Bernat Blanket Yarn at Joann: Complete Guide to Colors, Projects & Cozy Creations

Bernat Blanket Yarn became famous for transforming simple blankets into plush, cozy masterpieces in just hours. The chenille-style texture feels incredibly soft while working up faster than traditional yarns.

Update on Joann: Joann Fabrics closed all physical locations in 2024. While Joann was previously the go-to retailer for Bernat Blanket Yarn, this guide covers where to find it now plus everything you need to know about working with this ultra-soft chenille yarn.

Whether you’re creating baby blankets, chunky throws, or cozy accessories, understanding Bernat’s yarn collection helps you choose the perfect option for your project.

What is Bernat Blanket Yarn?

Bernat Blanket Yarn is a super bulky chenille-style yarn created by Yarnspirations specifically for quick-working blanket projects. The plush pile texture mimics velour fabric, creating finished pieces that feel luxurious and soft against skin.

Why People Still Search for Bernat Blanket Yarn at Joann

Many crafters remember Joann as the best place to buy Bernat Blanket with amazing sales and huge color selections. Even though Joann closed in 2024, people still search “joann bernat blanket yarn” out of habit or because old blog posts and Pinterest pins mention Joann as the place to shop.

This guide helps you find Bernat Blanket at current retailers like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Amazon. The yarn quality remains identical only the shopping location changed. You’ll still find the same soft chenille texture and 60+ colors, just at different stores with their own sales and promotions.

Chenille-Style Super Bulky Yarn

The yarn features a chenille construction where short fiber strands extend from a central core, creating the signature fuzzy texture. This plush yarn structure differs from smooth bulky yarns, providing exceptional softness without requiring wool or premium natural fibers.

Bernat uses 100% polyester to create the chenille effect, making the yarn machine-washable and hypoallergenic. The synthetic fiber holds its soft texture through repeated washing unlike some natural fiber alternatives that may felt or lose loft.

Signature Plush Texture

The velour-like texture comes from the thick pile created during manufacturing. Each strand feels velvety smooth, and the fabric produced feels more like fleece or plush fabric than traditional knit or crochet work.

This cozy texture makes Bernat Blanket ideal for items touching skin directly—baby blankets, scarves, and throws all benefit from the gentle feel. The plush surface also provides visual interest, catching light differently than smooth yarns.

Why It's Perfect for Blankets

Three factors make Bernat Blanket yarn exceptional for blanket projects:

Fast working speed. The super bulky weight 6 classification means each stitch covers significant area. Baby blankets complete in 4-6 hours, while throw blankets finish in a weekend rather than weeks.
No pilling or wear. Unlike some chenille yarns that shed or mat over time, quality Bernat Blanket maintains its plush texture through years of use and washing.
Warmth without weight. The lofty pile traps air effectively, creating insulating blankets that stay lightweight. Unlike heavy wool blankets, Bernat throws provide warmth without feeling oppressive.

Former Joann Availability

Before Joann Fabrics closed in 2024, their stores carried extensive Bernat Blanket selections with 30-40 solid colors plus seasonal options. Joann offered exclusive colorways and ran frequent 30-50% off sales making bulk purchases affordable.

Now that Joann is closed, yarn shopping requires checking alternative retailers like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and online sources, detailed later in this guide.

Bernat Blanket Yarn Specifications

Understanding exact specifications helps calculate project requirements and ensures you purchase compatible tools for working with this thick pile yarn.

Weight & Yardage

Bernat Blanket Yarn falls into the super bulky weight 6 category, the second-thickest standard yarn classification. For comparison, this measures approximately twice as thick as worsted weight yarn and similar to other bulky yarn options at the heavier end.

Standard skein specifications:

220 yards per skein
10.5 ounces (300 grams) per skein
Approximately 21 yards per ounce

Quick-Working Advantage

The generous thickness creates rapid project completion unmatched by lighter yarn weights. A simple single crochet baby blanket measuring 30×40 inches requires just 4-6 hours of work time versus 20+ hours with worsted weight alternatives.

The time savings particularly benefits beginners who want satisfying results without the time investment required for intricate patterns or fine gauge work.

