Baby Blanket Yarn Guide | Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn For Crochet

Soft, snug baby blanket yarn to comfort little ones. Babies are a wonderful reason to try crocheting a blanket! Seeing them in your handmade blanket brings such rewarding joy! I share gorgeous types of yarn suitable for the best yarn for baby blanket.

My Quick Recommendations

• My Top Pick – Bernat Baby Blanket Big Ball
• Best Luxury Option – Patons Silk Bamboo
• Best Budget Pick – Caron Simply Soft

Note: The above links take you to further information, current prices, and customer reviews on Amazon.

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on April 11, 2023

Table Of Contents

• What’s The Best Yarn For A Baby Blanket?
• Best Overall – Bernat Baby Big Ball
• Best Acrylic Pick – We Crochet Brava
• Best Luxury Pick – Patons Silk Bamboo
• Best Cotton Pick – Lion Brand Yarn 24-7 Cotton Yarns
• Best Budget Pick – Caron Simply Soft
• Lion Brand Babysoft Yarn
• Bernat Softee Baby Yarn
• Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
• Universal Yarn Bella Chenille
• Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn
• Bernat Handicrafter
• We Crochet Comfy Fingering Yarn
• Best Baby Blanket Yarn Buying Checklist
• Q&A

What’s The Best Yarn For A Baby Blanket?

Many crocheters and knitters agree cotton or acrylic blends are the best yarn for a baby blanket. They’re the plushest yarns and have excellent machine washability. Even better, they’re available in many colors and are perfect affordable/cheaper yarns. Soften acrylic using a fabric softener.

These are perfect for baby blankets, but other blends and yarn types, like Cotton/Acrylic Blends, Organic Cotton, and Silk/Bamboo Blends, are great. The last option is more expensive but luxuriously soft.

Sometimes sock yarns would suit a baby blanket. There are fabulous designs for a baby blanket pattern, but you need to choose a yarn first!

Guide To The Best Yarn For Baby Blankets

I’ve reviewed yarns suitable for crocheting baby blankets. They’re categorized by material: acrylic, cotton, cotton/acrylic blend, organic cotton, and silk/bamboo.

Bernat Baby Blanket Big Ball

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A wonderful Bernat yarn for a baby! Super soft, cuddly, and a joy to work with. Bernat Baby blanket yarn has lovely shades to suit any home decor. Bernat Baby yarns are Oeko-tex certified. (It’s been tested for over 300 harmful substances!) It’s safe for your little one’s sensitive skin, and perfect for these projects. This bulky weight yarn is machine washable too.

Use it for kids’ garments and baby accessories with a soft and cuddly texture. The baby blue is a delightful shade and a popular choice. The Bernat Simple Chevron Baby Blanket pattern is perfect for beginners. It’s a free downloadable pdf.

• Yarn Weight Category: Super Bulky (6) – It’s a big ball size
• Content: 100% Polyester
• Yarn Colors: Various solid different colors and prints
• Skein Weight: 10.5 oz. / 300 g
• Yardage: 220 yd. / 201m
• Care: Machine washable and dryable. Cold water machine washes and machine dry
• Gauge: 8 sc – 8 rows = 4″ (10 cm)
• Suggested Crochet Hook: 8.00 mm, US L/11

How Many Balls Of Bernat Yarn Do You Need For A Baby Blanket?

The number of Bernat yarn balls you need to make a baby blanket depends on the size you choose. For most tiny tot blankets, you need two balls of Bernat Blanket Yarn 10.5 oz. This makes a blanket approx 34″ [86.5 cm] wide x 36″ [91.5 cm] long. As there’s lots of yarage, it’s perfect for craft machines!

Pros

• Easy laundry care, soft and easy to care for
• A great range of pastel colors and prints
• Many reviews with 5 stars
• Oeko-tex certified
• Great choice for first time baby blanket knitters
• Excellent choice of super bulky yarn
• Ships to many countries
• Use it for other crafting interests too
• Would suit someone who loves soft things!

Cons

• Remember to wash in cold water
• Sometimes yarn tangles
• There can be knots where the yarn has been joined

We Crochet Brava

You can’t go wrong with this classic yarn! I’m a fan, as I’ve made some great projects with it. This excellent company has other excellent brands for an affordable price.

