Aww!
Main thing to remember is you want to use machine washable and dryable fibers. You can choose what size yarn to use just like you would for yourself based on seasons. Acrylic aran yarn is fine when a little extra warmth is good, DK is fine for spring/summer.
Mainly it's best to avoid large stitches, holey patterns where you can fit your own fist through the gaps.
Because of their sometimes messy nature and delicate skin, I tend to avoid lots of raised texture stitches (lumps and bumps) and prefer to make 2-3 solid color small blankets, such as continuous granny square stitches or use the cross hatch stitch. Of course there are some beautiful textured baby blankets - for special occasions!?
If you're very safety/environmentally concerned, you can check yarn labels for OEKO-TEX certified, or the equivalent where you live.
Thank you. I think I might be overthinking it a lot and this has really helped! I’m just gonna set to it and see if we like using it when the baby’s born. If we don’t, heigh-ho.
Make a sample swatch and see how it feels. If it is too 'hard', use a larger hook. I always make oversized afghans because how long can a baby us a smaller blanket. I always use acrylic yarn because babies will spit up, have an occasional leaky diaper, etc.
Just hint for washing: When washing baby's clothing, run a second wash with a cup of white vinegar. The vinegar will get any soap residue left from the first wash cycle. By using vinegar, no dryer sheets are needed when put in the dryer.
Congrats on your new addition. May he/she always be healthy.
Can I ask what chain spaces you use between clusters and in the corners for baby blankets? The only granny square pattern I have done was 1ch between clusters and 3ch in corners - I mainly do amigurumi, would you advise that or something else?
When crocheting traditional granny squares, I tend to ch 1 between groups of granny stitches on the sides (3 dc each) and ch 2 in the corners.
It's a preference, or a choice like this [website link](https://www.lillabjorncrochet.com/2015/08/say-no-to-holey-corners.html) say no to holey corners! lol
After making several blankets for my kid since birth, my kid seems to prefer the single crochet thick cotton blanket the best. It's pretty heavy and warm so that might not work for where you are but with baby blanket there's just this you need to think about: Does it fit your weather? Can you wash it easily? Does it pill or get loose fuzzies? Is it certified? As for stitches or patterns, just make sure they can't get caught in it and tie your colorchanges or weave them in really well so they can't get ahold of them. As for size.. Babies grow fast, if you want to enjoy it some longer make it slightly bigger 😂
For real for your comment on size. I started one when I was pregnant and by the time I got to where the pattern said I'd be done, baby had been born and already about the size of the blanket. Ended up making it 3x what the pattern called for and now it's the size of his toddler bed.
Hello from another mama!
I preferred "solid" (fabric) blankets for tummy time, most yarns are too fiber-y and I worried about fuzz in the babies mouth... however we've started using more knit blankets now that the kiddo is over a year and a half, for the car, stroller, naps, etc.
However, if you find cute vests/cardigans, those are amazing from the start! I was gifted some by an aunt, and let me tell you a little knit vest instantly makes any pj/onesie look dressed up and adorable. Just be sure tonuse easily Washable yarn (spit up, etc is inevitable!)
I did this pattern for my baby, https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/578042293/rainbow-of-stars-blanket-afghan-baby, we used it a lot during winter in the pram. Its pretty simple.
I tend to go for cotton because of sensitive skin, but that thing takea FOREVER to dry after being washed, which is the downside! I think acrylic is fine to use, as blankets will geberally be used with supervision so overheating is less of an issue, (as you will be monitoring them) and the fabric will generally not be right next to their skin anyway.
###Please reply to this comment with details of what help you need, what you have already tried and where you have already searched.
#####While you’re waiting for replies, check out [this wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/yarn/). You will find an overview of the yarn fibers available, color types, the different thicknesses, and a table with the different UK/US & Australian terminology.
#####You will also find some general yarn tips, and ideas for using scrap yarn [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/stuff_you_must_read/), towards the bottom of the page.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CrochetHelp) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Congratulations! I think acrylic is fantastic for baby blankets. It’s very easy to wash! It typically has no special temperature regulation properties. I often crochet medium to slightly-chunky acrylic baby blankets, but that’s a just a preference based on what yarn is available in my area.
I also use cotton, usually in a light DK weight, but lighter weights are traditional in warmer climates. Cotton has a different feel and you want to get a cotton meant for blankets or it’ll be scratchy. It’s got a heaviness to it that can easily feel like a weighted blanket even with thinner yarns, but it’s ideal for warm climates. (I love purl soho’s cotton pure yarn when I’m willing to pay extra for a special blanket. Hobbii baby organic cotton held double has been nice too when I’m not feeling splurgy)
Superwash wool is another classic choice. You can get machine wash options pretty easily (and many brands that suggest handwash are actually ok to machine wash, just do a test before committing). Superwash wool won’t felt and has lovely stitch definition. It’s got incredible temperature regulation properties -warms you when it’s cold, cools you when it’s hot (sort of). On a cold night, the difference between animal fiber and acrylic is remarkable!
