Depending upon the size you are making, a typical baby blanket takes between 700 to 1500 yards of yarn (assuming a worsted weight blanket), so a typical 3.5 oz skein that has 220 yards will take 3-7 skeins to crochet a baby blanket. Some larger skeins will take less.
may have about how to craft a perfect crochet baby blanket. At the end, I’ll share with you my favorite FREE easy crochet baby blanket patterns for blankets that I have designed.
My goal is to share helpful information that will help you to create a beautiful heirloom-quality blanket that you will be proud to gift or to keep for your own little one (or grandkiddo!).
Let’s dive in. But, before we get to the knitty gritty of your baby blanket questions, let’s answer a very pressing question first.
Are crochet blankets safe for babies?
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns not to put anything soft in a babies crib, so like any other blanket, a crochet baby blanket needs to be used with parental supervision. Treat a crochet blanket the same you would any other blanket with a baby.
Using a crochet baby blanket for a car seat, stroller, or swing (or whenever a caregiver is present) is perfectly fine. I would caution against using one in a crib with a small baby, especially if the baby is left alone to sleep.
Once the child gets a little older you might find that a crocheted baby blanket is perfect because it has small gaps in the yarn for breathability but still provides warmth and comfort.
So, would I personally use a crochet blanket for my baby? Yes, when I am there!
Now that we have the safety issue addressed, let’s move on!
What do I need to crochet a baby blanket?
Baby blankets are easy to crochet and all you need are the basics: yarn, hook and a quality crochet pattern (that doesn’t mean you have to pay for it!). Be sure to check the pattern for any other supplies that may be needed, such as a yarn needle or stitch markers.
We will discuss yarn farther down, but let’s take a minute to talk about hooks – a necessary item when crocheting baby blankets.
I get a lot of questions about the hook size in my blanket patterns. I often use a hook 2-3 sizes larger than the ball band calls for. I find this gives the fabric a lot more drape, which is definitely desirable for a blanket. Using a hook that is too small will make the blanket stiff and the yarn won’t be as soft as it could be.
So always check the written instructions for a blanket and use the hook size the designer has written in the pattern, not what the yarn itself calls for (if you want it to turn out like the blanket in the pattern!).
What type of yarn is best for a baby blanket?
Choose yarns that are easy to care for, soft against a baby’s skin and will hold up to wear and tear. You want a yarn that will keep its shape once it’s been washed (babies are messy!), doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and feels great to the touch.
I am not going to recommend specific yarns, just the types of yarns that will do well. If you want a few specifics, this article discusses the best yarns for blankets. There are typically two camps: acrylic/polyester lovers and cotton lovers.
Acrylic & Polyester: These yarns are great when it comes to easy care. Most are machine washable, hold up well (although some may pill so be careful!) and a lot of them have a good feel, although some may be scratchy, so be sure to test them out.
You can see from the free patterns below that I do use these types of yarns for some of my blankets. What I would caution you about, though, is that if you plan on machine washing it you make a swatch and run it through a wash and dry cycle. This will let you know how it will look after washing.
We were gifted a beautiful crochet blanket for our last child (we have 4 boys!) and the first time we washed it the yarn shrank up and it looked nothing like the original blanket, nor did it have the same feel. So please test it out if you are giving it so this doesn’t happen. Your recipient will thank you!
Cotton Yarns: I do love cotton yarn. Most of them are cool and crisp and would be a good choice if you are worried about a baby overheating. They are also easy to care for and are durable. Again, I would make a swatch and wash it, just to be sure.
How many skeins of yarn do you need for a baby blanket?
Depending upon the size you are making, a typical baby blanket takes between 700 to 1500 yards of yarn (assuming a worsted weight blanket), so a typical 3.5 oz skein that has 220 yards will take 3-7 skeins to crochet a baby blanket. Some larger skeins will take less.
What size should a baby blanket be?
