Best Arm Knitting Yarn: Knit Guide To Chunky Wool Yarns 2024

By Jodie Morgan

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I’ve made finding the best yarn to use for arm knitting easy. Below I’ve got fabulous suggestions for different arm knitting yarns to knit your projects.

Arm Knitting Guide

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Find the best knitting wool for your arm knit projects with my reviews.

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on March 26, 2023.

My Quick Recommendations

Table Of Contents

It’s truly amazing what arm knitting designs and patterns show off this technique. Whether they be scarves, shrugs or blankets, all with using your arms to knit projects! No need for equipment like giant knitting needles. Not familiar with arm knitting?

Different colored Roving Merino Yarn perfect for Arm Knitting

It’s casting the stitches on to your arms instead of needles to knit all kinds of items. This knitting technique works best when using the super-chunky knit yarn. Like merino wool, blends, vegan fiber or acrylic.

Beginners to arm knitting soon get hooked and adore all the knitting projects they can make. It’s quick to make an arm knit blanket. Even quicker for a cowl or scarf! Pet beds and couch pillows are popular. (Don’t use it for a baby blanket though.)

What’s The Best Yarn To Use For Arm Knitting?

For those of you in a hurry, the best yarn to use for arm knitting is Merino Chunky Knit Wool. Read the full reviews of suitable products further down.

Arm Knitted Blanket

What Makes The Best Yarn For Arm Knitting?

What are you making? A chunky knit blanket pattern with needles, a scarf, or a garment? What’s your budget? Many brands of arm knitting yarns for chunky blankets are more expensive than what you’re used to spending on yarn.

What yarn do you prefer? A natural fiber like merino? Acrylic? A blend? Vegan? Aren’t sure? My guide will help you find an option for your arm knitting projects.

Best Arm Knitting Yarn For Most People: Merino Roving

Loops Studio Merino Roving in grey

Creates a gorgeous color chunky knit product, whether it’s a coverlet, throw or pillows. Decorate your home with your arm knitted creations. Aren’t limited by price? This is for arm knitting projects, like a diy chunky knit blanket.

This merino yarn is light and lofty. This type of fiber isn’t plied, so it doesn’t have the same strength. Go slowly to avoid pulling the strands apart. Select the different pound weights depending on the size of your project. This thick yarn makes a great gift for knitters.

Pros

  • Beautiful and soft for knitting projects
  • Doesn’t irritate the skin
  • Great for baby blankets
  • This seller sometimes offers free shipping to the United States.

Cons

  • This yarn chunky requires delicate care
  • Not machine washable

Homemoda Studio Roving Merino Knitting Yarn

Homemoda Studio Roving Yarn Check Price on Amazon

Merino wool is a popular material for giant yarn for arm knitting. Most people find it comfortable, soft, and not itchy. This is great for those with sensitive skin. Be aware the wool yarn balls aren’t as large as what you see on Pinterest and other social media sites.

Knitting projects like a giant yarn blanket comes up well. Remember to handle with care. When shopping, select the products with the amount/weight of wool you wish to purchase. (0.55-6.6 lbs.)

Pros

  • Soft and bouncy quality
  • Arm knits up quickly
  • This yarn arm knitting is easy to work with 
  • Chunky arm knitting wool
  • Great for a blanket knitting pattern

Cons

  • It’s delicate and snags easily (be careful when arm knitting and you shouldn’t have a problem.)
  • Requires dry cleaning
  • Not machine washable
  • It may pill

Another video tutorial worth watching is by Peony and Time – How to Make a Giant Yarn Blanket from Start to Finish!

YouTube video

Bulky Weight Knit Yarn Skeins

Knit Picks Tuff Puff 100% Wool Super Bulky Yarn in different colors -  yarn arm knit

Tuff Puff is 100% Super Bulky Wool by Knit Picks and is a great budget option. Holding multiple strands together makes a dense fabric for an arm knitting project. Use a ballwinder to create neat yarn cakes of this chunky yarn.

A gorgeous range and a beautiful lofty, squishy feel. Perfect for an accent blanket at the end of your sofa. Suitable for home decor ideas like a diy knit blanket.