Fiber Content

100% polyester chenille provides the signature texture while offering practical advantages over natural fiber chenille alternatives.

Machine-washable convenience. Unlike cotton or wool chenille requiring careful hand-washing, polyester tolerates regular machine washing on gentle cycles. This makes Bernat Blanket practical for frequently laundered items like baby blankets and throw blankets used daily.

Hypoallergenic properties. The synthetic fiber won’t trigger wool or animal fiber allergies, making it safe for sensitive skin and baby items.

Color retention. Polyester accepts dye thoroughly and resists fading from sunlight exposure or repeated washing. Projects maintain vibrant colors for years without the dulling common in some natural fiber yarns.

Recommended Tools

The super bulky weight requires larger needles and hooks than standard yarn projects.

For knitting:

Needle size: US 11-13 (8-9mm)
Gauge: 9-11 stitches per 4 inches
Best needle type: Smooth metal or coated needles

For crochet:

Hook size: K-10.5 to M-13 (6.5-9mm)
Gauge: 7-9 single crochet stitches per 4 inches
Best hook type: Ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue

The thick yarn puts more strain on hands than lighter weights, so ergonomic tools become particularly important for large projects like blankets requiring extended working sessions.

Complete Bernat Blanket Yarn Color Guide

Yarnspirations regularly rotates Bernat Blanket colors, introducing seasonal options while maintaining core neutrals and popular shades. Understanding current availability prevents disappointment when shopping for specific color palettes.

Solid Colors (60+ Options)

The solid color collection provides consistent coverage perfect for showcasing stitch texture without visual competition from variegation.

Core neutrals (always available):

White/Off-White: Vanilla, Cloud White
Gray scale: Silver Steel, Charcoal, Dark Gray
Beige tones: Sand, Taupe, Linen
Brown family: Chocolate, Walnut, Coffee

Popular jewel tones:

Blues: Teal, Vintage Teal, Navy, Denim
Purples: Plum, Lavender, Mauve
Reds: Burgundy, Wine, Rose
Greens: Sage, Forest, Mint

Pastels for baby projects:

Baby Pink, Baby Blue, Baby Yellow
Pale Lilac, Soft Peach, Mint Green

The extensive solid color range allows creating coordinated color-blocked blankets or finding perfect matches for home décor schemes.

Heathered Colors

Heathered options blend two or three tones within each strand creating subtle depth without true variegation. These work beautifully when you want visual interest while maintaining the appearance of solid colors.

Popular heathers include Gray Heather, Blue Heather, and Rose Heather. The blended effect photographs particularly well, adding dimension to social media project photos.

Variegated Options

Some Bernat Blanket colorways feature longer color repeats creating striping effects similar to Caron Cake yarn but in super bulky weight. These self-striping options add visual interest to simple stitch patterns.

The color transitions happen gradually due to the chunky yarn thickness, creating bold bands rather than subtle shifts.

Seasonal & Limited Edition

Yarnspirations releases seasonal colorways quarterly, often tied to holidays or trending color palettes. Fall releases feature warm amber, rust, and burgundy tones while spring launches include fresh pastels and bright colors.

Limited edition colors sell out quickly and rarely restock. If you find a discontinued color you love, purchase enough for your entire project immediately—matching dye lots later becomes impossible.

Bernat Yarn Collection

Yarnspirations expanded beyond the original Bernat Blanket, creating specialized lines for different project needs and preferences. Understanding each variant helps you select the optimal yarn for your specific requirements.

Bernat Blanket (Original)

The original formula launched the chenille blanket yarn trend. This standard super bulky option balances softness with durability, creating the baseline against which other chenille yarns get compared.

Specifications:

Weight: Super bulky (6)
Yardage: 220 yards per skein
Texture: Plush chenille pile
Price point: Mid-range ($6.99-7.99 regular retail)

Bernat Blanket Big (Jumbo)

Bernat Blanket Big offers even thicker yarn for ultra-fast projects and extra-chunky texture. This jumbo weight creates dramatic visual impact with oversized stitches.

