12 Super Bulky Yarns for Knitting Cozy Blankets & Afghans
It’s fun to knit a blanket with super bulky yarn! The blanket appears to “grow” so quickly and it keeps the knitter warm and cozy while working on the project.
Over the years, I have designed many chunky blanket knitting patterns and have used a number of different super bulky weight yarns for those projects. Through knitting all of those projects, I have discovered some favorite super bulky yarns for knitting blankets.
Below is my curated list of 12 super bulky yarns that work well for knitting cozy throws and chunky afghans. This list includes yarns with great stitch definition and beautiful colorway selections, as well as a variety of price points and shopping options.
For bulky #5 weight yarn suggestions… see this blog post.
For worsted #4 weight yarn suggestions… see this blog post.
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In this post you will find:
How to identify #6 weight super bulky yarn.
Things to consider when selecting yarn.
List of 12 super bulky weight yarns (sorted by fiber content) with descriptions and shopping resources.
YARN WEIGHT CLASSIFICATIONS:
Before purchasing a yarn, the first thing to confirm is:
What weight of yarn is required for the knitting pattern you have selected? A knitting pattern usually provides a recommended yarn weight. The Craft Yarn Council has established a classification of yarn weights and labeling symbols that include:
#4 Weight: “Medium” - Worsted or Aran Yarn
#5 Weight: “Bulky” or Chunky Yarn
#6 Weight: “Super Bulky” or Super Chunky Yarn
The higher the number for the weight classification… the thicker the yarn. For example, #6 weight “Super Bulky” is thicker than #5 weight “Bulky” yarn.
This blog post focuses on #6 weight super bulky yarns which are sometimes referred to as “super chunky”. As with almost every yarn weight category, there are a variety of names used depending on the brand of yarn and the region of the world where the yarn is made or sold.
#6 weight = super bulky = super chunky
Look for the #6 yarn symbol on the yarn label. This indicates “super bulky” or “super chunky” weight yarn. Yarn shown above is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in ‘Glacier’.
Gauge for Super Bulky Yarns:
Generally, yarns classified as super bulky weight have a gauge in stockinette stitch of about 8 - 9 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) using US 13 or 15 (9 or 10 mm) knitting needles.
There can be some variation in gauge due to the yarn structure, choice of needle size and individual knitting tension.
The blue yarn on the knitting needles is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the ‘Air Force’ colorway.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING YARN FOR A BLANKET KNITTING PROJECT:
When choosing a yarn take into consideration:
Will the blanket be actively used or enjoyed for decoration?
Will the blanket be machine washed or hand washed?
What is the budget for the project?
What type of fiber is preferred?
Will the project look best with a light, medium or dark colored yarn?
Will the project look best with a solid color, tweed, multi-colored or variegated yarn?
Of course… sometimes it’s just a matter of finding the perfect colorway that speaks to you!
WHERE TO SHOP FOR SUPER BULKY YARN:
After the yarn description are links to shopping options including:
Specific Local Yarn Shops: A few yarns are available at one of my favorite local yarn shops. Check their websites for in-person shopping or shipping details!
Local Yarn Shops: Look for a yarn shop near you using the links to yarn retailer directories. Call ahead to see if the yarn shop carries the specific yarn!
Online Retailers: Links to online shopping options include…
Lion Brand Yarn (ships from US to US, Canada, UK, etc.)
WEBS Yarn Store (ships from US to US locations and international)
Knit Picks (ships to US, Canada, Australia and UK)
WeCrochet (ships to US, Canada, Australia and UK)
LoveCrafts.com (ships to US, Canada, UK, EU and many countries around the world)
Note that some links are affiliate links which do not add any cost to you. Use of these links is appreciated, helps support the free content on this website, and keeps the site otherwise free of ads.
12 SUPER BULKY WEIGHT YARNS FOR KNITTING A BLANKET
The list below features 12 super bulky yarns in a variety of price points and an assortment of shopping options. I have used more than half of the super bulky yarns on this list and have been very pleased with the results.
If I have not used the yarn, I included it on this list because the yarn is well rated on Ravelry and/or my customers have used the yarn and had great results.
YARNS LISTED IN FIVE CATEGORIES:
100% Acrylic or Recycled Materials
Wool & Acrylic Blend
100% Superwash Wool
100% Wool
Cotton
The order within each category is random.
100% ACRYLIC OR RECYCLED MATERIALS
Lion Brand Hometown (100% Acrylic) – I have used this economically priced yarn for many of my chunky blanket knitting pattern designs including River of Dreams bed runner blanket and Over the Rooftops blanket. This yarn is very soft but also has great stitch definition. Wide selection of colorways. See some of my favorites in the photo below! YARDAGE: Note that solid colorways have 81 yards per skein and “print” colorways have 64 yards per skein. Machine washable and dryable. Shop: LionBrand.com | LoveCrafts | Amazon in single skein or multi-skein packs
Lion Brand Hometown super bulky yarn is available in many pretty colorways including: Dallas Grey (top right), Washington Denim (blue), Chicago Charcoal (lower right), Houston Cream (lower middle), Hoboken Honey (lower left) and Catskills Corner (top left and sample on the knitting needles). Note that “print” colorways (such as Catskills Corner) have 64 yards per skein… slightly less than the 81 yards per skein in the solid colorways. Shop the full selection on LionBrand.com.
