The Best Yarn for Blankets

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The last thing you want is to spend hours crocheting a blanket only to find out you used the wrong yarn. But how can you figure out the best yarn for blankets? It goes beyond just considering the weight and color. The ideal blanket yarn should have the perfect drape, be sturdy, soft, and last a long time.

I discovered most of these factors through trial and error, often choosing yarn just because it looked pretty. To save you from the guesswork, this article will share the best yarn for blankets that I’ve found over the years. I’ll also provide helpful tips to assist you in selecting the right yarn for the blanket you want to create this season.

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 19, 2024 BY BRITTANY
This post may contain affiliate links.

This guide is here to help you answer all your questions about picking the best yarn for your blanket, whether you’re knitting or crocheting. With so many options available, ranging from natural fibers to acrylics, each with its own special qualities, it’s important to find the right features for your blanket. Before you dive into making your blanket, let’s explore the top yarn choices for the job.

Before we start, a quick note: This post isn’t sponsored by any yarn company or brand. These recommendations come straight from my experience and are what I’d suggest to a friend or family member.

I also keep this page updated regularly, so you can trust that you’re getting the most current information!

Here’s a quick overview of the topics we will cover in this article:

How to Choose the Best Yarn for Blankets

When I start thinking about making a blanket, I find it helpful to answer a few simple questions to guide my choice of yarn. By addressing these basic questions, you can easily navigate through the list of recommended yarns for blankets that I’ve prepared for you on this page.

1. Who Are You Making It For?

Consider allergies, sensitivities, and preferences. If the person has a wool allergy, go for acrylic, cotton, or a blend. For sensitive skin, choose an ultra-soft yarn. I’ve categorized my suggested yarns, making it easier for you to choose based on the recipient’s needs.

2. How Durable Is the Yarn?

Blankets face more everyday wear, so durability is crucial. Our recommendations strike a balance between durability and softness, ensuring they’re tough enough for a blanket yet soft for snuggling.

3. How Easy Is It To Care For?

When picking the best yarn, consider washing preferences. Many yarns today are machine-washable, and some can go in the dryer. Check the yarn label to make sure it suits your care preferences.

4. How Much Does It Cost?

Most throw-sized blankets require 2,000 yards or more of yarn. So, when choosing the best yarn for blankets, consider the cost per skein. The total cost depends on yarn weight, pattern, and required quantity. If you have a specific pattern in mind, you can calculate the cost:

To calculate how much it will cost to make a blanket:

  1. Divide the total yards needed by the yards in one skein.
  2. Round up to the nearest whole number, giving you the skeins required.
  3. Multiply the skeins by the cost of each skein.

This way, you can estimate if the yarn cost aligns with your budget for the blanket project. These practical tips ensure you not only create a cozy blanket but also manage your crafting expenses wisely.


So what makes any yarn the best for a blanket?

It’s usually a combination of all three of these things: Durable, easy to wash or care for, resistant to pilling (fuzzing over time), and has some elasticity to it.

Considering all these factors will guide you in finding the perfect yarn for your blanket. In the lists below, I’ve categorized the best yarns for blankets and provided some tips on why each yarn could be an excellent choice for your project.

Best Acrylic Yarn for Blankets


1. Red Heart With Love Yarn

When it comes to making medium-weight blankets, Red Heart With Love Yarn stands out for some pretty good reasons. First, it’s super tough, ensuring your blanket stays neat even with everyday use. Plus, it’s machine-washable, making cleaning a breeze.

Blanket made using With Love (white), and Super Saver Ombre.

This yarn earns its spot on the list because it’s not only durable but also soft and offers great value. With a range of colors to choose from, it’s a versatile option that has stood the test of time (no worries about it being discontinued). Priced at around $7 per skein, you get more yarn for your money compared to others on our list. So, it’s a budget-friendly choice for crafting a cozy blanket.