Key differences from original:

Approximately 30% thicker than standard Bernat Blanket
6.5 yards per ounce (vs. 21 yards in original)
Requires size 19+ needles or Q+ hooks
Best for arm knitting projects
Creates finished blankets in 2-3 hours

The extreme thickness works beautifully for trendy chunky-knit blanket aesthetics but limits stitch pattern options to very simple constructions.

Bernat Premium Yarn

Bernat Premium Yarn represents the softest option in the Bernat collection, featuring enhanced velvet finish that feels even more luxurious than the original formula.

Premium differences:

Noticeably softer hand feel
Slightly finer pile (less fuzzy appearance)
Enhanced drape compared to original
Price premium: $1-2 more per skein
More limited color selection

Worth the price increase?

For baby blankets and items worn against skin, the extra softness justifies the cost. For decorative throws or pet beds where durability matters more than ultimate softness, standard Bernat Blanket provides better value.

The Premium version also works well when creating yarn blankets meant as special gifts or heirloom pieces where premium quality enhances perceived value.

Bernat Baby Blanket

Bernat Baby Blanket yarn meets safety certifications for infant items while maintaining the signature chenille softness. This specialized formula ensures safe use for cribs, car seats, and direct baby contact.

Safety features:

OEKO-TEX certified (no harmful chemicals)
Softer than standard Bernat Blanket
Pastel color focus
Same weight and yardage as original

The safety certification provides peace of mind for gifts and nursery items, though standard Bernat Blanket also works safely for baby projects when properly laundered before use.

Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ (Arm Knitting)

Alize Blanket-EZ features pre-made loops allowing arm knitting without needles or hooks. This innovation makes blanket-making accessible to complete beginners with no prior knitting or crochet experience.

How it works:

Yarn comes pre-looped every few inches
Weave your arms through loops creating “stitches”
Complete baby blankets in 30-45 minutes
No tools required beyond your arms

The novelty appeals to crafters wanting quick projects without learning traditional techniques, though the pre-looped structure limits stitch pattern options and increases cost per yard significantly.

Bernat Collection Comparison

Yarn Line	Weight	Yards/Skein	Softness	Best For	Price
Bernat Blanket (Original)	Super bulky (6)	220 yards	Soft	General blankets	$6.99-7.99
Bernat Blanket Big	Jumbo (7)	6.5 yards/oz	Very soft	Arm knitting	$12.99-14.99
Bernat Premium	Super bulky (6)	220 yards	Ultra soft	Baby items	$8.99-9.99
Bernat Baby Blanket	Super bulky (6)	220 yards	Extra soft	Certified baby safe	$7.99-8.99
Bernat Alize EZ	Jumbo loops	Varies	Soft	No-tool projects	$15.99-17.99

Best Projects for Bernat Blanket Yarn

The plush texture and quick-working weight make Bernat Blanket ideal for specific project categories where softness and speed matter more than intricate stitch detail.

Quick Blankets (Most Popular)

Blankets represent Bernat Blanket Yarn’s primary use case, and the super bulky weight delivers impressively fast completion times.

Yardage requirements:

Baby blanket (30×40″): 600-800 yards (3-4 skeins)
Security blanket (20×20″): 250-300 yards (2 skeins)
Lovey blanket (16×16″): 150-200 yards (1 skein)

Throw Blankets in 8 Hours

Lap throws and couch blankets work up over a weekend rather than requiring weeks or months typical with lighter yarn weights.

Throw yardage:

Lap throw (40×50″): 1,200-1,500 yards (6-7 skeins)
Couch throw (50×60″): 1,800-2,200 yards (9-10 skeins)
Oversized throw (60×72″): 2,500-3,000 yards (12-14 skeins)

For more blanket-specific guidance and pattern recommendations, explore our complete yarn blankets guide.

Cozy Accessories

The plush texture creates luxurious winter accessories that feel special without requiring advanced techniques.

