Bernat Velvet Blackbird Yarn 2-Pack - Plush Bulky Velvet for Blankets

In this review of Bernat Velvet Blackbird Yarn, the reviewer finds it best suited for crafters making soft home items where a plush, velvety finish matters most. The biggest reason to buy is the yarns' lush, shiny texture and hefty yardage per ball, which make it easy to build substantial blankets and pillows without frequent joins. This 2-pack of 300g/10.5oz #5 bulky balls gives a lot of usable yarn in a soft polyester that is comfortable to touch and presents vibrant, consistent color across projects.

Key Features

• 100% polyester content: Provides a smooth, velvety hand that resists pilling and gives projects a subtle shine for attractive home decor items.
• Large 300g balls: Each ball contains 288m (315 yd), which reduces how often you need to change skeins when making blankets or larger pieces.
• #5 Bulky gauge: Works up quickly with a 6.5 mm needle or hook so projects grow fast and maintain a thick, cozy fabric.
• Machine wash friendly: Finished items are easy to care for by machine washing and drying, saving time on upkeep for everyday household use.
• Hand-wash recommendation for longevity: While machine care is possible, hand washing is recommended to keep the velvet look fresher for longer on delicate items.
• Outside-pull suggested: Working each skein from the outside reduces twisting and makes the yarn easier to manage while knitting or crocheting.

Who It's For

Bernat Velvet Blackbird is ideal for knitters and crocheters focused on home decor projects: blankets, cushions, and plush accessories where softness and visual sheen are priorities. It suits crafters who value large skeins to limit joins and who prefer a quick bulk-gauge fabric that builds up fast.

Less suitable for fine garments or projects requiring lots of shaping or stitch definition, since the velvety texture mutes stitch detail. Extremely active toys or items needing rugged abrasion resistance may require a sturdier fiber choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very soft and comfortable, making it pleasant for blankets and cushions.
• Generous yardage per 300g ball reduces joins and speeds up large projects.
• Bulky gauge with 6.5 mm tools lets projects grow quickly.
• Attractive shine and consistent color that adds depth to finished pieces.

Cons

• Some crafters report mixed durability and knot quality, so careful handling and cautious joining techniques are advisable.
• Hand-wash is recommended to preserve the velvet appearance, despite machine-wash instructions, which may be inconvenient for everyday items.

Specifications

Brand	Bernat
Content	100% polyester
Ball size	300g / 10.5 oz (288 m / 315 yd)
Weight / Gauge	#5 Bulky
Knitting gauge	12 sts, 17 rows on 6.5 mm needle
Crochet gauge	10 sc, 11 rows on 6.5 mm hook
Care	Machine wash and dry; hand wash recommended to preserve velvet

Our Verdict

For makers prioritizing plush texture and quick progress on blankets or home decor, Bernat Velvet Blackbird offers excellent value thanks to large 300g balls and a soft, shiny polyester finish. It is a smart pick for projects where feel and appearance matter most, though careful handling and occasional hand washing will help maintain the velvet look over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this yarn good for blankets?
Yes, the bulky weight and generous yardage per ball make it well suited for blankets and similar large home projects.

How should finished items be cared for?
Items can be machine washed and dried, but hand washing is recommended to preserve the velvet texture and sheen.

What needle or hook size is recommended?
Use a 6.5 mm (U.S. 10.5 / K/10.5) knitting needle or crochet hook for the stated gauge and best fabric results.