More than 25 Worsted Weight Yarns for Blanket Knitting
One of the hardest decisions when starting a blanket knitting project is picking the best yarn to suit your project needs from the thousands of yarns available on the market.
Over the last couple of months, I have spent a lot of time adding to my knowledge of the broad category of worsted weight yarns. I specifically looked at yarns that would work well with my blanket knitting patterns for worsted yarns.
In this post you will find:
Yarn Weight Classifications
#4 Weight Yarn - There’s a lot of variation under this ‘big umbrella’!
Things to consider when selecting a yarn for a blanket knitting project.
Curated list of more than 25 worsted weight yarns for blanket knitting (sorted by fiber content) with descriptions, photos and links to shopping resources.
A friendly reminder to do some test knitting with your yarn and check your gauge.
For bulky yarn suggestions… see this blog post.
For super bulky yarn suggestions… see this blog post.
Pin the image below to save it on your Pinterest knitting board! Click here to see my Pinterest page.
YARN WEIGHT CLASSIFICATIONS:
Before purchasing a yarn, the first thing to confirm is:
What weight of yarn is required for the knitting pattern you have selected? In this question, “weight” refers to the thickness of the yarn. (For clarification, this is not referring to the “weight” of a ball or skein of yarn in ounces or grams.) The knitting pattern should provide a recommended yarn weight. The Craft Yarn Council has established a classification of yarn weights and labeling symbols that includes:
#3 Weight: “Light” - DK or Light Worsted
#4 Weight: “Medium” - Worsted or Aran Yarn
#5 Weight: “Bulky” or Chunky Yarn
#6 Weight: “Super Bulky” or Super Chunky Yarn
The #4 yarn symbol on the yarn label indicates “medium” or “worsted” weight yarn. Yarn shown above is Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling acrylic yarn in the ‘Silver Heather’ colorway (left) and ‘Mustard’ (right). Read more about this yarn below under ‘Acrylic’ or shop the full selection of colorways on the Lion Brand website.
#4 WEIGHT YARN - A LOT OF VARIATION UNDER THIS BIG UMBRELLA!
The #4 weight category might be the most confusing yarn category! Many yarns are labeled #4 weight. But, there is noticeable difference in the thickness (and the resulting gauge) within this category.
Under the “big umbrella” of #4 weight yarns you will find these general terms that attempt to represent the progression in weight (or thickness) of yarns. From the lightest to heaviest thickness of yarn:
Light Worsted
Worsted
Heavy Worsted
Aran
Even though “light worsted” is technically categorized as #3 weight there are many examples where yarn companies label and market their lighter weight yarns as #4 weight yarn. It’s definitely very confusing!
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING YARN FOR A BLANKET KNITTING PROJECT:
If you are branching out and using a yarn that is different than specified in the pattern instructions there are a lot of things to consider to get a good “match”. Some topics to take into consideration:
Who will use the blanket? Baby, child, teen, college student, adult or older adult.
Is the blanket likely to be actively used or enjoyed for decoration? If it will be actively used… probably an easy care, machine washable yarn is the best choice. If you are using a yarn that requires hand washing be sure to share the care instructions with the recipient of the blanket.
What is the budget for the project? The list below includes economically priced craft store yarns, as well as many moderately priced yarns and several higher priced luxury yarns. Of course, the size of the blanket will also impact the total cost of the knitting project.
What type of fiber is preferred? Does the pattern include any specific recommendations? Does the user (or knitter!) of the finished blanket prefer natural materials? Any sensitivities to wool or other fibers? Consider the climate where the user of the blanket lives. Perhaps 100% wool isn’t the ideal choice for a warm climate. However, some superwash wools can be a nice choice for many climates.
What yarn color do you prefer? And, what color will work best with the pattern? It is fun, and sometimes challenging, to find the perfect colorway that suits your taste and the knitting project. Perhaps you are looking for the perfect shade of a favorite color.
Keep a couple things in mind… review the care instructions, price and fiber content and then evaluate:
Will the project look best with a light, medium or dark colored yarn?
Will the project look best with a solid color, tweed, multi-colored or variegated yarn?
In general, I find that a detailed stitch pattern will look best with a solid color yarn. For example, the purl stiches in the center of my Dance on the Breeze blanket (below) would not show up well with a multi-color yarn. With a solid color yarn the many purl stitches are visible and create interesting texture.
