My Blanket Yarn Guide – The Best Yarn To Crochet A Beautiful Blanket

I show you the best blanket yarns for crochet projects to create a beautiful blanket without hassles. Here’s my review of the best yarn for blanket crochet.

My Quick Recommendations

• Best For Most People – Bernat Blanket Yarn
• Best Budget Option – Red Heart Love Yarn
• Best Super Chunky Yarn – Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on April 20, 2023

Table Of Contents

• What To Look For In The Best Blanket Yarn
• Bernat Blanket
• Caron One Pound
• Touch of Alpaca
• Red Heart Love
• Comfy Cotton Blend
• Bernat Blanket Big Ball
• Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
• Your Questions Answered

Bernat Blanket Yarn

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Super bulky chenille is an excellent option for afghan blankets because of its softness and luxurious feel. In addition, it comes in 52 different colors. There is a beautiful texture due to its fuzziness. 

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash cycle on gentle settings and tumble dry
• Made Of – 100% Polyester
• Yardage – 220yd (201m)
• Yarn Weight – Super Bulky
• Skein Weight – 10.5 oz (300g)
• Gauge – 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) 7 sc x 8 rows with 8 mm crochet hook
• Suggested Hook – US L/11

Product Design: Soft and cuddly, perfect for blankets. It produces a bulky fabric.

Product Evolution: It was initially available in a selection of solid colors but is now available in 52 different colors, including variegated shades. Blanket pattern options with Bernat yarn are plentiful. Bernat have a collection of bernat blanket products

How To Join Bernat Blanket Yarn? Mikey for Yarnspirations demonstrates in this video.

What Is Bernat Blanket Yarn? A super bulky 100% polyester yarn. 

Who Sells Bernat Blanket Yarn? Many online retailers such as LoveCrafts, Yarnspirations, Amazon, Joann, Michaels, and craft supply stores on Etsy sell it. 

How To Wash Bernat Blanket Yarn? In the machine on a gentle cycle.

Can You Wash Bernat Blanket Yarn? It’s machine washable.

What Ply Is Bernat Blanket Yarn? 14 Ply.

Pros

• It produces a thick fabric
• A blanket made of this soft fabric is exceptionally cozy
• No lumpy, thick, or thin strands; consistent strand thickness

Cons

• Pricey
• Sticks to things
• The chenille texture makes it difficult to crochet with because it has more grab. Use a hook with a smooth finish, like plastic or metal.
• Customers found knots

Caron One Pound

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A soft, economical skein with excellent yardage.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine washable and dryable
• Made Of – 100% Acrylic
• Yardage – contains 826 yds (Solids); 618 yds (Ombre)
• Yarn Weight – #4 Worsted, although it is a tad thicker than others
• Skein Weight – 16oz (1 pound hence the name) (453.6g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches – 12 sc and 13 rows with a 5 mm (U.S. H/8) crochet hook
• Suggested Hook – H-8 (5mm) crochet hook

Pros

• You don’t have to worry about dye lots
• Long-lasting fabric
• It becomes softer after each wash
• A wide variety of beautiful colors

Cons

• Many comment this is thicker than most worsted weight, so do a swatch first. You may have to go down a hook size.

Touch of Alpaca Yarn

Consists primarily of acrylic and is excellent for people with wool sensitivities. The alpaca provides softness.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine washable and dry flat
• Made Of – 90% acrylic 10% alpaca
• Yardage – 207yds (107m)
• Yarn Weight – #4 medium
• Skein Weight – 3.5 oz (100g) 
• Gauge – (4in x 4in) 14 sc x 18 r on I-9 (5.5 mm)
• Suggested Hook – I-9 (5.5 mm)

Product Design

Designed for people wanting the feel of wool but not the irritation they experience on their skin.

Pros

• Colorways in neutral and jeweled tones
• Feels like wool and has a soft texture 
• Beautiful drape
• An excellent stitch definition

Cons

• Some found it splits easily
• Tends to leave ‘hairs’

Red Heart Love Yarn

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This 100% acrylic is Red Heart’s premium version of their acrylic line. It is softer than their Red Heart Super Saver. 

