Best Yarn For Baby Blankets That are Soft Safe and Snuggly

Babies!  There’s nothing more exciting than finding out someone you love is having a baby.  What is it about that new baby smell that makes us go all gooey and lovey anyway?

Having 9 months to wait for the new arrival gives us lots of time to make sweet, soft presents like baby blankets, hats and cute little clothes.  

And if you knit or crochet, you’ll probably want to pick the best yarn for baby blankets that’s soft, cuddly and snuggly for that bundle of joy.

With so many brands and types available, it can be hard to choose one.  You want something soft, but washable, snuggly, but not itchy.

We wrote this guide just for you so you can choose the best yarn for a baby blanket that you’ll be proud to gift to that new little one. 

Now let’s have a look…

10 Best Yarns for Baby Blankets

Here are our top picks if you’re looking for the best yarn for baby blanket creation. When only the snuggliest, softest, most beautiful yarn will do, we’ve got you covered with these great choices.

This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is sort of boring, but you can find it here.

#1 Bernat Baby Blanket

All the Details

• Brand: Bernat Baby Blanket
• Type: Chenille style
• Material: 100% polyester
• Care Instructions: Machine wash cool water, machine dry
• Skein Size: 10.5 oz/300 g
• Yardage: 220 yds/201 meters
• Knitting Gauge: 8 sts and 13 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 11 (8mm)
• Crochet Gauge: 8 sc and 8 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. K (6.5mm)

What We Like

• This Bernat baby yard is safety certified and tested for over 300 harmful substances. Oeko-tex certified.
• Big gauge knits and crochets up quickly
• Comes in solids and pretty ombres

What We Don’t Like

• If ordering online make sure to check that the dye lots match between skeins
• Comes in 100 g and 300 g sizes so make sure to check the amount you need and order the correct sizes

Our Verdict

This is our top pick for the best yarn for baby blankets and other baby projects. It’s soft, easy to work with and comes in a ton of colors.

 

#2 Lion Brand Feels Like Butta

All the Details

• Brand: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
• Type: Chenille-ish
• Material: 100% polyester
• Care Instructions: Machine wash and machine dry
• Skein Size: 3.5 oz/ 100 g
• Yardage: 218 yds/ 199 m
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 18 st and 26 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 7 (4.5 mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 16 sc and 19 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. G-6 (4mm)

What We Like

• Good choice of pastel and solid colors
• Easy to work with
• Feels super soft when knitted up in a project

What We Don’t Like

• Check your dye lots if ordering online to make sure all skeins match

Our Verdict

This yarn is soft and easy to manage for both knitters and crocheters. Good choice for all your baby projects.

#3 red Heart Soft baby steps

All the Details

• Brand: Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn
• Material: 100% Acrylic
• Care Instructions: Machine Wash, tumble dry
• Weight: 5 oz/141 g
• Yardage: 256 yds/234 m
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 17 sts and 23 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 8 (5mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 12 sc and 15 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. I-9 (5.5mm)

What We Like

• Great selection of pastels, brights and ombres
• No dye lots

What We Don’t Like

• It’s hard to find the center pull from the skein

Our Verdict

This is our third candidate for the best yarn for baby blankets. It’s easy to work with, soft and great for baby items.

#4 Bernat Softee Baby

All the Details

• Brand: Bernat Softee Baby Yarn
• Material: 100% acrylic
• Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry
• Weight: 5 oz/140 g for solids, 4.25 oz/120 g for ombres
• Yardage: 362 yds/ 331 m for solids, 310 yds/283 m for ombres
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 22 sts and 30 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 6 (4mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 16 sc and 19 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. G-6 ( 4 mm)

What We Like

• This Bernat baby yard is safety certified and tested for over 300 harmful substances.
• Easy to work with
• Light weight

What We Don’t Like

• Some colors aren’t represented accurately online
• Sometimes hard to find the end from the center of the skein

Our Verdict

This acrylic yarn knits up soft for baby projects. It’s easy to work with and is a great choice for baby blankets

#5 Red Heart Baby Hugs

All the Details

• Brand: Red Heart Baby Hugs Yarn
• Material: 100% acrylic
• Care Instructions: Machine wash warm gentle cycle. Tumble dry low heat.
• Weight: 4.5 oz/127 g
• Yardage: 247 yds/225 m
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 16 sts and 22 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 9 (5.5 mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 14 sc and 14 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. K-10.5 (6.5 mm)

What We Like

• Tested for over 300 harmful substances. Certified safe according to Oeko-Tex standard 100 class I
• Made in the USA
• Good choice of pastels, brights, and ombre colors

What We Don’t Like

• A bit bulkier than we like for baby hats and blankets

Our Verdict

This yarn is easy to work with and soft. Slightly bulkier than other baby yarns, it can be used on other projects as well.