Dance on the Breeze blanket made with Blue Sky Fibers Sweater in the ‘Splash’ colorway. Read more about this yarn below under “Cotton”.
A dark colorway can sometimes hide a stitch pattern… or enhance it! For example, the stitch pattern in my Look for Happiness blanket (below) is still bold and easily visible in a rich, darker colorway. This yarn is Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton in the ‘Mediterranean’ colorway. Read more about this yarn below under “Cotton”.
Click here to learn more about my Look for Happiness blanket knitting pattern.
25+ WORSTED WEIGHT YARNS FOR KNITTING A BLANKET
Since there are thousands of yarns classified as #4 weight worsted available on the market… it’s a big challenge to narrow the list! This list includes more than 25 worsted weight yarns in a variety of fiber contents and price points that are options for blanket knitting.
I have used many of the worsted weight yarns on this list for my 15+ blanket knitting pattern designs for worsted weight yarn. Additionally, I recently purchased many yarns to try for the first time… and the yarn was only included on this list if I was pleased with the results.
There are a few yarns on this list that I have not used. Those were included because yarn shop owners recommend the yarn, Ravelry knitters have shared a lot of blanket projects using the yarn, the yarn is well rated on Ravelry, and/or my customers have used the yarn and were pleased with the results.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR YARN:
After the yarn description are links to resources for shopping for each yarn including:
Specific Local Yarn Shops: See links to one of my favorite local yarn shops that stocks the specific yarn. Check their websites for availability, in-person shopping or shipping details.
Local Yarn Shops: Look for a yarn shop near you using the links to yarn retailer directories. Call ahead to see if the yarn shop carries the specific yarn!
Online Retailers: In case you don’t have a yarn shop near you or prefer to shop online there are links to several online options.
Note that some links are affiliate links which do not add any cost to you. Use of these links is appreciated, helps support the free content on this website, and keeps the site otherwise free of ads.
SIX CATEGORIES BASED ON FIBER CONTENT:
The suggested yarns are presented in categories based on fiber content:
Cotton (including blend with other fibers)
100% Acrylic (or other manufactured fibers)
Wool & Acrylic (or other manufactured fibers)
100% Superwash Wool
100% Wool (not superwash)
Other Natural Fibers (various blends of alpaca, silk, linen, wool, etc.)
The order within each category is random.
COTTON (INCLUDING BLEND WITH OTHER FIBERS)
There is quite a bit of variety within the cotton category depending on the blend with other fibers, the processing of the cotton and the construction of the yarn.
Blue Sky Fibers Sweater (55% Superwash Wool / 45% Certified Organic Cotton) - Formerly known as Spud & Chloe Sweater. My first project with this yarn was my Making Plans blanket inspired by Trish… the owner of Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri. This yarn quickly became one of my favorite yarns for blanket knitting projects! It has excellent stitch definition that blocks beautifully. There’s a reason why I have turned to this yarn again and again for blanket designs… it’s simply lovely. Fabulous selection of both vibrant and neutral colorways. Machine washable on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts
Making Plans blanket knit with Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn in the ‘Firefly’ colorway. Click here to learn more about the pattern!
Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Worsted (100% Certified Organic Cotton) - A ‘heavy worsted’ yarn that is incredibly soft with outstanding stitch definition. Luxurious and substantial texture. Available in a gorgeous selection of colorways. I loved using it for my On the Porch blanket and Look for Happiness blanket knitting designs. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: The Loopy Ewe in Fort Collins, Colorado | Jimmy Beans Wool | The Woolery | Local Yarn Shops | WEBS Yarn Store
On the Porch blanket made with Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Worsted in the ‘Drift’ colorway. This yarn is simply gorgeous! Outstanding stitch definition and lovely, soft texture. Click here to learn more about this blanket pattern.
Cascade Nifty Cotton (100% Cotton) – An attractive cotton yarn available in more than 50 colorways. Each skein contains 185 yards. Ravelry knitters rate it 4.6 out of 5 stars. Machine washable and dryable. Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool | The Woolery (online shop based in Kentucky) | Local Yarn Shops
Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme ((100% Cotton) - The staff at The Studio Knitting & Needlepoint tell me their customers turn to this yarn again and again for baby blanket knitting. I knit a little sample on US 7 needles. It’s soft with nice drape. It would work perfectly with my Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern. The collection includes 45 color choices. Machine washable and dryable. Shop: The Studio Knitting & Needlepoint in Overland Park, Kansas | Local Yarn Shops
On the shelf at The Studio Knitting & Needlepoint! These are just a few of the many spring and summer inspired colorways available in Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme.
