Knit blankets take hours upon hours to create. It’s a considerable investment in time and money. You need good quality yarn. Otherwise, it won’t last.
Here’s a review of the best yarn for knitting a blanket.
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My Quick Recommendations
- Best For Most People – Bernat Blanket
- Best Cotton Yarn – Lily Sugar’ N Cream Original Ombre
- Best Budget Option – Red Heart Love
- Best Cheap Yarn In Bulk – Caron One Pound
- Best Affordable Bulky Yarn – Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
- Best For Chunky Blankets – Bernat Blanket Big Ball
- Best Alpaca Blend – Touch of Alpaca
- Best Cotton/Polyester Mix – Comfy Cotton Blend
I reviewed and updated this post on January 3, 2022.
Table Of Contents
- What To Look For In The Best Yarn For Blankets
- Bernat Blanket
- Lily Sugar’ N Cream Original Ombre
- Red Heart Love
- Caron One Pound
- Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
- Bernat Blanket Big Ball
- Touch of Alpaca
- Comfy Cotton Blend
- Which One Is Best For You?
- Your Questions Answered
What To Look For In The Best Yarn For Blanket Knitting
Here are some key decision-making factors to look for when choosing.
What Kind Of Care Does It Need?
Handwashing big projects are no fun. Machine washed and in the dryer is great!
What’s It Made Out Of?
There is a range of fibers. For example, acrylic is terrific for people who are sensitive to wool. Acrylic is also more affordable.
If you are knitting a baby blanket, it needs to be super soft.
Many animal fiber yarns and even blended fibers pill over time, meaning they have little fuzzy balls on the surface. This isn’t a good look.
Hot temperatures shrink animal fibers, and the agitation felts your blanket. They’re also more expensive.
Cotton blankets are great for the warmer weather. However, they’re heavy to knit and taxing on your hands. However, it’s still an option.
Yarn for arm knitting makes great blankets. They usually consist of wool or synthetic fibers.
How Much Yardage?
Oversized blankets require more yardage. Be ready for many balls of yarn.
What Weight Is Best?
Blankets are large projects, and chunkier weights knit up quickly.
For bulky yarn you need big needles!
The yarn weights to suit blankets are:
- #5 Bulky
- #6 Super Bulky
- #7 Jumbo
Or use #4 held double for a thicker texture.
What’s Your Budget?
How much are you willing to spend? Is it for yourself or a gift?
Do you want me to suggest the best place to buy wool yarn? Read my post.
Bernat Blanket Yarn
Soft and luxurious, this is excellent for afghan blankets. It comes in 52 different colors. The fuzziness creates a beautiful texture.
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – Machine wash cycle on gentle and tumble dry
- Made Of – 100% Polyester
- Yardage – 220yd (201m)
- Weight – Super Bulky
- Skein Weight – 10.5 oz (300g)
- Gauge – 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) 8 stitches x 13 rows
- Suggested needle – 8mm
Product Design
The softness and cuddliness are perfect. It creates a thick fabric and knits up fast.
Product Evolution
It was first available in a range of solid colors. It now boasts 52 different colors, including variegated shades.
What Is Bernat Blanket Yarn?
A super bulky 100% polyester yarn.
Can You Wash Bernat Blanket Yarn and How To Wash Bernat Blanket Yarn?
Yes, machine wash it on a gentle cycle.
What Ply Is Bernat Blanket Yarn?
14 Ply.
Who Sells Bernat Blanket Yarn and Where To Buy Bernat Blanket Yarn?
Many online retailers sell it. LoveCrafts, Yarnspirations, Amazon, and craft supply stores on Etsy.
How To Join Bernat Blanket Yarn?
It’s not plied, so it doesn’t split. Tie a knot close to the stitch and leave ends to weave in. Joining in a new color by introducing it at the beginning of a row.
Weave in the ends of the previous and new color.
Pros
- Knits up fast
- Produces a thick fabric
- Soft and cozy
- Consistent strand thickness
Cons
- Expensive
- Some customers found it had static electricity
- The chenille texture makes it challenging to knit or crochet with because it has more grab. Use a tool with a smooth surface
- Some customers found knots
Take a look here for the best self-striping sock yarn.