#6 Caron Simply Soft

All the Details

• Brand: Caron Simply Soft
• Material: 100% Acrylic
• Care Instructions: Machine washable and dryable
• Weight: 6 oz/ 170.1 g
• Yardage: 315 yds/288 m
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 18 sts and 24 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 8 (5 mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 13 sc and 14 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. H-8 (5.00 mm)

What We Like

• Made in the USA
• Huge range of colors

What We Don’t Like

• Yarn can sometimes split which is frustrating for beginner knitters.

Our Verdict

The great color range and soft feel make this a popular choice for the best yarn for baby blanket, hats and other knitted items.

#7 Lion Brand Baby Soft Boucle Yarn

All the Details

• Brand: Lion Brand Yarns Baby Soft Boucle
• Type: Boucle
• Material: 100% Polyester
• Care Instructions: Machne wash, lay flat to dry
• Weight: 3.5 oz/100 g
• Yardage: 120 yds/ 109 m
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 12 sts and 12 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 10 (6 mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 10 sc and 6 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. K-10.5 (6.5 mm)

What We Like

• Super soft
• Knits up into a chenille-like texture

What We Don’t Like

• Boucle style can be challenging for newer knitters and crocheters since it’s hard to see where one stitch ends and the next begins

Our Verdict

This super-soft textured yarn is perfect for baby gifts if you are an experienced knitter or crocheter. It may not be the best choice for best yarn for baby blankets if you’re an inexperienced maker.

#8 Bernat Blanket Yarn

All the Details

• Brand: Bernat Blanket Yarn
• Type: Chenille
• Material: 100% polyester
• Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry
• Weight: 10.5 oz/300 g
• Yardage: 220 yds/201 m
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 8 sts and 13 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 11(8 mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 7 sc and 8 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. L-11 (8 mm)

What We Like

• More sophisticated colors
• Cozy, chenille-like feel

What We Don’t Like

• Dye lots can vary widely so make sure you get enough yarn for your project from the get go

Our Verdict

This yarn is similar to out #1 choice – Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn. It comes in more “adult” colors and knits up fast. If you’re looking for the best yarn for baby blankets that isn’t in the traditional baby colors, this is a great choice.

#9 Lion Brand Babysoft Yarn

All the Details

• Brand: Lion Brand Yarns Baby Soft Yarn
• Material: 60% Acrylic, 40% Nylon
• Care Instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry
• Weight: 5 oz/141 g solid, 4 oz/113 g ombre
• Yardage: 459 yds/420 m solid, 367 yes/336 m ombre
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 22 sts and 30 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 6 (4 mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 16 sc and 20 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. G-6 (4 mm)

What We Like

• Easy to work with for beginning knitters
• Very soft
• Washes up well

What We Don’t Like

• Yarns ordered online may arrive with different dye lots, so check before you start your project

Our Verdict

This is a great yarn that comes in lots of pretty pastels and ombre colors. It’s soft and washes up well.

#10 Bernat Pipsqueak Self-Striping Yarn

All the Details

• Brand: Bernat Pipsqueak Stripes Yarn
• Type: Self-striping,
• Material: 100% polyester
• Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry
• Weight: 9.8 oz/280 g
• Yardage: 284 yds/260 m
• Knitting Gauge (4″ x 4″): 11 sts and 16 rows
• Suggested Needle Size: U.S. 9 (5.5 mm)
• Crochet Gauge (4″ x 4″): 9 sc and 12 rows
• Suggested Hook Size: U.S. I-9 (5.5 mm)

What We Like

• Super soft yarn
• Easy to work with
• Sweet pastel self-striping colors

What We Don’t Like

• The skeins can easily get knotted up

Our Verdict

This yarn makes up super soft baby projects. So many of the colors are absolutely yummy! This yarn knits up into soft and cuddly baby projects and is definitely a contender for the best yarn for baby blankets and other baby projects.

What is Baby Blanket Yarn?

Baby blanket yarn is usually acrylic, washable yarn that’s soft, non-irritating and knits and crochets up into beautiful baby projects like blankets, hats, and sweaters. 

It’s specifically designed to be safe and well suited for baby yarn projects.

Do You Need Special Yarn For Baby Blankets?

Babies have soft, delicate skin that can be easily irritated, so it’s important to choose a yarn that’s soft and non-irritating.  

Many larger yarn manufacturers have lines just for the delicate skin of babies.   These yarns are safety certified and are tested to be free of many harmful and irritating chemicals.

Baby blankets also need to be washable, which you already know if you’ve ever been around any babies.

That said, it’s not necessary to use a yarn labeled specifically for babies if you keep in mind the qualities babies need in any material that’s close to their delicate skin. 

Different Types of Yarn For Baby Blankets

Cotton

Cotton yarn is light and strong.  The easiest cotton yarns to knit with usually have a bit of acrylic mixed in.  Cotton absorbs A LOT of water when wet so it may not be the best choice for a baby blanket on its own.

Bamboo

A natural fiber, bamboo feels very soft.  It’s lightweight and breathable and would be a good choice for a lightweight baby blanket.

