About Bulky Weight Yarn

Bulky weight (category 5), also called chunky or craft weight, creates thick, warm fabric quickly. A simple hat can be finished in an evening, and sweaters work up in days instead of weeks. Bulky yarns are beginner-friendly because stitches are easy to see and projects offer quick gratification.

Bulky Weight Specifications

Gauge: 12-15 stitches per 4 inches | Needle Size: US 9-11 (5.5-8mm) | Wraps per inch: 7-8

Best For

  • Quick hats and cowls
  • Cozy oversized sweaters
  • Fast blankets
  • Beginner projects
  • Last-minute gifts

Considerations

  • Uses more yarn by weight
  • Heavier finished items
  • Less stitch definition
  • Can be too warm for garments

Our Top Bulky Weight Picks

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Lion Brand

Wool-Ease Thick & Quick

Acrylic/Wool

80% acrylic, 20% wool. Machine washable and quick-knitting. Tons of colors including prints.

Cascade

Magnum

100% Wool

Pure Peruvian highland wool. 123 yards of chunky goodness. Great for quick warm accessories.

Malabrigo

Rasta

100% Merino

Single-ply merino in gorgeous hand-dyed colors. Incredibly soft and squishy. Perfect for luxury quick knits.

Plymouth

Baby Alpaca Grande

100% Baby Alpaca

Luxuriously soft baby alpaca. Warm without bulk. Beautiful natural colors available.

Berroco

Vintage Chunky

Wool/Acrylic/Nylon

Machine washable blend with great yardage. Soft and easy care. Perfect for everyday items.

Lion Brand

Touch of Alpaca

Acrylic/Alpaca

90% acrylic, 10% alpaca for softness. Budget-friendly with great yardage. Machine washable.

Tips for Bulky Yarn

Choose the Right Needles

Use circular needles even for flat knitting—they hold the weight better than straight needles. Size US 10-11 is typical for bulky.

Watch Your Gauge

Bulky yarn can knit up tighter or looser than expected. Always swatch, especially for garments. Small gauge differences mean big size differences.