloom blankets to a more practical worsted weight for everyday use. Merino wool offers year-round comfort. While it requires special care, superwash varieties provide the convenience of machine washing.
Cotton Yarn: A classic choice, cotton is hypoallergenic, breathable, and machine-washable. It’s perfect for year-round blankets and comes in a delightful array of colors. Cotton yarn also tends to be on the more affordable side, making it a great option for budget-conscious crafters. However, cotton can wrinkle more easily than some other fibers, so keep that in mind when choosing a stitch pattern.
Bamboo Yarn: Bamboo yarn is a fantastic choice! Derived from the bamboo plant, it boasts a luxuriously soft feel that rivals cashmere. Bamboo is also naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Plus, bamboo is a renewable resource, which is a win for the planet!
Acrylic Yarn: Acrylic yarn is a popular option for baby blankets due to its affordability and easy care. It’s often machine-washable and dries quickly, perfect for busy parents. While not as naturally breathable as some other fibers, modern acrylic yarns have come a long way in terms of softness. Consider a blend of acrylic and other fibers, like cotton, for a balance of affordability, softness, and washability.
Blends: Cotton-nylon blends often boast remarkable softness, while fine merino wools offer a luxurious tactile experience. For baby or child projects, opting for machine-washable options like cotton blends or polyester blends ensures both softness and practicality.
Yarn Texture and Thickness
The texture of the yarn can vary greatly. If you are making a blanket that a newborn baby will use, choose a yarn that has a very soft texture. If you are making a blanket that you know will be used by an older child, choose a yarn with some lint. Lint can provide extra warmth. Additionally, the yarn’s drape and flexibility impact its adaptability to the baby’s movements, while its stitch definition influences the overall aesthetic appeal.
Allergy Considerations
Sensitivity to certain fibers can be a concern, making hypoallergenic options like acrylic, cotton, and bamboo appealing. For added peace of mind, look for certified yarns, which ensure they meet stringent safety standards for baby use.
The Color Choice
This is where the fun begins! Hand dyed yarns have unique color palettes. The subtle color variations add a special touch and make your blanket a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Babies love bright and cheerful colors! Opt for variegated yarn or create a rainbow effect by using different-colored stripes. If you prefer a calmer vibe, choose pastel colors or a single, soothing shade.
OEKO-TEX Certifications
For those seeking the utmost reassurance regarding the safety and purity of their chosen yarn, OEKO-TEX certifications provide a beacon of trust. These certifications signify that the yarn has passed rigorous testing, ensuring it contains no harmful substances or allergens. With over 350 substances meticulously examined by independent laboratories, OEKO-TEX-certified yarns offer peace of mind, particularly for sensitive baby skin.
By considering these factors and exploring diverse, colorful yarn options, you can craft a beautiful and practical baby blanket that’s gentle on your little one’s skin and your budget.
