There is something so fun about crocheting with chunky yarn. Not only does your project work up quickly, but you can make some thick and gorgeous pieces as well!
When using a chunky yarn, you are able to see the stitches more clearly, as the yarn is obviously larger than normal weight yarn. This means you can really show off some stitches, but it also means that you need to choose the right crochet stitches to use.
What are the best crochet stitches for chunky yarn? The best stitch for chunky yarn is a simple stitch. Single crochet is well-defined when crocheted in a chunky yarn. Other good stitches for chunky yarn include double crochet, half double crochet, V-stitch, and similar stitches.
Complex stitches don’t tend to be well-defined in chunky yarn. It’s almost like the thickness of the yarn gets in the way. While a thick lace can sometimes appeal, the chunkier your yarn is, the less likely it will be well-defined in your crocheting.
It is also a wonderfully easy stitch to finger crochet projects using bulky yarn.
Read on to find out the best stitches to use for chunky yarn, to ensure you make the most beautiful, cozy items possible!
Crochet Stitches For Chunky Yarn
Some stitches are best for chunky yarn. These crochet stitches work better with the bulkier weight of the yarn and look stunning when finished.
Single crochet – This is the basic stitch that most crochet lovers learn first. It is a simple and humble stitch, but it looks beautiful on chunky yarn. With chunky yarn, you can really appreciate the simple twists and turns of the stitch, and it is great to use for finger crochet projects as well.
Double crochet – Double crochet is another basic stitch, but being pretty much two single crochet stitches one on top of the other, you can imagine how well it sits on bulky yarn.
Half-double crochet – The half double crochet stitch has more twists and an extra loop, compared to single and double crochet stitches. These extra twists and turns look beautiful on chunky yarn. Along with single crochet, this is one of the sturdiest stitches, perfect for keeping shape in sweaters.
V-stitch – The V-stitch is a different take on double crochet. It works two stitches into one stitch to create a set of V’s in a row. These are highlighted on the chunky yarn and create a natural feel.
Back loop stitch – A back loop stitch is so easy to do with chunky yarn, as you will find it much easier to insert the hook into the larger back loop on your project. Working in back loop stitches helps to create a ridge effect and some gorgeous texture on your project.
Tip: Crochet stitches take on different names in different places – the U.S. and U.K. especially tend to use different names. Most patterns and books will tell you which you are using. However, you can always do a web search to find the equivalent name for any pattern.
But whether your half-double is my half-treble, just opt for anything simple in a chunky yarn and it will turn out well.
How to Choose Stitches and Learn to Make Them – Crochet Stitch Books
It helps to have a resource to refer back to when you pick up your crochet hook and chunky yarn, ready to tackle a new project.
A crochet stitch book will always come in handy. It is a way for you to learn new stitches, and brush up your skills on the stitches you already know.
For a chunky yarn stitch book, make sure to look for the following characteristics:
Easy to Read
It is so important to make sure that the crochet book you choose to use is easy to read and understand. The stitch instructions should be laid out clearly and in a simple manner. There is no point in choosing a crochet stitch book that you do not understand!
Most crochet books use text and pictures, though occasionally some will use charts. You want to make sure your book offers whichever is easiest for you to read and understand, or both.
Clear Pictures
Some of us understand stitches better if we see step by step visual instructions, so if that is something you need, make sure to choose a book that has written and picture instructions to teach you how to do a stitch.
Clear pictures are always so helpful when learning to crochet. It helps to have swatch examples as well, so you can see what the stitches look like finished.
Crochet Stitch Level
If you are a beginner crocheter, it would be best to purchase a book suited to your skill level. For more advanced crocheters, a beginner book will be of no use. Look for a book that suits your level of crocheting, but make sure there is room to grow past your level of knowledge as well.
Any basic book should have the stitches above, so if you’re new to crocheting and aren’t confident you know your half-double from your double and single crochet, you can rest easy that any intro book will have you covered!
Suited To Chunky Yarn
For stitches suited for chunky yarn, you will need to look for a crochet stitch book suited for bulkier weights. Don’t purchase a crochet stitch book that only contains stitches suitable for fingering weight yarns.
Hint: Your chunky yarn projects aren’t the time to try out lace stitches.
The 5 Best Stitch Books
Now that you know what to look for in a stitch book that will have all the basics you need for chunky yarn and more, here are the best out there, which will help you make the most of your chunky yarn to create some gorgeous items with stunning stitches!
| Rank | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Crochet Stitch Dictionary | 200 essential stitches |
| 2. | The Big Book Of Crochet Stitches | 350+ stitches |
| 3. | A to Z Of Crochet | Beginner to advanced |
| 4. | The New Crochet Stitch Dictionary | 440 stitches, charts + pics |
| 5. | Crochet Techniques & Tips | 20 stitches, good for beginners |
But a crochet book is a modest investment, so we’ve got more information on each below. You’ll definitely want to be sure you’re getting the right one for your needs.
