Choosing Your Blanket Yarn

When it comes to blanket yarn there are so many fantastic options. From super-sized balls to cozy chenilles, you can find the perfect choice to knit or crochet a beautiful new addition to your home. There is also a great selection of yarns that have been specially created for blankets including self-striping styles, colorful ombres, and soft chenilles.

One thing to remember when choosing your blanket yarn is that you need to consider the fiber type and weight. You can choose between natural wools, premium acrylic yarns, and cotton. Many people opt for cotton blanket yarn because it is easy to care for and can be machine washed. Natural wools can be lovely too but can pill very easily so are best reserved for luxury blankets.

If you're working on a large project, then you may need to buy a few extra balls of blanket yarn. To work out how much you'll need, first make a swatch using the stitch pattern suggested on the ball band and your hook or needle size. This will give you a good idea of how much yarn you'll need for the whole blanket. If the swatch isn't as big as you want your finished blanket to be, you can always make it bigger by going up or down a hook or needle size.

Another consideration when choosing your blanket yarn is the thickness. Thicker yarns can be harder to work with, so it's a good idea to try and crochet a gauge swatch before getting started. This will help you ensure that your blanket is the right size, as well as give you a better understanding of the stitches and how they look when worked up.

Often thicker blanket yarns will need larger hooks than thinner yarns, as they are not as forgiving. This can be tiring on your hands and fingers so it's important to take regular breaks from your project and to make sure that you are working in a well-lit area.

A lot of the time, thicker blanket yarns can be a bit fuzzy and this can make it difficult to see your stitches or count them. Again, it's a good idea to work with a light-colored blanket yarn and to crochet in a well-lit area if possible to avoid this problem.

Once you've finished your blanket, it will need to be blocked to reduce curling and help the fabric to lay flat. This can be done with a drying rack or laid flat over a bed. You can also block your blanket with a blocking board. Blocking is a simple process that helps smooth out your finished blanket and makes it look even and professional. To learn more about how to block a blanket, check out our guides on how to block knitting and how to block crochet projects. Finished blankets can also be stored flat to keep them looking their best.