How much merino wool for a blanket would you need to use? The general rule is that the bigger the blanket area, the more wool you need for your arm knitting project. Your baby can have a merino wool blanket for a measly four pounds, but adults may need as much as eighteen pounds of this kind of material.
How Much Merino Wool For A Blanket Should I Use?
Merino wool may be thinner than your typical wool, but it is a lot softer, too. This property means that merino wool is excellent for outdoor use, especially for hiking enthusiasts. However, it is even better to snuggle in when used as a blanket, and best if you knitted that blanket yourself.
It is always safe to order more material than you think you will need when knitting. Depending on your pattern, you can arm-knit a custom Merino wool blanket with almost seven pounds of yarn.
The weight of the material will depend on your project, but you can make an adult-sized blanket for about six to eight pounds of merino wool. This amount could be enough for a weighted blanket that you can arm knit in less than an hour. Here are some estimates to get you started.
- Crib blanket €“ A 28 by 52-inch blanket will need four pounds of yarn.
- Twin-sized bed blanket €“ A 39 by 75-inch twin-sized blanket will use up to eight pounds of wool.
- Queen-sized bed blanket €“ A 60 by 80-inch blanket needs 14 pounds of yarn.
- King-sized bed blanket €“ A 76 by 80-inch king-size blanket will use up to 18 pounds of merino wool yarn.
Stores in the UK may sometimes sell yarn by volume to help you estimate the weight and length of materials you need to use for your project. Some UK stores can also advise you on the yarn thickness you may need for your project and the volume necessary for custom sizes and uses.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Merino Wool Blanket?
People harvest Merino wool from Merino sheep in Australia. While it is a viral material for blankets, people can also use it for other clothing and houseware types. Here are some benefits of using Merino wool.
- Temperature regulator
Merino wool helps keep your body temperature stable. When it`s cold out, the fibres trap air that can help insulate your body. When it`s warm, it keeps you dry and sweat-free, so you stay cool under the heat.
- Odour-free
Merino wool absorbs odours caused by bacteria. The material traps smells and keeps them from building up. This capability means that you can use your Merino wool blankets longer without worrying about smelling like sweat when it gets warm.
- Hypoallergenic
Merino wool is lovely, making it soft and comfortable to wear. Because of its fineness and length, the fibres in Merino wool bend easier and are more flexible, so they don`t cause itching.
- Fire-resistant
Merino wool is non-flammable, and most producers don`t add flame-retardant chemicals to the Merino-wool yarn. Compared to other synthetic products, this makes Merino wool that much safer. Nylon, for instance, starts to melt at around 320 degrees Fahrenheit, while polyester melts at about 452 degrees.
- Eco-friendly
Merino wool is biodegradable and can disappear into the earth in about twelve months. However, this applies only to products made of natural fibres. If you support sustainable practices, ensure that you have high-quality Merino wool that adheres to standards and certifications for fair treatment of animals and respect for the environment.
Can You Arm-Knit A Wool Blanket In Under An Hour?
If you already have your Merino wool yarn supply, you can work on an arm-knit blanket in under an hour. Thicker wool fibres are fantastic for arm-knitting as they can create loose, cosy weaves.
To start, tie a knot at the end piece of yarn. Secure it tightly and trim off excess material, if any. Start with a simple slip knot and use a long tail of yarn to begin casting the blanket. Remember to remain consistent with your yarn stitches` tightness or looseness so that the finished product looks neat and consistent.
Remember that the yarn will likely pull and stretch, so you can allow it to hang to get a better sense of how you are doing with your work. Casting the first row of stitching is the most challenging part, but once you know how you will work with the blanket, you will be more comfortable moving the stitches from arm to arm.
The blanket will take its shape eventually.
Conclusion
Merino wool is a natural and renewable fibre from sheep. Over the years, it has evolved to keep sheep comfortable, and humans have learned to use them for themselves, as well.
Merino wool also comes with a lot of benefits, such as regulating temperature and hypoallergenic properties. These benefits make Merino wool popular to use for clothing and homeware products such as blankets.
Buying Merino wool products can be expensive in the UK, as these materials harvested by Australian farmers who consider ethical considerations. Making your own Merino wool blanket will be cheaper, which you can hand knit in less than an hour.
With the details above, you will know how much merino wool for a blanket is necessary for the size you want to create.