2. Lion Brand Heartland Yarn

Lion Brand Heartland Yarn (White Sands, Olympic, Badlands) Buy on Amazon

If you’re looking for the softest option among the worsted-weight yarns on our list, Lion Brand Heartland is a top contender. What sets it apart is its delightful heathering, adding a touch of color variation that enhances your blanket’s definition and texture.

While it shares a similar price point with With Love, it’s essential to note that it doesn’t include the same yardage. Each skein contains around 250 yards, so you might need several to complete your blanket project. Despite this, the luxurious softness and the beautiful heathering make Lion Brand Heartland a worthy choice for those who prioritize comfort and visual appeal in their blankets.

3. Lion Brand Pound of Love Yarn

Last year, during our annual crochet challenge for Warm Up America, I discovered the amazing qualities of Pound of Love yarn for making blankets. It quickly became one of my favorite go-to yarns for its exceptional quality and value. Not only is it soft and easy to work with, but it also stands up well to everyday use, making it perfect for crafting cozy blankets.

Lion Brand Pound of Love Yarn (Terracotta) Buy on Amazon

What makes Pound of Love yarn especially convenient is its generous yardage. With over 1,000 yards in one skein, you won’t need to purchase a bunch of them to complete your blanket project. This feature not only makes the crafting process more efficient but also keeps the overall cost budget-friendly.

Lion Brand always keeps their color options with this yarn up-to-date and stylish, ensuring you can create a blanket that not only feels great but looks trendy too. Pound of Love yarn is truly a versatile and practical choice for anyone wanting to make a beautiful, durable, and budget-friendly blanket.

4. Bernat Blanket Yarn

If you’re after speed and coziness, Bernat Blanket Yarn is your go-to choice. It’s the only super bulky weight yarn on our acrylic list, meaning it works up really fast. I’ve personally crafted some of my family’s favorite blankets using this soft, fleece-like bulky yarn, and they’ve held up well over many years.

The quick workability of Bernat Blanket Yarn makes it an ideal option for those looking to finish a blanket project in no time. The soft and plush feel of the yarn adds an extra layer of comfort to your creations, ensuring your loved ones stay warm and cozy.

However, it’s essential to note that Bernat Blanket Yarn is the priciest on our list, priced at around $12 per skein. Each skein contains about 220 yards, so for a full-sized blanket, you may need to purchase several skeins. While it’s an investment, I usually plan projects with this yarn during sales or with the help of craft store coupons, as spending over $100 on a blanket may not always be practical. It’s a splurge, but the luxurious results are often worth it.

Best Yarn for Baby Blankets


1. Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn

When it comes to making cozy baby blankets, Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn is a top pick that has truly stood the test of time. With a history of reliability, this yarn offers a timeless quality that’s perfect for crafting precious blankets for little ones.

One of the great features of this yarn is its array of pastel colors, giving you a charming palette to choose from for your baby projects. Priced at $6 per skein, each containing around 250 yards, it’s an affordable option, especially considering that baby blankets require much less yarn than their full-sized counterparts.

2. Bernat Baby Sport Yarn

If you’re looking for a lightweight yarn for your baby blanket, Bernat Baby Sport Yarn is a fantastic choice. It brings a lot to the table when it comes to creating a perfect baby blanket.

Lightweight yarns, like this one, pair exceptionally well with textured stitches, providing a lovely and flowing drape to your finished project. This means your baby blanket will not only be soft but also have a delightful, cozy feel.

The color selection offered by Bernat Baby Sport Yarn includes all the basics you might desire for your baby projects, allowing you to add a touch of personalization. What’s even better is that each skein has 893 yards. This generous yardage means you won’t have to buy too many skeins to complete a beautiful baby blanket.

3. Lion Brand Mandala Baby Yarn

For a burst of colors and effortless stripes in your baby blanket, Lion Brand Mandala Baby Yarn is a go-to choice. This yarn has a stunning array of colors, and with its long, sweeping color transitions, it feels like the yarn itself is doing most of the creative work for you.

