To know how much yarn for a baby blanket depends on the blanket size you want to make. Remember that there are different dimensions, even for baby blankets. We will tackle what you can expect with baby blankets.
If you have read our guide for knowing the yards of yarn to make a blanket, this article will also be as comprehensive. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get your baby blanket project in the works!
How To Know How Much Yarn For A Baby Blanket?
You can estimate the amount of yarn you’ll need for a baby blanket base on the pattern of the project you’re making. Ask yourself how big the baby blanket is and know the yarn and stitches the pattern requires. Remember this primary point, and you can easily assume how much yarn you’ll need to finish a baby blanket.
What yarn will you use for the baby blanket pattern?
Some baby blanket patterns will require a thicker yarn. If this is the case, you will need lesser yarn since you’re making a blanket with bigger stitches. You might also be using a different weight yarn for the pattern, so be sure to adjust the yarn amount you’ll prepare.
Yardage estimates are based on a standard gauge of that yarn weight. If you’re not using stockinette stitch, you will need more yarn or, on the contrary, lesser yarn if you’ll use larger needles.
How many knitting pieces it will take to finish the blanket size?
If you’re not sure how to measure the yardage your blanket will need, you can easily count the pieces of knitting by making a large swatch according to the pattern. Be sure to use the same yarn and needles and launder the swatch before measuring its dimensions and gauge.
To compute, multiply the yardage it will take by the number of squares you need to find out your gauge. For example, if you made a 6 by 6-inch swatch and the baby blanket you want to make is 36 by 36 inches, it means you need 6 rows of 6 squares each to make the blanket. If the swatch used 50 yards of yarn, then you’ll need 1,800 yards to finish the project.
How Many Skeins Of Yarn Do You Need For A Baby Blanket?
The skeins of yarn you’ll need will be dictated by the size of the baby blanket you’ll make. For example, a small baby blanket can use only one skein, whereas bigger sizes will need up to four skeins. Remember that the pattern may also use a specific yarn weight, which can affect the amount of yarn you’ll need as well.
Let’s say that a 3.5-ounce yarn skein has 220 yards, and a baby blanket can take up to 1,500 yards of yarn. You will need to prepare up to 7 skeins of yarn. It’s always better to have some extra, so don’t be afraid to prepare more yarn.
What are the baby blanket sizes?
It would be best to follow your baby blanket pattern according to the baby blanket size. It’s impossible to mention specific dimensions and label them as the standard baby blanket size because you have to consider whether you’re crocheting, knitting, or sewing the blanket. But to give you guidelines for estimating yarn yardage, here are some common baby blanket sizes:
The smallest baby blanket is a lovey blanket measuring 10 by 10 to 12 by 12 inches. There are also bassinet blankets with dimensions of 13 by 28 inches and security blankets measuring 14 by 17 inches. Below are yarn weights to further help you with estimation.
How Many Yards Do I Need For A Baby Blanket?
The yardage requirements to make a blanket around 36 by 36 inches will differ for every yarn weight. Remember to adjust using the two tips we discussed and based on the baby blanket size. You will need 900 yards of bulky weight yarn, while worsted weight uses 1,000 yards.
You will need around 1,100 yards of lightweight yarn, while sport weight will need 100 yards more. Finally, sock weight yarn for a basic 36 by 36-inch blanket can amount to 1,300 yards. Do note that baby blankets are smaller, so you might even get by with 625 to 875 yards of yarn.
What Is The Best Weight Yarn For A Baby Blanket?
The best yarn weight for a baby blanket is either lightweight (3), medium (4), or even super bulky (6). As for the type of yarn itself, opt for something soft and washable. Remember that the yarn will be for a baby blanket, so it shouldn’t irritate your baby’s skin but still washable for messes.
Acrylic, cotton, or blends of the two would be ideal yarns for baby blankets. Some also prefer polyester or even alpaca yarn.
Conclusion
Are you planning on making a baby blanket? If so, we hope this article on learning how much yarn for a baby blanket has taught you the tricks for estimating yardage or skeins. In general, you must know the size and pattern of the baby blanket to identify the type of yarn and stitches you’ll do.
You can also knit a swatch to find the dimensions and gauge of your project. Once you’ve had these two tips understood, use the estimates we mentioned for every yarn weight.