• Weight: Medium (4)
• Material: 100% Premium Acrylic
• Skein Weight: 100gm
• Yardage: 218 yds.
• Colors: 47 gorgeous baby colors
• Care: Machine Washable and Dryable. Tumble Dry Low
• Gauge: 11–14 sc = 4″
• Suggested Hook: I – K hooks (5.5 mm-6.5 mm)

Pros

• Huge colors range for a gorgeous baby blanket
• Durable and hardwearing
• Good budget option for crochet baby blankets
• Free shipping for orders over $35 in the United States
• Excellent customer ratings
• Great customer service if you have trouble with your order
• In Australia, Canada or the UK? Great news, this ships to your country

Cons

• Some users complained of knots where joins are in the ball
• Need to check for availability of the colors you like

Lion Brand Baby Soft Yarn

Baby soft yarn is a blend of synthetic fibers, soft, stretchy, and durable. This yarn is suitable to machine wash and dry.

• Yarn Weight: Light Worsted Yarn (3)
• Materials: 60% Acrylic, 40% Nylon
• Skein Weight: 5 oz. / 140 g
• Yardage: 459 yds. / 420 m
• Colors: Good color palette of various pastel colors, solids and prints
• Laundry Care: Machine washable and dryable. Low temp wash and dry.
• Gauge: 16 sc – 20 rows = 4″ (10 cm)
• Suggested Crochet Hook: 4 mm, US – G/6

Pros

• Ideal for babies
• Some of the softest yarn and cuddly
• Machine washable in temps less than 105F/40C
• Easy to work with
• This type of yarn has a wide colors range
• Easy to care for
• Good ball size makes for easy storage
• This site has excellent pattern inspiration
• Creates wonderful results

Cons

• Looking for funky bright colors? The options are more pastel colors

Bernat Softee Baby Yarn – Bernat Blanket Yarn Collection

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An easy-to-crochet premium acrylic yarn. This yarn is perfect for a baby blanket, infant & kids items, baby garments, and home decor. Great for all occasions! Super soft and light. Marled yarn Bernat Baby is a twisted look of white and solids.

• Weight: Worsted Weight Yarn (3)
• Material: 100% acrylic
• Care: Machine Washable and Dryable.
• Skein Weight: 5 oz. / 140 g
• Yardage: 362 yds. / 331 m
• Colors: 16 solid colors and 2 marled colors
• Gauge: 16 sc – 19 rows = 4″ (10 cm)
• Knitting Needle Size: 4mm
• Suggested Crochet Hook: 4.00 mm, US – G/6

Pros

• Easy yarn to crochet with
• Soft on hands
• Some of the softest yarn available
• The selection of yarn color combinations of the prints are cute
• Easy to care for
• Easily machine washed

Cons

• Some people found knots where the yarn had been joined.

Caron Simply Soft

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• Weight: Medium (4)
• Material: 100% Acrylic
• Skein Weight: 6 oz / 170 g
• Yardage: 315 yds / 288 m
• Care: Machine wash delicate cycle. Machine dry delicate cycle
• Colors: Simpy Soft has 42 solid colors (brights and pastel colors)
• Crochet Gauge: 13 sc and 14 rows = 4″ (10cm)
• Suggested Crochet Hook: 5 mm (US H/8)

Pros

• Wonderful variety of colors, funky brights, and soft pastels
• Easy to work with

Cons

• Some users reported shedding

Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice

These lion brand yarns are popular with many crafters for a good reason!

• Weight: Medium (4)
• Materials: 100% acrylic
• Skein Weight: 3.5 oz. / 100 g
• Yardage: 170 yd. / 156 m
• Care: Machine Washable and Dryable Tumble Dry
• Crochet Gauge: 12 sc – 15 rows = 4″ (10 cm)
• Suggested Crochet Hook: 6 mm, US – J/10
• Suggested Knitting Needles: 9 (5.5 mm)

Pros

• This item is a good budget pick (sign up for their email newsletter on the site to get the latest deals for your purchase)

Cons

• Some found it split
• Not so easy to work with
• Not so easy to care for
• Not as soft as other premium acrylic yarns
• Some colors aren’t suitable for baby items, better for home décor.

