Best Yarns for Knitting and Crocheting Blankets

Blankets are often the go-to project for beginners and experienced makers alike. Though time-consuming, the project is easy to construct. All you need is to make a flat piece of textured fabric with knitting needles that you go back and forth row by row or work with a crochet hook to create a wide piece of textured fabric. A blanket can be knit or crocheted with basic stitches or textures. It can be made in various sizes and designs too. But, the main factor is yarn. The best yarn for knitting and crochet blankets depends on various factors but most importantly what you prefer.

You need to first decide:

  • Who is the intended user of the blanket? Baby, toddler or adult.
  • Second, the fiber. Wool, cotton or yarn blends.
  • The yarn weight, according to the season and the time spent on knitting the blanket.
  • The yarn’s ease of care. When it comes to a project that is huge in size and time invested, the care of the yarn is essential. Many prefer machine-washable yarn, especially for little kids or even adults who enjoy snacks wrapped up in a blanket.

Whether you’re making a lightweight summer throw, a soft baby blanket, or a thick winter afghan, choosing the right yarn is essential. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a few tips to choose the right yarn for blankets. Let’s take a look at we’ll uncover:

1. Consider the Yarn Fiber

When knitting or crocheting a blanket, you want to choose a yarn that feels soft, is fun to work with and fits the intended use of the blanket. Common yarn fibers include wool, acrylic, cotton, and blends. Extrafine merino wool is a versatile option that suits all kinds of projects. Blended yarns that combine different fibers can offer the best of both worlds, such as the softness of acrylic with the warmth of wool.

2. Understand the Yarn Weight

Whether you knit or crochet, you can work with any fingering, DK or worsted-weight yarns. However, the best yarn for knitting a warm winter blanket will be quite different from a crocheted baby blanket.

Fingering weight yarn is light and the knitted or even crocheted fabric is suitable for warmer weather. It also will be a time-consuming project. DK yarn is a versatile option that results in a blanket for all seasons.

Understand  the Yarn Weight

3. The Use of the Blanket

Think about the purpose of the blanket. Will it be a lightweight summer throw, a cozy winter blanket, or a decorative accent piece? The use of the blanket will determine the type of yarn you should choose. If it’s for use while you snuggle in the bed or the couch, choose a yarn that feels warm and comfortable. Consider the softness of the yarn, especially if the blanket will be in direct contact with the skin. Some fibers or blends can be softer than others.
If you just want to dress up the room with a new look of colorful yarns, a beautiful throw made with hand-dyed yarns can look exquisite.

4. Yardage

Knitting and crocheting differ in yardage. For a project such as a blanket, always consider the yardage. Our previous blog on knitting vs crochet: the complete guide for yarn lovers.

Before committing to a large project like a blanket, make a small swatch to knit or crochet and see how the yarn behaves and how the stitch pattern looks

Best Yarn Choices for Different Blanket Types

Blanket Type

Recommended Yarn Weight

Best Fiber Options

Why Choose It?

Winter Blankets

Bulky, Super Bulky

Merino Wool, Wool Blends

Thick, warm, and insulating for cold weather

Baby Blankets

DK, Worsted

Extrafine Merino Wool, Cotton, Acrylic

Soft, hypoallergenic, and easy to wash

All-Season Throws

Worsted, DK

Hand-dyed yarn, Bamboo, Cotton Blends

Lightweight yet warm, breathable, and stylish

Textured Afghan

Worsted, Bulky

Wool, Wool-Acrylic Blend

Holds stitch definition beautifully for cables and textures

Machine-Washable Everyday Blanket

Worsted, DK

Cotton, Acrylic, Machine Washable Wool

Durable and easy to maintain

Yarn Recommendations from Symfonie Yarns

Symfonie Yarns offers a beautiful yarn collection perfect for knitting and crocheting blankets. refer to our blog on knitting tips for bed and blanket sizes using Symfonie Yarns. Here are some top picks:

1. Bella – Worsted Weight Merino Wool Yarn

  • Weight: Worsted
  • Fiber: Extrafine merino wool
  • Why It’s Great: Soft, warm, and perfect for cozy winter blankets.
  • Best For: Textured blankets, elegant throws, and heirloom-quality projects.

2. Viva – DK Weight Hand-Dyed Yarn

  • Weight: DK
  • Fiber: Wool blend
  • Why It’s Great: Hand-dyed yarn gives blankets a unique, artisanal look.
  • Best For: Lightweight all-season blankets with beautiful color variations.

3. Terra – Fingering Weight Wool-Polyamide Blend

  • Weight: Fingering
  • Fiber: Wool-polyamide blend
  • Why It’s Great: Lightweight yet warm, ideal for intricate stitchwork.
  • Best For: Decorative or lace-patterned blankets.

Whether you’re knitting a cozy winter blanket or crocheting a lightweight summer throw, the yarn you choose makes all the difference. Symfonie Yarns’ collection offers stunning options of hand-dyed yarns. Soft extrafine merino wool and blends, machine washable fibers. Ready to start your next blanket project? Explore the beautiful yarns from Symfonie Yarns and bring your creative vision to life!

Related Blogs:

Complete Guide to Yarn Weight and Sizes

The Ultimate Guide to Yarn Weights: Fingering, DK vs Worsted

Best Yarn for Baby Blankets and Clothes