The Best Yarn for a Crochet Blanket

Do you want to try crocheting your own blanket, but the number of yarn options is overwhelming? Or perhaps you’ve been making your own blankets for 20 years now but would love to learn more about new brands of yarn that other customers love. Let us show you the best yarn for a crochet blanket.

You might want to read: The Best Big Blanket

What Is Crochet?

It’s a form of textile production in which yarn is made by looping strands of thread through each other using a crochet hook. The word comes from the French for “hook,” and it’s thought to have been derived from a Latin word meaning “small hook.”

The craft has been around since the early 19th century, and it was initially used as a way to make lace or do embroidery work. Crochet was popularized in the early 20th century by Maud Churchill, who made crochet doilies sold in department stores.

There are two main types of crochet: hard crochet (in which you use metal hooks and yarns that are stiff) and soft crochet (which uses yarns that are soft and flexible). Both types of crochet can be used to make clothing and accessories. Still, soft crochet is more famous for creating garments with stretchy material. 

Crochet vs. Knitting

Crochet	Knitting
Uses a hook.	Uses a pair of long needles.
Stitches are more like knots.	Stitches are more like loops.
Easier for beginners.	Good for mastering a wider range of tools.
Always done by hand.	Can be done by hand, loom, or machine.

Do You Need a Special Yarn for Crocheting?

The short answer is no, but there are some things to look for in crochet yarn to make sure you’re getting the best quality and value.

I know what you’re thinking: “I could just go to the store and buy whatever they have on sale.” But if you’ve ever tried crocheting with cheap yarn, you know how frustrating it can be. Cheap yarn breaks easily, doesn’t hold its shape and feels rough against your skin. It’s like trying to crochet with a cat’s tongue! (Okay, maybe not quite that bad.)

You might have heard that you need special yarn for crochet, but that’s not entirely true. Any yarn will work for crochet, but there are pros and cons to choosing certain types of yarn over others.

There are plenty of beautiful, high-quality yarn brands, and it can be tempting to try them all. But let’s face it: some of those brands are expensive, and sometimes the best thing about crocheting is its affordability! 

Don’t waste your money on something that isn’t right for your project or skill level. Instead, stick with our guide below to learn more about choosing the right type of yarn for your needs.

What to Look for in Crochet Yarn

Crochet is a fun hobby and easy way to make beautiful things. It’s also a great way to eliminate old shirts, blankets, and other fabric items you don’t want anymore! If you’re extra crafty, you can make your own crochet yarn from scratch.

But before you start your next project, there are some things to consider when choosing which type of crochet yarn will work best for your needs.

Weight

The first thing you’ll want to consider when looking at a new crochet project is the weight of the yarn. It’s important to know what weight of yarn is best for what project you’re working on so you don’t get something that looks too thick or thin.

Applicability 

Suppose you’re making clothing or accessories for yourself or others. In that case, it’s important to find a high-quality material that will last through multiple washings. 

If the item is going to be worn close to the skin (like socks), then look for a soft material made from natural fibers such as wool or silk. If it’s going into storage or being given as an heirloom gift, choose something sturdier like cotton or acrylic.

Color Choices

Look at the colors available in the yarn—are there any colors that stand out as particularly exciting? Are there many neutral colors? Is there any variation between light and dark shades? This will give you an idea of what kind of projects are best suited for this type of yarn before deciding which one(s) you like best!

Amount

Each project will have its own requirements regarding how much yarn you need—if you’re making an afghan or blanket, you’ll need more than if you’re making a scarf or hat! Consider how much yardage (or meters) will be needed before ordering online or going into a store to get some new supplies!

Fibers

Some fibers hold up better than others, so if you’re using your finished product for heavy-duty tasks like rugs or blankets, look for cotton or wool fibers—they’ll last longer than acrylics or nylon.

Kid-Friendly 

Read the product label to see if it’s safe for use with children. This will ensure that your little ones don’t get sick from exposure to harmful chemicals that may be present in some types of yarn (such as acrylic).

Durability

Consider whether you’d like a sturdy material that can withstand frequent wear and tear or something softer to keep its shape over time. Some types of crochet projects require more durability than others. 

For example, if you’re making an afghan for your grandmother’s birthday gift next year, she probably wouldn’t want a tissue-soft blanket that would lose shape after just a few years!

How Much Yarn You Need for a Crochet Blanket

A crochet blanket is a great way to make your home feel like you, but it’s also a lot of work! How do you know how much yarn to buy?

The answer depends on the size of the blanket you want. If you have a pattern, then follow the amount of yarn called for in the pattern. If not, here are some general guidelines:

A baby blanket will take between 30 and 50 grams (1-1.5 ounces) of yarn. A throw-sized blanket will take between 100 and 200 grams (3.5-7 ounces). A queen-size blanket will take between 250 and 500 grams (8-17 ounces).

If you’re worried about running out of yarn and need more than that amount for your project, consider using a bulky weight yarn instead. It will make your project go faster than if you used regular worsted weight yarn!

You might want to check: Best Blankets

The Best Yarn for Crochet Blanket

I chose these different yarns based on their user reviews, overall quality, and ease of use.

The Bottom Line

Whether you end up falling in love with crochet or getting dissatisfied with it to the point where you give up can be greatly influenced by the type of yarn you choose when you first start out. Picking the best yarn for a crochet blanket is not always easy, but the results can be astonishing once you know what to look for. Want some ideas for blankets? Check out our list of the best blankets right here!

Frequently Asked Questions