Lion Brand Re-Spun Thick & Quick (100% Recycled Polyester) – This is the “new kid on the block” and it’s worth a look! The yarn is spun from 100% recycled plastics. It’s surprisingly soft with fantastic stitch definition. I am using this yarn for a new blanket design and I’m really impressed with the pleasing texture. Generously sized skeins contain 223 yards (340 grams). Attractive collection of muted colorways. I particularly like ‘Night Sky’, ‘Whipped Cream’, ‘Pumice Stone’ and ‘Olive Branch’. This yarn is a great option for any of my chunky blanket knitting patterns. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon
I’m currently working on a new design using Lion Brand ReSpun Thick & Quick. This repurposed yarn has a wonderful texture and excellent stitch definition. Great selection of muted colorways including ‘Pumice Stone’ (top left), ‘Olive Branch’ (center right), ‘Whipped Cream’ and ‘Night Sky’ (lower right). These generously sized skeins contain 223 yards (340 grams). See the full selection of colorways at LionBrand.com.
A NOTE ABOUT CHENILLE YARNS: Several brands offer super bulky chenille yarns that are so soft to the touch. However, I do not recommend chenille style yarns for any of my blanket knitting patterns. The structure of the soft yarn does not create the stitch definition necessary to show off an interesting stitch pattern.
WOOL & ACRYLIC BLEND
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% Acrylic / 20% Wool) – This might be the most actively used super bulky yarn on the market with more than 78,000 projects shared on Ravelry. I have used this yarn for many of my chunky blanket knitting patterns. Fantastic stitch definition. Choose from a wide selection of colorways that work great for home décor including: Slate, Charcoal, Cilantro, Denim, Peanut, Mustard and Spice. YARDAGE: Solid colorways have 106 yards per skein. Multi-color or ‘print’ colorways have 87 yards per skein. Pair a multi-color or tweed colorway with a simple knitting pattern such as my Game Time Blanket or Where the Sidewalk Ends Blanket. Machine washable and dryable. Shop: LionBrand.com | LoveCrafts | Amazon | WeCrochet (ships to Australia, Canada and UK)
For my Game Time Blanket knitting pattern design I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the ‘Mustard’ colorway. The reversible pattern looks outstanding due to the great stitch definition of the yarn. Click here to get all the details on this blanket knitting pattern.
Plymouth Encore Mega (75% Acrylic / 25% Wool) - There are two attractive examples using this yarn that were shared on Ravelry: a North of the River cable blanket and a cozy Boulevard Blanket. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.2 out of 5 stars. Machine washable. Shop: Yarn Barn of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas | Local yarn shops in the US | LoveCrafts.
Cascade Yarns Pacific Bulky (60% Acrylic / 40% Superwash Merino Wool) - Nice selection of traditional colorways. A ‘Deep Teal’ Westport Blanket baby blanket shared on Ravelry shows off the great stitch definition of the yarn. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.4 out of 5 stars. Machine wash and tumble dry low. Shop: Local Yarn Shops | WEBS Yarn Store
100% SUPERWASH WOOL
Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky (100% Superwash Wool) - This yarn is soft, springy and luxurious! I loved knitting with this squishy yarn for my Graph Paper blanket knitting design. Lovely texture with excellent stitch definition. Beautiful selection of colorways. Machine-washable. Shop: exclusively at WEBS Yarn Store
I used the ‘Light Blue’ colorway in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky for my Graph Paper blanket knitting design. This yarn is lovely! Click here for knitting pattern details.
100% WOOL OR OTHER NATURAL FIBERS
Cascade Yarns Lana Grande (100% Peruvian Highland Wool) - Jan made this stunning Westport Blanket project (shown below) using the ‘Golden Olive’ colorway. Her blanket and photo look ready for a home decorating magazine! More than 35 beautiful color choices. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts.com
This beautiful blanket was made by Jan using Cascade Lana Grande in the ‘Golden Olive’ colorway and the Westport Blanket knitting pattern. Click here to get more details about this blanket knitting pattern.
Rowan Big Wool (100% Merino Wool) - Traditional merino wool combined with the quick knitting of super bulky. A beautiful selection of classic colorways. One of the top 10 most used super bulky yarns by Ravelry knitters. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana | Jimmy Beans Wool | The Woolery | Local Yarn Shops
Malabrigo Rasta (100% Merino Wool from Uruguay) – If you want to make a luxurious one-of-a-kind accent blanket… this could be the one. Each skein is hand dyed and the colors are stunning. Be sure to buy all of the yarn needed for your project in one batch. Pair a semi-solid or variegated colorway with a simple pattern that will allow the yarn to be the star of the show… such as the Game Time Blanket, Where the Sidewalk Ends Blanket or The Boulevard Blanket. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.8 out of 5 stars with more than 31,000 projects shared. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Social in Kansas City | The Loopy Ewe in Fort Collins, CO | Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | WEBS Yarn Store
Knit Picks Tuff Puff (100% Wool) - This roving style wool yarn has good stitch definition that enhances detailed patterns. Available in cheerful, bright colorways as well as a few neutrals. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.2 out of 5 stars. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: KnitPicks.com
COTTON
DMC Natura XL (100% Cotton) – This yarn has a natural, matte appearance… not shiny. A few years ago a knitter shared a beautiful work-in-progress photo of the Westport Blanket made with a cream colorway. Nice stitch definition. Ravelry knitters rate this yarn 4.2 out of 5 stars. Shop: Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts
A note about cotton yarn: It is challenging to find cotton yarns in the super bulky #6 weight yarn category! One thing to consider… using a 100% cotton super bulky yarn could result in a fairly heavy finished blanket. If the reason for looking for a cotton yarn is to avoid the traditional “scratchiness” of wool or due to a wool allergy… take a look at the acrylic & recycled material yarns listed in the first category above. Acrylic yarns have definitely improved over the years!
Thanks for taking a minute to check out my knitting patterns available here on this website, Ravelry and Etsy.
I hope you discover the perfect yarn for your next knitting project!
Happy knitting!
