What Is Bulky Weight Yarn?
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see answers to the question – What is bulky weight yarn?
Yarn weights are our guide to choosing the right yarn for our knitting or crochet projects.
Depending on what we want to make there are different yarns that would be perfect.
Related Post – Yarn Weight Guide.
Bulky Weight Yarn FAQs
Bulky yarn can be referred to by other names such as chunky yarn, craft, or rug yarn.
It has a yarn weight symbol of 5 and a gauge of 12-16 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) using 5.5 mm to 8 mm (US) 9-11 knitting needles.
The recommended knitting needles are US 9-11/5.5-8 mm needles and K-M 6.5-9 mm crochet hook sizes.
There are eight standard yarn weight categories for you to choose from that include different types of yarn – lace weight to jumbo yarns (0-7) thinnest to thickest.
Other yarn weights include medium weight like DK yarn (double knitting), worsted weight yarns, Aran yarns which can be used for hats and sweaters, plus super-fine yarn, and sport weight yarns used for socks.
The standard yarn weight system is set out by the Craft Yarn Council of America.
Bulky is on the thicker side of yarns, thicker than worsted yarn about double its size, and thinner than super bulky yarn.
It has a yarn weight symbol of 5, you would normally find out this information on a yarn label.
When we are referring to the weight of yarn it has nothing to do with its true weight and more to do with the thickness of the yarn.
Bulky weight yarn is 12 ply yarn.
The ply is how thick the yarn is.
Ply basically refers to the number of strands plied together to make yarn. It’s another way to describe the yarn’s weight and it’s mainly used in Australia, New Zealand, and in the UK.
Learn more about yarn types here.
WPI is a term that means wraps per inch – this is how some people determine different yarn weights if there is no label to look at and weight class from the yarn manufacturers.
Some people use a pencil or crochet hook to wrap the yarn around to see how many wraps can be had in one inch.
Choosing to make something with bulky yarn has a lot of advantages as it’s thick so it knits up quickly, covers a lot of yardage, and knits up easier than thinner yarns.
Moreover, there are a lot of bulky yarns in the market for you to choose from but thickness might vary from yarn to yarn (some may be super thick yarn compared to others).
If you are planning to make something with bulky yarn and you want to stray a little from the pattern and choose a different yarn from the recommended one it’s always good to make a stitch gauge swatch so you can see if there are adjustments that need to be made.
Bulky weight yarn is ideal for beginners as it knits up quickly with big knitting needles and it’s easier to spot your mistakes.
There are endless options on what you can knit with chunky yarn, its thickness makes it perfect for winter cozy projects like a nice blanket, a nice warm cowl, cool stylish oversized sweaters, fancy shawls to complete your outfits, mittens, and scarves to keep you warm.
So if you want to knit up something quickly, and easily and end up with something impressive then bulky yarn is for you.
Moreover, there are a lot of bulky yarns in the market for you to choose from but thickness might vary from yarn to yarn (some may be super thick yarn compared to others).
If you are planning to make something with bulky yarn and you want to stray a little from the pattern and choose a different yarn from the recommended one it’s always good to make a stitch gauge swatch so you can see if there are adjustments that need to be made.
And If you are feeling brave and want to substitute a yarn with a completely different weight category check out this post to find all the needed information plus a yarn weight conversion chart.
Everything you need to know about your yarn, you will find on the yarn label.
The yarn manufacturer provides all the necessary details about your yarn.
From the weight of your yarn, the yardage, the fiber content, the size of hooks, and the needle size you will need for this specific yarn.
Check out how to read a yarn label here.
Ps. If you end up throwing away the label, just google the yarn and you will find everything you need on the brand’s website.
Weekly news, free patterns, tutorials, and more.
My Favorite Chunky Yarns
If you are looking to add some bulky weight yarn to your yarn stash these are some of my personal favorites.
Lion Brand Hue & Me by Lion Brand Yarns
In collaboration with Two of Wands, LBxTOW Hue & Me is an affordable but sophisticated yarn that is a perfect choice for garments, accessories, and homeware.
The curated cohesive color palette features gorgeous warm muted tones of rust and mustard that contrast and complement the cooler tones of grey and washed blues.
Simply Chunky by Paintbox Yarns
Simply Chunky from Paintbox Yarns is available in almost every color imaginable!
There are 60 shades to choose from in their extensive palette, from bright primary colors to rich jewel tones and pretty pastels.
Perfect for children’s clothes and quick bulky accessories, this soft and versatile acrylic is knitted on 6 mm needles.
One single strand of pure merino superwash wool is twisted to create Malabrigo Mecha yarn, a bulky weight yarn that knits up on US 10 (6 mm) – US 11 (8 mm) needles.
The colorways are, as you would expect from the gorgeous Malabrigo palette, absolutely stunning blends and semi-solids.
Made in Peru, Mecha is beautifully soft and the perfect comfort yarn for a cozy sweater or cardigan.
Malabrigo yarn is hand-dyed, meaning that each beautiful skein is unique.
The Petite Wool by We Are Knitters
Outstanding quality 100% wool known for being soft and easy to knit, it is much thinner than our XL wool yarn balls.
It will result in an extraordinary, unique, and unmistakable piece of clothing.
Patterns That Use Bulky Weight Yarn
There are endless options on what you can knit with chunky yarn, its thickness makes it perfect for winter projects like a nice blanket to cozy up with, a nice warm cowl, cool stylish oversized sweaters, fancy shawls to complete your outfits, mittens, and scarves to keep you warm.
