It’s common to want to crochet a baby blanket but wonder how many chains to make.
There are a number of variables that will determine the response, including yarn weight, stitch pattern, and crochet hook size. You should be well-prepared before beginning to crochet a beautiful blanket for your adorable newborn.
Many things can go wrong, potentially necessitating a fresh start down the road. By reading this guide, you can ensure that your blanket will be the perfect size for you.
How Many Chains For A Baby Blanket Should There Be?
It’s impossible to give a definite answer, but a blanket is used by wrapping it around another person’s body. The natural assumption is that it should be bigger than the target body.
It is easy to confuse a baby blanket with a lap blanket, and vice versa. Measuring the length of your chain is preferable to obsessing over its size. The number of blankets produced will vary depending on the chain length.
An infant’s “lovey blanket” measures 10 inches by 10 inches. In addition, a blanket measuring 30 by 35 inches is believed to be the right size for prams. First and foremost is a 45-by-45-inch blanket, which is the minimum size needed to swaddle a newborn safely.
The choice of stitching technique is another potential source of anxiety. It’s the quality of the design, not the quantity of links in the chain, that often makes all the difference. A cozy blanket is a thoughtful present for a pregnant woman.
Crochet Stitches
If you’re just starting off, you might find these suggestions for stitches and projects helpful.
Cross-over block stitch
If you already know how to make single and double crochet stitches, the cross-over block pattern will be a breeze for you. It is a well-known fact that the stitch is both easy and beautiful to do. Although your crochet pattern may not look very complicated, you clearly put in some time and effort into creating it.
Granite stitch
The granite stitch is a great option for adding texture to a solid-colored blanket. This stitch, often called the moss stitch or the seed stitch, is a step up from the basics. It is not difficult to make, despite its interesting appearance.
Star stitch
The star stitch was given the moniker because of the starburst pattern it created. You can use both sides of the finished blanket because to the subtle texture differences between the two sides.
Tulip stitch
Have you finally mastered the art of double crochet? The tulip stitch is perfect if you want a unique and interesting pattern. This stitch can accommodate a wide variety of yarns because to its zigzag pattern.
Materials Needed
Here are a few of the things you’ll want to have on hand for your crocheting exploits.
Yarn
The yarn spool is the lifeblood of your craft. Determining the blanket’s desired weight and fiber content will be helpful. Polyester, wool, cotton, and acrylic are some of the more often encountered fabrics.
Crochet hooks
You can also find a wide selection of crochet hooks. Options range from plastic to aluminum to ergonomic and handmade. If you’re not sure which hooks will work best for you, a beginner’s set is a good place to start.
Tapestry needle
A tapestry needle is another essential tool. The soft points of a sewing needle will reveal the difference. A tapestry needle is useful for weaving in loose ends of yarn when you’re done with your project.
Hook case
For the final touch, a hook case is discretionary. Having a designated cupboard to store your items is sufficient. But if portability is a priority, a container is a suitable choice.
Now that you have things in mind, you are prepared to crochet a baby blanket. Specifically, you can do the following:
How to crochet a baby blanket
The first thing you need to do is plan your blanket by choose the size, yarn, and hook you’ll be using.
Two, learn the fundamentals of stitching. Master the basics of single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) (dc)
Third, establish a base chain.
Crochet the first row and a turning chain (Step 4).
Repeat steps 4-5 until the desired length of the row is reached.
Sixth, crochet for as many rows as you need.
Finalize the blanket by adding a border or weaving in the ends.
Are they safe for babies?
Babies are safer when wrapped in a blanket than when left unwrapped. However, only newborns should be swaddled, as the familiarity with the womb environment has a calming effect on the baby. Swaddling, when done properly, can help put a fussy baby to sleep.
What is the best type of yarn to use?
Wool is the best material to use when practicing blanket-making. Despite unraveling, this material can still be used multiple times, making it ideal for projects where perfection isn’t required. Most novice knitters choose wool, however some people are allergic to it.
In contrast, if you’re a seasoned pro, cotton might be a manageable obstacle. Cotton’s lack of elasticity is the source of the problem. Cotton is preferable to wool in the summer since it is cooler and more comfortable to wear.
Types of Yarns
Yarn can be spun from natural or synthetic fibers, or it can be created from either plant or animal fibers. Many yarns are made from a single fiber, although blends are also possible; the label should indicate the percentages of the various fibers used.
Plant Fibers
Plant-based fiber yarns are typically more pliable, airy, and thermally insulating than synthetic yarns.
- Because of its comfort and accessibility, cotton has been a staple in many cultures.
- The flax plant is used to manufacture linen, which is then woven into a lightweight, breathable cloth.
- Hemp is a sustainable material that may be woven into a strong, crease-resistant fabric.
- In addition to being antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, bamboo is a naturally occurring plant fiber.
Animal Fibers
Fabrics made from animals are very desirable because of their authentic appearance and feel. Fabrics made from these materials are typically more expensive than those made from plants or synthetic materials.
- Dense and hypoallergenic, alpaca fleece is an excellent choice for cold climates.
- Angora is the silky, velvety fur of the Angora rabbit.
- The down from a bison is very fluffy and warm.
- Camel hair is a good insulator and is frequently combined with wool.
- Cashmere is obtained from goats and feels soft and luxurious.
- Cashmere is a luxury fabric made from the hair of goats.
- The qiviut we use comes from the undercoat of the muskox.
- Moth cocoon fibers, from which silk is produced, have a fine ply that is ideal for lacemaking.
