Yarn is produced from a collection of threads or fibers which are woven around each other to form a single filament. It is used to create fabrics as well as crafts such as sewing, embroidering, knitting, crocheting, and much more.
Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, baby yarns are a special kind of yarn that is perfect for making baby blankets and sweaters. If you want to make a blanket for your baby’s crib, you should pick a baby yarn instead of regular yarn to ensure safety.
Now, what is the difference between baby yarn and regular yarn? And when should you get baby yarn? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Regular Yarn?
Yarn is a straight uninterrupted stretch of intertwined fibers. It is ideally used in the manufacturing of textile materials and for stitching, knitting, crocheting, and a lot more.
Not all yarns are made of the same fibers. There are different classifications of yarns. The most popular of them are acrylics and wool. Generally, acrylic yarns are textiles produced from synthetic fabrics, and wool yarns are produced from animal-based fibers.
Acrylic is a synthetic material artificially manufactured in factories. It’s inexpensive and the perfect option for beginners. If you’re trying to make something that requires frequent washing, this is the yarn you need.
Now, acrylic is composed of acrylonitrile, which is a clear, highly combustible liquid extracted from acrylic polypropylene. The fabric begins to melt if lit. This causes a synthetic adhesive layer that can inflict incredibly bad burns.
And, as acrylic yarns are considered regular yarns, it means that regular yarns are not fire-resistant.
What Is Baby Yarn?
Baby yarn is a mix specifically made to fit knitting and crochet designs for babies. It’s manufactured from fibers created by man instead of sheep fur. So, it’s smoother on the body and far less inclined to irritate the skin.
The greatest part about knitting and crocheting with baby yarn is the softness of the material.
Baby yarn is a kind of fabric particularly designed for babies. Since babies have quite delicate skin, they require considerably smooth, allergy-proof, and itch-free yarns.
Now, baby yarns can be classified into a number of categories, like merino wool yarn, superwash yarn, cotton yarn, and more.
Besides being hypoallergenic, which means that the material is less likely to induce allergic reactions, these yarns are also fire retardant. As they don’t contain acrylics, they are not flammable.
That attribute on its own supersedes all the other qualities of regular yarns. Since safety is always the most substantial parameter when it comes to babies, baby yarns are the way to go.
However, there is a category of baby yarn that is produced using soft acrylics. Make sure to refrain from getting those, as they are highly flammable.
What Is the Difference between Baby Yarn and Regular Yarn?
As mentioned earlier, regular yarns are adequately soft, sometimes hypoallergenic, and highly flammable. And, baby yarns are ultra-soft, hypoallergenic, itch-resistant, and fire-resistant.
So, the basic differences are the level of softness, the presence of hypoallergenic features, and the nature of combustibility.
Firstly, baby yarns have been made with warmth and comfort in mind. That’s why they’re much lighter and smoother than normal yarns.
Secondly, they also have a special attribute that makes them hypoallergenic. This ensures that the material is free of chemicals that could induce some sort of allergic reaction. And they’re itch-resistant, too. So, at night, your child will be able to sleep soundly.
Lastly and most importantly, the essence of flammability is an integral aspect. Regular yarns are particularly flammable due to the presence of acrylics.
But because baby yarns are ideally tailored to a baby’s needs, they don’t have this artificial acrylic material. Because of this, they are flame-retardant and safe for babies at all times.
Although regular yarns are safe and convenient for adults, they are by no means appropriate for babies, especially when it comes to clothes and blankets. So, baby yarn is always highly recommended for making baby products.
Which Kind of Yarn Should You Get?
By now, you should have a clear understanding of the distinctions between baby yarn and regular yarn. So, you should probably be able to guess which kind of yarn to get.
In most cases, baby yarn is preferred over the other one. But if you are still confused, here we are including some examples as to when it is okay to get regular yarns, and when you must invest in baby yarn.
If you’re making a baby blanket for your baby’s crib, it must be made with baby yarn. This is mainly due to two reasons. First, the baby will be sleeping with that blanket. If it is hypoallergenic and itch-free, your baby can sleep comfortably. Second, the blanket will be fire-resistant. Even if there is a fire, your baby will stay safe.
The same goes for baby sweaters or personal items.
But if you’re making a rug for your baby’s room or shoes for your baby, baby yarn is not necessary. This is because baby yarns are too soft. They won’t make great rugs or shoes. And most importantly, these items don’t necessarily have to be fire-resistant.
Depending on your situation, you should now be able to choose the right kind of yarn.
Final Words
When making baby clothes or blankets, a common question arises, “what is the difference between baby yarn and regular yarn?”
Herein, we have explained why baby yarn is recommended when making any item for a baby. So, you should go for the specially designed fabric to ensure the absolute comfort and safety of your child.