15 Bulky Yarn Suggestions for Knitting Chunky Blankets

A frequent question from knitters is “what yarn should I use to knit a blanket?”  There are so many yarns to choose from! 

Below is my curated list of more than 15 bulky weight yarns - in a variety of prices - that will work well for knitting baby blankets, cozy throws or large chunky afghans. Any of these yarns are great choices for my blanket knitting patterns designed for bulky weight yarn.

In this post you will find:

1. Yarn Weight Classifications: How to identify #5 weight bulky yarn.

2. Things to consider when selecting yarn.

3. Locations to shop for yarn.

4. List of 15 bulky weight yarns (sorted by fiber content) with descriptions and shopping resources. List updated March 2023.

5. How to use Ravelry search tools to get all the details (including yardage) about almost any yarn.

For this blog post… I’m focusing specifically on bulky weight yarn.

For worsted weight yarn suggestions… see this blog post.

For super bulky yarn suggestions… see this blog post.

Pin the image below to save it on your Pinterest knitting board! Click here to see my Pinterest page.

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?  Each knitting pattern should provide a recommended yarn weight.  The Craft Yarn Council has established a classification of yarn weights and labeling symbols.  For example:

#3 Weight: “Light” - DK or Light Worsted

#4 Weight:  “Medium” - Worsted or Aran Yarn

#5 Weight:  “Bulky” or Chunky Yarn

#6 Weight:  “Super Bulky” or Super Chunky Yarn  

Look for the #5 yarn symbol on the yarn label. This indicates “bulky” or “chunky” weight yarn. Yarn shown above is Lion Brand Hue & Me. This pretty light teal colorway is ‘Sea Glass’.   

This blog post focuses on #5 weight “bulky” or “chunky” yarns.  It can get confusing with so many descriptors!! 

Just remember: #5 weight = bulky = chunky

Gauge: Generally, yarns classified as bulky or chunky weight have a gauge in stockinette stitch of about 12 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) using US 10.5 (6.5 mm) knitting needles.

This gauge is a reference point There can be some variation within this yarn category based on the yarn structure, choice of needle size and individual knitting tension.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING YARN FOR A BLANKET KNITTING PROJECT:

Once the weight of yarn required for the blanket project is established… then take into consideration:

Who will use the blanket?  Baby, child, teen, college student, adult or older adult.

Is the blanket likely to be actively used or enjoyed for decoration?  If it will be actively used… perhaps an easy care, machine washable yarn is the best choice.  If the blanket is for decoration or careful use… this will widen the options of yarns to consider.

What is the budget for the project?  There are many price points for a skein of yarn including affordable craft store yarn, moderately priced yarns and higher priced luxury yarns.  Of course, the size of the blanket project will impact the total cost of the project.   

What type of fiber is preferred?  There are so many choices including 100% wool, cotton, acrylic, other man-made fibers, superwash wool or a blend of fibers.  Does the pattern include any specific recommendations?  The choice impacts both the experience of knitting with various types of yarns, as well as the feel and appearance of the finished project.

Do you have a certain yarn color in mind?  It is fun, and sometimes challenging, to find the perfect colorway that suits your taste and the knitting project.  Sometimes finding a color that speaks to you is what draws you to a yarn! 

Keep a couple things in mind - will the project look best with a light, medium or dark colored yarn AND will the project look best with a solid color, tweed, multi-colored or variegated yarn?  

In general, I find that a detailed stitch pattern will look best with a solid color yarn. A simple stitch design (such as my Happy Endings blanket) can work well with a solid color, tweed or gently variegated yarn.

Dark colorway can sometimes hide a stitch pattern… or enhance it! For example, below is my All These Places blanket pattern which features a basket weave style stitch pattern. The stitch pattern is still bold and easily visible in a rich, dark colorway.

All These Places blanket knitting pattern for bulky weight yarn. Click here to learn more about the pattern.

Other stitch patterns will show up best with a lighter shade of yarn. Below is my Little Moments blanket knitting pattern. This more detailed stitch pattern looks best with a solid color, light to medium shade of yarn. The stitch pattern gets “lost” in a multi-color yarn.

Little Moments blanket knitting pattern for bulky weight yarn. It’s reversible! The stitch pattern will show up best with a solid color yarn. Very easy to knit! Click here to get more details.

BULKY WEIGHT YARNS FOR KNITTING A BLANKET

The list below is not intended to be all inclusive.  But, I have included more than 15 yarns in order to include a wide range of price points and offer readers the opportunity to discover something new. 

This list includes bulky weight yarns that I have used and have liked the results (noted below)… as well as many yarns that I have not used. 

If I have not used the yarn, I included it on this list because Ravelry knitters have shared a lot of blanket projects using the yarn, the yarn is well rated on Ravelry, my customers have used the yarn and were pleased with the results, and/or the yarn looks simply amazing and I would love to knit a project with it! 

WHERE TO SHOP FOR YARN:

There are so many choices of places to shop for yarn! After the yarn description are links to resources for shopping for each yarn including:

Specific Local Yarn Shops: For a couple of yarns, I have highlighted 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 you are looking for!

