A chunky blanket can quickly become a source of memories and can stay in a household for generations. Using a chunky blanket is my favorite way to keep warm in my home.
If you’re expecting a baby, making a chunky blanket can also be a great way of preparing for the new arrival, both mentally and physically. You can use large needles or even your arms to make a decent-sized blanket in less than an hour.
So, what are the best yarns for chunky blankets? The best yarn for chunky blankets is merino wool yarn. This natural fiber is soft, bouncy, and ideal for a warm and cozy blanket. For vegans, chenille yarn is the best alternative to merino wool. Acrylic yarn is a great budget yarn for chunky blankets.
Keep reading to learn which yarn is the best for chunky blankets.
The Best Yarn For Chunky Blankets: Buyer’s Guide
Without compromising softness, they can also be light and comfortable. Wool, on the other hand, can be heavy for large-sized blankets too.
Durable yarn is an important consideration for blankets since many are possessions for life. If you are going to invest your time, as well as your yarn, into a blanket, then you may as well choose a yarn that is lasting and easy to take care of.
Read on to find out more about the best yarn for chunky blankets.
1. Chunky Yarn Material
There are many options for these chunky blankets.
Merino Wool – The Best Yarn For Chunky Blankets
Merino wool, for example, is super soft and absolutely ideal for a warm blanket. It is thick, chunky, and beautifully luxurious but can be a little heavy.
If you are intending to make a large blanket for daily use, then you may want to consider wool alternatives.
Chenille – The Best Vegan Yarn For Chunky Blankets
Moreover, if you’re looking for a non-animal option then look no further than chenille yarn. It is made of synthetic material which is durable and lasting. It is also washable.
If you live a vegan lifestyle then chenille yarn is ideal. For a lightweight yet warm blanket, the chenille is also much lighter than traditional wool.
Acrylic – The Best Budget Yarn For Chunky Blankets
In addition, acrylic yarn, in general, is a great alternative to wool. Gone are the days when acrylic equals coarse plastic.
Acrylic yarn has evolved over the years to mimic wool and natural fibers. It can be soft, durable, warm as well as lightweight. It can be a great option if you are allergic to wool. It is also usually machine washable which is convenient if your blanket is going to be used daily.
Acrylic yarn, however, is made of substances which are non-biodegradable. This means it is not the best option for those who are seeking to live zero waste or plastic-free lifestyles. If that sounds like you, then natural yarn is going to be the better option.
2. Size Of The Blanket
The amount of yarn you need will depend on the size of your blanket.
Generally speaking, a blanket, which is 4 by 5 feet requires around eight pounds of yarn. But half this amount can also make a decent-sized blanket and throw for personal use.
Ensuring you have enough yarn before you start will save you disappointment in an incomplete project. Since blankets are so versatile, it is also possible to decide on a certain number of skeins that suit your budget and then make the blanket as large as your skeins allow.
3. Method (Crocheting, Knitting, Or Arm Knitting)
Ultimately, smaller needles will give you tighter stitches, making your blanket firmer and denser.
For a chunky blanket you want to have looser stitches, and using a large pole even your arms will help you achieve this. This kind of loose blanket is one most people prefer.
4. Care (Hand Wash Vs Machine Wash)
Taking care of your knitted garments appropriately is key to ensuring that they are long-lasting. If you are someone who struggles to hand wash or don’t have the patience to flat dry your blanket, then you may need to consider alternatives to wool.
This is because wool is delicate, and it loses shape when it is wet. If you don’t let it dry flat, it can quickly become misshapen and fall apart.
Acrylic yarn, on the other hand, is more enduring. It can withstand machine washes and can sometimes even be thrown into the tumble dryer, giving you a warm blanket to enjoy.
The Best Yarn For Chunky Blankets
Chunky blankets can be made easily with oversized needles, or also by the arm knitting method. With the right yarn and method, you can make up the ideal blanket companion within just a few hours.
| Rank | Product | Material |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | HomeModa Studio Chunky Wool Yarn | Wool blend |
| 2. | Giant Chunky Yarn For Arm Knitting | Polyester |
| 3. | FOHOMA Chenille Yarn | Chenille |
| 4. | LB Collection® Wool Yarn | 100% wool |
| 5. | Merino Wool Chunky Yarn | Merino wool |
| 6. | Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn | Acrylic |
| 7. | Premier Yarns Couture Jazz | Brushed acrylic |
| 8. | Super Chunky Yarn, Mustard Yellow | Merino wool |
| 9. | Super Chunky Acrylic Yarn | Acrylic |
1. HomeModa Studio Chunky Wool Yarn
Check current price on Amazon.
