If you are buying a blanket for yourself, you’ll always feel it first with your fingers to learn how soft or how comfortable it is going to be against your skin. It’s the same when choosing yarn for making blankets.
However, the softness isn’t the only quality you need in yarn. The best yarn for blankets would have to be special – not just soft and comfortable, but durable. Besides, there’s the matter of fiber content, sensitivity, weight, material, etc. when it comes to the right kind of yarn. In short, when selecting yarn, there are a few important criteria to look into.
When looking for yarn for making a blanket for yourself, there are a number of qualities that everyone needs to look for, which you can learn in this article, as well as other details you need to know regarding the best blanket yarns.
Top 10 Best Yarn for Blankets Reviews
Here are the ten best yarn from different brands that would be perfect for making into blankets at home, as well as similar pieces of clothing and accessories to use.
1. Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo
The perfect color for Fall – a pumpkin orange that will bring out the festivity in you! If you are making a blanket for yourself or for a loved one just before the Fall, this is the right color for you. Made from 100% Acrylic fiber in the United States, this yarn is soft and extremely comfortable against your skin.
This yarn skein is comparatively bigger than the others you usually find in the market. You won’t have to connect multiple skeins just to complete a single project; with this one skein, you’ll get twice the yarn compared to other commercial yarns.
This Super saver yarn skein ball is 744 yards in length, approximately in a single dyed color. There will be no inconsistency in the color all throughout the yarn. Apart from pumpkin orange, you also get the option for other dozens of other colors and prints in this super saver brand.
The yarn can be machine washed with warm water, both in the form of the ball yarn and as a blanket, and tumble-dried on low. US 9-size knitting needles are recommended with this yarn, as well as the size i-9 crochet hook.
Features:
- Exciting pumpkin orange color for Fall and Winter
- Made from 100% Acrylic fiber
- Solid color, no dye
- Made in the USA
- Larger and longer than regular yarn skeins
- Approximately 744 yards in length
- Recommended use with US size 8 knitting needles
- Recommended use with i-9 crochet hooks
- Can be washed in machine with low tumble dry
- Soft and comfortable
- Twice the size of regular yarn skeins
- Available in dozens of other colors and prints
2. Bernat Baby Blanket Vanilla Big Ball
If you are thinking of making a blanket for a baby or even a newborn, this is the yarn skein especially manufactured for the purpose. In subtle colors such as vanilla, baby lilac, baby sand, baby teal and vanilla, it’s not just the material that’s soothing for babies, but the colors as well.
Although mostly vanilla color is chosen for baby blankets keeping in mind the soft and sensitive eyes of young children, the other colors are perfect subtle and mild as well.
Made from 100% polyester, this yarn skein is soft and extremely comfortable; luxuriously soft as well, they can be used to not just make blankets, but also baby swaddle blankets and clothes. Each yarn skein weighs 300 grams or 10.5 ounces, and is 220 yard (201 meters) long. A Single skein might just be enough to make the whole blanket for a newborn!
The recommended knitting gauge for these yarns are 8 sts and 13 rows, using a 8 mm (U.S. size 11) knitting needle. If you prefer to use crochet hooks, the recommended crochet gauge for this yarn is 8 sc and 8 rows, using a 6.5 mm (U.S. size K) crochet hook.
Features:
- Soothing vanilla and other subtle colors friendly for baby’s sensitive eyes
- Made from 100% polyester
- Perfect for baby blankets, clothes and covers
- Soft and comfortable
- Larger yarn ball than the ones commercially available
- Single ball of yarn can make a whole blanket
- Weighs 300 grams or 10.5 ounces
- Each skein is 220 yard (201 meters) in length
- Recommended knitting gauge: 8 sts and 13 rows
- Recommended knitting needle: 8 mm (U.S. size 11)
- Recommended crochet gauge: 8 sc and 8 rows
- Recommended crochet hooks: 6.5 mm (U.S. size K)
- Single skein can make a whole baby blanket
3. Caron Simply Soft Solids
From the subtle to the solid. These solid color yarn skeins from the Caron Store are luxuriously soft against the baby’s skin, comfortable enough to be made into blankets or clothes. Available in more than 40 colors, they are made from 100% Acrylic and 4 worsted weight.