Online Retailers: In case you don’t have a yarn shop near you or prefer to shop online there are links to several online options including…

• 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.

FOUR CATEGORIES BASED ON FIBER CONTENT:

The suggested yarns are presented in categories based on fiber content:

• 100% Acrylic (or other manufactured fibers)

• Wool & Acrylic blend (or other manufactured fibers)

• 100% Superwash Wool

• 100% Wool or Other Natural Fibers

The order within each category is random.

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100% ACRYLIC (OR OTHER MANUFACTURED FIBERS)

Knit Picks Brava Bulky (100% Acrylic) - I have tried the worsted weight version of this yarn and it has great stitch definition. Ravelry knitters give it a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Affordable, easy care yarn that is available in a wide selection of colorways. Machine wash and dry. Shop: Exclusively from KnitPicks.com

Berroco Comfort Chunky (50% Nylon / 50% Acrylic) – This easy care yarn has a 4 out of 5 star rating on Ravelry.  Here’s a cute Happy Endings baby blanket shared by a Ravelry knitter. Machine wash and lay flat to dry.  Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store

Stylecraft Special Chunky (100% Acrylic) – This economically priced yarn has a 4+ star rating on Ravelry (out of 5 stars).  And, the yarn is available in a wide range of attractive colorways.  A beautiful orange All These Places blanket made by a Ravelry knitter shows off the yarn well. Machine washable. Shop:  Local Yarn Shops in UK | LoveCrafts

Lion Brand Color Made Easy (100% Acrylic) – DISCONTINUED - I used this yarn for four blanket knitting pattern designs.  It’s a great, easy care yarn for blankets.  Unfortunately, it has been discontinued. 

This work-in-progress photo is my easy-to-knit ‘Happy Endings’ blanket knitting pattern. Click here to learn more about the pattern.

WOOL & ACRYLIC BLEND (OR OTHER MANUFACTURED FIBERS)

Lion Brand Hue & Me (80% Acrylic / 20% Wool) – I used this yarn for my Here & Now striped blanket knitting pattern and I’m thrilled with the results. See photo below! This classic wool-blend yarn is offered in many beautiful, up-to-date colorways at an affordable price. Each 125 gram skein has 137 yards. Machine washable.  Shop: Best selection of colorways available on LionBrand.com | WeCrochet (ships to US, Australia, Canada & UK)  

The Here & Now chunky throw blanket is very easy to knit. I used five colorways of Lion Brand Hue & Me yarn: Marine, Whisper, Smoke, Salt and Harbor. Get more details and purchase the PDF pattern on FiftyFourTenStudio.com or Ravelry.

Four of the many beautiful colorways offered in the popular Lion Brand Hue & Me bulky yarn: Sea Glass (light aqua - top); Agave (soft, dusty teal - right); Magic Hour (dusty dark blue - center); Ozone (light gray - left). Click to see the full selection on the Lion Brand website.

Plymouth Yarn Encore Chunky (75% Acrylic 25% Wool) - I have seen a lot of customers use Plymouth Encore in the worsted and chunky (bulky) weight.  It's an affordably priced yarn that is quite popular… with more than 500 blanket projects shared on Ravelry.  Here's an All These Places blanket project shared on Ravelry made with the Encore Chunky. Machine washable. Shop: Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store

Berroco Vintage Chunky (50% Acrylic / 40% Wool / 10% Nylon) – I have used the worsted weight version of this soft, classic style yarn.  Ravelry knitters have shared 100’s of blanket projects using this yarn.  Machine washable.  Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts

This ‘All These Places’ blanket was made with Berroco Vintage Chunky in the ‘Storm’ colorway. Kathy knit this beautiful blanket for her son-in-law. It looks fabulous! [photo shared with permission] Click here for more info on the All These Places blanket knitting pattern.

Cascade Pacific Chunky (60% Acrylic / 40% Merino Wool) - When I saw a customer’s Together Again blanket made with this yarn I knew I needed to add it to this list. Machine washable. Shop:  Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts  

Debbie Bliss Merion (50% Wool / 50% Acrylic) – This roving style chunky yarn is described as cashmere soft, light and lofty.  It looks absolutely luxurious!  Gorgeous palette of colorways.  This yarn just moved to the top of my ‘want to try it’ list!  Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: LoveCrafts  (Don’t miss the 5 ball and 10 ball value pack options.)

A work-in-progress photo of my ‘All These Places’ blanket knitting pattern. It’s amazing how just the right combination of knit and purl stitches can create the illusion of basket weaving. Click here to learn more about this blanket knitting pattern.

100% SUPERWASH WOOL

Knit Picks Swish Bulky (100% Superwash Merino Wool) - Lovely, soft texture. Attractive selection of heathered colorways. Ravelry knitters give it a rating of about 4.4 out of 5 stars.  Machine wash separately in cold water and tumble dry low. Shop: Exclusively at KnitPicks.com

Knit Picks Swish Bulky has a lovely, soft texture. Shown here in ‘Delft Heather’ and ‘Nutmeg Heather’ colorways. Get more details on KnitPicks.com.

Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash (100% Superwash Merino Wool) – Beautiful selection of colorways.  I have not used this yarn but it’s the 6th most used bulky weight yarn on Ravelry projects.  And, Ravelry knitters give it a rating of about 4.5 out of 5 stars.  Machine washable and dryable. Be sure to read the tips on the Ravelry page about care of this yarn. Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | LoveCrafts | WEBS Yarn Store

Cascade 220 Superwash Grande (100% Superwash Wool) – In 2022, Cascade introduced this bulky version of one of their most popular yarns.  Available in an attractive selection of 30 colorways.  Each 200 gram skein has 220 yards.  Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by Ravelry knitters.  Machine wash cold and tumble dry.  Shop:  Local Yarn Shops |  Jimmy Beans Wool

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky (100% Superwash Wool) – This is a machine washable version of Knit Pick’s popular Wool of the Andes yarn.  Attractive selection of 26 colorways.  Each 100 gram skein has 137 yards.  Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by Ravelry knitters.  Machine washable and dryable.  Shop: Exclusively from Knit Picks

Berroco Ultra Wool Chunky (100% Superwash Wool) – Available in more than 35 classic colorways.  Each 100 gram skein has 145 yards.  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Ravelry knitters.  Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Tumble dry on low.  Shop: Local Yarn Shops | Jimmy Beans Wool | Yarn Barn in Lawrence, Kansas

Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky (100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino Wool) - Very soft, springy texture. Excellent stitch definition.  Great choice for blankets.  I have used this yarn and it knits up beautifully.  Machine washable. Lay flat to dry. Shop: Exclusively at WEBS Yarn Store

100% WOOL OR OTHER NATURAL FIBERS

Malabrigo Chunky (100% Merino Wool) – This is yet another luxurious yarn from Malabrigo Yarns.  Available in a gorgeous selection of semi-solid and variegated colorways.  Be sure to purchase enough yarn to complete your project since each bag of 10 skeins is a different dye lot. Each 100 gram skein has 104 yards.  Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by Ravelry knitters.  Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.  Shop:  Local Yarn Shops | Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri | Jimmy Beans Wool

Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky (85% wool, 15% mohair) – This is one of my all-time favorite yarns. Even though I have not used this yarn for knitting a blanket… I still wanted to include this classic yarn on this list because it has great stitch definition, has stood the test of time (it’s been on the market for decades!), it’s reliable and very well rated by Ravelry knitters. Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Yarn Barn of Kansas | Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops | WEBS Yarn Store  

Brown Sheep Company Lamb’s Pride Bulky in ‘Winter Blue’.

Purl Soho Super Soft Merino (100% Merino Wool) – Gorgeous and luxurious.  More than 35 beautiful colorways.  Though referred to as “super bulky”… the gauge seems closer to “bulky” weight: about 10 – 12 sts = 4 inches / 10 cm on US 11 knitting needle.  It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful yarn than this one!  Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Exclusively at Purl Soho.  

Purl Soho Big Good Wool (100% Andean highland wool, undyed) – Luxurious and natural.  Available in five undyed colors… “as the sheep grew it”.  274 yards per skein.  Note that the gauge might be a little bit lighter weight than many of the bulky weight yarns listed here.  But, it’s worth a look if you want a yarn that is natural and lovely.  Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Shop: Exclusively at Purl Soho. 

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RESEARCH YARNS ON RAVELRY

Ravelry is an outstanding resource for knitters to find knitting patterns and research yarns! To use the search tools, you do have to be a registered user of Ravelry. It’s free to join and very easy to sign up here.

Discover yarns:  Ravelry has a page where you can search yarns by all different factors such as weight (worsted, bulky, etc.), fiber, rating, etc.  The options for defining your search are on the left side of the screen when viewed on a tablet or computer. In the screenshot shown below “bulky” weight is selected.

Look up a specific yarn:  You can also search and look up details on a specific yarn on this Ravelry page. 

Type in the name of the yarn in the search box. (Circled in yellow in the screenshot below.)

Click on a yarn name.  This takes you to the Ravelry fact page about the yarn. (See screenshot below.) There are specific details on fiber content, yardage per skein, the average rating by Ravelry knitters (5-star scale), gauge, suggested needle size, origin of the yarn, care recommendations, a description of the yarn and buying options. 

This is a great place to find the yardage for a yarn!

Click on “Projects” (upper right in screenshot below) to see all of the projects that Ravelry knitters have shared using the yarn.  It can be helpful to see how a yarn has been used and how a project turned out. 

It can seem like a lot of information the first time using the Ravelry search options! However, once you use it a few times it gets a bit easier to find useful information about the thousands of yarns available… including discontinued yarns.

Most of my knitting patterns are also available from my Etsy shop.

I hope you discover the perfect yarn for your next blanket knitting project!

Happy knitting!