Creating stripes has never been easier – the yarn’s unique color patterns naturally unfold as you work, adding a touch of magic to your project. Priced at around $9 per skein, you’re getting nearly 600 yards of this pretty yarn, making it a valuable and cost-effective option for your baby blanket.

As one of the few lightweight yarns (DK weight) on our list, Lion Brand Mandala Baby Yarn brings an exquisite lightweight drape to the finished product. This means your baby blanket will not only be visually captivating but also delicately soft and comfortable feel to it.

4. Lion Brand Baby Soft Yarn

For a reliable and time-tested option for your baby blankets, look no further than Lion Brand Baby Soft Yarn. With years of proven quality, this yarn stands as a dependable choice for your precious baby projects.

Featuring a range of pastel colors and prints, Lion Brand Baby Soft Yarn offers you a palette of options to add a touch of sweetness to your creations. Whether you prefer soothing pastels or playful prints, this yarn has you covered.

Priced at around $7 per skein, you’ll receive just over 450 yards of this delightful yarn. While not the highest yardage on this list, it’s a reasonable amount, especially considering that baby blankets don’t require as much yarn as larger projects. But the peace of mind knowing that Lion Brand Baby Soft Yarn brings together reliability, versatility, and affordability, makes it an excellent choice for your baby blankets.

5. Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn

If you liked the Bernat Blanket Yarn mentioned earlier, you’ll find the Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn quite familiar—it’s almost the same yarn with a notable difference in color options. This version offers a delightful array of pastels and prints, perfect for creating charming baby blankets.

Priced at $12 for a 220-yard skein, it’s important to note that Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn is one of the more expensive options on this list. However, with how quickly you can finish a blanket with this yarn means it can be worth the investment.

While it may be a splurge compared to other options, the Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn ensures your baby blanket will be not only cuddly but also aesthetically pleasing. So, if you’re looking to create a truly special and visually captivating baby blanket, this yarn is a top contender.

Best Blended Fiber Yarn for Blankets


1. Lion Brand Wool Ease and Wool Ease Thick & Quick Yarn

If you’re in the market for wool/acrylic blends, Lion Brand Wool Ease and Wool Ease Thick and Quick are top contenders. While it’s true they may not be the softest yarns on this list, they make up for it with durability, affordability, and easy availability. These blends are an excellent choice if you’re seeking a robust and budget-friendly wool blend yarn.

Wool Ease falls into the medium-weight category, offering versatility for various blanket projects. On the other hand, Thick & Quick is a super bulky weight yarn, perfect for those who want their blankets to work up quickly.

Whether you’re aiming for durability or a speedy project, these Lion Brand blends provide a reliable choice for wool enthusiasts. They prove that you don’t always need the softest yarn to create a long-lasting and affordable blanket.

2. Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Yarn

While Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Yarn hasn’t been around as long as Wool Ease, it brings its own charm to this list of options. This yarn stands out by being a blend of acrylic and alpaca, offering a unique touch compared to traditional wool blends. However, it’s worth noting that this option is a bit pricier, coming in at around $7 for just over 200 yards.

Considering the cost, I often keep an eye out for sales or use coupons when planning larger projects with this yarn. The extra investment, though, comes with a special benefit – the beautiful texture. As you work with this yarn, you’ll notice a gentle halo, adding a touch of elegance to your project.

The Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Yarn proves that sometimes, a slightly higher price tag can be worthwhile for the unique qualities it brings to your blankets. If you’re after a distinctive texture and are willing to invest a bit more, this yarn is a splendid choice for creating blankets with a touch of luxury.

3. Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn

If you’re on the lookout for the softest cotton yarn around, Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn deserves your attention – in fact, it’s the softest yarn on this entire list. What sets it apart is not just its softness but also its gentle touch on your fingers. Unlike some other cotton yarns that might leave your fingers sore or dry as you work with it, this one really is a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The secret to its heavenly feel lies in its blend of polyester and cotton. This combination not only contributes to its softness but also gives the fabric a light and airy quality. Priced at $8 per cake, you’ll receive just under 400 yards of this luxurious yarn, making it not only a delight for your fingers but also a great value for your projects.

When exploring color options, you’ll find that most of them are prints, offering a range of visually appealing choices. Additionally, there’s one solid cream option for those who prefer a classic look. Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn is the perfect choice for creating blankets that feel incredibly soft.

Chic Sheep Yarn

Meet Chic Sheep Yarn – the soft and budget-friendly wool on this list. It’s a superwash merino wool yarn that not only makes crafting a joy but is also a dream to work with, adding a lustrous appearance and exceptional stitch definition to your blankets.

With a vibrant color palette, ranging from bold shades to subtle and muted tones, Chic Sheep has the perfect hue for your blankets. Whether you’re craving a burst of color for your blanket or a calming neutral, you’re covered.

Chic Sheep yarn comes with an extra perk too. Its easy care instructions mean your blankets can be tossed in the laundry without any issues. So, not only is it easy on your hands and your wallet (for a wool yarn), but it’s also a hassle-free choice for creating beautiful and cozy blankets.

It’s pretty clear that almost every yarn on this list is from Lion Brand. No bias here, but I genuinely believe Lion Brand does natural fiber yarns better than anyone else (plus, they have a ton more options).

Best Yarn for Blankets Pros and Cons

If you’re still not sure which yarn is best for blanket, I totally get it. It’s a big decision because you’ll invest a lot of time into making this blanket.

Generally speaking, if the person I’m planning to make a blanket for has no allergies or preferences, I consider these pros and cons when deciding which is the best yarn for blankets…

YARNFeels high quality; with beautiful coloringCONS
Acrylic YarnDurable and affordableNot always the softest option
Animal Fiber YarnHeavy, doesn’t stretch, and can be hard on the hands.Can be really expensive
Cotton YarnGenerally less expensiveHeavy, doesn’t stretch and can be hard on the hands.

These lists certainly aren’t exhaustive. I know there are other yarns out there that would make a great blanket. However, when recommending yarn to my friends and family, I want to recommend something that I’ve used before, that’s easy to find, affordable, comes in a variety of colors, and has practical care instructions. These yarns fit into all of these categories.

It’s also important for me to stress that this post was not sponsored by any yarn brand or company. These recommendations are based purely on my own experience and, most importantly, what I recommend to a friend when they ask for my professional opinion.

I am, however, an affiliate of Amazon, which means at no additional cost to you, I’ll earn a small commission on qualifying purchases should you choose to purchase any of the yarns on this page through my affiliate links.

Planning to make a scarf this season too?

Here is my list of the best yarns for scarves this season!

Frequently Asked Questions About Yarn for Blankets

Which yarn is best for a blanket?

There are many great yarns for blankets. Some of my favorites are Lion Brand Heartland, Chic Sheep, Wool Ease Thick & Quick, and Bernat Blanket yarn. You want to use a yarn that’s durable, affordable, and soft.

What weight of yarn do I need for a scarf?

I find that the best weight of yarn for a blanket is either medium-weight or bulky weight. These two options when paired with the right stitch pattern produce a blanket with a nice drape, but also speed up the time it takes to finish it.

Is one skein of yarn enough for a blanket?

The amount of yarn you need for a blanket depends on what weight of yarn you plan to use, and what size you want the blanket to be. For most medium-weight or bulky-weight yarns, you’ll need 2,000-3,000 yards to finish your blanket. Most yarns don’t offer skeins this big, so you’ll need more than one skein for a blanket. Check the yardage included in the skein you want to use to decide how many skeins you need.

*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links. Please note that prices and availability of products are subject to change. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the content on this site. I only recommend products that I have personally used and genuinely believe in. Thank you for your support!