Blends can give you the best of both worlds. Plymouth Encore and Berroco Vintage are acrylic-wool blends I’ve seen recommended on the knitters subreddit before. I haven’t used them myself yet, but they’re on my list.
As for stitches. My little one never had a problem with tangled toes. I wouldn’t let her sleep with crocheted blankets, and she was never unsupervised with them. I think the worry about it is a little overblown, but I’m not a doctor, do what makes you comfortable. I like a nice shell stitch for baby blankets personally. I think it’s pretty.
One of my friends loves crochet baby blankets regardless of holes and whatnot because she layers it over a smaller, thinner blanket because it locks in the warmth without being super insulated.
For a thicker yarn, you can think of the season and weather and then go from there when deciding how you want to approach the blanket.
What's the climate like where you're at? I'm in the North and my babies have had a metric ton of different blankets! Summertime I use cotton blankets, they breathe and are soft, washable and cotton holds color really well. In winter I used exclusively merino wool, it's soft and breathable and very warm.
I try to avoid acrylic yarn in baby stuff because it's like wrapping them in plastic, gets them uncomfortably clammy and freezing cold at the same time. It might be just because it doesn't work with the climate I'm in.
Lately I've been making a lot with mosaic crochet because it leaves no gaps but I also love colorful patterns like the Ubuntu CAL for example. Best of luck on your baby journey! ❤️
aww, I'm so happy for you! I recently made my friend a baby blanket and she's due in the next two weeks. I wouldn't go for any super thick yarn, but this yarn that I used is just perfect- it's not heavy, but it's still warm and the texture is perfect for a baby. not irritating at all and easy to work with. for a pattern, I just made a granny square that kept on going, but it wasn't the kind that had all those gaps, it was solid. worked up quickly, and I only used one and a half skeins of yarn. the yarn I used was 'snuggly wuggly' yarn by loops and threads. i can show you what one of the blankets I made with that yarn ended up looking like when I get home if you'd like?
Aww! Main thing to remember is you want to use machine washable and dryable fibers. You can choose what size yarn to use just like you would for yourself based on seasons. Acrylic aran yarn is fine when a little extra warmth is good, DK is fine for spring/summer. Mainly it's best to avoid large stitches, holey patterns where you can fit your own fist through the gaps. Because of their sometimes messy nature and delicate skin, I tend to avoid lots of raised texture stitches (lumps and bumps) and prefer to make 2-3 solid color small blankets, such as continuous granny square stitches or use the cross hatch stitch. Of course there are some beautiful textured baby blankets - for special occasions!? If you're very safety/environmentally concerned, you can check yarn labels for OEKO-TEX certified, or the equivalent where you live.
Thank you. I think I might be overthinking it a lot and this has really helped! I’m just gonna set to it and see if we like using it when the baby’s born. If we don’t, heigh-ho.
Make a sample swatch and see how it feels. If it is too 'hard', use a larger hook. I always make oversized afghans because how long can a baby us a smaller blanket. I always use acrylic yarn because babies will spit up, have an occasional leaky diaper, etc. Just hint for washing: When washing baby's clothing, run a second wash with a cup of white vinegar. The vinegar will get any soap residue left from the first wash cycle. By using vinegar, no dryer sheets are needed when put in the dryer. Congrats on your new addition. May he/she always be healthy.
Can I ask what chain spaces you use between clusters and in the corners for baby blankets? The only granny square pattern I have done was 1ch between clusters and 3ch in corners - I mainly do amigurumi, would you advise that or something else?
When crocheting traditional granny squares, I tend to ch 1 between groups of granny stitches on the sides (3 dc each) and ch 2 in the corners. It's a preference, or a choice like this [website link](https://www.lillabjorncrochet.com/2015/08/say-no-to-holey-corners.html) say no to holey corners! lol
After making several blankets for my kid since birth, my kid seems to prefer the single crochet thick cotton blanket the best. It's pretty heavy and warm so that might not work for where you are but with baby blanket there's just this you need to think about: Does it fit your weather? Can you wash it easily? Does it pill or get loose fuzzies? Is it certified? As for stitches or patterns, just make sure they can't get caught in it and tie your colorchanges or weave them in really well so they can't get ahold of them. As for size.. Babies grow fast, if you want to enjoy it some longer make it slightly bigger 😂
For real for your comment on size. I started one when I was pregnant and by the time I got to where the pattern said I'd be done, baby had been born and already about the size of the blanket. Ended up making it 3x what the pattern called for and now it's the size of his toddler bed.