Knit Picks Shine Worsted (60% Pima Cotton / 40% Modal) - This pleasantly soft and silky yarn comes in the cutest little 75 yard skeins. The yarn has just a bit of sheen that gives a polished look. Lovely selection of more than 30 colorways. I did some test knitting with the stitch pattern from my Quality Time blanket pattern and US 6 knitting needles. (Photo below.) Great stitch definition. A full project with Knit Picks Shine Worsted is on my “short list”! This yarn would work nicely with my Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern as well as many of my other blanket knitting patterns for worsted weight yarn. Machine washable and tumble dry low. Shop: Exclusively from KnitPicks.com
I’m really impressed with how Knit Picks Shine Worsted knits up. The stitch definition is fantastic! Colorways shown are: Reef, Sky, Green Apple and Peapod. This sample was knit with US 6 knitting needles and the stitch pattern featured in my Quality Time blanket knitting pattern.
100% ACRYLIC (OR OTHER MANUFACTURED FIBERS)
Acrylic is a man-made fiber that offers many positives for knitters including economical pricing, many shopping options, and very easy care. Additionally, it’s an alternative for those who are sensitive to wool or prefer a non-animal sourced fiber. Some acrylic yarns can be scratchy, rough or sticky. I tested all but one of these yarns. The yarns included here have an appealing texture and attractive results.
Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling (100% Acrylic) - This is not your grandmother’s 1970’s acrylic yarn! It’s very soft to the touch… not scratchy or ‘sticky’. I recently started a new project with this yarn and I’m really impressed with the stitch definition and the pleasant feel of the knitting. Click here to see a very pretty Take a Sunrise blanket project shared on Ravelry. Available in more than 30 attractive solid colorways. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.3 out of 5 stars. Machine washable and dryable. Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon
Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling yarn in ‘Turquoise Heather’, ‘Silver Heather’ and ‘Mustard’. Great stitch definition! Shop the full selection of colorways on the Lion Brand website. The ‘Turquoise Heather’ knitting sample is the stitch design from my On the Porch blanket. The ‘Silver Heather’ sample is the stitch pattern from my free Meadow Lane Blanket knitting pattern.
Lion Brand Heartland (100% Acrylic) - Very soft with nice stitch definition. Pretty heathered and tweedy colorways named for American landmarks including U.S. National Parks. This affordably priced Aran / heavy worsted yarn would work nicely with my On the Porch blanket knitting pattern or my Northern Trail blanket pattern (this yarn looks great in seed stitch!). Or, it’s a perfect option for my free Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern. Machine wash gentle cycle. Shop: LionBrand.com | LoveCrafts.com
Lion Brand Heartland acrylic yarn in ‘Grand Canyon’ (taupe and grey blend) and ‘Congaree’ (dusty soft teal). Shop the full selection of colorways on the Lion Brand website.
Knit Picks Brava Worsted (100% Acrylic) - I did some test knitting with this yarn on US 8 knitting needles and found that it has a nice texture with very good stitch definition. I recently received a lovely email from Emily in the U.K. who has made at least four blankets using Knit Picks Brava during the last year. See her gorgeous Summer Sidewalk blanket project below in the ‘Fairytale’ colorway. Affordable, easy care yarn that is available in more than 45 pretty colorways. Machine wash and dry. Shop: Exclusively from KnitPicks.com
Recently, Emily in the U.K. emailed this photo of her Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting project that she knit with Knit Picks Brava in the ‘Fairytale’ colorway. Simply gorgeous! (Photo shared with permission.)
Berroco Comfort (50% Nylon / 50% Acrylic) – This yarn made the list due to several attractive customer projects including an On the Porch blanket made by Terri (photo below), a pretty pink Summer Sidewalk blanket project shared on Ravelry, and several Ravelry project photos of a Looking Forward blanket that show off the nice stitch definition of this yarn. More than 60 colorways. Moderately priced, easy care yarn. Machine wash on gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. Shop: Spud in Ann Arbor, Michigan | Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store
Terri made this beautiful On the Porch blanket for her six year old grandson using Berroco Comfort in the ‘Driftwood Heather’ colorway. See more about her project on Ravelry. For more details about the On the Porch blanket knitting pattern click here. (Photo shared with permission.)
