Newbie -- question about yarn softness

#1

Hi – I am VERY new to knitting (just followed the terrific how-to videos on this site – what a great help) – and am the proud owner of two skeins of yarn. I’ve been practicing on what I think could possibly be a scarf or a Barbie blanket. We’ll see…

My 7-year-old son is a soft fanatic. He’s also got allergies and sensitive skin – we’ve had good luck buying clothes and blankets made of that really soft microfiber (not sure what it is exactly, but sort of like super-soft poly fleece?). I would love some help in selecting a yarn for him.

I noticed when I was looking and touching the yarn and knitted squares at our local craft store that there is a definite difference in the way a yarn feels in the skein as opposed to the way it feels when it’s knitted. I know I bought a skinny-thread type of yarn that felt wonderful in the skein and just pretty ordinary after I’ve knitted it.

I’ve been searching opinions on the internet on soft yarns and see some of the same types mentioned (Plymouth Oh My, Muench “Touch Me,” Bernat® Softee, Caron Bliss, Plush by Berroco, Patons Carmen, Berroco Chinchilla). Could any of you tell me in your opinion what makes the softest knitted thing? (I’m thinking of making him a scarf – usually the really soft scarves I see at the stores only come in girly colors…) It would be nice if it was a yarn that could withstand washings (hand or machine) and still remain soft – and if it’s fuzzy not be inclined to shed.

I don’t know if it makes a difference, but I only know how to knit one type of stitch. (The one that’s shown on the beginner project).

Thanks!

#2

Touch Me is really really soft, but I don’t know about how durable it is in washing. It’s not a yarn I’d choose for a 7 year old. Bernat Softee Chunky would probably be the most durable under washing. It’s machine washable.

#3

I just finished a scarf made out of Patons “Carmen” and it is delightfully soft. But it’s also very fuzzy and I kind of doubt that it’s a good yarn for a child’s toy or blankie. I made some stuffed animals out of Patons “Be Mine”, and that is an excellent yarn for children. It holds up well in the laundry, I machine wash it and everything.

ETA this is the link for the yarn, so you can check out the colors
http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=bemine

#4

Thanks for your replies. I made a trip to JoAnn Fabrics and Michaels today to see if I could find some of the ones recommended – I was shocked at what a poor selection they had – it looks like my best bet will be to shop online. Thanks again for your input. mcaren

#5

Caron Simply Soft is an acrylic but is very soft–you should be able to find it at a craft store–go check it out.

#6

I’ve seen the Simply Soft at Wal Mart

#7

Caron Simply Soft comes in many, many different colors!
Bernat Softee Baby is super soft, too!

#8

The best one I have found so far is Bernat Satin… it is extremely soft to knit and to wear. I made a baby blanket and it feels sooo good on the skin.

Pound of love is one of those yarns that might be rough when knitting it, but once you wash it changes completely!!

#9

It sounds like acrylic may be a good option for you, as many of the softer natural fibres require handwashing and will pill over time. Many acrylics are divinely soft and can be machinewashed. I am in New Zealand and found a really soft acrylic/nylon blend recently, it was a baby yarn. Maybe check out synthetic baby yarns, as they are made for sensitive baby skin and many machine-washable for practicality.

Sarah

#10

It sounds like acrylic may be a good option for you, as many of the softer natural fibres require handwashing and will pill over time. Many acrylics are divinely soft and can be machinewashed. I am in New Zealand and found a really soft acrylic/nylon blend recently, it was a baby yarn. Maybe check out synthetic baby yarns, as they are made for sensitive baby skin and many machine-washable for practicality.

Sarah