Universal Yarn Bella Chenille

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• Weight: Super Bulky (6)
• Material: 100% Polyester Yarn
• Skein Weight: 100gm
• Yardage: 131 yds.
• Colors: 16 options (Solid brights and pastel colors)
• Care: Machine wash. Don’t tumble dry.
• Crochet Gauge: 9 sc – 9 rows = 4″ (10cm)
• Suggested Crochet Hook: (8 mm) US – L-11

Pros

• Soft bulky polyester
• Snuggly
• Colors are fun
• Excellent chennile yarn for blanket desighs, a baby shower gift or home decor projects
• High-quality yarn
• Great value for money

Cons

• Can’t put in a dryer

Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn

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The red heart yarn is a 100% synthetic yarn designed to be soft and cuddly.

• Weight: Medium (4)
• Material: 100% Acrylic
• Skein Weight: Solids: 141 g/5 oz, Prints: 113 g/4 oz,
• Yardage: Solids: 234 m / 256 yards, Prints: 187 meters/204 yards
• Care: Machine wash at low temperature. Machine dry at low temperature
• Crochet Gauge: 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) 12 sc and 15 rows with a 5.5 mm (US I-9) crochet hook
• Suggested Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9)

Pros

• Super soft to the touch
• Lightweight
• Great stitch definition

Cons

• Some find the yarn splits

Lion Brand Yarn 24-7 Cotton

Lion Brand is the oldest family-owned yarn store in the world. They have a great range to suit any baby blanket. This is made of 100% natural fiber, is medium weight, and soft to touch. A great summer choice for baby projects! Shop for enough yarn for your whole blanket so the color is the same throughout.

• Weight: Medium (4)
• Material: 100% Mercerized Cotton
• Skein Weight: 3.5 oz. / 100 g
• Yardage: 186 yd. / 170 m
• Colors: 25 options of varying pastels and bright solids
• Care: Machine Wash and Dry
• Crochet Gauge: 14 sc – 19 rows = 4″ (10 cm)
• Suggested Crochet Hook: 4 mm, US – G/6

Pros

• Great range of colors with a lovely sheen
• This site has plenty of baby blanket patterns to choose from!
• Light and sturdy, but still some of the softest yarn in their collection
• These quality yarns are easy to work with
• Excellent yarn for baby blankets
• This site makes it easy to do your shopping as everything’s organized by handy categories
• These skeins of yarn are the perfect choice for other crafts and hobbies too

Cons

• The yarn is 4 ply, be careful of splitting

Bernat Handicrafter – Cotton Yarn Family

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• Weight: Medium (4)
• Contents: 100% Cotton
• Skein Weight: 14 oz. / 400 g
• Yardage: 674 yds. / 616 m
• Care: Wash and Machine Dry
• Colors: 2 in the large skeins
• Crochet Gauge: 13 sc – 14 rows = 4″ (10 cm)
• Suggested Hook: 5 mm, US – H/8

Pros

• 100% USA grown cotton yarn
• Yarn made in the USA
• Easy care
• Lasts long

Cons

• Some found the handicrafter cotton yarn stiff
• Limited yarn color choice

We Crochet Comfy Fingering Yarn

A gorgeous range of brights and pastels. Pima cotton and acrylic fibers’ blend makes it easy to crochet textured stitches, like cables. Create baby blankets, baby clothes, and hats with this yarn.

We Crochet (the sister company of Knit Picks) have an excellent support team. These knowledgeable people also love yarn and crochet and respond to emails customers have. Also, keep in the loop about their fab sales and crocheting tips with their e-newsletters.

