Choosing the Best Yarn for Baby Blankets & Clothes

Choosing the best yarn for baby knitting projects can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to knitting or unfamiliar with the various types of yarn available. In this article, I'll discuss the different types of yarn and the knitting projects for which they are suitable.

Features to look for when choosing a baby-friendly yarn

The best yarns for a baby blanket and clothes are those that are soft, durable, hypoallergenic, lightweight, washable, and warm (depending on the season and your climate). Consider how much the yarn sheds, and whether that's a factor for you. Knit a swatch and wash it. See how the yarn and resulting fabric behave before starting a full blanket or baby set project.

Here's why the yarn characteristics mentioned above matter:

1. Soft fiber

Babies have more sensitive skin than adults, so a soft yarn will help your babies' skin from getting irritated. Look for yarns that feel soft against your own neck or wrist. If the yarn feels itchy on your own skin, it will likely be too scratchy for your baby as well.

What is the softest fiber in the world? The answer may surprise you. According to research, shahtoosh fiber from the downy undercoat of the chiru, a wild Tibetan antelope, is the softest. Many knitters choose acrylic yarns for knitting baby blankets because they believe they're the softest material. Still, the truth is that natural fibers like cashmere and merino wool are typically softer.

Keep in mind, though, that softness is very subjective, and there's no reliable method for objectively measuring this fiber property. Merino or Cormo (a cross-breed of Merino and Corriedale) wool is your best choice for knitting soft baby accessories, unless you're willing to invest in a pricier cashmere yarn.

2. Hypoallergenic and safe for your baby

When choosing a baby-friendly yarn, it's important to consider how sensitive your little one is. Every baby is different, but in general, their skin is more prone to irritation. If you're knitting for a baby with known allergies or very reactive skin, look for yarns labeled as hypoallergenic. Choose gentle animal fibers, such as fine wool with a lower micron count (e.g., merino, cormo), or soft plant fibers like bamboo and cotton.

If you're concerned about your baby breathing in fibers, stay away from yarns that shed more, such as mohair, angora, and alpaca. Fine merino wools are generally safe in this regard; cotton and bamboo are even more so.

3. Durable yarn

Pick a durable yarn that will help your finished baby garment or blanket withstand stretching, tugging, and frequent washing. Many people knit heirloom baby projects that they want to last for years. When looking for a durable yarn, consider avoiding cheap yarns, as they're usually more affordable for a reason (e.g., a cheaper process, more chemicals, or using shorter or lower-quality wool cuts). There's nothing worse than investing a lot of time into a handmade project that ends up pilling excessively and quickly losing its shape.

Keep in mind that pilling is a natural process that affects even high-quality fibers like cashmere and wool; however, shorter, looser fibers are often more prone to pilling. Over time, pilling should occur less frequently. Anyone who said you should avoid pilling altogether doesn't know what they're talking about. If you're especially concerned about pilling, choose a plant fiber like cotton or bamboo, as they pill less.

Look for information about how the yarn was spun. Worsted-spun yarns are generally more durable than woolen-spun yarns because their fibers are aligned parallel to each other, creating a stronger fabric. Single-ply yarns break more easily. Avoid single-ply yarns unless you plan on holding several threads at once.

4. Lightweight and breathable

Dense, heavy fabrics can feel uncomfortable for your baby or toddler. Choose a lightweight or medium-weight yarn. Fingering and sport/DK weight yarns are ideal for baby garments; sport/DK and worsted weight yarns work well for blankets.

You can complete your blanket project more quickly by using a medium-weight yarn. If you choose a fingering-weight yarn for knitting a blanket, you might be there for a while. Again, it's a matter of preference, but generally speaking, using a heavy-weight yarn for a baby project could result in something heavy and uncomfortable that your little one will reject.

Keep in mind that the type of fiber also affects the yarn's weight. Cotton and linen yarns can be heavier than wool, even with the same thickness.

5. Warm or appropriate for the climate

This is a no-brainer: if you're knitting a sweater or blanket for your baby to use in cold weather, you'll benefit from choosing a warm yarn such as wool or alpaca. Quivit and cashmere yarns are also very warm, but generally less affordable. If you live in a warm climate, opt for a breathable material like cotton, silk, linen, or bamboo.

6. Washable

Yarn's washability is also a factor, as babies and toddlers often spill food and drinks. That doesn't necessarily mean that you need to use a superwash merino or cotton yarn. Don't close yourself off to non-superwash options unless necessary. 