Each ball of yarn weighs only 170 grams and has a length of 315 yards (288 meters). For a newborn, a single yarn skein is enough to make a complete blanket; for larger blankets, you can choose the same colors or different ones to make something in a rainbow pattern.
These yarns can be washed in a machine with absolutely no damage to the materials, even after regular use and multiple washes. Every single yarn from the Caron Store is made in the United States of America, especially for sensitive skin and comfort.
The recommended knitting gauge for these yarns are 18 sts and 24 rows, using a 5 mm (U.S. size 8) knitting needle. The recommended crochet gauge for this yarn is 13 sc and 14 rows, using a 5 mm (U.S. size H/8) crochet hook.
Features:
- Bright and solid colors
- Made from 100% Acrylic
- Perfect for personal blankets, clothes and accessories
- Soft and comfortable for sensitive skin
- Each yarn ball is 315 yards long
- Weighs 170 grams or 6 ounces
- Recommended knitting gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows
- Recommended knitting needle: 5 mm (U.S. size 8)
- Recommended crochet gauge: 13 sc and 14 rows
- Recommended crochet hooks: 5 mm (U.S. size H/8)
4. Massive Giant Chunky Yarn
There’s nothing better for cold winter evenings than to wrap yourself inside a comfortable homemade blanket, especially the ones made from chunky wool yarns. This one, for example.
If you are not into knitting needles or crochet hooks, your hands would be enough to knit a giant blanket for yourself using these chunky yarn balls. You can also use large crochet hooks (Size 25 to 60) for making these blankets.
Not just blankets, this giant chunky yarn from HomeMade Store can be used to make colorful scarves, snoods and caps for winter. They will keep you snug and warm, even when used outside during winter; or, it can be used to make rugs and tapestries, macrame or making wall hangings, or whatever you want around the house.
These chunky yarns are available in a number of colors, shades and patterns, and each weigh 250 grams. Depending on exactly what you want to make with them, you can order these yarn according to weight.
For example, a baby blanket will require 2.5 lbs. of this yarn, and a large bed cover will require around 11 to 14 lbs. Each pound is about 20 yards in length, and can be ordered in any amount or color available.
Features:
- Available in 13 colors
- Extremely soft and comfortable
- Perfect for personal blankets, clothes, scarves, caps and other accessories
- Can be used to make rugs, wall hanging or macrame
- Available in batches of 250 gram
- Each lbs of yarn is 20 yards long
- Perfect for knitting with hand
- Can be knitted with Sze 25-60 Crochet hooks
5. Bernat Blanket Yarn
In uncommon colors such as Pale Gray, Aquatic, Blue Fog Twist, Blue Velvet, Grey Blue and Light Teal, these are single yarn balls that are 220 yards long each. Made from 100% Polyester, these yarn skeins from the Bernat Store are versatile and comfortable. You can use them for not just making blankets, but also sweaters, caps, scarves and shawls.
Each ball of yarn weighs 300 grams or 10.5 oz, and is 201 meters long. They are Number 6 super bulky gauge, and can be used for a number of knitting patterns. Caring for these yarns is easy as well; they can be washed and tumble-dried in a machine without any damage to the material.
The recommended knitting gauge for these yarns are 8 sts and 13 rows, using a 8 mm (U.S. size 11) knitting needle. The recommended crochet gauge for this yarn is 7 sc and 8 rows, using a 8 mm (U.S. size L/11) crochet hook.
Features:
- Available in uncommon colors
- Made from 100% Polyester
- Soft and comfortable against the skin
- Each yarn ball is 220 yards (201 meters) long
- Weighs 300 grams or 10.5 ounces
- Recommended knitting gauge: 8 sts and 13 rows
- Recommended knitting needle: 8 mm (U.S. size 11)
- Recommended crochet gauge: 8 sc and 13 rows
- Recommended crochet hooks: 8 mm (U.S. size L/11)
6. Lion Brand “Wanna Make a Blankie” Yarn
From the Lion Brand Yarn Store, this range of best yarns for blanket are manufactured precisely for making into blankets. Whether you are making a blanket for yourself or making one commercially, this is the perfect yarn for it.