It’s a great type of yarn for scarf. Also imagine chunky sweaters and bags with this bulky weight yarn. Get enough of the same dye lot for your arm knitting project. You’ll need to hand wash items made from this knitting yarn.

Pin For Later

Arm Knitting Yarn Pin

Merino Super Chunky Chenille Yarn

Merino Super Chunky Yarn Check Price on Amazon

Super soft fiber for knitting bulkier garments, throws, pillows or wall macrame. Comes undyed in one pound.

Loopy Mango Big Loop Merino

Loopy Mango Big Loop Yarn Merino in electric blue - yarn chunky

This huge ball of fluffy arm knitting yarn is a massive 40oz. One skein knits up in about 2-3 hours and makes a throw 28” x 40”. The difference between this and a roving is it’s twisted and plied, so it’s stronger. Knitting with this creates a textured feel.

Pros

  • Thick and squishy
  • Great stitch definition

Cons

  • May shed fibers
  • Limited choice of colors

Acrylic Type

Best Budget Option: Premier Couture Jazz

Premier Yarns Couture Jazz yarn Check Price on Amazon

Couture Jazz, a chunky, soft knitted tube of fine, brushed acrylic.(81% Acrylic, 19% Nylon.) It was used in the Arm Knitting blanket video by Amanda Bassetti from Simply Maggie that went viral. (See below for more information.)

Her blanket took 45 minutes. As a beginner it may take you longer. A favorite chunky craft store yarn for arm knitting projects, widely available online. It’s easy to work with and doesn’t shed. A good option for anyone on a tighter budget.

Each 100g ball has a low yardage (16.5 yds/15m). When knitting a larger arm knitting blanket you’ll join on new skeins multiple times through projects. The quality of this fiber allows you to sew yarn ends together with a needle and thread for almost invisible joins.

It’s time consuming, but worth it. A chunky knit throw looks great. Premier Yarns created a 500g gram ball, which gives 81.5 yds. Not as many ends to deal with. The 500g version doesn’t have as many colors on offer.

YouTube video

Pros 

  • Well known for its softness and durability
  • Good option for those on a tight budget
  • Machine washable
  • Ease of maintenance
  • A great starting yarn for beginners to make a chunky knit item

Cons

  • Low yardage means sewing ends together multiple times for bigger projects.
  • Not machine washable

Bernat Mega Bulky

Bernat Mega Bulky Check Price on Amazon

Lovely and thick, the perfect chunky knit choice for beginner arm knitters. Widely available in crafts stores. Knit with a single strand. For a thicker fabric, hold double.

It’s a plied yarn and is great for arm knitting scarves and cowls. Good value for money. Due to the thickness joining on a new skein, there’s a noticeable knot. Hide those sections in the curled edges of your garment. 

Due to arm knitting stitches, this arm knit yarn makes the fabric open and loose.

Pros

  • Thick and soft with a slight shine
  • 8 different colors to choose from
  • Machine washable
  • Would suit those on smaller budgets

Cons

  • When joining a new skein, there’s a visible knot

AR Workshop Chunky

Lion Brand AR Workshop Chunky Knit Yarn 100% Polyester

A jumbo 100% Polyester chenille yarn that can be crocheted or knit. Try 4 balls for a lapghan or area rugs (4+ balls).

Pros

  • Soft and squishy
  • 16 colors to choose from
  • Machine washable but dry flat (don’t tumble dry)
  • Suitable for blankets, rugs and pillows

Cons

  • Some customers found issues with thinness in some spots. The good news is that Lion Brand Customer Service sorted it out.

Acrylic/Wool Blend

Patons Cobbles

Patons Cobbles Check Price on Amazon

This blend is 49% wool, 49% acrylic yarn, & 2% polyester. It’s a chunky knitted wool/acrylic blend roving fiber. Bulky and fluffy. Since it’s a roving and not plied, there are several strands wrapped around each other.

The ‘cobble’ details fill the gaps in the arm knitting stitches. Sometimes arm knitting blankets have a ‘fishing net’ look because the stitches are so open. To have a tighter texture, use 2 strands together. The resulting item has a pillowy, luxurious feel. Great for home decor items like cushions.