Common crocheted baby blanket sizes are:
Receiving Blanket: 18-36″ square
Swaddle Blanket: 48″ x 48″ or 40″ x 40″
Stroller/Car Seat Blanket: 30-40″ rectangular (can be various sizes)
Crib Blanket: 40″ x 60″
What is the best crochet stitch for a baby blanket?
There are many wonderful crochet stitches that make great baby blankets. Some of my favorites are:
1. The basic sc, hdc or dc
2. Duchess Lace Stitch (see below!)
3. Sedge Stitch (also see below!)
4. Waffle Stitch
5. C2C (corner to corner)
6. Basket Weave Stitch
7. Chevron Stitch
This is our own innovative fabric and one of a kind on the market. Our swaddles made with IntelliThread™ technology are a safe and comfortable choice for newborns. The fabric is made with a smart textile that absorbs heat, stores it, and then releases it back to your baby. This helps to maintain an ideal temperature and avoid overheating, which can be a contributing factor in SIDS.
What Is The Standard Size For A Crochet Baby lanket?
42″ x 52″
The standard baby blanket size is 42″ x 52″ (107 x 132 cm). The term “baby blanket” also sometimes refers to a general category of baby-themed blankets.
Here are the baby clothes made with Ideal Temp fabric:
● Swaddle Ideal Temp (available in three colors)
Pros of using Ideal Temp fabric:
● Reduce risks of heating spikes
● Keeps the baby comfortable (which means less frequent waking!)
● Embedded fibers so they won’t wash out or fade
● Soft and gentle on skin
Cotton
When it comes to fabrics for baby clothes and blankets, cotton is always an excellent choice. In fact, it is one of the most popular options on the market and has been used for generations. One primary reason for this is how soft cotton is.
Studies show that babies have skin up to five times thinner than adults, which makes them much more sensitive to rubbing against rough fabrics. This can cause rash and irritation which parents want to avoid if possible! Since cotton is a natural fiber and not man-made, it is soft and gentle on an infant’s delicate skin.
Here are our products made with cotton:
● Wearable Blanket (available in a variety of colors)
● Swaddle (available in a variety of colors)
● BassiNest fitted sheet (available in four colors)
● Easy Transition Sleep Sack (available in three colors)
Pros of using cotton:
● Breathable which reduces risk of overheating
● Suitable for all seasons
● Durable and easy to wash
● Moisture absorbent allows for proper perspiration
● Widely available in different styles
Organic Cotton
For parents wanting to go the extra mile in regards to making sure their baby’s skin is protected, organic cotton is one of the best fabrics for baby clothes and blankets as well.
Cotton is a popular fabric–not just for babies. It actually accounts for more than half of all the fiber needs across the globe. To keep up with the high demand, cotton farmers must sometimes use additional chemicals which can cause skin irritation. That is why organic cotton is an excellent choice as it guarantees a higher quality fabric and protection!
Here are our products made with organic cotton:
● Swaddle (available in three colors)
● Wearable Blanket (available in three colors)
● 2 piece gift box containing swaddle and wearable blanket (available in three different color sets)
Pros of using organic cotton:
● Handpicked to preserve purity of fibers
● No chemicals used during the farming or picking process
● Environmentally friendly
Micro-Fleece
This extra fabric is made of synthetic fibres. Because of this, microfleece isn’t the best option directly on skin or used as a swaddling blanket. However, it is a great choice for an outer layer especially in colder climates as it is known for its heat retaining properties.
Here are our products made with micro-fleece:
● Swaddle (available in a variety of colors)
● Wearable Blanket (available in a variety of colors)
● SleepSack® Early Walker (available in five colors)
● SleepSack® Big Kids (available in four colors)
Pros of using micro-fleece:
● Long life-span
● Perfect for kids of any age
● Repels moisture
● Warm
Plushy dot velboa
Plushy dot velboa is a medium weight and soft fabric for baby clothes and blankets. It’s made with 100% cotton which means it provides all the benefits of cotton (gentle on skin, breathable, etc.), but it has an extra layer for warmth!
