Have you ever wanted to knit a cute little jacket for a newborn baby, but are unsure about what types of yarns are suitable for baby knitting?
There are several things to consider when knitting for a baby, infant or small child, whether it's for your own children or as a baby shower gift. In this post, I will first write about what to consider when choosing both yarn and knitting pattern when knitting for babies and toddlers. Then, I will provide some suggestions for what types of yarns can be used for baby projects.
Itchy yarn. Small children often have very sensitive skin and can react with rashes and itching. It is especially important to be aware of this with the youngest of us, as they have difficulty expressing discomfort.
Yarn that can be washed at higher temperatures. As a knitter, you may be excellent at taking care of homemade knitwear and you know how to treat these herilooms. However, the person you are knitting for may not be aware of the consequences, or the garment may accidentally end up in a hot wash (it happens to the best of us). Therefore, it can be smart to consider the temperature at which the garment can be washed (and let's be honest, yellow baby poop makes one of the trickiest spots i know!). Therefore, it may be useful to look for yarn types that can withstand a wash in 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Farenheit).
Avoid excessive thread weaving. As mentioned in point 1, babies have very sensitive skin, and when weaving in ends in a knitting project, it is difficult to do it seamlessly, so it may be wise to try to have as few yarn changes as possible. This means that this may not be the time for using up leftover yarn scraps.
Here is a list of yarn that can work well for babies, newborn and toddlers:
Rauma Babygarn - The yarn is made of 100% superwash merino wool, does not itch and can be washed at 40 degrees Celsius /104 degrees Farenheit.
Lanett Babyull by Sandnes Garn - The yarn is made of 100% superwash merino wool, does not itch and can be washed at 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees farenheit.
Bambino by Viking Garn - The yarn is 50/50 cotton and bamboo blend and can be washed at 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees farenheit. Bamboo works well for those who do not tolerate wool as well.
Safran by Drops - Is made out of 100% cotton and can be washed at 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees farenheit. Cotton is suitable for little ones when the weather is a bit warmer.
Dale Babyull - Is made out of 100% merino wool and can be washed at 40 degrees Celsius /104 degrees farenheit.
This was just a small selection of different yarns that can be used for babies, newborns and toddlers. Usually, superwash wool will be a good option for little ones, regardless of whether it is called "baby wool/baby yarn" or not.
And finally - remember that children often have more sensitive skin than adults, and what doesn't bother you may not necessarily be itch-free for a child.
Feel free to leave a comment about which yarn you have used for a baby.
Comments