Chunky scarves work up in 1-2 hours using basic knit or crochet stitches. The thick pile provides warmth without excessive length or wrapping.
Infinity cowls require just 200-300 yards (1-2 skeins) and complete in an evening. The chunky texture looks intentionally trendy rather than beginner-simple.
Winter hats use 150-200 yards per hat. The bulky gauge means fewer rounds needed compared to worsted weight patterns, though the thickness may feel too warm for mild climates.

Home Decor

Beyond wearables, Bernat Blanket excels in home décor applications where texture matters more than precise structure.

Plush pillows (18×18 inches) need approximately 400-500 yards. The chenille texture complements velvet and fleece upholstery beautifully.
Floor poufs create trendy seating or ottomans using 6-8 skeins worked in rounds then stuffed with poly-fill or foam insert.
Baskets for storage or organization use the yarn’s structure to create self-supporting containers. Work with tighter gauge preventing contents from poking through stitches.

Pet Beds

The machine-washable polyester makes Bernat Blanket practical for pet beds requiring frequent laundering. The soft texture appeals to cats and dogs while the durable construction withstands pet claws better than delicate fibers.

Small pet beds (20×24″) use 800-1,000 yards while large dog beds (36×48″) require 2,500-3,000 yards. Consider using darker colors for pet items since they hide fur and dirt better than light pastels.

Project Time & Yardage Reference

Project	Size	Yardage	Skeins	Est. Time
Baby blanket	30×40"	660-880 yards	3-4	4-6 hours
Lap throw	40×50"	1,320-1,650 yards	6-8	8-12 hours
Chunky scarf	8×60"	300-400 yards	2	2-3 hours
Infinity cowl	12×60"	250-350 yards	2	1.5-2 hours
Throw pillow	18×18"	440-550 yards	2-3	3-4 hours
Pet bed (small)	20×24"	880-1,100 yards	4-5	5-7 hours

How to Work with Bernat Blanket Yarn

Chenille yarn requires different handling than smooth yarns. These techniques prevent common frustrations and ensure professional-looking results.

Tension Tips for Chenille

The plush pile makes tension control more challenging than smooth yarns. The fuzzy surface prevents seeing individual stitches clearly as you work.

Maintain slightly looser tension than you’d use with smooth bulky yarn. Overly tight stitches compress the pile, reducing the soft appearance and making fabric stiff.
Check your work frequently. The pile obscures mistakes, so examine stitches every few rows ensuring consistent sizing. Hold work at arm’s length periodically—stitch irregularities show more obviously from distance.
Use consistent grip. The soft texture tends to slip through fingers. Find a comfortable hand position and maintain it throughout projects preventing tension variations that create visible lines in finished pieces.

Preventing Splitting

Chenille construction makes yarn splitting more common than with smooth alternatives. The short pile strands catch on hook or needle tips, separating from the central core.

Prevention strategies:

Use needles and hooks with smooth, rounded tips avoiding sharp points that snag pile. Bamboo needles work less effectively with chenille than metal or coated options.

Work slowly and deliberately. Rushing increases splitting frequency. The thick yarn already works quickly, so conscious attention to stitch formation prevents frustration.

Insert hooks and needles carefully through stitch centers rather than splitting yarn strands. With practice, you’ll develop muscle memory for proper insertion points.

Joining New Skeins

The bulky gauge makes traditional joins visible and lumpy. These methods create neater connections:

Leave 12-inch tails when starting new skeins. The extra length allows secure weaving without bulk at join points.
Join at project edges whenever possible rather than mid-row. Edge joins hide within seams or borders making them virtually invisible.
For unavoidable mid-row joins: Overlap old and new yarn for 3-4 stitches working both strands together briefly. This distributed join looks less obvious than single-stitch knots.

Weaving in Bulky Ends

The thick yarn creates challenges for hiding ends without visible bumps.

Split the yarn tail into 2-3 sections, then weave each section separately through different stitches. This distributes bulk preventing obvious lumps.
Weave parallel to stitch lines rather than perpendicular. Following the natural stitch structure hides ends more effectively.
Trim ends short after weaving (1/4 inch remaining). The chenille pile holds ends securely without long tails needed for smooth yarns.

Best Stitches for Bernat Blanket

Simple stitches showcase the plush texture best while complex patterns get lost in the fuzzy pile.