Bulky Weight Yarn Patterns
Take a look at the free patterns below and you might find your next project.
How To Knit A Hat With Straight Needles
Knit an easy hat with this free knitting pattern.
This pattern will show you how to knit a hat with straight needles for complete beginners, working flat, back and forth.
This is a good choice for anyone who is learning how to knit.
Corner To Corner Baby Blanket Pattern
Knit a new project with this super easy corner-to-corner baby blanket pattern.
The blanket is C2C meaning that you knit the blanket diagonally from corner to corner.
Knitted Dog Sweater Pattern (3 Sizes)
Make a cozy dog sweater with this free knitting pattern.
This knitted dog sweater pattern can be made in three sizes.
It is made in two pieces, knit flat on straight knitting needles, and then seamed.
Cardigan Knitting Pattern (Stay Home + Be Cozy)
Knit a cozy cardigan with this free knitting pattern.
This cardigan has an oversized fit, which makes it really soft and comforting to wrap yourself up in.
Wear it at home, with jeans, leggings, a lounge suit, or your PJs, anything goes really!
Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern {From Small to 3X}
Knit a stylish sweater for spring with this free knitting pattern.
This sweater is really soft and comforting, due to the drape and fit.
It’s designed to make you feel cozy and comfortable no matter where or when you wear it!
Men's Sweater Pattern {Garter Stitch}
Knit an easy garter stitch sweater with this free knitting pattern.
This taupe-colored sweater is a timeless design that can be worn repeatedly during the autumn.
Wear it with jeans, your favorite pair of boots, and a beanie or cap while going for a brisk walk with your dog.
Oversized and comfy, this sweater will feel extra cozy when there is a chill in the air.
A perfect project to use your thicker yarn and larger needles.
How To Knit An Easy Triangle Scarf
Knit an easy triangle scarf with this free knitting pattern.
This pattern will teach you to knit an easy triangle scarf, with its lightweight design and tape yarn, it is perfect for cool spring days.
The yarn can be substituted with bulky cotton yarn or other fibers making it a versatile project that you will love to wear!
Cable Knit Pumpkin Pattern
Knit a set of fall-perfect pumpkins with this free knitting pattern.
These pumpkins work up really quickly and can be a great way to use up leftover yarns in your stash.
Skye Boat Knitted Beret Pattern
Knit a cozy beret with this free knitting pattern.
The Skye Boat Knitted Beret Pattern will allow you to create a slouchy beret in the style of the MacKenzie clan grey berets seen worn in all seasons of the Outlander series.
This beret is knit flat – back and forth on straight needles.
Men's Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern
Knit a trendy turtleneck sweater with this free knitting pattern.
This sweater is a timeless design that can be worn again and again during the autumn or winter months.
Wear it with jeans, your favorite pair of boots, and a beanie or cap while going for a brisk walk with your dog.
Oversized and comfy, this sweater will feel extra cozy when there is a chill in the air.
Weightless Sweater Pattern
Knit a beautiful very light almost weightless pullover in a grey-pink color palette or choose whatever colors you prefer and suit you, using the free pattern by Rachel Brockman at the Universal yarn website.
In the pattern, which you can download for free, you can find instructions for 6 sizes ( XS-4XL).
Getting Warmer pattern by Espace Tricot
Knit a light and cozy cowl using bulky yarn to keep yourself warm in the fall and winter, it keeps your neck toasty but you can pull it on your shoulders to give yourself a little more warmth and take your winter outfits one step further.
The pattern is designed by Escape Tricot and you can download the free pdf on Ravelry.
Pair of Big Pillows Using Rowan Big Wool
Knit a pair of pillow covers to spruce up your living room, office or bedroom decor using bulky yarn following the easy, free knitting pattern by ChurchMouseYarns.
You knit up your first pillow cover, the colour block one and with your leftover yarn, you move to the second one.
You can download the free pdf version on the ChurchMouseYarns website.
Outlander Shawl Crochet Pattern (Claire's Carolina)
Crochet a cozy shawl that's perfect for the colder months with this free crochet pattern.
This Outlander Shawl Crochet Pattern will allow you to create a large triangle shawl with stripes in the design.
Claire's Tassel Shawl Crochet Pattern
Crochet a beautiful shawl with tassels with this free crochet pattern.
The design of the shawl is made so that you can wear it as a huge shawl to keep you cozy in the fall.
The Best Tote Bag Crochet Pattern
Crochet a fun beach tote bag with this free crochet pattern.
This crochet bag pattern is not only a summer staple you can use again and again but it’s really easy to make.
Using only double crochet throughout the pattern, this is an easy one to follow.
Drexel Beanie, free crochet pattern | TL Yarn Crafts
Crochet a beautiful squishy beanie with a faux fur pom-pom for yourself or as a gift following the easy free crochet pattern by Toni the crochet designer behind TL Yarn Crafts using bulky yarn.
It can keep you warm in the cold weather and make all your winter outfit stylish as the popcorn stitch and faux fur pom-pom are gonna make your beanie and you stand out.
Market Tote Bag
Crochet a stylish, grey-white market tote bag to carry your grocery goodies because plastic bags are a thing of the past.
It’s a simple crochet pattern using bulky yarn designed by Rebecca Langford of Yarn and Chai.
You can find the free pattern on her website.
Hayden Color Block Baby Blanket FREE Crochet Pattern — Ewe Ewe Yarns
Crochet a soft and squishy colour block baby blanket using bulky yarn following the pattern designed by Tony Tipsey the designer behind eweewe.com you can download the free pattern on the website.
