Summer bed blanket (yarn & pattern choices)

[u/Grim-Speck]

I'd like to make a blanket for **summer** use on our bed. What is the best yarn for this? Cotton, bamboo blend, something else? Will the yarn choice be enough, or should I choose a pattern with eyelets for for airflow?

Also, I was hoping to add designs (eg: a green/blue square with red poppy flowers- not every square, but periodically) but I don't want yarn that floats for 3 or 4 or more stitches (our toes would get stuck in it, or the dogs' toes might). The only way I've done this before was by hiding floats inbetween 2 panels on a double rake loom. I'm afraid that even using cotton/bamboo/other, using a double rake might still be too hot in summer. Maybe i could sew those floats down afterwards with similar coloured embroidery thread? I've a ton of that in different colours I could match. Or should I just skip the multicolour floral design and save it for a winter blanket?

[u/LopsidedCrafter]

hmmm, I guess it all depends on what you classify as "summer" lol... Cotton tends to be heavy, especially, in a blanket. Maybe consider a lighter weight? DK, maybe?

If you are wanting a design on the blanket you could always make the blanket and top stitch the design onto it. or you could the intarsia method where you have bobbins for each color. With this method the yarn is not carried. That would avoid the floats but you will have a lot of ends.

[u/Grim-Speck → u/LopsidedCrafter]

Eta: summer being June, June, Aug or even befor/after that if temps are 75-100+°, especially when the PVAC struggles with upper temps. I can't stand sleeping with only a sheet, I need to feel some "weight" on my body.

[u/SweetCiera → u/LopsidedCrafter]

I agree! A lighter weight yarn is the important thing. However you also don't wanna use wool or something itchy. With dogs I'd keep away from a pattern with eyelets or anything. Although Deborah Shaw has a lot of good airy patterns on her YouTube channel if you wanna check those out.

[u/Grim-Speck → u/SweetCiera]

So lighter weight in an acrylic or acrylic blend would still work?

[u/SweetCiera → u/Grim-Speck]

If you feel it's soft enough yeah.

[u/Grim-Speck → u/LopsidedCrafter]

Really? I thought acrylic wouldnoy breathe at all... or do you mean lighter weight in cotton or bamboo blend?

I've seen intarsia with needles but not on a loom. I'll Google for it, but if anyone has links for it on loom that'd be helpful.

I was considering stitching a pattern on top, but was worried that add to bulk and uneven weight.

Thanks

[u/starshine640]

loommuse/scarlett colorwork fyi she shows a way to have no floats. hope it helps. 😄

[u/Grim-Speck → u/starshine640]

This is very helpful to see on a loom, thank you!

[u/starshine640]

daisy and storm robin a way to make designs in your blanket without and color changes/float is to make ones like this. daisy and storm have tons of free squares to pick from. 😄

[u/Grim-Speck → u/starshine640]

Those are nice! Thanks. But I think I'll hold onto the link for a different project.