For Knitting

Garter stitch (knit every row) creates reversible fabric with pleasant texture. The simplicity lets colors and softness shine.
Stockinette produces smooth fabric on one side, though chenille’s texture minimizes the typical curl common in stockinette.
Avoid complex cables as the pile obscures cable definition. Stick with basic knit/purl combinations for best visual results.

For Crochet

Single crochet creates tight, structured fabric perfect for blankets requiring durability. The dense stitches prevent filling from showing through blankets or pillows.
Half-double crochet balances speed with coverage, completing projects faster than single crochet while maintaining adequate fabric density.
Avoid lacy patterns since open stitches don’t provide the cozy coverage chenille blankets promise. Simple solid stitches work best.

Buying Bernat Blanket Yarn

With Joann Fabrics closed, finding Bernat Blanket requires checking alternative retailers and understanding current availability patterns.

Alternative Retail Options

Michaels now carries the most extensive in-store Bernat Blanket selection with 25-35 colors typically stocked. Most locations dedicate entire endcaps to Bernat yarn making color comparison easy.
Hobby Lobby stocks 15-20 core colors with occasional seasonal additions. Their regular 40% off yarn sales make Bernat Blanket very affordable, though selection runs smaller than Michaels.
Walmart carries 8-12 basic colors in most locations. Limited selection but convenient for quick single-skein purchases without visiting specialty craft stores.

Online Shopping

Amazon offers the fullest color selection online with 50+ options including discontinued and hard-to-find shades. Prime shipping makes next-day delivery available for many colors.
Yarnspirations.com (Bernat’s official site) provides complete color charts and guaranteed authenticity. Occasional site-exclusive promotions offer better pricing than Amazon.
Michaels.com allows checking local store stock online and offers ship-to-store free shipping. This option lets you see colors in person while accessing the full online selection.

Price & Sale Patterns

Regular pricing:

Standard Bernat Blanket: $6.99-7.99 per skein
Bernat Premium: $8.99-9.99 per skein
Bernat Blanket Big: $12.99-14.99 per skein

Sale opportunities:

Michaels runs 30-50% off yarn sales approximately monthly. Sign up for emails catching these sales before bulk purchases.
Hobby Lobby alternates between 30% and 40% off different yarn categories weekly. Check weekly ads to time purchases during Bernat discounts.
Amazon prices fluctuate based on color and demand. Popular neutrals rarely discount while specialty colors often sell below retail.

Best times to buy in bulk:

Black Friday through January features the deepest discounts (40-50% off). Stock up for year-round projects during these sales.
Seasonal clearances in March and September clear out discontinued colors at 50-70% off. Great for non-specific color needs.

Dye Lot Considerations

Always purchase all yarn for one project from the same dye lot. Color variations between production batches create visible lines in finished blankets despite identical color names.

The dye lot number appears on the yarn label. When buying in-store, check every skein ensuring matching numbers. Online purchases from Yarnspirations typically ship matching dye lots when ordering multiple skeins simultaneously.

What if you run out mid-project?

Contact the retailer’s customer service with your dye lot number. Many stores can special order from remaining stock at their distribution centers. Act quickly popular colors sell out within weeks of new dye lots releasing.

Bernat Blanket Yarn Care Instructions

Proper care maintains the plush texture and color vibrancy through years of use. The polyester construction makes maintenance straightforward compared to delicate natural fibers.

Machine Washing

Wash settings:

Water temperature: Cold or cool (warm acceptable for heavily soiled items)
Cycle: Gentle or delicate
Detergent: Standard liquid detergent (avoid powder which can catch in pile)

What to avoid:

Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets. These coat the chenille pile reducing softness over time rather than enhancing it.

Skip bleach even on white projects. It weakens polyester fibers and may cause yellowing despite being labeled “safe for colors.”

Avoid hot water which can relax polyester structure causing blankets to lose shape or develop wrinkles.

Tumble Drying

Dryer settings:

Heat: Low or no heat (air fluff)
Time: 20-30 minutes until just dry

Remove blankets from the dryer immediately when dry. Leaving them in the dryer after the cycle completes can create permanent creases.