This soft and chunky yarn is perfect for beginners. It has a wonderful cotton candy feel which is a pleasure to work with, creating soft and beautiful items every time you use it.
It is made with unspun wool which does shed at times, but it is to be expected with this type of yarn. You need approximately 5 pounds to make a comfortable adult-sized blanket.
Five pounds may seem like a large investment, but homemade items of this nature are usually designed for life, so it could be an investment worth making.
Pros
- Beautifully soft
- Luxurious, quality yarn
- Easy to work with
- Perfect for arm knitting
Cons
- Sheds
- A little pricey
2. Giant Chunky Yarn For Arm Knitting
Check current price on Amazon.
This is absolutely one of the best super chunky yarns you can get anywhere. They have it in a variety of colors, but I’m absolutely in love with the dark grey you see to the right.
The material is SO soft and made of such high quality you just know that your projects will last. In fact many people use this exact yarn to even make pet beds because it is so durable. It’s also machine washable!
The yarn doesn’t ball up and will leave absolutely no lint whatsoever.
It also comes in a variety of lengths and weights. If you get the 11 pound version you can make an enormous 60″x60″ blanket!
Overall, if you want this particular look for your project, this is the perfect “yarn” for it. Just know that this isn’t technically yarn, and to get this look it’s actually cotton tubes with stuffing. This makes it nice and warm and hold a great shape. I personally love this about the product, but it’s a good thing to know.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this product, I certainly wasn’t. It can make some of the most Instagram worthy projects you’ll ever see.
3. FOHOMA Chenille Yarn
Check current price on Amazon.
This beautiful, soft and elegant yarn is perfect for giant knitting projects. Whether you want to try our arm knitting, or use jumbo needles, this large and chunky yarn is ideal for chunky blankets.
It is easy to work with, is budget-friendly, and the yarn is available in a variety of sizes too. Chenille is lighter than wool and easier to take care of, which is a bonus!
It’s 100% polyester and machine-washable.
Pros
- Soft and high-quality yarn
- 100% vegan
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as thick as wool
4. LB Collection® Wool Yarn
Check current price on the Lion Brand website.
This super bulky 100% wool yarn is one-ply, with an interesting twist.
There is a unique white binding surrounds the roving. This is wrapped more tightly at different points so that the yarn goes from wide to narrow. This gives it a uniquely textured appearance to help you make a blanket with character.
This yarn is easy to wash by use of hand and gentle soap and/or detergent.
It must be dried flat. If you are someone who doesn’t like to launder items in this way, then it may not be the best option.
It also has a steep price, but sometimes the price tag reflects the quality. In this respect, this yarn is certainly worth paying for.
Pros
- Beautiful and soft
- Easy to work with
- Natural fibers
Cons
- A little pricey
5. Merino Wool Chunky Yarn
This chunky and oversized yarn is perfect for your next knitting adventure. If you’re looking to make a chunky blanket, this soft merino wool yarn will not disappoint.
It is beautiful and unique and comes in continuous 1 to 10 pound balls. Whether you want to make a small throw or a large blanket, you can purchase the size you require.
Unfortunately, if it needs a wash, it must be hand washed with care and dried flat to ensure longevity.
Pros
- Beautifully soft yarn
- Easy to work with
- Natural fibers
- Popular
- Comes in a variety of weights and sizes
Cons
- Larger projects can be pricey
- Must be laid flat to dry
6. Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn
Check current price on Amazon.
This 100% acrylic yarn by a trusted brand has the benefit of being lightweight and easy to care for.
You can put it in the washer and dryer if it becomes soiled or stained, which makes it the ideal yarn for a baby blanket.
One skein can make an averaged sized bathroom rug with ease. Several skeins will make an average-sized throw or blanket.
If you’re looking to knit a chunky blanket on a budget without compromising on softness or quality, then this Bernat yarn will not disappoint.
The yarn can be doubled or tripled with ease for bulkier and chunkier results. Since it is acrylic, it is not the ideal option for those who wish to only use natural fibers within their home.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Budget-friendly
- Variety available
Cons
- Not an eco-friendly option
7. Premier Yarns Couture Jazz
Check current price on Amazon.
Made with brushed acrylic, this yarn is the ideal texture for a chunky and comfortable home blanket.
You can use 25mm needles, or try your hand at a bit of arm knitting too. The acrylic yarn also will not shed.
This Couture Jazz yarn will give you the results you are looking for in a chunky blanket.