Lily Sugar’ N Cream Original Ombre Yarn
A plant-based fiber, 100% USA-grown cotton. A versatile worsted weight in various colors perfect for kitchen and home décor!
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
- Yardage – 95 yds (86 m)
- Weight – #4 – Med Worsted
- Skein Weight – 2.5 oz (56.7 g)
- Gauge – 4×4 Inches – 20 sts and 26 rows with a 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needle
- Suggested Needle – US 7
Pros
- Comes in cones and skeins
- Inside the 2.5oz ball label, there’s a crochet pattern in two different languages and the care instructions.
- Doesn’t get fuzzy
- Soft and squishy
- Soft
Cons
- Colors may run, so if you experience this, set in a little bit of vinegar diluted in cold water.
- If you prefer wooden needles, you might find this catches slightly
- Splitting can occur
- Not a lot of stretch
- Occasionally it has ends tied together. It breaks if you pull too hard
Use a ball winder and swift to organize your new yarn.
Red Heart Love Yarn
Red Heart’s premium version, .softer than their Red Heart Super Saver.
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – In the washing machine
- Made Of – 100% Acrylic
- Yardage – 366 meters
- Weight – #4 Worsted weight
- Skein Weight – 7oz solids (198g) 5oz multi
- Gauge – 16s x 22r = 4″ (10cm)
- Suggested Needle/Hook – US 9 (5.5mm) K/10.5 (6.5mm)
Product Evolution
Red Heart chose to create a premium version due to the popularity of their Red Heart Super Saver.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Commonly found in craft stores
- Affordable
- Consistent quality
- Soft and cuddly
- They don’t have a dye lot, so the color is consistent
- Glides over the needle/hook
- Great stitch definition
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Some customers found knots
- Users found it split
Has winding yarn ever been a problem for you? You might want to invest in an electric skein winder.
Caron One Pound
An economical worsted weight with a soft feel and a large skein.
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – Machine washable and dryable
- Made Of – 100% Acrylic
- Yardage – contains 826 yds (Solids); 618 yds (Ombre)
- Weight – #4 Worsted, although a tad thicker than most
- Skein Weight – 16oz (1 pound hence the name) (453.6g)
- Gauge – Knitting Gauge: 4×4 Inches -16 sts and 20 rows with a 5 mm (US 8) knitting needle
- Suggested needle – 5 mm (US 8)
Pros
- No dye lot
- Sturdy fabric
- Softens after each wash
- Comes in 43 different colors
Cons
- Many knitters comment it’s thicker than most, so do a swatch to check your gauge. You may have to go down a needle size.
Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn
This Lion Brand Yarn has been around for years. Knitters love it as it’s soft, chunky, and a blend of wool and acrylic.
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
- Made Of – 80% Wool 20% Acrylic
- Yardage – 106 Solids (87 in prints/stripes, 92 in metallic)
- Weight – #6 Super Bulky
- Skein Weight – 6oz Solids(5oz in prints, stripes, and metallic) In Grams – 170g Solids (140g in prints, stripes, and metallic)
- Gauge (4in x 4in) 9 sts x 12 rows
- Suggested Needle – US 13 (9mm)
Product Evolution
In 2020 Lion Brand gave this a new look by creating a new label.
Pros
- Warmth and soft
- Easy-care
- Long-lasting
- Creates a dense fabric
- Excellent price point
- Not too slippery
- A workhorse
Cons
- Tends to split
Bernat Blanket Extra Big Ball Yarn
The thick chenille texture creates warmth and coziness. The colorways are in dye lots, so you purchase the amount you need right away.
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – Machine washable and dryable
- Made Of – 100% polyester
- Yardage – 97yds (87m)
- Weight – #7 Jumbo
- Skein Weight – 10.5oz (300g)
- Gauge – 4×4 inches – 4 stiches crochet
- Suggested Needle – US 17 (12.75mm)
Product Evolution
The thickness suits crafters wanting to complete projects quickly.