Pros

  • Lovely feel while working and the finished item
  • 6 colors to choose from
  • No noticeable gaps and makes a denser fabric

Cons

  • If choosing to knit this yarn on needles, be careful of splitting
  • Don’t put in the washing machine

Red Heart Grand

Red Heart Grand Check Price on Amazon

Red Heart Grande is 78% Acrylic, 22% Wool. Having wool incorporated means it’s softer than a 100% acrylic yarn. Work it double stranded when arm knitting.

It’s not as bulky as other fiber options, though it’s super soft. Many compare the texture to ‘cotton candy’! Red Heart Yarns are great for beginners when knitting with arms to make garments and accessories like cowls, snoods, and scarves.

Your project makes a great gift for a friend or family member. People appreciate receiving DIY home crafts as gifts.

Pros

  • Soft and lofty feel
  • Choice of 11 soft palette colors
  • Good for those looking for an inexpensive option

Cons

  • This is plied (twisted). Some find it has a rope-like effect when arm knitted

Vegan Yarn

Homemoda Studio Bulky Thick Roving

Homemoda Studio Bulky Thick Roving Check Price on Amazon

The resulting blanket is soft. Like having a giant teddy bear draped over yourself.It’s lightweight, fluffy, and great for year-round use, adding style and coziness to any room. Great for a rug.

The loops are easy to make. Super durable and easy to care for as it’s Machine washable. It saves you time. Suitable for vegans who don’t want fibers from animal products. It’s 100% acrylic. Pet friendly and child friendly. Children will enjoy its softness. A great alternative to wool or cotton yarn.

Pros

  • Pet and child friendly
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Range of colors

Cons

  • Not as warm as a merino wool yarn
  • Less stretch

Best Luxury Option: Velvet Yarn

Becozi Velvet Giant Yarn

A soft plush feel of velvet. The construction is a velvet fabric tube filled with polyester. Becozi is a US based business for their variety of arm knitting yarns. There are lots of lovely colors available in their Etsy store.

Pros

  • Super soft and squishy
  • Lovely super chunky form
  • Easy to make loops with your hands
  • This Etsy seller has an excellent star rating
  • Suits beginners

Cons

  • Joining the yarn creates a visible knot

Bernat Blanket Extra

Bernat Blanket Extra Check Price on Amazon

A chenille style 100% Polyester yarn. Hold it double for a thicker fabric. This type could be top of your list if you are sensitive to animal fibers.

Pros

  • Soft, cozy, and lightweight

Cons

  • If there are any joins in the yarn, it’s noticeable

The table below helps you compare quick features of our top picks.

