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One of the more frequently asked questions I get is ‘What yarns are suitable for knitting or crocheting for a baby?’. Well this question can be somewhat of an open ended one, with most of the yarns in the shop suitable in one form or another. But there are a number of things you can bear in mind when choosing a yarn to knit for the littlest member of the family.
These are: Care, how easy is the yarn to wash and look after. Texture, what does it feel like against the skin. Time of year, when will the baby be born? These are not all essential but are good ways of navigating a yarn shop brimming with beautiful tempting yarns. Below I have picked out a selection of the ones I recommend the most to people looking to knit for a baby and run them against this criteria. I have also recommended a project for each yarn. Baby clothes are quick to make and often economical with yarn. A fun way to experiment with different techniques on a smaller scale. So take a look and find some inspiration.
First up is Fyberspates Vivacious DK, the perfect yarn for children and babies. Coming in a range of gorgeous variegated 115g skeins. They are a pleasure to knit with and make the simplest of patterns look lovely. A 100% Superwash Merino yarn which is so soft and smooth.
- Care – Made from a superwash merino which has been treated to prevent it felting means it is machine washable at 30° on a wool cycle. Perfect for busy parents.
- Texture – Merino is one of the softest wool fibres out there. Its great worn next to the most delicate of skins. It insulates but is also breathable.
- Time of year – Garments and accessories knit in wool will be warmer and being a DK this is thicker than a few of the options below. Ideal for babies being born in autumn and winter.
Child Mix & Match Sweater by Knitting Expat Designs. This simple all over textured jumper would look great in the variegated colours of Fyberspates Vivacious DK. I love how purled bumps look knit in hand dyed yarn and a simple jumper is a wardrobe staple for the autumn.
Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply is the little sister of the DK. With the same fibre composition but a slightly springier twist. It comes in exactly the same range of hand dyed colours as well. A beautifully light yarn which looks great in garments and accessories. Holding the good stitch definition in lace pattern and textural stitches.
- Care – Exactly the same as the DK it is made from a superwash merino which has been treated to prevent it felting meaning it is machine washable at 30° on a wool cycle.
- Texture – Merino is one of the softest wool fibres out there. Its great worn next to the most delicate of skins. It insulates but is also breathable. There is a slightly springy twist to this yarn which would lend itself to lace work and textured stitches.
- Time of year – While being a wool the 4ply is light enough to be used for summer garments. Also it would be great for light summer shawls and blankets while also offering warmth when the evenings get cool.
Hosta blanket by Sidsel Sangild. This lovely crocheted blanket would look great in Vivacious 4ply. The yarn would hold definition well and give a real edge to this graphic contemporary design. I’m thinking the Sea Glass or Avocado colours would be perfect.
Another yarn we have over two weights is Coopknits Socks Yeah! First I’ll take a look at Coopknits Socks Yeah DK. This merino and nylon blend is just as soft as the Vivacious but it is strengthened with nylon. Hard wearing with a smooth twist. Sold in 50g skeins, which is perfect for little clothes and in a range of solid and slightly mottled colours. I like that the colour range is not primary, but interesting and complex, allowing you to move away from the common ‘baby colours’.
- Care – Easy to care for the Socks Yeah range is designed for socks. But its not only good for socks and can lend itself well to a whole host of projects. Machine washable on a wool cycle at 30°.
- Texture – Being merino it is one of the softest, but blended with nylon it has just that little bit more strength. This doesn’t reduce the feel of the yarn though but makes it great for garments that might take a little bit more wear. Perfect for when babies start to crawl.
- Time of year – Again the DK will be warmer than the 4ply so I would say it would make a great autumn/winter yarn.
Dot dot dot Beanie by Nomad Stitches. Hats are ideal for these small skeins with most of the smaller sizes only needing one. Whats cuter though than matching mum and baby hats! With a simple bobble stitch running through it.
The lighter Coopknits Socks Yeah 4ply is identical to the DK version but is thinner. This light 4ply is of course great for socks but I have knit all sorts with it. Being 50g skeins it is great to add a colour pop to projects or just as nice used on its own. I’ve knit cardigans for babies and me. The properties below are pretty much the same as above
- Care – Easy to care for the Socks Yeah range is designed for socks. But its not only good for socks and can lend itself well to a whole host of projects. Machine washable on a wool cycle at 30°.
- Texture – Being merino it is one of the softest, but blended with nylon it has just that little bit more strength. This doesn’t reduce the feel of the yarn though but makes it great for garments that might take a little bit more wear. Perfect for when babies start to crawl.
- Time of year – The 4ply is light but also warm, spring garments, summer shawls, autumn garments and winter layers would all be great.
Rocky by tincanknits. These are the most adorable little draw string baby trousers. Coopknits Socks Yeah 4ply would be idea. Giving them strength to hold up against those wriggling legs.
Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK is the yarn for speckle lovers. For a hand dyed yarn it is surprisingly hard wearing. A 100% superwash merino that is also gorgeously soft. Its fun knitting baby clothes in this wild yarn. This is probably the most extravagant yarn to suggest from this selection but you often don’t need much and create something that can be passed down from baby to baby.
- Care – This yarn can be machine washed on a gentle wool cycle. It is recommended to wash separately for the first wash and hand washing will preserve the vibrancy of the colours.
- Texture – An even twist and soft to the skin merino. This yarn is smooth and minimal which lets the colours shine.
- Time of year – This is the same base as the Vivacious DK which means they have the same properties and work great together. It will be warm and great for babies being born in autumn and winter.
Tortuga Romper by Lucía Ruiz de Aguirre. Knit in one piece this cute and easy to knit romper would look great in some crazy colours. I can imagine it with some fun contrasting buttons.
Now I shall move onto the plant fibres starting with BettaKnit Pima Cotton. Plant fibres are easy to care for, cool for summer knits and a firm favourite when making things for children and babies. These smoothly twisted 100g Pima Cotton balls are good value as well as soft to the touch.
- Care – Machine washable on low temperature and gentle cycle.
- Texture – This smooth yarn is made from pima cotton. Pima cotton is one of the softest cottons available. Meaning its perfect for wearing next to the skin and great for those with allergies to animal fibres.
- Time of year – Plant fibres are much cooler than animal fibres and this heavy weight cotton is great for summer babies. Because of it’s thickness it would also see you through to the cooler months.
Daphne Afghan by Toni Lipsey. This simple but interesting take on the granny square blanket is made for contrasting colours. I would love to see a selection of bright BettaKnit Pima Cotton combined together.
BettaKnit Soy Cotton is interesting blend from BettaKnit and combines soybean fibre and cotton. Wonderfully soft with an almost silky feel. It drapes well and the soybean fibre gives the yarn a sheen and takes the dye slightly differently than the cotton. Creating a colour with depth. Sold in 50g, sport weight balls its ideal for accessories and garments.
- Care – Machine washable on low temperature and gentle cycle.
- Texture – This yarn is not too dense and would drape beautifully. The charm is the combination of the fibres. Softness and a bit of a sheen.
- Time of year – The combination makes this yarn really breathable so ideal for hotter weather. Perfect for clothes worn against the skin.
midsummerdress by Imke von nathusius. This simple dress has some nice graphic details. The perfect summer layer and ideal knit in a plant fibre for the best cool combo.
Nurturing Fibres Eco-Cotton is a DK weight cotton hand dyed in South Africa by Nurturing Fibres who strive to conserve as much energy and waste during their production process. This sturdy 100% cotton is great for clothes and accessories, but is also much loved for making blankets.
- Care – It is recommended to hand wash to preserve the strength of colour.
- Texture – A sturdy but soft cotton with a defined springy twist. It would give great definition to lace and textural stitches. Soft enough to be worn next to the skin.
- Time of year – Perfect for summer weather but still heavy enough to be great as a layer in colder months.
Baby Vertebrae by Kelly van Niekerk. Knit seamlessly from the top down, this simple but practical babies cardigan allows for skin to skin hugs. Ideal knit in a soft cotton that is would be cooler.
Nurturing Fibres Eco-Bamboo has such a luxury feel. It’s cool and soft and with the most amazing glossy shine, you would think it was silk. But its 100% bamboo. Great worn next to the skin and has a lovely drape. This 4ply yarn is great for anything.
- Care – It is recommended to hand wash to preserve the strength of colour.
- Texture – A soft evenly plied yarn with an amazing glossy shine. Great against skin.
- Time of year – One of the coolest yarns for garments so idea for the height of summer.
Little Ripple Crop Top by Jessie Maed Designs. Ive just spotted that Jessie Maed has designed a little version of her Ripple Crop Top for children. How cute is that. The perfect top for some cool bamboo.
Nurturing Fibres Eco – Fusion combines a 50/50 blend of cotton and bamboo. Both these fibres take the dye slightly differently giving you a yarn that has a two tone appearance. Great for more shaped garments owing to the structural properties of the cotton and less drape than you would get from the 100% bamboo.
- Care – It is recommended to hand wash to preserve the strength of colour.
- Texture – Made by plying together bamboo and cotton which results in a glossy bamboo thread twisted together with a matte cotton. Soft to touch and ideal next to the skin
- Time of year – Equally as cool as the other plant fibres so great for summer.
Bits + Pieces by Veera Välimäki. This simple but modern babies bonnet would make a great layer for cooler spring days if knit in a pant fibre.
This is by no means all the possibilities for baby suitable yarns but it gives you a start in where to look. If you have a particular project in mind and are looking for yarns than match then we are offering a Virtual Personal Shopping Service where we can talk you through what would work best for you.
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