Modern washing machines have programs specifically designed for the gentle washing of delicate items such as wool and alpaca sweaters. Get familiar with your washing machine, and try washing a sample first if you're especially worried. Additionally, baby items are often so small in size that washing them by hand is not particularly difficult if necessary.

Best yarns for baby projects based on the type of fiber

So, what kind of yarn fiber is best for babies? Many different kinds of fibers are suitable for babies and toddlers, for example, merino wool or cotton. Here’s a list of the top yarns recommended for baby knitting, based on the type of fiber:

1. Wool yarn, especially merino,
2. Cotton yarn,
3. Alpaca yarn,
4. Cashmere yarn,
5. Bamboo yarn,
6. Acrylic yarn.

I will provide more detailed information about each of these yarns below.

Which wool yarn is the best for babies?

Merino wool yarn is often considered the best choice for baby knitting, as it’s one of the softest and most popular yarns available. It's perfect for baby knitting projects because it's not only soft, but also breathable and lightweight. Merino wool is naturally hypoallergenic, so it's a great option for babies with sensitive skin. 

Merino yarn is quite durable, which means it can withstand frequent washing and wear. However, this largely depends on the quality of the yarn manufacturer. Lower quality merino yarns will pill excessively and potentially even thin to the point of developing holes in the garment. This may not be an issue with your baby's garments, considering the short period of time they’re likely to be worn before your infant outgrows them. 

If you’re planning to create a long-lasting piece, be sure to choose a high-quality wool yarn, such as Quince & Co.'s Chickadee, which is crafted from the softest American wool and comes in a DK weight. Choose Lark if you're looking for a worsted-weight fine wool yarn.

Soft wool yarn is great for a variety of baby knitting projects for the winter season that need to be warm, including 

• blankets,
• sweaters and cardigans,
• dresses,
• hats,
• cowls and scarves,
• mittens,
• socks, and
• booties.

Since it’s so soft, you can use merino wool for garments that directly touch the baby’s sensitive skin, such as hats or socks. Merino wool is lightweight and breathable, which makes it perfect for items that your baby will wear year-round. Wool yarns are generally more suitable for winter months.

Using cotton yarn for baby garments

Cotton yarn is another great option for baby knitting projects. It's soft, breathable, and easy to care for. It can be washed in the washing machine; you should be able to find this information on the label. Cotton yarn is also hypoallergenic, so it's a good choice for babies with sensitive skin. It also doesn’t pill as much, has a good stitch definition, and is usually more affordable compared to other types of natural yarn.

However, if cotton sweaters get wet, they get heavy, don’t retain warmth like wool does, and they won’t dry as easily either. This can be dangerous in cold temperatures. Make sure to use other fibers for winter hand-knit garments for your little one.

Cotton yarn is perfect for baby items that are used frequently and don’t need to be especially warm, such as:

• washcloths and bibs,
• summer clothes like dresses, rompers, and tops,
• lighter sweaters and cardigans,
• toys,
• booties,
• baby blankets.

However, use wool or alpaca for warmer blankets instead. 

It’s good to keep in mind that cotton garments may stretch over time due to wear and washing, as they become very heavy when wet. The complete opposite may also happen: cotton garments may shrink if you use a washer and dryer. Hand washing your precious knitted baby garments and laying them flat to dry can help prevent that.

Consider Willet, a soft, 100% organic cotton yarn by Quince & Co., featuring a subtle sheen. You could also opt for a cotton yarn blended with other fibers such as wool, which will add more warmth and memory to the garment.

Knitting baby clothes with alpaca yarn

Alpaca yarn is a very soft, warm, and lightweight yarn that is suitable for baby knitting projects. It’s hypoallergenic and approximately three times warmer than wool, making it ideal for winter items. It can, however, cost you a bit more. 

Alpaca fiber has a different structure from wool, with fewer scales that make it more slippery. This means that alpaca garments are likely to pill more and may not hold their shape as well over time. It’s a good idea to look for alpaca yarns blended with other, more durable fibers, such as wool. Nest Creative Works' baby alpaca and Cormo wool blend yarn is soft, warm, and available in DK weight, making it ideal for knitting baby clothes.

Since it’s so exceptionally warm, alpaca yarn is great for 

• baby blankets, 
• sweaters and cardigans,
• dresses,
• cowls and scarfs,
• hats, and 
• booties. 

Since it’s considered a more luxurious material, it's also a good choice for special occasion items and heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations.

Knitting with cashmere yarn for babies

Cashmere yarn is a luxurious and soft yarn that is ideal for baby knitting projects, but it can be expensive and requires more gentle treatment. This means it’s not a good choice for everyday items that go through a lot of wear and tear. It's made from the undercoat of cashmere goats, which makes it incredibly soft and warm. However, it has a weaker structure than wool and a tendency to pill more. 