1. Crochet Stitch Dictionary: 200 Essential Stitches
This is the ultimate crochet stitch book for both new and experienced crocheters. The book contains 200 crochet stitches, which are written down in detail, charted, and accompanied by photographed instructions.
There are 10 color-coded sections in the book, ranging from basic stitches to bobbles and clusters, to post stitches and so much more. You will be able to find some great stitches to learn and practice on chunky yarn!
Each stitch is explained clearly, displayed on a chart, and then shown in sequenced photographs, to properly help you understand how to work each one.
Sampler pages are dotted around the book with eye-catching ‘candy boxes’ to catch your attention, and to motivate you to learn more stitches!
2. The Big Book Of Crochet Stitches
If you want to increase your stitch repertoire and continue building on the stitches you can use for chunky yarn, you can’t go wrong with The Big Book Of Crochet Stitches.
The book was created by two well-known names in crochet, and contains simple step-by-step instructions for over 350 stitches!
These range from easy to advanced and cover all stitches from shells to bobbles and more. The stitches are well explained, so beginners shouldn’t feel lost when relying on this guide.
Each stitch is displayed in a full-color swatch in a close-up photograph, and you can easily find the right stitch using the alphabetical index.
3. A to Z Of Crochet
The A to Z of Crochet book is a great guide for beginners to start with. It contains all the stitches you could want to use on chunky yarn, and then some.
Basic to advanced stitches are all shown in easy to follow step-by-step instructions, and the book has over 1000 close-up photographs displaying the stitches in many different ways.
Not only will you find great stitches to use for chunky yarn in this book, but it contains ways to fix mistakes, answers to almost any crochet question, and how to properly shape garments!
4. The New Crochet Stitch Dictionary
Over 440 stitches are presented clearly in full-color with plenty of pictures in The New Crochet Stitch Dictionary book.
All stitches have a sample swatch shown, and charted instructions to boot, to make learning new stitches much easier. The authors have really ensured the book is versatile enough to work with different learning styles.
Stitches also contain helpful notes, with really useful information that any crocheter will appreciate. The book is divided up into 10 sections, each containing different types of stitches for easy reference.
All the best stitches for chunky yarn are contained in this book – and so many more! If you give this bad boy a chance, it will be your go-to book for all things crochet!
5. Crochet Techniques & Tips
Sometimes you need a little more than just step-by-step instructions on how to do a crochet stitch, sometimes some tips and advice can be more than helpful!
The Crochet Techniques & Tips book will be your ultimate guide on all things crochet. It only contains instructions on 20 different crochet stitches, but they are all great stitches to practice and use on chunky yarn.
Plus, they are described well; this is a great resource for beginner and intermediate crocheters.
The stitches are suited for both beginner and experienced crocheters. You will find helpful edging and joining techniques in the book as well, which goes so much further than just teaching you the stitches!
Related Questions
What Can I Crochet with Chunky Yarn?
There are quite a few options on what you can crochet with chunky yarn. Here are some of the more popular chunky yarn projects:
- Blankets
- Scarves and cowls
- Pillows
- Poncho
- Slippers
- Sweaters
- Rugs
What Size Crochet Hook Do I Use For Chunky Yarn?
For chunky yarn, you will need to use a larger crochet hook than you would for medium or worsted weight yarn.
You can generally start with 7.00mm, 8.00mm, or 9.00mm (L, M, N) crochet hooks, but remember to also look for the recommended crochet hook size on the pattern. Look at the recommended size for that particular chunky yarn brand on its packaging, too.
You should also adjust up or down a size based on your natural gauge. If you know you tend to make small, tight stitches, you may prefer a size down to match – unless you want to make your stitches bigger, then choose a size up.
If you’re new to crocheting and not sure how your stitches measure up, try out different sizes and see how your work looks in starter swatch before working a pattern.
Is it Easier to Work with Chunky Yarn?
It can be easier for beginners to work with chunky yarn, and to learn to crochet on a bulkier yarn. This is because the yarn is easier to handle, and the stitches are easier to see. Because stitches are so large, the project can be finished more quickly, as well.
You are also able to pick up on mistakes easily as the stitches are enlarged. This however can be a problem if you make mistakes and the errors are visible on the finished project.
How Many Balls of Chunky Yarn Do I Need to Crochet a Blanket?
As always, it depends! The larger the blanket, the more skeins you will need. The less yardage in your skein, the more you will need. The smaller the stitches you make, the more you will need…
When possible, check a pattern. You can also use estimates by size of finished blanket from online guides.
If you are worried that the color you choose might run out, buy more than you need just in case. You can always crochet a matching pillow with leftover yarn! It is better to be safe than to run out.
The more colors you use or the more variegated yarn you use, the easier it is to disguise any differences in dye lot, too. So if you’re worried about issues later on, opt for more colors now and feel confident later!
Up Next: 9 Best Crochet Kits for Kids