Acrylic & Polyester

Both man-made synthetic fibers, acrylic and polyester are easy to wash, and great yarns for a baby blanket if you’re a beginner knitter.

Chenille

Just like a chenille sweater, this yarn makes a blanket that feels soft and velvety.  

Non-wool

Whichever type of yarn you choose, it probably should be a non-wool variety.  Wool can be scratchy and irritate the tender skin of a newborn.

Pros of Using Baby Blanket Yarn

The large yarn companies make yarn specific for babies.  You may want to choose a yarn specifically designed for babies.  These may be the best yarn for baby blankets for you if you’re looking for:

• Safety from harmful irritants
• Washability
• Durability
• Soft, baby-like colors
• Affordability

Cons of Using Yarns Created Just For Baby Projects

There’s nothing that says you can’t just use regular yarn for a baby blanket.  You may want to stray from the standard baby blanket yarn varieties if you’re looking for:

• Expensive yarn to make an heirloom blanket
• You can’t find the color you’re looking for
• You know you want to make a blanket with natural fibers like silk, bamboo or cotton
• You know the parents won’t mind hand washing your project

Important Features to Look For in Baby Blanket Yarn

Washability

Washability may be one of the most important features to look for in the best yarn for a baby blanket.  Babies poop, pee, drool, and spit-up. I can’t tell you the number of diaper blowouts my kids had as newborns, but it was a lot.  

You want to be able to throw the blanket into the washer and dryer and not worry about it being damaged.  New moms are already overwhelmed with all the work that comes with newborns, they don’t need to worry about handwashing and drying on top of it. 

Softness

This goes without saying.  The best yarn for baby blankets is going to be super soft and snuggly.  There are some super-soft yarns out there.

Non-Irritating Fiber

Acrylics or non-wool natural fibers make great baby blankets that won’t irritate baby’s delicate skin.  

Color

This feature is up to you and the baby.  There are so many gorgeous colors out there other than just the pale pink and baby blue of years past. 

I’ve even seen an adorable camo-style blanket made out of super soft chunky yarn.  

From pastels to brights, solids to variegated, the sky’s the limit for your creativity!

Durability

Because your blanket will be washed over and over again, make sure your yarn will be able to the punishment of being well-loved and well washed.  

Weight

Since babies outgrow clothes and accessories quickly, think about when the newborn is arriving.  Summer babies would be comfortable with a lightweight knitted baby blanket, while babies born in winter months could use a heavier weight knit blanket.

Cost

While you may want to show your love with expensive yarn from your favorite local yarn shop, (And I do recommend supporting local businesses for sure.), babies grow quickly, and will soon outgrow anything you knit or crochet for them.  

So unless you want to make an heirloom baby blanket that will be handed down through the generations, choosing a yarn in the lower or mid-price range is usually a great choice.

What’s the Standard Size for a Baby Blanket?

A typical knitted or crocheted baby blanket is usually around 30” x 35”.  This is the perfect size baby blanket to tuck around a stroller or car seat.

You can also knit mini blankets for loveys and security blankets.   A lovey can be as small as 10” x 10, with security blankets usually measuring around 14” x 17”.  

GoodKnitKisses has a great blanket size chart to help you determine just the right size for your new arrival.

How Much Yarn Do I Need for a Baby Blanket?

The amount of yarn depends on the yarn weight and the design of your baby blanket.  Here’s a great estimate from Lion Brand Yarns that depends on the yarn weight:

Yarn Weight	Yardage
1 – Superfine	1500 – 1625
2 – Fine	1250 – 1500
3 – Light	1125 – 1250
4 – Medium	1000 – 1125
5 – Bulky	875 – 1000
6 – Super Bulky	750 – 875
7 – Jumbo	625 – 750

For the entire chart for various projects, you can download your own copy from Lion Brand Yarn.

Tips for Creating with Baby Blanket Yarns

• Seasoned knitters and crochets will tell you that acrylics and cotton blends make for the best balance of softness and washability
• When choosing the best yarn for a baby blanket, think about when the baby is due and make sure your project works for that season
• When in doubt, ask the expectant parents which type of yarn and color they’d prefer
• Knit and crochet designs with larger holes may not be the best choice because tiny fingers and toes can get snagged and stuck
• Always knit or crochet a swatch to check your gauge

Summary:  Our Top Picks For the Best Yarn for Baby Blankets

Once again, here are our top three picks for the best baby blanket yarn.  Choosing one of these is a sure way to create a blanket your new parents will love to wrap up their new babe in.

The Takeaway:  Which is the Best Yarn For Baby Blankets?

If you knit or crochet, there’s nothing more meaningful than creating the perfect baby gift for someone you love.

Choose your favorite yarn from our list of best picks and you’ll create a baby blanket that’s easy to care for, soft, and durable.   

Create your project in a color that the new parents will love, and you’ll have a baby gift that will be treasured, handed down and well-loved for years to come.

Happy creating!