Basic Sewing 101: How Much Merino Wool For A Blanket

How much merino wool for a blanket would you need to use? The general rule is that the bigger the blanket area, the more wool you will need for your arm knitting project. Your baby can have a merino wool blanket for a measly four pounds, but adults may need as much as eighteen pounds of this kind of material.

 

how much merino wool for a blanket

How Much Merino Wool For A Blanket Should I Use? 

Merino wool may be thinner than your typical wool, but it is a lot softer, too. This means that merino wool is excellent for outdoor use, especially for hiking enthusiasts. However, it is even better to snuggle in when used as a blanket, and best if you knitted that blanket yourself.

 

It is always safe to order more material than you think you will need when it comes to knitting. Depending on your pattern, you can arm-knit a custom blanket of Merino wool with almost seven pounds of yarn.

 

The weight of the material will depend on your project, but you can make an adult-sized blanket for about six to eight pounds of merino wool. This could be enough for a weighted blanket that you can arm knit in less than an hour. Here are some estimates to get you started.

 

  • Crib blanket – A 28 by 52-inch blanket will need four pounds of yarn.
  • Twin-sized bed blanket – A 39 by 75-inch twin-sized blanket will use up to eight pounds of wool.
  • Queen-sized bed blanket – A 60 by 80-inch blanket needs 14 pounds of yarn.
  • King-sized bed blanket – A 76 by 80-inch king-size blanket will use up to 18 pounds of merino wool yarn.

Stores may sometimes sell yarn by volume to help you estimate the weight and length of materials you need to use for your project. Some stores can also advise you on the yarn thickness you may need for your project and the volume necessary for custom sizes and uses.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Merino Wool Blanket?

Merino wool is harvested from Merino sheep in Australia. While it is a very popular material for blankets, it can also be used for other clothing and houseware types. Here are some benefits of using Merino wool.

 

  • Temperature regulator

Merino wool helps keep your body temperature stable. When it’s cold out, the fibers trap air that can help insulate your body. When it’s warm, it keeps you dry and sweat-free, so you stay cool under the heat.

 

  • Odor-free

Merino wool absorbs odors caused by bacteria. The material traps smell and keeps them from building up. This means that you can use your Merino wool blankets longer without worrying about smelling like sweat when it gets warm.

 

  • Hypoallergenic

Merino wool is very fine, making it soft and comfortable to wear. Because of its fineness and length, the fibers in Merino wool bend easier and are more flexible, so they don’t cause itching.

 

  • Fire-resistant

Merino wool is non-flammable, and most producers don’t add flame-retardant chemicals to the Merino-wool yarn. Compared to other synthetic products, this makes Merino wool that much safer. Nylon, for instance, starts to melt at around 320 degrees Fahrenheit, while polyester melts at about 452 degrees.

 

  • Eco-friendly

Merino wool is biodegradable and can disappear into the earth in about twelve months. However, this applies only to products made of natural fibers. If you support sustainable practices, make sure that you have high-quality Merino wool that adheres to standards and certifications for fair treatment of animals and respect for the environment.

 

Can You Arm-Knit A Wool Blanket In Under An Hour?

If you already have your Merino wool yarn supply, you can work on an arm-knit blanket in under an hour. Thicker wool fibers are fantastic for arm-knitting as they can create loose, cozy weaves.

 

To start, tie a knot at the end piece of yarn. Secure it tightly and trim off excess material, if any. Start with a simple slip knot and use a long tail of yarn to begin casting the blanket. Remember to remain consistent with your yarn stitches’ tightness or looseness so that the finished product looks neat and consistent.

 

Remember that the yarn will likely pull and stretch, so you can allow it to hang to get a better sense of how you are doing with your work. Casting the first row of stitching is the most challenging part, but once you know how you are going to work with the blanket, you will be more comfortable about moving the stitches from arm to arm.

 

The blanket will take its shape eventually. 

 

Conclusion

Merino wool is a natural and renewable fiber from sheep. Over the years, it has evolved to keep sheep comfortable, and humans have learned to use them for themselves, as well. 

 

Merino wool also comes with a lot of benefits, such as regulating temperature and hypoallergenic properties. These benefits make Merino wool popular to use for clothing and homeware products such as blankets.

 

Buying Merino wool products can be expensive, as these materials are harvested by Australian farmers who consider ethical considerations. It will be cheaper to make your own Merino wool blanket, which you can hand knit in less than an hour.

 

With the details above, you will know how much merino wool for a blanket is necessary for the size you want to create.