The ultimative guide for choosing yarn for soft, knitted baby blankets
Why Önling's merino wool, Önling No 2 and Önling No 4 are the perfect yarn choice for a baby blanket
Creating a baby blanket is one of the most meaningful projects a knitter or crocheter can undertake. The yarn you choose matters immensely – it must be incredibly soft against baby's sensitive skin, durable enough to withstand countless washes, and safe to use for the smallest and most precious members of our family. When you're looking for the perfect soft yarn for baby blankets, Önling's merino wool collection stands out with its high standard.
Why yarn choice matters for baby blankets
Baby skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, making it extremely sensitive to rough textures and harsh fibers.
The wrong yarn choice can lead to irritation, rashes, or discomfort for the little one.
Therefore, it's crucial to choose ultra-soft, natural fibers when creating baby blankets that should provide comfort and joy for many years to come.
Introduction to Önling's soft merino wool collection
At Önling, we are extremely particular when it comes to finding soft yarns – in fact, so much so that we've made it part of our core values. Two of our yarns in particular are specifically selected for knitting baby projects. We are deeply committed to choosing the best qualities, exclusively made from natural fibers, making us an obvious choice for caring knitters who want nothing but the best for their baby or grand child.
Önling No 2: the perfect baby yarn
Önling No 2 is a 100% pure merino wool yarn that represents everything you want from a yarn for knitting baby items:
- Ultra-soft texture: The merino wool fibers are specially processed to achieve a lovely soft feel. Air has been carded into the yarn during production, giving it a very special softness compared to other merino wool yarns.
- Perfect weight: Ideal for creating light but warm baby blankets on needles 3-3.5 mm / US 2.5 - 4
- Natural breathability: Merino wool naturally regulates temperature and keeps babies comfortable
- Hypoallergenic properties: Pure merino wool is naturally resistant to dust mites and bacteria
- Easy care: Machine washable (on wool program) and maintains its softness wash after wash
The fine weight of Önling No 2 makes it perfect for knitting in many colors and/or creating delicate lace patterns that add beautiful details to baby blankets without compromising comfort.
Önling No 4: cozy comfort for everyday use
Önling No 4 offers a slightly heavier weight while maintaining the same premium quality:
- 100% pure merino wool: No synthetic blends, only pure natural fibers
- Organically produced: The yarn is certified organic so you expose your baby to the least possible unwanted chemicals
- Soft and plump: The slightly thicker strand creates a cozy texture
- Durability: Withstands frequent washing and daily use
- Beautiful drape: Creates blankets with a beautiful structure that feel substantial yet remain flexible
The benefits of merino wool for baby blankets
Natural temperature regulation
Merino wool is nature's perfect thermostat. It keeps babies warm when it's cool and helps prevent overheating when temperatures rise. This natural temperature regulation is especially important for babies who cannot yet regulate their body temperature effectively.
Moisture
Unlike synthetic fibers, merino wool naturally wicks moisture away from the skin while still feeling dry to touch. This keeps babies comfortable and reduces the risk of skin irritation.
Naturally antimicrobial
Merino wool contains lanolin and has natural antimicrobial properties, making it naturally resistant to odours and bacteria and perfect for baby products.
Incredibly soft
Önling's merino wool fibers are much finer than traditional wool and measure less than 18.5 microns in diameter. This creates an incredibly soft yarn that won't irritate even the most sensitive baby skin.
Project ideas with Önling's merino wool yarn
Classic baby blanket with cables in Önling No 2
The fine weight of Önling No 2 is perfect for creating fine heirloom pieces. For example, we have designed Laura's baby blanket with a cozy cable pattern.
The blanket measures 70 x 100 cm and is knitted on needle 4 / US 6 – the result is a lovely, soft, and classic blanket that's perfect for wrapping your baby in.
The fine cable pattern is a nice detail that also highlights the yarn's beautiful drape.
Fine and colorful blanket in Önling No 2, 4, or 20
If you want a more colorful and fun baby blanket, you can knit Carl and Carla's baby blanket, which is a pretty 'unisex' baby blanket.
Depending on how you combine the colors, the decorative square pattern can have many different expressions and thus suit both/all genders.
This blanket is perfect for creating a soft and warm base for your growing baby when he/she is playing on the floor.
Get started with your baby blanket project
Choosing the right yarn for baby blankets is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your project. Önling No 2 and No 4 represent the perfect combination of softness, naturalness, and quality that makes them ideal for creating baby blankets that will be treasured for generations.
When planning your baby blanket project with Önling's yarn, consider what size you want to knit the blanket. A typical baby blanket requires 1200-1800 meters (1300 - 1750 yards) depending on size and knitting pattern. Also consider pattern choice and color choice – as a simple blanket in knit stitches often shows yarn quality better than complex patterns. Önling's gentle and Nordic color palette ensures your choice will be timelessly beautiful. Last but not least, it's wise to consider which yarn and colors are easiest to maintain and care for to keep the baby blanket beautiful and clean for a long time. Account for the yarn being able to withstand easy machine washing so busy parents don't have to deal with hand washing and soaking.
Yarn in 100% pure merino wool ensures that the baby blanket you create will be incredibly soft against baby's fine skin while providing the durability needed for frequent use and washing. Whether you choose the elegant and ultra-soft Önling No 2 or the cozy comfort of Önling No 4, you're investing in the highest quality yarn that will create beautiful, lasting memories.
Start your next baby blanket project with confidence that Önling's soft merino wool yarn will help you create something truly special for the little ones in your life.
Ready to start your baby blanket project? Explore Önling's complete collection of high-quality wool yarn and discover why knitters worldwide trust Önling for their most important projects.