WOOL & ACRYLIC BLEND (OR OTHER MANUFACTURED FIBERS)
These yarns offer the easy care of acrylic combined with the warmth of wool.
Berroco Vintage (52% Acrylic / 40% Wool / 8% Nylon) – I have used this classic style yarn for several small knitting projects, as well as my first temperature blanket knitting project. Soft, pleasing texture with great stitch definition. Available in more than 90 attractive colorways. Ravelry knitters have shared more than 3,000 hand knit blanket projects using this yarn. And, they give the yarn a 4.4 out of 5 star rating. Machine washable. Shop: Spun in Ann Arbor, Michigan | Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store
I used 14 colorways of Berroco Vintage worsted yarn to knit my first temperature blanket. Click here to get all the details on how I knit a temperature blanket in three panels… documenting the daily high temperatures for 2022.
Plymouth Encore Worsted (75% Acrylic 25% Wool) - I have seen a lot of customers use Plymouth Encore for their blanket projects. More than 4,800 hand knit blanket projects have been shared on Ravelry. A sweet little Summer Sidewalk baby blanket shared on Ravelry shows off the yarn nicely. Machine washable. Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store | Local Yarn Shops
100% SUPERWASH WOOL
Superwash wool yarns have been treated to allow the yarn to be machine washable. Superwash wool yarns will not shrink when agitated like un-treated wool. The convenience of easy care, machine washable yarn is certainly a plus for high use blankets… including baby blankets.
Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Merino Wool) – More than 117,000 projects have been shared by knitters on Ravelry… making it one of the top 10 most popular yarns. A ‘light worsted’ yarn that is labeled #3 weight / #4 weight on the Cascade website … just to keep things interesting! I used this yarn with US 7 knitting needles for my Prairie Fields blanket. The collection includes a remarkable 160+ colorways. Note: For a heavier weight… check out Cascade 220 Superwash Aran. Machine washable and dryable. Shop: The Loopy Ewe in Fort Collins, Colorado | Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts
Prairie Fields blanket knit with Cascade 220 Superwash in the ‘Lake Chelan Heather’ colorway. Click here for knitting pattern details.
Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage (100% Superwash Merino Wool) - This yarn is dyed by hand in Texas from wool ethically sourced in Peru. The collection includes 150 colorways with names such as ‘Farmhouse White’, ‘Button Jar Blue’ and ‘Lost in the Trees. Pair a nearly solid color with any of my knitting patterns for worsted yarn. The multi-colored yarns will look fabulous with the Quality Time blanket and scarf pattern, Room with a View scarf and The Days to Come blanket knitting pattern. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Ravelry. Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, air dry flat. Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool
Berroco Ultra Wool (100% Superwash Wool) - One of my knitter friends made the cute baby blanket below using the ‘Frost’ colorway and my Making Plans blanket knitting pattern. More than 80 colorway options. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Ravelry. For best results, place into a mesh wash bag, machine wash in cold water on delicate cycle. Tumble dry low. Shop: Spun in Ann Arbor, Michigan | Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops
This lovely baby blanket was made by a Ravelry knitter using Berroco Ultra Wool in the ‘Frost’ colorway using my Making Plans blanket knitting pattern. Click here to get more details about the pattern.
Malabrigo Rios (100% Superwash Merino) - A really lovely hand-dyed yarn that is available in a wide range of interesting colorways. Pair a gently variegated colorway with a simple knitting pattern such as my Summer Sidewalk blanket or Window Seat blanket. Or, use any of the variegated colorways with my free Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern. Machine washable, lay flat to dry. Be sure to block it to gauge as the superwash yarn does stretch when wet. Shop: Local Yarn Shops | Jimmy Beans Wool | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store
Window Seat blanket knitting pattern made with Malabrigo Rios in the ‘Azul Profundo’ colorway. Click here to learn more about this blanket knitting pattern.
Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash (100% Superwash Fine Merino) - Sometimes also labeled “Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash”. This yarn has a lovely springy texture. Smooth, soft to the touch and nice stitch definition. I used the ‘Gravel’ colorway for my Stay on the Ridge blanket design. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.5 out of 5 stars. Machine wash gentle and tumble dry on low setting. Shop: Local Yarn Shops | Jimmy Beans Wool | WEBS Yarn Store
Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash in the ‘Gravel’ colorway. I used this yarn for my Stay on the Ridge blanket knitting pattern. Click to see the finished blanket!