• Weight: Fingering Weight, Light-Sport Weight Yarn (Baby Sport Yarn)
• Material: 75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic
• Yardage: 218 yds. (199 m)
• Care: Low Tumble Dry & Gentle Machine Washing
• Skein Weight: 50g
• Colors: 20
• Crochet Gauge: 21 – 32 sc = 4″
• Suggested Crochet Hook: B – E hooks (2.25mm-3.5mm)

Pros

• Lovely colors in brights, neutrals, and pastels
• Soft fabric
• Great stitch definition
• Easy care
• Hardwearing and lasts a long time
• High-quality yarn
• Ships to the United Kingdom

Cons

• Users would love more color options
• Can pill

Patons Silk Bamboo

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• Weight: Light Worsted Weight (3)
• Material: 70% bamboo, 30% silk
• Skein Weight: 2.2 ounces / 65 grams,
• Yardage: 102 yards / 93 meters
• Colors: 8 muted tones
• Care: Handwash, dry flat.
• Knitting Gauge: 22 stitches by 26 rows = 4×4 inch
• Suggested Crochet Hook: Size G-6 (4mm) hooks

Pros

• Gorgeous texture
• Lovely sheen
• Everything you make with this produces an amazing result
• Would make a great garment
• Great choice for a variety of baby projects
• Affordable shipping to your delivery address
• Color choices are perfectly coordinated so it’s easy to make matches for your creations

Cons

• Don’t wash in a machine
• This thing has a more expensive cost than acrylic
• Some find the yarn is slippery
• Not easy care
• No ombres, only solids and other styles

Comparable Products To Consider

Here are my suggestions.

• Cotton yarns like Snuggle Puff and Shine Worsted
• Looking for organic cotton yarn? Try Blue Sky Alpacas Cotton Fiber This yarn comes in a variety of shades, and is 100% Organic Cotton

If you’re looking for something else, the Lion Brand Thick And Quick yarn are great too. The filters on the LionBrand website make it easy to search.

Best Baby Blanket Yarns – Buying Checklist

There are qualities the best baby blanket yarn should contain. A baby blanket should be lightweight (but still warm if it’s cold weather), cuddly, soft, and functional. The best yarn is machine washable, soft, and hardwearing.

Here’s a list of questions to ask when choosing what yarn makes the best blanket for a little one. These are the times to decide what you want to make your afghan with!

Can You Machine Wash The Yarn?

As lovely as many hand-washable yarns are, they need to be washed often! Vomit, drooling, and diaper disasters are common with babies. Save the parents and yourself time and energy, avoid hand washing, and ensure the answer to the question is a yarn machine washable, is yes.

Using a washing machine is much easier for parents of newborns! The best yarn for a baby blanket is machine washable, not hand wash. Check the label to see if it’s hand washable or machine washable. You want something to withstand a normal machine wash, with a temperature of about 40° Celsius or 104° Fahrenheit.

Sometimes a yarn is machine washable and dryable! Putting something in the tumble dryer on a rainy day makes life much easier. If you choose an acrylic fiber, don’t let the parents iron the yarn or bleach it, it’ll destroy your hard work!

What Do The Parents Prefer (Colors/Material)?

Though you may have ideas on what the baby would like regarding materials and color, you’re not making knitting blankets for the newborn. The baby has no choice in the matter.

Take into account their preferences when they discuss the colors they are choosing for the nursery. Not sure? Ask them.

If they want a multicolored blanket, the best way to get those yarns without spending too much is a bundle or value pack. Most sites have many kinds on offer with several weights. Makes the experience of being a knitter or crocheter much easier!

What’s Your Budget?

As with any crochet or knitting project, you tackle, choose lovely, luxury products or an excellent but cheaper option for baby knitting. Don’t go over budget! As babies grow, they use it for a year at most. The baby phase doesn’t last long! Ensure you’re not paying anything too expensive.

Acrylic, polyester, other synthetic fibers, and cotton are cheaper. Alpaca yarn (alpaca wool), silk, and bamboo are luxury yarns and more expensive.

Are The Parents Or The Baby Allergic To Wool?

If one or both parents are allergic or sensitive to wool, there’s a chance the child is too. You don’t want the baby’s skin to develop a rash or be irritated. If so, avoid animal fibers. Choose something hypoallergic or a synthetic fiber like acrylic to ensure the baby’s skin isn’t irritated.

Not sure? Ask.

The Blanket Ends Up In The Baby’s Mouth!

Young children explore through their mouths, so your blanket ends up there. Check the reviews of a particular yarn if they say how well the yarn held up.

When Will The Baby Be Born?

When is the child due, and in what season? Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Winter or cooler months: softer and warm material. Summer or warmer months: lightweight fiber for a summer blanket (acrylic and cotton).

Do You Need Multiple Balls Of Yarn?