Pros
- Beautiful, natural color
- Soft and pleasant to work with
- Will give you fast results
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not an eco-friendly option
8. Super Chunky Yarn, Mustard Yellow
This beautiful and unique colored mustard yellow yarn will bring color and character to any home. If you want a blanket that makes a statement, then this mustard yellow will not disappoint.
It is a popular yarn with loyal customers from around the world. It is ideal for 15mm needles, or the yarn can easily be doubled up for a bouncier and chunkier effect.
This natural wool must be hand washed and dried flat to ensure quality and longevity.
Pros
- Beautiful and unique color
- Soft and bouncy
- Easy to use
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Must be washed by hand and laid flat to dry
9. Super Chunky Acrylic Yarn
Check current price on Amazon.
This elegant and chunky yarn is ideal for those oversized knitting projects you have had an eye on.
It is exceptionally easy to use and high quality too. The yarn is strong and sturdy, promising results that will last for a long time to come.
It is a great alternative to merino wool that can sometimes get a little heavy if the blanket is large in size. This is because this yarn is lightweight, super fluffy, and ideal for use all year round. (The attractive light blue color will also bring cheer to your home.)
It is easy to care for since it is machine washable.
You can be sure that a knitting project made with this yarn promises to last a long time and will be able to withstand the elements for those crisp mornings where you want to drink your tea in the garden.
Pros
- Beautiful light blue color
- Sturdy, strong and chunky
- Ideal for blankets
- Easy to care for
Cons
- It’s not real wool
Related Questions
Why should I knit a chunky blanket?
You can buy them already made in many fabric and homeware shops. However, one that you make yourself is always going to be treasured a little more. You can also select the exact yarn texture and color that you want.
Making your own chunky blanket is also a great way of ensuring its the size you are looking for. You can easily add in colors and patterns to suit your taste or complement your decor.
Do I need large knitting needles to make a chunky blanket?
Large-sized knitting needles can help create the loose stitch that makes these chunky blankets so desirable. Having said that, it is possible to also use anything that resembles large knitting needles.
Broomsticks and flag poles can also make excellent makeshift needles and so you don’t need to spend money unnecessarily on buying large needles.
Can I arm knit my chunky blanket?
Arm knitting is entirely possible and even ideal for soft and chunky blankets. This is because the stitches created in arm knitting are naturally larger than regular needle knitting.
The tension of the fabric is created by the size of your arms. This makes the stitches larger, making it possible to arm knit large blankets and throws in very small amounts of time.
If you sit down with a large ball of oversized yarn, you can expect to knit up a fantastic blanket in just a few hours or even less.
Is it possible to use acrylic yarn?
Wool and acrylic yarn are both great options for chunky blankets.
Acrylic yarn can, however, be more budget-friendly and also easier to take care of. A chunky blanket made of acrylic yarn is also generally easier to keep clean. It can easily be put into your washer and dryer if it becomes soiled or dirty.
By contrast, most wool yarn needs to dry flat, which can make the washing and drying process a little more challenging. This is especially true if your chunky blanket is going to be used for a baby, in which case, wool-like acrylic yarn may be a better option.
How many skeins of wool do I need for a chunky blanket?
In weight, you need approximately 4 pounds of wool yarn to make an average-sized blanket. If you want a larger blanket or throw, then this will require more yarn.
For small blankets, like baby blankets, you can make the ideal blanket in just 1 pound of yarn.
What is jumbo yarn?
Jumbo yarn is a category recently added by the Craft Yarn Council. Jumbo yarns are essentially thick yarns. “Jumbo” can be used interchangeably with “oversized” or “chunky” yarn.
Jumbo yarns can be worked quickly into large projects like blankets, jumpers, and throws. They are ideal for arm knitting and big stitch patterns.
Final Thoughts
Whether you like to snuggle up on the couch on a wintery evening, or you enjoy a cozy lie-in on a weekend morning, there is little comfort like that provided by a chunky blanket.
Wool is the ideal material for a chunky blanket. It is soft, bouncy, supple and will last for a long time. The main downside to wool yarn is that it can get heavy for large projects, and also can get tricky to keep clean. A wool blanket will need to be hand washed and dried flat to maintain its condition and quality.
Acrylic yarn is also available with the wool-like qualities of softness. Blankets made from chunky acrylic yarn can be thrown into a washing machine easily. They are also lightweight and ideal for daily use.
Now that you’ve selected your yarn, learn how to actually hand crochet your soft and fuzzy blanket with Kathryn on her YouTube channel, Do It On A Dime!