Just the right size to make a large blanket with a single skein, each yarn ball weighs 800 grams. They are 437 yards in length each, which is enough to make a large 42” x 42” knitted blanket.
These yarn skeins are made in China, with a fiber content of 100% polyester. They can be washed and dried in a machine without any kind of damage to the material or the gauges. Despite being so heavy as a yarn ball, the material becomes comfortably lightweight and comfortable when made into a blanket.
You can use a large size crochet hook, but it is also perfect for hand knitting. Recommended crochet hooks for this yarn ball is 9 mm crochet hook, or N-13 size. However, any size of crochet hook over 9mm works, as well.
Features:
- Available in 6 different colors
- Made from 100% Polyester
- Lightweight, soft and comfortable against the skin
- Each yarn ball is 437 yards long
- Weighs 800 grams
- Recommended crochet hooks: 9 mm (U.S. size n/13)
- Each skein makes a 42” x 42” blanket or a 33” x 33” blanket
7. ERLYEEN Chunky Knit Blanket
Chunky yarns are the best for making into blankets; they provide more comfort and softness compared to the thinner yarns, and are easier to work with. This one from the ERLYEEN store, however, isn’t yarn but a completed blanket for you to use.
This blanket is made from 100% plush Acrylic materials, making the large blanket extremely lightweight to use. It might be a large one, about 32” x 32” in size, but the blanket is both soft and comfortable against your skin. The textures are brilliant on the outside; if not a blanket, you can simply use it as a throw on your couch and add some color to your room.
Features:
- Available in more than 12 colors
- Made from 100% Acrylic
- Soft and comfortable against the skin
- Available in a number of sizes
- Lightweight
- Needs to be handled with care
- Beautiful textures
8. Patons Silk Bamboo Yarn
This is a mixed yarn from the Patons Store, made from 70% Bamboo viscose and 30% Silk. Manufactured in the United States, you can use these yarn balls both for knitting and crocheting. Because of the 30% silk content, these yarns aren’t just soft and comfortable, but give a smooth and lustrous feel against the skin.
The recommended knitting needles for these yarns are a U.S. size 6, or for crocheting, a U.S. hook size G/6. These yarns can’t just be made into blankets, but also scarves, sweater, caps and baby blankets.
They need to be hand washed and dried in a flat position; otherwise, the yarn might expand and stretch. Rather than the common colors, you get options of uncommon shades like Sea, Coal, Ivory, Moss, Stone, Sea, Sapphire and Orchid in this range.
Features:
- Available in uncommon colors
- Made from 70% Bamboo Viscose and 30% Silk
- Soft and comfortable against the skin; lustrous silky feeling
- Each yarn ball is 2.2 ounce
- Recommended knitting needle: U.S. size 6
- Recommended crochet hooks: U.S. size G/6 B07F1D6LD3
9. Knit Pricks Brava 500 Yarn
What anyone looks for in yarn to make blankets is the softness of the yarn, and this particular brand of yarn is extremely soft and comfortable. Although thin and skinny, the yarns from Knit Princks Brava come in balls weighing 500 grams each.
Each of the yarn skeins have a length of 1090 yards, which might just be big enough to make into a decent sized personal blanket.
At the same time, this is an all-purpose yarn, which means it can be used to not just make blankets, but also sweaters, swaddling blankets, caps, scarves and shawls. Despite being so soft, this is a sturdy wool made from 100% Acrylic. It can withstand regular use and multiple washes in a machine under gentle mode.
The recommended knitting gauge for these yarns are 18 to 20 sts and 4 rows, using a 7 or 8 mm (U.S. size 11) knitting needle. The recommended crochet gauge for this yarn is 11 to 14 sc and 4 rows, using a 5.5 or 6 mm (U.S. size I/K) crochet hook.
