Decided to knit a baby blanket, but don't know which yarn is better. Based on the article, you will make the right choice of which yarn to knit a blanket from, save time and get a charge of positive emotions, knitting a cute and practical thing for decorating a baby crib, stroller or for playing with a grown-up baby.
This blanket will come in handy when the baby is discharged from the hospital, will save him in the heat or cold on a walk, and will ensure a peaceful sleep in the crib.
Folded several times, it will serve as additional insulation for the stroller, support for the back or head of the child. If the walk is too long, the mother can cover herself and feed the baby.
Knitting such a product is easy, even for beginner knitters.
Content
How to choose yarn for a blanket
With all the variety, let's consider two types of yarn.
- Natural: cotton, wool
- Artificial: acrylic
Cotton threads
The preferred option. They do not cause allergies, are breathable, and do not accumulate static electricity. Cotton products are easy to care for, can be washed in a household machine on a delicate cycle, dry quickly after washing, and retain their original appearance and color.
The disadvantages of pure cotton include the large weight of the finished product; the child will not be comfortable in such a blanket. Therefore, for knitting, it is better to use mixed threads with the addition of bamboo, silk or mercerized cotton.
How to choose
- We evaluate the quality. The thread is even, without thickenings, knots, breaks. Tight twisting will not allow the hook to catch on the fibers, forming tightening. The product will look neat.
The thread must be of the same thickness and without defects along its entire length.
- If you decide to crochet an openwork blanket, take into account the higher consumption, take yarn with a reserve from one batch.
Openwork baby blanket crocheted from high-quality mercerized cotton
- Avoid very thin threads. The lace foam is impressive, but it is not practical. Children's products require frequent washing.
Very thin cotton knitting thread is suitable for lace items, but not for a blanket.
- Choose the right hook. Look at the skein label, it will indicate the appropriate hook size.
Selecting the right hook for yarn depending on the thickness of the threads
Wool yarn
Wool: sheep, camel, goat has healing properties, retains heat, wicks moisture away from the body.
Causes an allergic reaction, often pricks and irritates the skin. Woolen items are washed only by hand, take a long time to dry, and lose their shape if dried incorrectly. They can felt, and pellets often form.
For a warm children's blanket, semi-wool yarn with an admixture of 50% acrylic or other fibers is recommended. For example, flax, silk. The presence of additives provides elasticity. The products are voluminous, light, warm, suitable for the cold season.
Avoid using wool with a high fluff content or long hairs that could get into your baby's mouth and nose.
Before you start knitting
- Check the quality of the yarn. Pull the thread, the fibers should not come apart, they may decrease in volume, but they will not break.
If the thread is of good quality, it will be of the same thickness and will not break.
- Decided to knit from yarn with fluff – pay attention to the composition. A large amount of fluff will prevent you from securing the thread, because the fluff comes out.
Combined yarn - wool with goat down
- Use tactile sensations. Put a skein to your cheek or neck - the slightest discomfort should alert you. It is better to refuse such threads.
Acrylic yarn
Looks like wool. Much stronger. High-quality fibers are pleasant to the touch. Ideal for dyeing, so manufacturers produce a bright and rich palette of colors. Resistant to fading in the sun.
Accumulates static electricity, does not let moisture through. Products are soft, stretch out with frequent washing. Low-quality yarn "squeaks" when knitting and in the product.
What to look out for
- For knitting children's clothes up to 1 year, it is recommended to use only specially prepared fibers. The name of the yarn must necessarily include the word "Children's" in Russian or English.
Children's acrylic yarn "Children's novelty"
- Take a skein of yarn in your hands and twist it. A thread without additives will "squeak". This can be felt and heard. Such a product will not warm.
- Acrylic stretches a lot. Knit a sample, try the yarn in work. This will help beginner knitters adjust the tension of the thread. The product will not warp, the edges will be even.
Before you start making a blanket, it is worth knitting a knitting sample.
Sizes of baby blanket
- In summer, the smallest strollers will fit 80x100 cm.
- For a newborn in a crib 80x120cm.
- For discharge from the maternity hospital 90x90 or 100x120 cm, optimally 80x100 cm.
- For a walk in winter or late autumn 90x120cm.
- For a child aged 3-5 years, 100x140cm is suitable.
Pattern for a blanket
Knitted blankets look original and are practical to use. This is a flat knitted fabric, where the pattern is formed by alternating different types of loops or with a knitted pattern. Such patterns are more suitable for knitting.
If you crochet
- Beginner knitters choose simple patterns from a combination of double crochets and air loops - filet knitting. The combination of simple knitting and melange threads gives an excellent result. Sectionally dyed yarn is also suitable.
Easy Repeat Pattern for Knitting a Blanket with Your Own Hands
- Experienced craftswomen will appreciate the technique of "Granny or Spanish square". The required number of fragments is knitted, then the motifs are connected to each other.
Square motifs made from delicate yarn in calm tones
- An openwork blanket is elegant and beautiful! Knitting such a blanket requires attention. Make small loops and arches so that the baby does not get his fingers tangled in the threads.
Knitted blanket for newborns "Openwork Tale"
- Knitting a blanket is a monotonous work. A pleasant color, combination, combination of stripes of different shades will make knitting more interesting.
Children's knitted striped blanket, made with love for a little princess
So what to knit from?
If you knit a blanket for a newborn in the warm season, choose cotton mixed threads.
If you need a warm blanket, pay attention to semi-wool threads with the addition of acrylic.
For those who knit a blanket for a crib or for playing on the floor, we recommend children's acrylic.
Now, armed with our practical advice, feel free to start knitting.
Easy loops to you.
Video: Alize Puffy Review and Simple Blanket Pattern
Photo gallery of beautiful baby blankets made from different yarns for inspiration:
