Why We Love Super-Bulky Yarn
How do I love thee, super-bulky yarn? Let me count the ways.
1
It’s a super-hero for quick projects like last-minute gifts, cozy winter accessories, and for me, scarves and cowls. Scarves especially work up quickly, and they’re super warm!
2
Speaking of warm, that’s another reason to love super-bulky yarn. Its bulkiness knits into a thick fabric that’s inherently warm—great for winter hats, cowls, scarves, blankets, and so on. Try it in a lace shawl, like the Pembroke Wrap or the Wavy Lace Capelet.
3
It’s not just for accessories. Super-bulky yarn is great for winter vests and cardigans. Several years ago, I knit the Heather Hoodie, and I still wear it; it’s the perfect winter layer.
What Is Super-Bulky Yarn?
This yarn, classified as number 6, is generally knit on size US 11 (8 mm) to US 17 (12.75 mm)needles with a gauge of 7-11 stitches over four inches (10 mm) in stockinette. (Learn more about yarn classifications from the Craft Yarn Council.)
Super-bulky yarn is available in all fiber types, from wool to alpaca to nylon and acrylic. Many of these yarns are single ply or lightly twisted, but there are some that are plied. My top four favorites happen to be single ply, but I’ve knit bulky projects with plied yarn as well. The singles may pill a bit more than the plied yarns.
How Much Do I Need?
One of the great things about this yarn is that you don’t need as much yardage for a project. For example, you’ll need an average of 200 yards for a worsted-weight hat, but only about 125 yards for a super-bulky hat. Here is how much yarn, on average, you’ll need for super-bulky projects.
✓
Scarf: 250 to 375 yards, depending on scarf length
✓
Socks: 200 to 250 yards. This yarn is great for slippers! I love this pattern.
✓
Shawl: 350 to 475 yards. Try this yarn on a small shawl, like the ones I mentioned in #2, above.
✓
Adult Sweater: 825 to 1125 yards. A vest would probably be on the lower end of this range.
✓
Baby Blanket: 750 to 875 yards. I love crocheting baby blankets. Since crochet takes a little more yarn than knitting, plan on the higher range.
✓
Afghan: 1625 to 2000 yards
Five Super-Bulky Yarns to Try
I’ve knit with all of these yarns, and I recommend them without reservations. Click on the right and left arrows to see my favorites!
Get Bulky with These Patterns
Try one of these designs for super-bulky yarn. From wraps to vests, there’s something here that you’ll love! Click on the right and left arrows to see the projects.
What’s your opinion on super-bulky yarn—yay or nay? And let me know if I missed your favorite yarn in this category!
From Our Shop
Join the Conversation!