The chenille texture fluffs during drying, restoring loft compressed during washing. Shake blankets gently before folding to redistribute pile evenly

Preventing Matting

Matting occurs when the chenille pile compresses and tangles, losing the soft texture. Prevention strategies:

Limit washing frequency. The polyester resists odors, so blankets often stay fresh for weeks between washings unlike natural fiber alternatives.
Shake before folding. After each use, shake blankets vigorously to lift pile before storing. This prevents compressed areas from setting.
Rotate storage folds. Change how blankets fold periodically preventing permanent crease lines from developing in the pile.
Avoid sitting on chenille. The pile compresses under weight. Use Bernat blankets for covering rather than sitting directly on them for extended periods.

Free Bernat Blanket Yarn Patterns

Yarnspirations provides hundreds of free patterns specifically designed for Bernat Blanket yarn, eliminating guesswork about yardage and gauge.

Yarnspirations Pattern Library

The official Yarnspirations website hosts the most comprehensive free Bernat Blanket pattern collection. Filter by:

Yarn type (select “Bernat Blanket”)
Project category (blankets, accessories, home décor)
Skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Technique (knit, crochet, arm knit)

Each pattern includes exact yardage requirements, skill level rating, and step-by-step instructions with photos.

Top 10 Free Patterns

These consistently popular patterns showcase Bernat Blanket’s versatility:

Bernat Blanket Stripes – Basic striped throw, perfect for beginners
Basketweave Baby Blanket – Textured pattern in 4 hours
Arm Knit Blanket – No-tool blanket in 45 minutes
Chunky Crochet Cowl – Quick infinity scarf
Corner-to-Corner Throw – Diagonal construction technique
Simple Knit Blanket – Garter stitch rectangle
Bernat Granny Square Afghan – Traditional squares joined together
Plush Pet Bed – Washable dog/cat bed
Textured Pillow Cover – Home décor accent
Hooded Baby Blanket – Wearable blanket for infants

Beginner-Friendly Options

New crafters should start with patterns featuring:

Simple stitch repeats like all single crochet or garter stitch knitting. These build confidence while producing beautiful results through the yarn’s inherent texture.
Rectangular construction avoids confusing shaping or increases/decreases. Basic blanket rectangles teach fundamental techniques without overwhelming complexity.
Clear video tutorials. Many Yarnspirations patterns include video walkthroughs showing each step. Visual learning speeds the process significantly for beginners.

Pattern Directory

Pattern Name	Technique	Difficulty	Yardage	Time
Striped Throw	Crochet	Beginner	1,760 yards	8 hours
Arm Knit Blanket	Arm knit	Beginner	660 yards	45 min
Basketweave Baby	Crochet	Beginner	880 yards	5 hours
Corner-to-Corner	Crochet	Intermediate	1,540 yards	10 hours
Textured Pillow	Crochet	Beginner	440 yards	3 hours
Granny Square	Crochet	Intermediate	2,200 yards	12 hours

Bernat Blanket Yarn vs. Other Chenille Yarns

Several manufacturers produce chenille blanket yarns competing with Bernat. Understanding differences helps you make informed purchasing decisions.

vs. Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick

Lion Brand’s chenille alternative features similar super bulky weight with different texture characteristics.

Homespun differences:

Slightly less plush pile (thinner fuzzy surface)
More structured core (less drape)
Typically $1-2 cheaper per skein
Smaller color selection (20 vs. 60+ colors)
Slightly firmer hand feel

Homespun works well when you prioritize budget over ultimate softness or need specific texture for projects requiring more structure than drape.

vs. Michaels Loops & Threads Cozy Wool

Loops & Threads provides Michaels’ house-brand chenille at entry-level pricing.

Cozy Wool characteristics:

Budget option ($4.99-5.99 regular price)
180 yards per skein (less than Bernat’s 220)
Similar softness to Bernat
Limited color palette (12-15 options)
Less consistent quality between dye lots

The lower price attracts budget-conscious crafters, though the reduced yardage per skein means buying more skeins overall, narrowing the actual savings.

vs. Premier Parfait

Premier Parfait offers chenille at premium price points with enhanced softness.

