How to Choose the Best Yarn for Blankets

First, you need to think about the fiber content of that yarn. The most popular natural fibers are cotton yarn and wool yarn. Wool yarn has better insulating properties than cotton yarn does, but cotton yarn is generally easier to care for. The most popular synthetic material is acrylic. You’ll most commonly find it as either pure acrylic or as an acrylic blend mixed with wool. Blankets made from yarn using acrylic are relatively easy to care for.

Once you’ve chosen your fiber, the next question is how thick of a yarn you’d like to use. A lot of knitters and crocheters love to use thicker yarns to make a chunky blanket. That isn’t always the best call, though. For example, when I knit baby blankets, I tend to use a finer yarn. Bulky weight yarn can result in a knit blanket that is rather stiff. It can also have gaps in the stitches that are too easy for little fingers to get into.

Yarn Weight

Some people get overheated really easily. For those people, a blanket made with super-bulky yarn might be too warm. In that case, a lighter-weight yarn is the right call. Finally, ask yourself how much time you are willing and able to devote to the making process. Keep in mind who will be using it, too.

Yarn Construction

A jumbo yarn that is loosely spun is not going to be terribly durable. It will also not fare well in the washing machine. In short: just because it’s one of the softest yarns you’ve ever felt doesn’t mean it’s the best yarn for a blanket. Instead, look for a yarn where the strands have been spun together firmly.

Worsted Spun

Worsted yarn is more durable than single ply or woolen spun yarn because of its construction. Multiple plies spun tightly together are the most durable because each strand lends strength to the others.

My Top Picks - Bulky Yarns

• Loops and Threads Charisma • Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick • Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky

My Top Picks - Thinner Yarns

•Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton •Caron One Pound •Patons Classic Wool

Curious to learn more about knitting or to dig deeper into blanket yarn? Click on through for tutorials, free patterns, technique tips, and more.