Here are our products made with plushy dot velboa:
● Swaddle (available in three colors)
● Wearable Blanket (available in three colors)
Pros of using plushy dot velboa:
● Soft and gentle on skin
● Does not shrink in wash
● Durable
● Perfect for colder climates
Lightweight Knit
The word “knit” refers to how the fabric is made. In this case, it is a textile made from interlocking yarn together (or knitting). It can be made with a variety of fibers such as bamboo or cotton. A lightweight knit is an excellent choice for baby clothes and blankets because it isn’t too heavy. It allows for sleep that is both comfortable and safe!
Here are our products made with lightweight knit:
● SleepSack® Early Walker (available in three colors)
● SleepSack® Big Kids (available in two colors)
Pros of using lightweight knit:
● Light and breathable
● Wrinkle resistant
● Durability
● Soft
Every child is unique, and so are the different fabric options for them! Pay attention to your baby’s special needs–skin sensitivity, activity level, size, room temperature–to help you make the right choice of fabrics for your baby clothes and blankets!
One of the most important things to consider when choosing fabric for babies and children’s wear is the adaptability and usability of the material. There are many kid-orientated designs on the market in a range of different fibers. Unfortunately, not all the fabrics aimed at youngsters are suitable for clothing.
A lot of the fabrics will have a warning in the selvage saying, “Not suitable for sleepwear”, or “keep away from heat sources”. This means the material has not been tested to ensure it’s safe to use for apparel.
Keeping away from heat sources can be especially worrying as this could indicate the fabric is not flame retardant. It could be dangerous to make clothing for children with it as it may melt or burn if they get too close to a fire. You don’t want to make clothes out of this kind of fabric, even if it has cute little dinosaurs printed on it.
Another thing to think about is the flexibility of the fabric. Babies, in particular, spend a lot of time sleeping. They tend to move around as they sleep. So much so, they may end up facing the opposite direction! If their clothes are too rigid, this movement can cause the fabric to bunch up underneath them. Or worse, tighten around their bodies, causing discomfort and sores.
When it comes to babies and children, clothing needs to tick several boxes. It needs to be soft enough to be comfortable next to sensitive skin. Yet strong enough to withstand the toughest activities a child can do while wearing it.
What Properties Do Baby and Children’s Wear Need?
Finding a fabric that can do all the things kids wear needs can be a challenge. Let’s take a look at some of the properties to bear in mind when looking for suitable material.
Natural vs. Artificial
It used to be said only natural fibers should be used for baby and children’s wear. Artificial fibers with their plastic origins had long been dismissed as suitable materials for children. The fibers were sweaty, suffocating, and too cold for a child’s delicate skin. These days, this isn’t necessarily true.
Natural and artificial fibers each have their good and bad points. Neither is bad for baby clothes. Today’s artificial fabrics have improved since they were first introduced. So much so, it can be tricky to tell an artificial fabric from a natural one, particularly if the fabric is a blend of both.
With modern technology and improved production processes, even polyester-based materials can be both comfortable and beneficial for the youngsters in our lives as long as they are used in the right situations.
Minky and fleece, for instance, are both made from polyester. Yet they are as popular as wool when it comes to soft and warm fabrics for children. Even more so in some cases as wool is known to be scratchy. Especially if it has been washed a few times.
There are still some areas where natural fibers are better for children and babies. If your child has sensitive skin, the breathability and moisture-absorbing properties of natural fibers are hard to beat.
Durability
When it comes to kids clothes wear, the fabric used has to be tough. Babies, in particular, can go through four outfits per day. Whether it’s through leaks, spills, or little accidents, no sooner have you changed one garment, the next one is ready to go in the washer.
Not only that, but once babies realize they can crawl, shuffle and roll, any fabric between their tiny bodies and the floor will take a beating.
Even clothing for older kids gets put under a lot of strain. Jumping, running, falling over, the life of kid’s clothing is no picnic. Children play hard; their clothing needs to keep up!
Whatever material baby and children’s clothing is made from must be able to withstand regular washing and the tough rigors of rough-and-tumble play.