Knit Picks Swish Worsted (100% Superwash Merino Wool) - With more than 45,000 projects shared on Ravelry this yarn appears to be one of the top three most actively used superwash wool yarns on the market. Ravelry knitters rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars. Available in more than 45 colorways. Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Tumble dry on low setting. Shop: Exclusively from KnitPicks.com
Valley Yarns Valley Superwash (100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino Wool) - Soft, springy texture with nice stitch definition. I used the ‘Colonial Blue’ colorway for my On the Map blanket pattern. (Photo below.) It knits up beautifully. Machine wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Exclusively at WEBS Yarn Store
On the Map blanket knit with Valley Yarns Valley Superwash in the ‘Colonial Blue’ colorway. Click here for more details on this blanket knitting pattern.
100% WOOL (not superwash)
Pure wool yarns for knitters who prefer non-superwash wool. Keep in mind that most 100% wool non-superwash yarns must be hand washed because they will shrink and felt when agitated in a washing machine.
Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool (100% Merino Wool) - This yarn is lovely! I used the ‘Beaches’ colorway for my Northern Trail blanket design. It's a very nice quality wool. A traditional feel with wonderful stitch definition. It's a pleasure to knit up. It's woolly... without being scratchy. Finished project blocks beautifully. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Spun in Ann Arbor, Michigan | The Loopy Ewe in Fort Collins, Colorado | Local Yarn Shops in the US, Canada, Israel and Norway.
I used the ‘Beaches’ colorway in Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool for my Northern Trail blanket design. It’s a classic, beautiful yarn.
Cestari Mt. Vernon (100% Fine Merino Wool) – Sue and Linda - the co-owners of Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana - rave about this yarn! Merino wool sourced from U.S. sheep ranches. Fabulous selection of vibrant, modern colorways resulting from small batch kettle dye method. (See yellow blanket below!) Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Ravelry knitters. It’s 100% natural, traditional wool. And, it’s surprisingly machine washable… but it’s not “superwash”. Lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Bar of Montana (in person and online shopping) | The Woolery (online shop based in Kentucky) | Local Yarn Shops
This cheery On the Porch blanket was made as a store sample using Cestari Mt. Vernon 100% Fine Merino Wool for Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana. This vibrant colorway is ‘Daffodil’.
Hudson & West Co. Forge (70% U.S. Merino Wool / 30% U.S. Corriedale Wool) - My friend Trish at Yarn Social in Kansas City raves about this gorgeous wool yarn. From sheep to skein - 100% made in the U.S. Wool sourced in Colorado, New Mexico and New York; spun at Battenkill Valley Fibers in Greenwich, New York; and dyed at Caledonian Dyeworks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Four undyed, natural colorways, eight exquisite heathered colorways, as well as solid black. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Social in Kansas City (in person & online) | Hudson & West Co. | Local Yarn Shops
Hudson & West Co. Forge worsted weight yarn is 100% U.S. sourced wool. Colorways shown: Ash (light gray), Gold Leaf (top), Evergreen, Lake and Midnight. Get more details on this beautiful yarn and shop at Yarn Social in Kansas City or on HudsonandWestCo.com.
Cascade Ecological Wool (100% Natural Peruvian Wool) – If you are looking for a natural, undyed, straight from the sheep wool… this might be the one! Collection includes 16 natural colorways. This yarn is also available in more than 40 dyed colorway options under the name Cascade Eco+ (available from The Woolery). Generous sized skeins have 478 yards. It’s categorized as ‘bulky’ but has a very similar suggested gauge as the ‘heavy worsted’ yarn I used for the On the Porch blanket. Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Barn of Kansas | Jimmy Beans Wool | The Woolery | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store
This On the Porch blanket was made with Cascade Ecological Wool in the ‘Taupe’ colorway. This beautiful project was made by @bibliojoknits on Ravelry. (photo shared with permission)
Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok (100% Fine Highland Wool) - I’m a huge fan of Blue Sky Fiber’s yarns. Always excellent stitch definition. Ravelry rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Nine neutral colorways available in generous 370 yard skeins. Full selection of 25+ colorways available in 123 yard skeins. Dry clean… or hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Social in Kansas City in person & online | Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops
Nine popular neutral colorways of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok are available in generously sized 370 yard skeins. Shop for this lovely yarn at Yarn Social in Kansas City (in person & online) and at many local yarn shops.