Best Arm Knit Yarn Comparison Chart

Our Best
Selections

Best For
Most People

Our Luxury
Choice

Our Best
Budget Pick

Made By

WoolExperts

Becozi

Premier Yarn

Product

Chunky Merino

Velvet

Jazz

Made In

Lithuania

USA

Turkey

Fiber

Merino Wool

Polyester

Acrylic

Source

Animal

Synthetic

Synthetic

Form

Cone

Ball

Skein

No. Colors

50

12

20

Dye Lotted

Yes

Yes

No

Weight

Jumbo

Jumbo

Worsted

Skein Weight

1 lb

2 lb

3.5 oz

Skein Weight

450 g

900 g

100 g

Yardage

27

24

16.5

Meterage

25

22

15

Machine Wash

No

No

Yes

Machine Dry

No

No

No

Dry Clean

Yes

No

No

Hand Wash

No

Yes

Yes

Bleach

No

No

No

Softener

No

Yes

No

Iron

No

No

No

Needle Size

N/A

N/A

N/A

Needle Size

N/A

N/A

N/A

Knit Gauge

Depends

Depends

Depends

Hook Size

N/A

N/A

N/A

Hook Size

N/A

N/A

N/A

Gauge

Depends

Depends

Depends

Ply

16 ply

16 ply

16 ply

Elasticity

✓✓✓✓

✓✓

✓✓✓

Luster

✓✓✓

✓✓

✓✓

Repels Stains

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

Allergy Free

`No

Yes

Yes

Pilling

Sometimes

Rare

Rare

Consistency

✓✓✓

✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓

Versatility

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

Thickness

✓✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓✓✓

Splitting

Sometimes

Rare

Rare

Stitch Quality

✓✓

✓✓

✓✓✓

Drape

✓✓

✓✓

✓✓✓

Twist

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

✓✓

Oeko-Tex

No

No

No

Colorfast

Yes

Yes

Yes

Vegan

No

Yes

Yes

Texture

Smooth

Fuzzy

Smooth

Warmth

✓✓✓

✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓

Softness

✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓

Comfort

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

✓✓✓✓

Durability

✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓

Price

$$

$$$

$

Value

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

✓✓✓

Returns

14 Days

No Returns

30 Days

Warranty

Full Refund

No Warranty

Full Refund

Overall

★★★

★★★★

★★★

FAQS About Arm Knitting Yarns

How Much Yarn Do I Need To Arm Knit A Blanket?

The amount you need to arm knit a blanket is 2.2lbs (1kg) for a Baby Blanket to 15lbs (7kgs) for an Extra Large Blanket. Here’s the amount for 5 arm knit blankets.

  1. Baby Blanket ~ 30″x30″ (76 x 76cm)
    2.2lbs (1 kg) lightly felted wool roving or 43 yds
  2. Small Blanket ~ 30″ x 50″ (76 x 127cm)
    4.4lbs (2kg) roving or 80 meters (87yds)
  3. Medium Blanket ~ 40″x60″ (101 x 152cm)
    6.6lbs (3kg) roving or 120 meters (131 yds)
  4. Large Blanket ~ 50″x 70″ (127 x 177cm)
    8.8 lbs (4kgs) Roving or 160 meters (174yds)
  5. Extra Large Blanket ~ 70″x80″ (177 x 203cm)
    15 lbs (7kgs) roving or 280 meters (306 yds)

This is a general guide. Every person has a different tension and arm diameter.

Arm Knitted Fabric

How Many Yards Of Yarn Do I Need For A Chunky Knit Blanket?

The yards of yarn you need for a chunky knit blanket is from 43 yds for a baby blanket up to 306 yds for an extra large blanket. Chunky wool knits up beautifully. Below is a yardage guide for #7 Super Bulky Yarn, for 5 blanket sizes.

  1. Baby Blanket ~ 30″ x 30″ (76 x 76cm)
    43 yds (39 meters)
  2. Small Blanket ~ 30″ x 50″ (76 x 127cm)
    87yds of chunky knit yarn (80 meters)
  3. Medium Blanket ~ 40″ x 60″ (101 x 152cm)
    131 yds (120 meters)
  4. Large Blanket ~ 50″ x 70″ (127 x 177cm)
    174yds (159 meters)
  5. Extra Large Blanket ~70″x 80″ (177 x 203cm)
    306 yds (280 meters)

Everyone has a different tension and arm diameter so there’s variations.

What Kind Of Yarn Is Used For Chunky Blankets?

Skeins of chunky wool hanging on a shelf in different colors

Yarn used for chunky blankets is thick, soft and bulky. Yarns labelled Bulky, Super Bulky or Jumbo are perfect for chunky blankets. The best arm knitting yarn for a chunky blanket is a roving merino wool like Becozi Merino Chunky Yarn.

The texture helps fill in the gaps of the loose weave of arm knitting. The yarns I’ve featured can be used for the best chunky yarn blankets.

Conclusion

I hope my recommendations has made finding a suitable fiber for your next arm knitting project easier. I’d love to see the creations you make. Have questions or tips? Leave a comment below, your email address is never made public.

About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Knit Like Granny

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

jodie@knitlikegranny.com | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate knitter and blogger with 40+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother and wonderful grandmother “Mama”, she fell in love with crafting from a young age. When she’s not knitting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online knitting community. Get to know Jodie and the team on our meet the team page.