Cashmere yarn doesn’t contain lanolin and is hypoallergenic, so it's a great option for babies with sensitive skin.

Cashmere yarn is perfect for special occasion garments and items that don’t get washed frequently, such as:

• baby mittens,
• hats,
• cowls and scarves,
• sweaters and dresses.

If you want to use cashmere yarn for more frequently worn baby items, look for a blend with wool or other fibers that add more strength and durability to the yarn.

Is bamboo yarn suitable for babies?

Bamboo yarn is a natural, eco-friendly yarn that is a great choice for baby knitting projects, particularly in warmer weather. It's soft, breathable, and has a natural sheen that gives it a luxurious feel. Bamboo fabric has a lovely drape, but due to its soft and slippery character, it doesn’t hold the garment’s shape that well. Bamboo yarn is naturally hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for babies with sensitive skin.

Bamboo yarn is perfect for summer season projects for babies, such as

• lightweight tops and sweaters, 
• rompers,
• dresses,
• hats, and
• toys.

Bamboo yarn can usually be machine-washed, but be sure to check the label for specific instructions first. Since this type of yarn is quite slippery and doesn’t hold shape that well, it might be a good idea to look for a blend with other fibers.

Is acrylic yarn safe for babies?

Acrylic yarn is a synthetic yarn that is very popular for baby knitting projects. It's affordable, easy to care for, and comes in a wide range of colors and textures. You can find it practically in any craft store nearby. It’s also said to be hypoallergenic.

I prefer to knit with natural and biodegradable yarns. Acrylic yarn is never environmentally friendly. Every time you wash a garment made with acrylic yarn, microplastics are released into the water. On top of that, the production of acrylic yarn requires a massive amount of fossil fuels and releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere.

Acrylic yarn can be used for a variety of baby knitting projects, including 

• blankets, 
• tops and sweaters, 
• dresses,
• cowls and scarves,
• hats, and 
• booties.

Since it's easy to care for and can withstand frequent washing and wear, it's a suitable option for items that your baby will use often.

Consider yarn blends

Yarn blends are often a great choice, as they combine the characteristics of multiple fibers and can mitigate some of their disadvantages. For example, a merino-cotton blend will make your baby’s garment soft, breathable, and durable at the same time. A cashmere-merino blend will combine the incredible softness of cashmere and the strength of merino wool.

In conclusion, when selecting yarn for baby knitting projects, make sure that the yarn is soft, durable, and suitable for the season and weather conditions. 

FAQs

What is the best yarn for a baby blanket?

Cotton and merino wool yarns are both great choices for knitting or crocheting baby blankets. They're soft and durable, and they won't irritate a baby's delicate skin. You could also use acrylic yarns if you’re looking for a more affordable option, but they’re not as environmentally friendly.

Cotton yarns are also slightly more breathable than acrylic yarns, making them a better choice for a light and airy blanket, perfect for summer. If you’re looking to make a winter baby blanket, soft wool, such as merino or alpaca fiber, is the superior choice. To create a heritage piece for generations to come, you could also choose to make a baby blanket with cashmere yarn, but you’ll have to stretch your budget a bit, as cashmere yarn can cost quite a bit more.

Choosing the best yarn for a baby blanket really depends on your budget and preferences.

What is the best yarn for baby toys?

The best yarn to use for baby toys is cotton yarn, known for its smooth texture and stitch definition. It can also be machine-washed, which is particularly beneficial considering the heavy use the baby toy is likely to endure. Acrylic yarns are also durable and soft, and they're often more affordable than cotton yarns, but they’re not as environmentally friendly. To sum up, if you're looking for yarn that's soft, durable, and easy to care for, cotton and acrylic yarns are excellent options for knitting or crocheting baby toys.

What is the best yarn for a baby sweater?

The answer really depends on the climate or the season when the baby will be wearing the sweater. For winter months and colder climates, merino and other types of soft wool yarns are the best options for a baby sweater.

Alpaca and cashmere yarns are also excellent choices, but they can be more costly. Alpaca yarns also tend to pill more.

For warmer climates and weather, the best recommended yarn for a baby sweater is cotton. It’s soft, durable, and machine-washable, which is a plus when dealing with baby clothes.

What is the best yarn for baby hats?

The best yarn to use for baby hats should be soft and durable, and help keep the baby warm. Examples of great yarns to use for baby hats include merino wool, cashmere, and alpaca fibers. Cotton yarn is better for warmer climates and weather.