OTHER NATURAL FIBERS - BLENDS OF WOOL, ALPACA, SILK, LINEN, ETC.
These luxurious yarns are for knitters who prefer to knit with all natural fibers and might be looking for specific fiber content such as alpaca, silk or linen.
Blue Sky Fibers Extra (55% Alpaca, 45% Wool) - I have used this Aran weight yarn for a couple of scarf knitting projects and it’s fabulous. Very soft. Excellent stitch definition. Beautiful colorways. It would work beautifully with many of my worsted weight blanket designs including: These Days blanket or Touch of Kindness blanket. I used US 8 knitting needles for my These Days Scarf project shown below. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Ravelry. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool |Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts
These Days Scarf knit in Blue Sky Fibers Extra alpaca and wool blend yarn in the ‘Mist’ colorway. This yarn is very soft and has excellent stitch definition.
Juniper Moon Farms Moonshine (40% Wool, 40% Alpaca, 20% Silk) - This yarn is just as luxurious as it sounds! A blend of natural fibers that creates a beautiful hand-knit finished piece. Lovely for an heirloom or light use blanket project. I used the ‘Moonbeam’ colorway for my These Days Blanket knitting pattern design (shown below). Juniper Moon Farm is the first fiber based CSA (community supported agriculture). Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Ravelry. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: The Woolery | Local Yarn Shops
Juniper Moon Farms Moonshine worsted yarn in the ‘Moonbeam’ colorway. A luxurious blend of wool, alpaca and silk. It’s just as soft as it sounds!
I used the ‘Moonbeam’ colorway of Juniper Moon Farms Moonshine for my These Days Blanket design. This yarn creates fabulous stitch definition and it blocks beautifully. Read more on my blog post about this blanket knitting pattern.
Purl Soho Linen Quill Worsted (50% Fine Highland Wool, 35% Alpaca, and 15% Linen) - This yarn looks absolutely beautiful. A Ravelry knitter used the ‘Pale Oats’ colorway to make the Take a Sunrise blanket. Click here to get the FREE PDF pattern for the Take a Sunrise blanket. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Exclusively at Purl Soho
Anzula For Better or Worsted (80% Superwash Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon) - A luxurious yarn offered in a stunning selection of hand-dyed colorways. Though I have not tried the yarn… it has a remarkable 4.9 out of 5 star rating on Ravelry. Hand washing recommended. Lay flat to dry. Shop: Local Yarn Shops | Online Retailers
GET TO KNOW YOUR YARN AND CHECK YOUR GAUGE:
Generally, yarns classified as #4 weight worsted or Aran have a gauge in stockinette stitch of about 16 - 20 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) using US 6, 7, 8 or 9 (4.5, 5 or 5.5 mm) knitting needles.
There can be a lot of variation in gauge results within this yarn category based on the yarn thickness, yarn structure and fiber content, knitting needle size, type of knitting needle used (wood, metal, etc.) and individual knitting tension. There are so many factors that can impact the gauge results. Especially the fact that we all knit differently!
These are just a few of the small samples that I knit with some of the yarns mentioned in this blog post. It was fun to discover some yarns that I had not used before!
In many of my blanket patterns it states that “exact gauge is not essential”. However, it’s still important to knit with your yarn and knitting needles to see how the stitches look and to measure the gauge.
The best thing you can do to improve the outcome of your project is to do some test knitting with your yarn. Especially if you have not knit with a yarn previously, the only way to know which needle size to use is to knit a small swatch with the yarn and at least two needle sizes.
The only way to know if the blanket or knitting project will turn out the desired size is to check the gauge!
These are just a few of my blanket knitting patterns for worsted weight yarn. Stay on the Ridge Blanket (dark stone - top right); Prairie Fields Blanket (green - right); Northern Trail Blanket (stone - lower right); Dance on the Breeze Blanket (teal - lower left); On the Map Blanket (blue - top left). Click to learn more about these patterns.
Most of my knitting patterns are also available from my Etsy shop.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you discover the perfect yarn for your next blanket knitting project.
Happy knitting!