Comfort
While durability is an absolute must, another important factor is comfort. Babies and children are like little dynamos when it comes to expanding energy. With never-ending power reserves, they are on the go constantly.
Children are expert wigglers. Any rigid material is going to rub on their skin, causing them pain. Fabric for children’s wear needs to allow for free movement.
The best material for babies and children is smooth, soft, and flexible. It needs to keep its softness no matter what the child or the cleaning process puts it through.
Sensitive Skin
Young skin tends to be delicate. Easily aggravated by harsh chemicals, children and babies need their clothing to be hypoallergenic—especially newborn babies.
Babies are incredibly susceptible to infections and need comfortable, soft clothing that doesn’t rub and cause sores. The best fabrics for sensitive skin are made from organic or natural fibers.
As both babies and children can suffer from skin conditions like eczema, natural fabrics can reduce the possibility of irritation. Cotton is one of the top materials for children as it’s breathable, absorbs moisture, and helps prevent clothing-related discomfort.
Breathability
One thing babies are unable to do is to regulate their own temperature. Overheating is thought to be one of the causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death.
This is why temperature control is one of the most important properties for kids’ clothes. As they can’t do it themselves, their clothing and bedding have to do it for them. Even blankets used for swaddling need to have breathability.
Polyester-based fabrics, such as fleece, should be avoided for the very young. The synthetic fibers do not breathe. They trap hot air next to a baby’s skin and can cause the child to get too warm.
When it comes to babies and toddlers, the fabrics used for clothing and bedding should be made from natural fibers. The breathable qualities inherent within plant-based materials are essential to a baby’s well-being.
Natural fabrics like cotton allow airflow between clothing and skin and absorb moisture. Leaving the baby feeling cool and fresh.
Waterproof
Babies and children don’t like being wet. Modern diapers are designed to make sure they stay dry by combining soft, moisture-absorbing qualities of cotton with an outside layer of waterproof synthetic. With moisture and other body fluids trapped in the cotton filling, clothing worn on top of the diaper remains dry.
This is where synthetic fibers come into their own. Their waterproof qualities can keep a baby comfortable. Getting wet can cause a dip in temperature, rubbing, and sores. As long as there is a breathable layer between the skin and the synthetic fabric, it’s an ideal combination for ensuring a baby’s skin stays dry.
Synthetics can be used as an outer layer in jackets. They are protecting babies and children from the harshest weather conditions.
Fast Drying
Children and babies go through several clothing changes in a day. Whether it’s because of food spills, potty-training accidents, or general play, their clothes seem to live in the laundry basket.
One way to get around this is to have a child’s wardrobe the same size as your home. It may feel like that sometimes, but there is a more economical way to ensure your child has fresh clothing. Ensure the fabric is fast-drying. Or at the very least, able to be tumble-dried.
The quickest drying fabrics tend to be synthetic-based. However, man-made materials like polyester aren’t always a good choice for baby clothes.
Cotton and bamboo are ideal. Both are made from natural fibers and can be put in a dryer. Of the two, bamboo is the quickest to dry.
Ease Of Care
Fabrics used for kids’ wear needs to be easy to care for. Even clothing for a newborn can be changed three or four times a day. With that much washing, the fibers need to be resilient and robust enough to survive multiple dunks in a washing machine.
The last thing you need for children’s wear is any fabric or garment that has to be dry-cleaned. Silks or fabrics requiring a delicate hand are not recommended. They simply can’t withstand the constant play, wiggling, crawling, and washing the clothing needs to go through.
Again, the best fabrics for children and babies are durable, easy to clean, and quick to dry. Clothing needs to be in the washing machine, dried, and back on the child in next to no time. Natural fibers have the durability to withstand frequent trips to the laundry room and still bounce back for more.
Can You Use Organic Fabric for Baby Clothes?
Natural fibers are the best choice for baby clothes. Not only do they breathe and absorb moisture, but they are also soft and hard-wearing. Making them strong enough to withstand the rigors all children’s clothing goes through.
