The Best Chunky Yarn

Buying Guide

Knitting and crocheting can be a fun way to pass time, whether you join a group of friends or work on your projects on your own. You can knit away while watching TV or hanging out with the family, and at the end of hours of hard work, you’ll have a beautiful blanket or scarf to show for it.

But knitting and crocheting takes time. Using regular yarn, you’ll toil away for weeks to arrive at an end product. For that reason, some crafters have turned to chunky yarn as a great alternative. In a fraction of the time, you’ll complete your project. That makes chunky yarn a great option for beginners or those who are simply challenged for time.

Chunky yarn is classified as #5 on the Craft Yarn Council’s Standard Yarn Weight System. Chunky yarn, also known as Bulky Yarn, is used with needle sizes from U.S. 9 to 11 or crochet needles sized 8-11 sts. You’ll also find super chunky yarn classified as #6, requiring an even larger needle.

You don’t need a needle or hook for bulky yarn. The great thing about this type of yarn is that you can use it for something called arm knitting. You simply wrap the yarn around your arm to create projects with loose, but secure stitches. If you need to put a pause on things, you can slide your stitches onto a cardboard gift wrap roll, then move them back onto your arm when you’re ready to start up again.

At one time, wool was the go-to fabric for knitting yarn, but in recent times, manmade materials have blasted their way into the space. Polyester holds the majority of the materials market, followed by cotton. Wool makes up a tiny percentage of today’s textiles market. The best thing about polyester is its machine washability, which means you’ll get lightweight but durable blankets and wearables.

• If you’re new to knitting with bulky yarn, start with a less expensive yarn first. You can get some practice in before you scale up to more expensive materials.
• Chunky yarn has its benefits, but it’s not as good for intricate patterns. You’ll likely want to stick with solids if you’re using chunky yarn.
• Chunky yarns can tend to trap air, making them hotter than other knits. It’s great for blankets and scarves designed specifically to keep you warm.
• Due to its bulk, chunky yarn isn’t as popular for clothing. Not only does it promote excessive warmth, but it also creates a thicker piece of apparel than thinner yarns.
• Check the care instructions for any yarn you choose. Some wool material is hand wash only. Most polyester material can be washed in the machine, so that will make for easier cleanup.
• You can buy knitting books specific to bulky yarn, but you don’t have to. There are plenty of patterns online that can help get you started on your knitting journey.
• Bulky yarn can tend to split and fray quicker than thinner yarns. For best results, look for a durable yarn that won’t leave lint behind or pill after a few spins through the washing machine.
• Using various knitting techniques, you can change up your projects between tight and loose knits.
• Yarn is sold by the skein, but each skein will have a certain amount of yarn on it. You can find guides online that will give you a feel for just how much yarn you’ll need for a sweater, scarf, hat, blanket and more. Make sure you’re looking at the amount of yarn you’ll need specific to the weight of the yarn you’ll be using.
• You can find bulky yarn in all the colors you’d see for regular yarn. If you’re looking for an unusual color, though, you might have to shop around a little more to find a retailer offering it.