Parfait features:

Noticeably softer than Bernat (comparable to Bernat Premium)
250 yards per skein (more than Bernat standard)
Higher price ($9.99-10.99 regular retail)
Excellent color saturation
More delicate (increased splitting during work)

Parfait suits special projects where ultimate luxury justifies the premium, though Bernat offers better balance of softness, durability, and value for most applications.

Chenille Yarn Comparison

Brand	Yards/Skein	Softness	Price	Colors	Best For
Bernat Blanket	220	Very soft	$6.99-7.99	60+	All-purpose
Bernat Premium	220	Ultra soft	$8.99-9.99	30+	Baby items
Lion Brand Thick & Quick	205	Soft	$5.99-6.99	20	Budget-friendly
Loops & Threads Cozy	180	Soft	$4.99-5.99	15	Entry-level
Premier Parfait	250	Ultra soft	$9.99-10.99	40+	Luxury projects

Bernat Premium Yarn Deep Dive

Bernat Premium deserves special attention as the most luxurious option in the Bernat collection. Understanding what justifies the premium helps determine when the upgrade makes sense.

What Makes It "Premium"

The Premium formula uses finer polyester fibers creating denser pile with softer hand feel. The manufacturing process includes additional steps that enhance the velvet-like texture:

Extra brushing during production raises more fiber ends creating fuller pile. This creates the notably softer surface compared to standard Bernat Blanket.
Finer fiber denier (thickness of individual polyester strands) produces silkier touch. The thinner fibers bend more easily against skin reducing any perception of scratchiness.
Enhanced dye process creates richer, more saturated colors. The improved color depth particularly shows in jewel tones and deep colors.

Softness Comparison

Direct comparison reveals noticeable differences:

Standard Bernat Blanket feels plush and cozy—softer than most yarns but with slight texture from the pile structure.
Bernat Premium feels closer to minky fabric or high-end velour. The enhanced softness removes any trace of texture, creating nearly smooth-to-touch surface despite being chenille.
Bernat Baby Blanket falls between standard and Premium in softness, closer to Premium but with safety certifications standard lacks.

Worth the Price Increase?

The $1-2 price difference per skein adds up quickly in blanket projects:

Baby blanket: $3-8 premium for Premium vs. standard
Throw blanket: $9-18 premium for Premium vs. standard
Large afghan: $15-30 premium for Premium vs. standard

When Premium makes sense:

Baby blankets meant as special gifts where ultimate softness matters and total project cost remains manageable.

Items worn directly against skin like scarves and cowls where the enhanced softness provides tangible comfort benefits.

Luxury gift projects where premium materials signal extra thoughtfulness and care.

When standard Bernat works better:

Decorative throws where appearance matters more than touchable softness.

Large afghans where the premium would add $20-30 without proportional benefit increase.

Pet beds and functional items where durability matters more than luxury feel.

Practice projects for beginners where yarn cost discourages experimentation.

Best Uses for Premium vs. Original

Project Type	Recommended	Reasoning
Baby blankets	Premium	Worth softness upgrade for infant skin
Throw blankets	Standard	Large yardage makes premium costly
Scarves/cowls	Premium	Direct skin contact benefits from softness
Pillows	Standard	Visual impact matters more than touch
Pet beds	Standard	Durability priority over luxury
Baby shower gifts	Premium	Shows extra thoughtfulness
Quick charity blankets	Standard	Volume production favors lower cost
Heirloom blankets	Premium	Luxury appropriate for special pieces

Ready to start your cozy Bernat Blanket project?

The plush chenille texture combined with super bulky weight creates satisfying quick-finish blankets and accessories perfect for gifts or personal comfort. Whether choosing standard Bernat Blanket for everyday projects or upgrading to Premium for special items, the machine-washable convenience and extensive color palette make this chunky blanket yarn a crafting favorite.

Explore more yarn options in our complete yarn collection guide, compare with other Caron Cake yarn alternatives, or discover chenille differences in our Caron Simply Soft article.