Features:
- Available in a single color
- Made from 100% Acrylic
- Soft and comfortable against the skin, but sturdy
- Each yarn ball is 1090 yards in length
- Weighs 500 grams
- Machine Washable
- Durable material
- Recommended knitting gauge: 18-20 sts and 4” rows
- Recommended knitting needle: 4.5 – 5 mm (U.S. size 7/8)
- Recommended crochet gauge: 11-14 sc and 4” rows
- Recommended crochet hooks: 4.5-5 mm (U.S. size I/K)
10. Universal Bella Chenille 111 Yarn
Available in more than 20 subtle and vivid colors, the yarn skeins from Universal Yarn Store are thick, soft and durable. They are simply the perfect shades to make blankets for yourself or for a baby, or for a loved one. Manufactured in Turkey, these yarns can be washed in a machine with warm water.
Each yarn skein is 116 yards long; it might take three or more yarns to make a baby blanket, and about a dozen of them to make a large blanket for an adult.
Features:
- Available in more than 20 colors
- Soft and comfortable against the skin
- Each yarn ball is 116 yards long
- Can be machine washed
- Cannot be bleached or washed with chemicals
- Manufactured in Turkey
- Takes multiple skeins for every project
These are the best yarns available in the market anywhere for making into blankets. Whether you are making a blanket for yourself or for a loved one, or a newcomer, one of these yarns will surely fit your necessity.
What to look for while buying Best Blanket Yarn?
Of course, the first thing everyone considers while choosing yarn for making blankets are the comfort level and the softness of the yarn. There are, however, some other aspects to consider, which will be discussed below.
1. Material
When it comes to materials, two ingredients are most common in yarns: polyester and acrylic. Most of the yarns available in the market will be either made from pure polyester or pure acrylic, although there are a few made from wool, silk or bamboo viscose available.
Acrylic yarns are the cheaper option; they are more soft and comfortable than any other kind of yarn. If comfort is the main point, then yarn made from Acrylics should be the first choice for everyone.
In fact, if the blanket is being made for babies, they should be ideally made from Acrylic. This material is prone to pilling; this means that the appearance of the blanket might be affected with time, but the comfort and the softness will remain the same.
Polyester, too, can be comfortable but they are more credited to being durable. Polyester fibers are extremely strong, as well as resistant to cleaning chemicals and abrasions. Yarn made from polyester can be regularly used and even washed in a machine, without any damage to the material.
Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo is made from 100% Acrylic and Bernat Baby Blanket Vanilla Big Ball is, alternately, made from 100% Polyester. An exception, the Patons Silk Bamboo Yarn is a mixture of 70% Bamboo Viscose and 30% silk.
2. Weight
When we are talking about the weight of yarn, we are actually referring to the thickness of it, not the actual weight. Usually, yarn weight ranges from super fine to super bulky – a total of 6 categories. Yarn sized at 1 belongs to the “Super Fine” category, and yarn sized at 6 means the “super bulky” category.
Each category of yarn requires specific needles, specific stitches per inch and has a specific number of ply in them. The higher the number of the category, the heavier and thicker the yarn, and the more ply they have.
“Super Fine” yarn is perfectly adequate when making hats, caps or even scarves. However, while making a blanket, it is preferable to use chunky or “Super bulky” yarn because that would mean fewer stitches per inch.
Some yarns are so thick and bulky, you don’t even need knitting needles or crochet hooks to make into a blanket. They can be easily knitted into a large blanket through “hand knitting” or knitting with your hands, i.e. the Massive Giant Chunky Yarn.
These chunky and bulky yarns don’t need a lot of time to convert into a blanket, much less than when using “super fine” or “fine” yarns like the Caron Simply Soft Solids.
If you don’t own knitting needles or if you are not used to knitting or crocheting, chunky yarns are a better choice to make your own personal blankets or throws. The Bernat Blanket Yarn is also a relatively heavier yarn perfect for blankets.
3. Color Option
Your blankets can be of a single color, or multi-colored. When you are working on something colorful, it is better to use yarns of different colors but from the same brand. The yarns from each brand are different and it is preferable not to mix them up. Therefore, for colorful projects, it is important that you decide on a brand with the most color options.