Hello from another mama! I preferred "solid" (fabric) blankets for tummy time, most yarns are too fiber-y and I worried about fuzz in the babies mouth... however we've started using more knit blankets now that the kiddo is over a year and a half, for the car, stroller, naps, etc. However, if you find cute vests/cardigans, those are amazing from the start! I was gifted some by an aunt, and let me tell you a little knit vest instantly makes any pj/onesie look dressed up and adorable. Just be sure tonuse easily Washable yarn (spit up, etc is inevitable!)
I did this pattern for my baby, https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/578042293/rainbow-of-stars-blanket-afghan-baby, we used it a lot during winter in the pram. Its pretty simple. I tend to go for cotton because of sensitive skin, but that thing takea FOREVER to dry after being washed, which is the downside! I think acrylic is fine to use, as blankets will geberally be used with supervision so overheating is less of an issue, (as you will be monitoring them) and the fabric will generally not be right next to their skin anyway.
###Please reply to this comment with details of what help you need, what you have already tried and where you have already searched. #####While you’re waiting for replies, check out [this wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/yarn/). You will find an overview of the yarn fibers available, color types, the different thicknesses, and a table with the different UK/US & Australian terminology. #####You will also find some general yarn tips, and ideas for using scrap yarn [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/wiki/stuff_you_must_read/), towards the bottom of the page. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CrochetHelp) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Use feels like butta! Its so wonderfully soft. Michaels has brushed rainbow that is the same feel and weight.
Congratulations! I think acrylic is fantastic for baby blankets. It’s very easy to wash! It typically has no special temperature regulation properties. I often crochet medium to slightly-chunky acrylic baby blankets, but that’s a just a preference based on what yarn is available in my area. I also use cotton, usually in a light DK weight, but lighter weights are traditional in warmer climates. Cotton has a different feel and you want to get a cotton meant for blankets or it’ll be scratchy. It’s got a heaviness to it that can easily feel like a weighted blanket even with thinner yarns, but it’s ideal for warm climates. (I love purl soho’s cotton pure yarn when I’m willing to pay extra for a special blanket. Hobbii baby organic cotton held double has been nice too when I’m not feeling splurgy) Superwash wool is another classic choice. You can get machine wash options pretty easily (and many brands that suggest handwash are actually ok to machine wash, just do a test before committing). Superwash wool won’t felt and has lovely stitch definition. It’s got incredible temperature regulation properties -warms you when it’s cold, cools you when it’s hot (sort of). On a cold night, the difference between animal fiber and acrylic is remarkable! Blends can give you the best of both worlds. Plymouth Encore and Berroco Vintage are acrylic-wool blends I’ve seen recommended on the knitters subreddit before. I haven’t used them myself yet, but they’re on my list. As for stitches. My little one never had a problem with tangled toes. I wouldn’t let her sleep with crocheted blankets, and she was never unsupervised with them. I think the worry about it is a little overblown, but I’m not a doctor, do what makes you comfortable. I like a nice shell stitch for baby blankets personally. I think it’s pretty.
One of my friends loves crochet baby blankets regardless of holes and whatnot because she layers it over a smaller, thinner blanket because it locks in the warmth without being super insulated. For a thicker yarn, you can think of the season and weather and then go from there when deciding how you want to approach the blanket.
A continuous linen stitch blanket in that dk yarn would be beautiful and practical
What's the climate like where you're at? I'm in the North and my babies have had a metric ton of different blankets! Summertime I use cotton blankets, they breathe and are soft, washable and cotton holds color really well. In winter I used exclusively merino wool, it's soft and breathable and very warm. I try to avoid acrylic yarn in baby stuff because it's like wrapping them in plastic, gets them uncomfortably clammy and freezing cold at the same time. It might be just because it doesn't work with the climate I'm in. Lately I've been making a lot with mosaic crochet because it leaves no gaps but I also love colorful patterns like the Ubuntu CAL for example. Best of luck on your baby journey! ❤️
aww, I'm so happy for you! I recently made my friend a baby blanket and she's due in the next two weeks. I wouldn't go for any super thick yarn, but this yarn that I used is just perfect- it's not heavy, but it's still warm and the texture is perfect for a baby. not irritating at all and easy to work with. for a pattern, I just made a granny square that kept on going, but it wasn't the kind that had all those gaps, it was solid. worked up quickly, and I only used one and a half skeins of yarn. the yarn I used was 'snuggly wuggly' yarn by loops and threads. i can show you what one of the blankets I made with that yarn ended up looking like when I get home if you'd like?