When natural fabrics are made from organic fibers, this ensures the material is the best quality possible. Being organic means there are fewer harmful chemicals present in either the fabric or the plant matter used to produce it—good news for a baby’s delicate skin.
Organic fabric is the perfect fabric for baby clothes as it contains all the necessary elements their clothing needs. Two materials to consider when looking for organic clothing are cotton and hemp.
Best Fabric for Baby and Children’s Clothes
We’ve looked at synthetic and natural fibers to find out which is better for children and babies. Now let’s take a closer look at the fabrics to see which ones make the best baby and children’s wear.
Cotton
From lightweight gingham to hard-wearing denim, cotton is a material suitable for all seasons. Natural and versatile, this fabric can keep babies and children dry and comfortable. Its hypoallergenic properties can also soothe and protect the most sensitive of skin.
Famous for moisture absorption and breathability, cotton is a hard fabric to beat when it comes to clothing for a child. It has been used for generations and has become the most popular choice for kid-proof garments. Soft yet long-lasting, a 100% cotton material can keep up with even the most active child.
Bamboo
With similar properties to cotton fabric, bamboo is hypoallergenic and mold resistant. Soft, comfortable, and strong, bamboo also has thermal regulation properties. While it sounds like a good fabric for baby clothes, there is a downside.
The production process follows the same pattern as rayon. Bamboo fabric is made from the wood pulp of the plant to form a viscose solution. It takes chemicals to turn the wood pulp into a substance soft enough to make fabric. Those chemicals could irritate delicate young skin, so it’s best avoided if your little one is sensitive or suffers from eczema.
Hemp
Although not thought of as a kid-friendly fabric, hemp is both durable and sustainable. It has a reputation for being scratchy, when in fact, it’s soft. Like 100% cotton fabric, hemp will get softer with every wash.
Hemp is a natural fiber with moisture-wicking and breathable qualities. It is also great for regulating temperatures, which is an ideal property for baby clothes. Naturally resistant to pests, hemp is anti-bacterial, which is another plus for kid’s clothing.
Due to its low popularity, it may be difficult to find baby and children’s wear made from hemp. Especially for a budget-friendly price. However, you may find a cotton-hemp blend that will give you the best parts of both fabrics.
Jersey Knit
This is the stretchy fabric baby vests, baby-grows, or sleepsuits are made from. Usually cotton-based, the fabric can also be made from polycotton or polyester. Pay attention to the fiber content to make sure you get the right one for your environment. A poly jersey is no good in hot climates.
Ideal for wiggle-room, this fabric not only allows the baby or child to move freely, but it can also expand to give even more space. When it’s made from cotton, the material is great for temperature control and breathability.
Linen
This fabric has several qualities perfect for taking care of delicate young skin. From the sun protecting properties of flax-based linen to the lightweight breathability of handkerchief linen. All versions are beneficial to both babies and children.
However, it is a fabric known to crease easily. Combining linen with the energetic movement of kids could be a recipe for disaster. Or at least a lengthy session at an ironing board.
Fleece
Perfect fabric for layering, fleece is the go-to winter-warmer. Easier to care for than wool, fleece is a polyester-based material known for its softness and heat retaining properties. Resistant to stains, machine washable, and quick to dry, it ticks many boxes when it comes to kid’s wear.
However, the fabric is polyester. Ideal for outerwear in dry, cold climates, fleece isn’t any good next to the skin or as a swaddling blanket. It doesn’t breathe and could lead to babies overheating.
Cashmere
Not the first fabric that springs to mind when thinking about clothes for kids, cashmere is a good choice for blankets. It’s incredibly soft wool with hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial qualities.
While OK to use for bedding or throws, everyday wear for kids might be a bad idea. Cashmere is a delicate fabric that needs careful laundering.
Cashmere is one of the softest and finest wool available and can be an expensive choice. The pure luxury and comfort it can give to kids may be worth the extra cost.