Whether you’re knitting or crocheting a baby blanket for your own child or as a gift, you’ll want to make sure you have the right yarn. You’ll need something that will be extra soft and snuggly. While there are many options on the market, most of them are made of synthetic materials. Synthetic materials are safe, but they can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.
That’s why I’ve created this list of the 7 best yarns for baby blankets that are all made from organic or natural materials.
Why it’s great: This yarn is made of natural animal fibers and is 100% baby Alpaca. It is luxuriously soft and silky. You get all the warmth and softness of wool without the itchiness that usually comes with it. The yarn is of premium quality, comes with a satisfaction guarantee, and it’s sustainable and environmentally friendly. Plus, these skeins are already untangled, so you don’t have to worry about trying to manage that in the middle of your project. It’s a DK-Light worsted weight, making it perfect for baby blankets, clothes, and other accessories. It comes in a pack of three skeins and is available in a variety of colors.
Keep in mind: This yarn needs to be hand washed, so while it’s beautiful and warm, it’s not the most convenient for everyday use.
Good for: A luxuriously soft and warm baby blanket.
Why it’s great: One of the biggest perks of using organic cotton is that it’s easy to use, versatile, and machine washable, making it a great choice for baby blankets and other baby items. This is because it’s lightweight while still providing warmth and coziness. Lion Brand is a well-known yarn manufacturer with many options on the market. Their organic yarn is 100% organic cotton that is perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin while also being eco-friendly. This yarn comes in a three-pack and is offered in a variety of different colors.
Keep in mind: This is a fine yarn, which makes it very flexible, but it’s not super warm for winter or colder months.
Good for: A soft and lightweight, machine washable blanket.
Why it’s great: This yarn comes in a set of two and offers both solids and variegated colors. Made of mostly bamboo, this yarn is eco-friendly and naturally sourced. It’s also soft for a baby’s skin and is completely machine washable, making it perfect for baby blankets and clothes. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking and insulated, which will help keep your baby warm and dry. It’s also strong and flexible, making it easy to work with and durable enough to handle whatever your baby throws at it.
Keep in mind: While this yarn is mostly bamboo rayon and wool, it does have 15% nylon, so it’s not 100% natural.
Good for: An affordable and colorful baby blanket.
Why it’s great: This yarn is made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The Turkish cotton this is made from is said to be some of the softest and most luxurious cottons and is all ethically sourced from natural fibers. It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to use and perfect for baby blankets and clothes. It’s great for the summer months and will keep your child cool and cozy at the same time. This comes in a pack of five balls, giving you 625 yards of yarn at an affordable price. It also comes in a few different colors that you can find here, so you’re sure to find one that you like.
Keep in mind: It is recommended that you handwash this yarn, even though it’s cotton.
Good for: Soft and lightweight baby blankets.
Why it’s great: This cotton and cashmere-blend comes in a set of five balls, totaling 875 yards! Depending on the size blanket you want to make, you may not need to buy any more than this set. It comes in 25 different colors and is made from 100% natural fibers. The cotton is mercerized, making the yarn colors brighter and giving the yarn sheen. It’s also lightweight and flexible, making it perfect for spring and summer weather. This yarn has just enough cashmere to provide it with an extra softness that’s silky against your baby’s skin.
Keep in mind: This yarn is a little thinner than some of the others, making it slightly more challenging to work with.
Good for: A soft and affordable lightweight blanket with bright colors.
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Why it’s great: This is the only chunkier yarn on the list, making it extra airy and cozy. It’s perfect for soft baby blankets that your little one will love cuddling. It’s made from cotton, baby alpaca, merino wool, and nylon. This combination gives you a chunkier yarn that’s not bulky or itchy. It’s easy to use and makes for quick knitting without splitting or getting caught in the twists. It comes in a few different colors, making it easy to find one that you love.
Keep in mind: It is recommended that you hand wash this yarn. Also, it does have some nylon, so it’s not 100% natural fibers.
Good for: Chunkier, cuddly blankets.
Why it’s great: This yarn is made from 100% Inner Mongolia cashmere. This cashmere is an all-natural fiber from goats. It’s super soft and luxurious quality at an affordable price, making it a great choice for a comfy and silky baby blanket or other baby accessories. It’s also lightweight while still having more insulation than sheep’s wool to keep your baby warm. It glides smoothly on the needle and is easy to work with, making your project much faster and easier.
Keep in mind: This is a lace weight yarn, so it’s very fine and needs to be hand washed.
Good for: The softest, silkiest baby blanket.
The AndeanSun 100% Baby Alpaca Yarn is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
There are so many different types of yarn on the market, and it can be hard to choose the right one. On this list, I’ve only included yarns made mostly from natural fibers. These are more sustainable and eco-friendly. You also don’t have to worry about any chemicals, dyes, or toxins that may be in synthetic yarn. Since babies have sensitive skin, you’ll want a yarn that’s extra soft and breathable. You’ll also want to make sure it won’t be itchy on their skin. Organic cotton and bamboo are lightweight and easy to use. Wool and alpaca are more durable and will last longer. Cashmere is extra soft and cuddly. The type of yarn you use will be based on your own personal preferences.
This will depend on the type and weight of the yarn you choose and the pattern you’re using. Usually, the blanket pattern will have the yardage listed for you, so you know what you need. Bulkier, chunkier yarns won’t need as many balls, while medium and finer yarns will need quite a few. Check your pattern and then the yardage listed for your yarn. Also, make sure that the weight of the yarn is compatible with the design.
One of the factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the type of yarn is the season in which the baby will be born. For warmer months, you’ll want to select something like organic cotton or bamboo. For colder months, baby alpaca or cashmere is better. You’ll also want to think about your budget. Babies grow quickly, so if you make a smaller blanket, they may not use it for more than a year or two. Keep this in mind when looking at the cost of the yarn. For convenience, you may want to choose a machine washable yarn since babies tend to make a lot of messes.
Baby yarn is specifically designed for a baby’s sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic, extra soft, and not itchy, like some regular yarns. The most significant difference is that baby yarns are fire retardant. Regular yarns and primarily acrylics are highly flammable, making them unsafe for babies. If you’re making a baby blanket, you’ll want to make sure that you use a baby yarn so your baby is safe and more comfortable.
As mentioned above, the biggest safety concern when it comes to yarn is flammability. That’s why it’s essential to use a baby yarn and steer away from acrylics. Also, babies love putting everything in their mouths. It’s important to choose a yarn that is soft for chewing and also free from dyes or other harmful materials. All-natural fibers are completely safe for your baby, which is why they’re the perfect choice for baby blankets.
A knitted or crocheted baby blanket is a special gift for any newborn. It can be a fun and relaxing process if you choose the right yarn that’s easy to work with. Finding a yarn that’s a joy to use while also soft and comfortable next to a baby’s skin can be challenging.
Hopefully, this list has given you enough options to find one that will make a treasured and cozy gift for any child.
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