Pros
- Consistent thickness throughout the skein
- 10 colorways
- Soft and cuddly
- Glides over the needle
- No splitting
Cons
- The texture means there is a loss of stitch definition
- Harder to pull out
- Doesn’t have much stretch
Touch of Alpaca Yarn
As the yarn name suggests, this is a blend with a touch of alpaca. Excellent for people with sensitivities to wool. The alpaca provides softness.
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – Machine washable and dry flat
- Made Of – 90% acrylic 10% alpaca
- Yardage – 207yds (107m)
- Weight – #4 medium
- Skein Weight – 3.5 oz (100g)
- Gauge – (4in x 4in) 19 sts x 26 r on
- Suggested Needle/Hook – US7 (4.5 mm)
Product Design
A hypoallergenic yarn designed for people wanting the feel of wool but not the irritation they experience on their skin.
Pros
- Neutral and jeweled tones colorways
- Soft texture and woolen
- Lovely drape
- Excellent stitch definition
Cons
- Some users found it splits easily
- Tends to ‘molt’
Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn
Lightweight and perfect for Spring and Summer knits. Think t-shirts, tank tops, shawls, and cardigans. It’s easy to care for and great for baby blankets.
How Does It Compare?
- Care Instructions – Machine washable and dryable
- Made Of – 50% cotton 50% Polyester
- Yardage – 392yds (358m)
- Weight – #3 Lightweight
- Skein Weight – 7 oz (200g)
- Gauge – 4×4 inches 20 stitches x 20 rows on US7 (4.5mm)
- Suggested Needle/Hook – US7 (4.5mm)
Pros
- Pleasing colors
- Soft and smooth
- Lovely drape
- Excellent value
- Breathable and lightweight
Cons
- May pill
- Limited solid colors
- Prone to splitting
- If making tassels, the plied strands may unravel after washing
- Knots may be in the skein
Which Is Best For You?
- Bernat Blanket for cuddliness and softness
- Lily Sugar’ N Cream Original Ombre for lightweight afghans
- Red Heart Love for those on a budget
- Caron One Pound for big projects
- Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for those looking for wool but with the easy-care of acrylic
- Bernat Blanket Extra Big Ball for super quick knit projects
- Touch of Alpaca for those sensitive to wool
- Comfy Cotton Blend for spring/summer garments
Q&A
What Is Blanket Yarn?
It’s perfect for making blankets and comes in different fibers.
How To Make Yarn Blanket By Hand
To make one, follow this tutorial.
How Much Chunky Yarn Do You Need For A Blanket?
This varies on the type you choose to knit your blanket.
How To Wash Blanket Yarn
Machine wash on low temperatures and gentle cycle.
How To Wash A Yarn Blanket?
It’s best to wash on a gentle cycle.
How Much Yarn For A Blanket?
It varies depending on the pattern and weight you use.
What Is The Best Blanket Yarn?
Bernat Blanket Yarn is the best for its affordability, softness, and easy care.
What To Knit With Blanket Yarn?
Knit hats, shawls, cowls, garments, and home décor items.
What Weight Of Yarn Is Best For Blankets?
Want to knit something quickly? choose super bulky weight yarn.
Chunky Knit Blanket What Yarn?
Use Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.
What Type Of Yarn Is Best For Blankets?
The best type keeps you warm and is machine washable. I recommend Bernat Blanket yarn for chunky blankets and Caron One Pound for blankets to show off stitch definition.
Is Cotton Or Acrylic Yarn Better For Blankets?
Both are machine washable. Still, cotton is natural and softer, and acrylic is human-made.
What Kind Of Yarn Is Softest For Blankets?
A chenille product made from polyester is the softest.
How Thick Should Yarn Be For Blankets?
Choose from #4 Worsted and above.
Where To Buy Chunky Blanket Yarn?
Large craft retailers stock it. Also, your local craft store and online retailers.
Perfect for making and comes in a range of different fibers. Knit hats, shawls, cowls, garments, and home décor items. The best type is something keeping you warm and is machine washable.
Going to make a baby blanket? More info here.
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