1. Thickness of the Yarn
Most yarns labeled as suitable for babies are either fingering or DK weight and I would recommend to knit baby clothes with thin yarns. However, for blankets you can use also thicker worsted weight yarns. The thicker the yarn the quicker the blanket knits up.
The thickness of the yarn is typically described with yarns weights. Below most common yarn weights used in baby blankets listed from thinnest to thickest.
| Yarn weight | Recommended needle size US (mm) | Recommended hook size US (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Fingering (thinnest) | 1 to 3 (2.25-3.25 mm) | B-1 to E-4 (2.25-3.5 mm) |
| Sport | 3 to 5 (3.25-3.75 mm) | E-4 to 7 (3.5-4.5 mm) |
| DK | 5 to 7 (3.75-4.5 mm) | 7 to I-9 (4.5-5.5 mm) |
| Aran | 7 to 9 (4.5-5.5 mm) | I-9 to K-10 1⁄2 (5.5-6.5 mm) |
| Chunky | 9 to 11 (5.5-8 mm) | K-10 1⁄2 to M-13 (6.5-9 mm) |
| Super Bulky (thickest) | 11 to 17 (8-12.75 mm) | M-13 to Q (9-15 mm) |
2. Certifications
If you want to be absolutely sure that no harmful chemicals or substances are used in the manufacturing process select a yarn that has the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® or GOTS Certification.
- OEKO-TEX® certificate means that the yarns have passed the highest standard, suitable for direct contact with the most sensitive skin, even babies and small children. They have been tested for over 350 harmful substances by independent laboratories, and certified not to contain harmful levels of irritants, allergens or carcinogens.
- GOTS certificate means that the yarn is environmentally friendly and produced in a socially responsible way. It stands for very high demands in all parts of the supply chain, from when the raw goods are harvested, to you having the finished product on your needles.
3. Best Yarns for a Baby Blanket by Material
Merino Wool
I am a big fan of natural fibers and especially wool. It is a great insulator and will keep the baby warm in the winter months but also cool during the summer months. Merino wool is also very soft, so it won’t irritate the baby’s skin and it’s very pleasant to knit with.
One downside of wool is that it can be difficult to wash but because wool is naturally dirt resistant it actually doesn’t require washing quite that often. You can also choose superwash wool that can be machine washed.
Superwash or not the blanket needs to be flat to dry otherwise the blanket stretches and loses its shape.
Cotton
Cotton is a plant-based natural fiber and a great choice for a baby blanket because it is soft, durable, and easy to care for. It is also hypoallergenic so it’s a good choice if your baby has sensitive skin. One downside of cotton is that it might feel a little bit rough for your hands while knitting as it’s not as bouncy as wool is.
Cotton can be machine washed and dried.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another plant-based natural fiber that is a great choice for baby blankets. It is soft, hypoallergenic, and has a luxurious feel and drape.
Bamboo is also very absorbent so it can help regulate body temperature. Bamboo can be machine washed but needs to be air dried to prevent shrinkage.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber but based on its qualities it is a good choice for baby blankets. It is very strong and durable so it will stand up to lots of use and washings. Polyester is also easy to care for because it can be machine washed and dried.
One downside of polyester is that it isn’t as breathable as the natural fibers.
Acrylic
Acrylic is another synthetic fiber (plastic) that is a good choice for baby blankets. It is very affordable and easy to care for. Acrylic can be machine washed and dried but it pills easily and isn’t as durable as some of the other fibers on this list.
Avoid these
Babies will put into their mouths everything they can get their hands on. Mohair, angora, and alpaca fibers are all soft and luxurious but may shed, posing a danger to the child. Save these fibers for items that will be used by other than small babies.