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine washable
• Made Of – 100% Acrylic
• Yardage – 366 meters
• Yarn Weight – #4 Worsted weight
• Skein Weight – 7oz solids (198g) 5oz multi
• Gauge – 16s x 22r = 4″ (10cm)
• Suggested Hook – K/10.5 (6.5mm)

Product Evolution: Red Heart chose to create a premium acrylic due to the popularity of their Red Heart Super Saver. 

Pros

• Made in the United States
• Common in craft stores
• Budget-friendly
• Consistent quality
• Soft and cuddly
• Consistent colors
• Glides over the hook
• Beautiful stitch definition

Cons

• A few customers reported knots
• Splitting can occur

Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn

Suitable for spring and summer projects, this is lightweight. Shirts, tanks, shawls, and cardigans are good choices. The blend of cotton and Polyester is easy to care for and great for baby blankets. 

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions Information – Machine washable and dryable
• Made Of – 50% cotton 50% Polyester
• Yardage – 392yds (358m)
• Weight – #3 Lightweight
• Skein Weight – 7 oz (200g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches – 13 sc (single crochets) x 16 r ows on J-10 (6mm)
• Suggested Hook – J-10 (6mm)

Pros

• Pleasing color variations
• Feels soft and smooth
• Lovely drape
• Value for money
• Lightweight and breathable

Cons

• After multiple washes, it may pill
• Limited solid colors
• Prone to splitting
• When making tassels, the plied strands may unravel after washing
• Factory joins and knots may be present

Bernat Blanket Extra Big Ball Yarn

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Super thick with warmth and coziness thanks to its chenille texture. Colorways are in dye lots, so order enough for your project right away.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine washable and dryable
• Yarn Material – 100% polyester
• Yardage – 97yds (87m)
• Yarn Weight – #7 Jumbo
• Skein Weight – 10.5oz (300g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches 4 stitches crochet
• Suggested Hook – US P/Q (15mm)

Product Design: The thickness suits crafters who want to complete projects quickly.

Pros

• Products have the same thickness throughout
• Ten colorways
• Soft and cuddly
• No splitting

Cons

• Not good for people with arthritic hands or wrist pain
• Limited stitch definition due to the texture
• Harder to pull out
• Doesn’t have much stretch.

Lily Sugar’ N Cream Original Ombre Yarn

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This plant-based fiber is 100% cotton from the United States. A versatile worsted weight in many colors perfect for home décor.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
• Made Of – Cotton
• Yardage – 95 yds (86 m)
• Weight – #4 Med Worsted 
• Skein Weight – 2.5 oz (56.7 g)
• Gauge – 4×4 Inches – 13 sc and 14 rows with a U.S. H/8 (5mm) crochet hook
• Suggested Hook – H/8 (5mm)hook

Pros

• Various put-ups are available – cones, skeins, large skeins
• The label of the 2.5oz ball includes a crochet pattern in two different languages and care instructions.
• Does not become fuzzy with use
• Squishy and soft
• Soft to the touch when crocheting

Cons

• Colors may run, so if you experience this, set in a little bit of vinegar diluted in cold water.
• If you prefer wooden hooks, you might find this catches slightly
• Splitting can occur. Use a hook with a rounded head.
• It doesn’t have a lot of stretch, so take your time.
• Occasionally you may come across ends tied together. Cotton breaks if you pull too hard. 

Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn

Wool and acrylic blend creates a soft, chunky texture crocheters love.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
• Made Of – 80% Wool 20% Acrylic
• Yardage – 106 Solids (87 in prints/stripes, 92 in metallic)
• Weight – #6 Super Bulky
• Skein Weight – 6oz Solids(5oz in prints, stripes, and metallic) In Grams – 170g Solids (140g in prints, stripes, and metallic)
• Gauge – (4in x 4in) Crochet – 6.6 single crochets x 8 rows 
• Suggested Hook – N-13 (9mm)

Product Evolution: In 2020 Lion Brand gave this a new look with a new label. 