Bernat Baby Blanket Vanilla Big Ball, for example, comes with more than 24 colors, but they are all light and subtle colors. If you want something light and matured, or a blanket for babies, these colors would be the best option for your project.
The yarns from Massive Giant Chunky Yarn also come in 13 color options, and the yarns from Universal Bella Chenille 111 Yarn are available in 20+ colors.
4. Size
Yarn skeins come in different sizes, as well. With some brands, you need a single ball to make a whole blanket, some with other brands, half a dozen might be needed to complete a blanket.
If you are using the yarns from Universal Bella Chenille 111 Yarn, you’ll need 2 to 3 balls for a baby crib blanket, and 5 to 6 balls for a large adult-sized blanket. A single Lion Brand “Wanna Make a Blankie” Yarn makes a 42”x42” or a 33”x33” blanket.
5. Cleaning Instructions
Most yarn can be washed in a washing machine, and even tumble-dried at a medium or low speed. This is the easiest way to take care and clean most yarns, which is preferable for blankets. Since blankets are regularly used and dirtied, especially if they belong to toddlers and babies, they should be easy to clean.
These are, in a nutshell, all the factors of yarn you should consider before investing in some for your blanket. If you are making a blanket for yourself or another adult, you are most likely going to need a few skeins to start with, and it is therefore important that you research them well before spending your money on them.
What Type of Yarn is Best for Blankets?
The best kind of yarn for making blankets should ideally be the softest option available; they should also be affordable, in case you need half a dozen skeins to make a single blanket, and durable.
Besides, blankets are made to be used regularly and for a long time; they have to undergo a lot of stretching and pulling, as well. Blankets aren’t like scarves or hats that you simply wear a few times every year, but used regularly. Therefore, the yarn for blankets also need to be durable and string, especially when washed regularly.
Considering all these requirements, yarns made from Acrylic seem to be the best option for making blankets. Acrylic yarns are common and affordable, and they are extremely soft. Even blankets for babies are made with Acrylic yarns.
Although not the softest material, Acrylic yarn washes well. You can wash these blankets regularly in a machine and neither the performance nor the comfort level will diminish with time.
Another good option are yarns made from cotton. Cotton yarns are lighter than Acrylic yarns, and the material is breathable. Blankets made with cotton yarn might not be very good protection against the cold during winter, but they are nevertheless comfortable. In fact, blankets made from cotton yarns can be used throughout the year, and they can be washed regularly in a machine.
So, all aspects considered, acrylic or cotton yarns are the best option for making blankets.
How much thick yarn do I need for a blanket?
Yarns for knitting and crocheting can be both thick or thin, or what are considered to be the “weight” of the yarn. You can find yarns in 6 categories based on their weight, from “Super Fine” to “super bulky” or “Chunky”.
For making blankets, the chunky or bulky yarns are preferable, as they won’t need a lot of stitches per inch. In fact, with some extremely chunky yarns, you can make a whole blanket in a matter of hours using only your hands.
In average, 4 pounds of wool is needed to make a 30”x50” adult-sized blanket. Each ball of yarn ideally comes with 28 yards of yarn per pound. This means that you’ll need around 340 feet of yarn – the “chunky” or “bulky” type – in average, to make the blanket. The Lion Brand “Wanna Make a Blankie” Yarn, for example, comes in skeins of 437 yards. A single ball of this yarn is enough to make a 42”x42” blanket.
The Universal Bella Chenille 111 Yarn, on the other hand, comes in yarn skeins of 116 yards; you’ll need at least 3 of these yarns to make a decent sized blanket.
If you are using extremely thick yarn, i.e. “Jumbo” sized or No.7 yarn, or even “Super Bulky” or or No.6 yarn, you’ll probably need only one yarn ball for a blanket.
Conclusion
A handmade blanket can be a wonderful present for a loved one, or a beautiful hobby for yourself. Making your very own blanket isn’t very hard; someone with the most basic knowledge and skill of knitting or crocheting can do it well for the very first time.
All you need is the time, the patience, and knowledge about the best yarn for blankets, which you’ve gotten here in this article by now.