Know the ball size or yardage. If you need more than one ball of yarn, buy them from the same dye lot if you’re planning on one color. (Dye lots are a batch of yarn dyed at the same time.)

This is important for any knitted project, not just baby blankets. Even if the colors are the same and come from a different dye lot, they look different.

What Kind Of Feel Should The Yarn Have?

Check the parent’s preferences when you make your decision about the softness. There is plenty of incredibly soft yarn for baby blanket. Winter, you want a soft, bulky, thick chenille-style yarn. Summer, you want thin, lightweight, but still soft yarns.

Will The Blanket Pose A Hazard For The Newborn?

Babies aren’t self-aware. You need to ensure the blanket specifics won’t pose a hazard or difficulty to the newborn. Here’s a quick checklist of things to remember to keep the child safe.

• Ensure your tension is tight, and your stitches are close together. Loose stitches could cause a choking hazard, and so could novelty yarns.
• Don’t choose knitting patterns with holes. You don’t want the child to be able to put their fingers through the yarn.
• Weave in all the ends. Double-check the weaved-in ends can’t be picked out.
• Avoid a bulky blanket in summer and a light one in winter. The baby could overheat or get too cold.

What Gauge Do Your Crochet Patterns Or Craft Projects Require?

Gauge: This is the stitches per inch, also referred to as the yarn’s tension. To find the yarn gauge, count the number of stitches over 6 inches. Divide by 6. Having the correct gauge ensures your knit and crochet patterns look like the finished product you’re trying to achieve.

FAQs About Baby Blanket Yarns

Is Acrylic Yarn Safe For Babies?

Yes! The best yarns for baby blanket to choose from are soft acrylic or a blend of acrylic with a nice texture. Little ones need to be kept snug.

Is Wool A Good Material For A Baby Blanket?

Yes, as long as the parents or the baby aren’t allergic or sensitive to wool. Baby skin is delicate, and such allergies affect them more than adults. Merino wool yarn is hypoallergic, super soft, and warm. Or choose blends with merino wool, or splurge on baby alpaca.

Merino yarns are expensive, as it’s premium animal fiber. Though superwash is cheaper.

How Long Does It Take To Crochet A Baby Blanket?

It depends on the blanket’s size, what kind of weight yarn it is, and how fast you crochet! If you use sock yarn, it’s going to take a while to make, as it’s such thin yarn fiber!

How Many Balls Of Bernat Yarn Do You Need For A Baby Blanket?

Smaller baby blankets need 1-2 skeins. Larger ones need 3-4.

How Do You Wash Bernat Baby Blankets?

Handwash or machine wash in the delicate program, with cold temperature.

Does Walmart Carry Bernat Yarn?

Yes, Walmart sells Bernat Yarn, though double-check if it’s in stock at your local store.

How To Decide Between Yarns For Warm And Cold Weather?

Thicker bulky yarns are best for winter, and lighter yarns like cotton for warm weather. The little ones need crochet yarn to keep them comfortable, and they’re not good at temperature regulation.

How To Wash Crocheted Blankets?

• Machine Washable – delicate or wool setting in a cold wash
• Washed By Hand – gentle soap in cold water.

Treat these washing instructions as a guideline only, always read the label!

How Much Yarn Do I Need For A Baby Blanket?

Knitting with chunky yarn like a chenille-style yarn? Two balls are good. Knitting baby blankets with something smaller? 9 balls.

How Big Should A Baby Blanket Be?

If you’re following a pattern, most show how much yarn (yardage) is needed to finish the project. Find the yarn you’ve chosen, and see how many yards are contained within one ball. Next, on the pattern, find how many yards you need, and divide it by the total amount within one skein.

Always do a swatch before making the full throw! It’ll make things much easier, as you catch out potential mistakes you might make on the job.

Conclusion

Soft, and snugly baby blanket yarns perfect for crocheting or knitting a baby blanket. I hope you enjoy making baby blankets, and the parents and the newborn are sure to appreciate the creation you’ve put so much effort into.

Have a question about these art supplies? Leave a comment using your email address and I’ll answer it! Or tell me in the comments about your lates baby project. I love hearing from readers of my blog. Want more blanket yarn info? I have a full post here.

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