- The wool of the Andean camelid known as the Vicua is prized for its thermal insulation properties.
- Wool is a popular material because it can be spun from the fleece of a sheep and because it is warm, breathable, and long-lasting.
- Yak wool can be a sustainable and comfortable substitute for cashmere.
Synthetic Fibers
Man-made or a hybrid of natural and synthetic components, synthetic fibers can be woven into a wide variety of fabrics. Fabrics like these are commonly made from waste materials from the petroleum industry.
- Polyester is derived from fossil fuels including coal. It’s usually combined with other natural fibers to increase breathability.
- Microfiber, typically made of polyester, is popular in athletic apparel.
- Nylon is a synthetic polymer developed to simulate the luxurious feel of real silk.
- Rayon is manufactured from wood pulp to simulate the look and feel of natural fibers. Lightweight items benefit greatly from this method.
- Yarn spun from acrylic fibers is a good all-arounder since it’s inexpensive and has desirable properties like stretch, durability, and machine washability.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Yarn
While it would be reasonable to think that any given yarn would work adequately for a given craft, a variety of factors determine which yarns are ideal for which tasks. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most crucial criteria to consider when shopping for yarn.
Purpose
You can knit, crochet, embroider, and weave with any kind of yarn, but some yarns work better for specific tasks than others. Most yarns have specific recommendations in the project instructions or pattern. When choosing yarn for a certain project, weight is the most important consideration.
Weight
The Craft Yarn Council of America has created a standard for yarn weights in the United States. These weights are determined by the number of wraps around one inch (WPI).
- O Lace: Also known as thread or light-fingering yarn, lace yarn has a thread count of 16 WPI and is the finest available.
- 1 Super Fine: Also known as fingering yarn, this ultra-fine yarn has a WPI of 15 and is perfect for delicate projects like socks and shawls.
- 2 Fine: This yarn, often called sport-weight, has a WPI of 12, making it suitable for use in garments for babies and lightweight sweaters.
- 3 Light: This yarn, often known as DK yarn, has an 11 WPI and is ideal for making lightweight garments like scarves and sweaters.
- 4 Medium: This 8 or 9 WPI yarn is the most common due of its versatility. It is also known as worsted or aran weight. Used for both outerwear and household items, such as knit blankets, in chilly climates.
- 5 Bulky: Also known as chunky yarn, this yarn has a WPI of 7 and is perfect for making warm blankets, rugs, and jumpers.
- This yarn, with a WPI of 5-6, is also known as extremely chunky or roving yarn. Use it for your heaviest coats, blankets, and carpets.
- The thickest rugs and blankets are made using 7 Jumbo yarn, which, at 0 to 4 WPI, is commonly employed in arm knitting.
Experience Level
Beginners are often best off starting with an affordable acrylic yarn for the first few projects to avoid costly mistakes with a more expensive material. Wool, being both tough and simple to unravel, is a great material for beginners. It’s recommended that beginners start with a medium-weight yarn, but bulky yarns also work well for beginners because they make it easy to see the stitches. Since darker colours obscure stitch definition, they can also make yarn more difficult to work with.
Amount
If you are just learning to knit or crochet, you should probably start with some inexpensive acrylic yarn for your first few projects rather than wasting money on a more expensive material. Wool is a fantastic material for beginners because it is sturdy and simple to unravel. For beginners to kitting, we recommend using a medium-weight yarn, though bulky yarns also work well because they allow you to see your stitches more easily. It’s also important to consider the color of the yarn you’re planning to use; darker tones obscure your progress on the needles.
The Best Yarn for Your DIY Projects
Lion Brand Yarn 761-158 24-7 Cotton Yarn
Because of its versatile worsted weight of medium, this yarn can be used for a wide range of projects. Each skein weighs 3.5 ounces and has 186 yards in length. This cloth can be washed in a washing machine without sacrificing its color or shine.
Patons Classic Wool Roving Yarn
Each skein is 120 yards long and weighs 3.5 ounces. Anything knit or crocheted with this yarn should be hand washed because of the wool fibers. This yarn works well with a crochet hook or knitting needles that are 6 mm in diameter.
Patons Kroy Socks Yarn
This yarn may be machine cleaned and tumble dried, unlike the majority of wool yarns. For the best results, use a crochet hook of 3.25 millimeters or knitting needles of 2.75 millimeters with this yarn. The skein has 166 yards of yarn and weighs 1.75 ounces.
Bernat Super Value Yarn
The skein is an excellent buy for the price, measuring 7 ounces and having 426 yards. This acrylic yarn is completely safe for use in the washing machine and dryer.
FAQs About Yarn
These commonly asked questions and their responses might help you select and use the appropriate yarn for your projects.
Q. How do I choose yarn for my project?
The optimum kind of yarn to use is usually suggested in the pattern. Medium-weight acrylic yarn is versatile enough to be used for a wide variety of projects, including garments and home furnishings.
Q. What is the best yarn for a blanket?
If you want to knit or crochet a blanket, I recommend using a bulky yarn. Blankets made from cotton or synthetic yarn will be lighter in weight, but won’t keep you as warm as one made from wool.
Q. Which type of yarn is the warmest?
Merino, cashmere, angora, alpaca, qiviut, and yak fibers can all be found in wool blends.
Q. Which yarn is not itchy?
Stay away from wool yarns and pick up some acrylic instead.
Conclusion
The number of chains you think a baby blanket needs is irrelevant. You now know that factors like as chain length, pattern, and yarn choice are more significant. This lesson will help you make lovely needleworks for your little angel.
