Stitches

Should I be using pure cotton in a crocheted baby blanket?

I love the feel of cotton, but some other pretty yarn that I have is acrylic and just as soft. I rarely use any manmade materials. I would like to finish it but don't want to spend extra money on organic yarn.

Public Comments

1. A key item for baby blankets and clothing is whether it can stand to be washed A LOT in HOT water and often with bleach. Depending upon the kind of cotton yarn, it can look shabby after such tough treatment. Some cottons will survive well, others will shed or shrink. Acrylic is often a good choice because even if the new mother (or father) will care for something special, a relative may decide to help by doing the laundry and then it's done. Unless there is an allergy need to choose one or another fiber content, I would consider what will be most washable.
2. Yes, use soft or natural materials as babies have sensitive skin. Cotton is good, or use branded baby wool. Don't use acrylic as it will be irritating to the baby.
3. Cotton would make a lovely baby blanket, as will acrylic. Here are some things to think about: - Cotton can stain, and the stains don't always wash out. But if you use a bright color they might not be as noticeable. - Acrylic doesn't stain as easily as cotton, but - baby items get washed a lot, and a soft acrylic will only get softer and softer and softer - until it finally breaks down. I saw this happen with a blanket I made for a friend, and I felt really bad about it, even though the friend was nice enough not to say anything. So if you do use an acrylic, be sure it's a good brand. The cheaper ones won't hold up as well. - There are acrylics that feel like cotton; that might be a good choice. You may even be able to find a cotton/acrylic blend. Some people do use wool for baby things, and as a handspinner I support that. But I also consider the people I'm giving the gift to. Do they know how to care for wool? With a new baby in the house, will they have the time to give wool items the care they need? If the answer to either of those questions is No, then stay away from wool. I hope that helps.
4. Cotton should be just fine, if that's your preference. It also breathes better than acrylic. As long as it's soft, it doesn't really matter, although I would say if you've already started it in cotton, you should finish it in cotton--and not all 100% cotton yarns are expensive--actually, some of the cheapest yarn is 100% cotton. Just make sure whatever you make is soft and washable.