Pros

• warmth and softness of wool with the convenience of acrylic
• Durable
• Produces a dense fabric
• Great price point
• Lion Brand often has special deals

Cons

• Prone to splitting

What To Look For In Best Yarn For Blankets

Here are some key decision-making factors to look for when choosing the best yarn for a crochet blanket.

What Kind Of Care Does It Need?

Large blankets are a pain to hand wash. It is best to choose a yarn that can be machine washed and dried.

What’s It Made Out Of?

There is a range of fibers to make blankets with. Wool and other animal fibers are wonderfully warm. Acrylic and Polyester are lovely for people sensitive to wool. Acrylic is also more affordable.

If you are crocheting for a baby, the finished blanket needs to be super soft. Here is my post about baby blanket yarn. It’s not unusual for animal fibers to pill over time, meaning they have little fuzzy balls on the surface. Not a pleasing look.

Animal fibers cannot be washed in a machine as the high temperatures and agitation shrinks the fibers. The price of animal fibers is higher, so keep this in mind when crocheting a decent-sized blanket. For warmer weather, cotton blankets are ideal. Unfortunately, cotton yarns are heavy and difficult to work with. I still recommend them, though.

How Much Yardage?

It takes more yardage to make more oversized blankets. Prepare for the need for many balls of yarn, the thinner the yarn.

What Yarn Weight Is Best?

A yarn weight such as super bulky. It crochets quickly. The yarn weights to suit blankets are: #5 Bulky, #6 Super Bulky, or #7 Jumbo. Or, use #4 Worsted Weight held double for a thicker texture. Worsted weight is often used in baby blankets.

What’s Your Budget?

How much are you willing to spend? Is it a gift or for yourself?

FAQs About Yarn For Blankets

How Much Yarn For A Blanket?

Varies depending on the pattern and yarn weight you use. 

How To Make A Yarn Blanket?

Here is a great tutorial and pattern from Crochet Dreamz.

What Weight Of Yarn Is Best For Blankets?

If you want to crochet up a blanket quickly, choose a super bulky weight yarn.

How To Wash A Yarn Blanket?

Many of the yarns reviewed above are machine washable. However, it is best to wash on a gentle cycle.

How Much Chunky Yarn Do You Need For A Blanket?

This varies on the type you choose to crochet your blanket. 

What Size Yarn Should I Use For A Crochet Blanket?

Super Bulky #6 yarn is an excellent choice for crochet blankets.

How To Use Blanket Yarn

 It is easy to use blanket yarn in crochet projects, mainly if you use chunky yarn. With larger yarn and hooks, projects finish faster.

What Type Of Yarn Is Best For Blankets?

The best yarn for blankets is machine washable and keeps you warm. Bernat Blanket yarn is ideal for chunky blankets and Caron One Pound for blankets with a lot of stitch definition.

Is Cotton Or Acrylic Yarn Better For Blankets?

Both cotton and acrylic yarn is machine washable. Still, cotton is a natural fiber, acrylic is a man-made fiber. Cotton is soft and becomes softer after washing.

What Kind Of Yarn Is Softest For Blankets?

A chenille yarn made from Polyester is the softest.

How Thick Should Yarn Be For Blankets?

It is best to choose a yarn weight from #4 Worsted and above

How To Crochet Blanket Yarn

This is a lovely blanket suitable for beginners.

How To Make Yarn Blanket By Hand

This tutorial from Simply Maggie to make a hand crochet blanket with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick

What Is Blanket Yarn?

It’s perfect for making blankets and comes in a range of different fibers.

What To Make With Blanket Yarn?

Create home decor items, garments, and accessories.

What To Crochet With Blanket Yarn?

Home decor items such as rugs, pet beds, and hats and scarves.

What Is The Best Blanket Yarn?

Bernat Blanket Yarn

Where To Buy Chunky Blanket Yarn?

Large craft retailers, your local craft store, and online retailers like LoveCrafts, LionBrand, Amazon, Joann, and Michaels.

Conclusion

Blankets are the best way to keep warm and cozy. They’re also perfect for snuggling up on the couch with your loved ones or as a fort for kids.

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