soaker.. what yarn?

[MissRubyandKen]

I'm wanting to make my first soaker. What yarn? Does it have to be wool? Can it be a washable mix?

[kdabbler]

If you want it to be a true soaker, you'll need 100% wool. You can get away with 75%, but 100% is the best. Otherwise, what you'll be knitting is a diaper cover and not a soaker.

As for what exactly you should use, pick the yarn that knits up to the gauge your pattern asks for. Go to a yarn shop and "pet" the wool. See if you don't mind it against your skin.

If you're on a budget, I knitted a soaker using "Wool" from LionBrand. I lanolized it and WOW, was it ever super absorbent. It became my go to soaker for night time.

[iowaorganic]

yes it really needs to be all wool- but NOT SUPERWASH. Almost any worsted weight should be good though. You will be handwashing your cover (but only occasionally- don't worry- so not a big deal). You can use just about any brand of wool that fits in your budget- patons, lion, cascade, lambs pride (my fave), peace fleece, luxurious expensive merinos....

Watch out though- this is horribly addictive.

[painefaria]

I will have to agree with kdabbler. My lionbrand 100% wool soaker is my favorite. It was my first and has been the best soaker that I have knitted. I have used a number of other types of yarn including favorites in this forum and have not had the same results. I found the lion's at Walmart for $3.00 a skein and it made a complete toddler soaker. It is not my favorite color (limey olive green) but it is the best!

[amandaleigh37]

I just made my first one, a wrap style one for my baby due this summer. I also used the lion brand from walmart, I found a bunch there on sale for $2 each. One skein made a newborn size with lots to spare.