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Comments

    • Couch throws with a dimension of a medium size of 40 inches x 60 inches (101cm x 152cm) will need approximately 7 lbs of roving merino wool or 3.2 kgs. Giant arm knitted blankets are a considerable investment so be prepared for that 🙂 Cheers Jodie

      Reply
    • Hi,

      Yes, I do this, using three strands of Lana Grosse Italian wool. You can get it pure merino or merino/polyamide to make it easier to handle. The yarn with polyamide can also be handwashed cold instead of dry-cleaned.

      I mixed charcoal, dark rusty brown & medium blue yarns to make a 32-row tweedy-looking infinity scarf for my DH. I needed 2 41-meter skeins of each color, 6 all told, which cost about US$68.

      Came out great. It was my first knitting project ever, so it took me 3 hours.

      Reply
    • Hi Tyla. Thanks for your question. Acrylic yarns will be less expensive than pure wool. Depending on the size of blanket will determine how much yarn you need. From my research most arm knitted blankets are going to cost a bit. The acrylic options I’ve listed in my post like Jazz Couture and Bernat Mega Bulky are less expensive. I will reach out to my readers and see if they have any suggestions and get back to you. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
        • Hi Amy. To make an arm knit blanket of this width and length 36 x 60″ (90 x 150cm) you would need 11 skeins of Jazz Couture in the 100g ball. To make a blanket of this width and length Approx 56″ x 65″ (142 x 165 cm) you would need approximately 20 balls of Bernat Mega Bulky.

          Reply
  1. Hi Jodie,

    I am being ambitious but i was never a fan of knitting or crocheting. Though my mother is old school and these were the skill she was taught. She taught use but i could never get it or use the needles/hook right. I was recently looking into the chunky blankets to get my sister and thought i’ll make it and discovered this whole new world of knitting with your hands. I want to make some blankets for my sister and her kids for Christmas and want the softest yarn but also the bulkiest. What are your suggestions? I am also planning to have pne of my daughter’s help me after school. I am hoping this will help her with her ADHD putting effort into making something instead of breaking or destroying things. Any suggestions that i could have her do so she is not discouraged but os successful. I want her to enjoy/love and find a new hobby that she is confident in.

    Reply
    • Hi Tati. That’s wonderful that you’d like to share this new found hobby with your daughter.
      My initial thought is that being new to arm knitting or knitting/crocheting with your hands, I’d start off small.
      That is try a knee rug rather than a throw or blanket for a bed. It will be less costly particularly if you go for a yarn that has mostly acrylic fiber.
      The roving merino although very bulky, is trickier to work with and as you said, you want to encourage your daughter, so begin with a yarn that is easy to work with.
      I’d suggest Premier Yarns Couture Jazz Yarn.
      With any new skills it takes time and patience with yourself. Expect to make mistakes, that is all part of learning.
      I hope you have lots of fun and enjoy the time crafting with your daughter.
      Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  2. Hello
    Thank you for your post. I would like my blanket to be a weighted blanket hand knit. Do you think the 70 x 80 size would make a 15lb weighted blanket? Also which would be heavier cotton or wool. Also do you find Merino Wool pills or sheds?
    Thank you in advance
    Donna

    Reply
    • That’s a very good question if a 70×80 size would make a 15lb weighted blanket. I will do some research and get back to you. Cotton can be heavier than wool when made into a blanket. It depends on what type of Merino Wool it is. Friction will cause pilling with natural fibers like Merino Wool. Some roving Merino Wool has been known to shed. Being gentle with your hand knit blanket will help it pill less but not entirely.

      Reply
    • Hi again Donna. So the total weight of your amount of yarn for your project is the same weight it will be when the blanket is finished. So if you want to have a blanket that is 15lb in weight then buy that amount of yarn to equal 15lbs. Merino Roving when arm knitted would make a extra large blanket approx 70 x 80 inches with 15lbs of yarn. Be aware this will be pricey. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  3. Hi Jodie,

    I want to make a hand knit chunky blanket throw. I’d like it to be soft, heavy, machine wash. Would do you recommend? Price isn’t an issue.
    Thanks, Jodi

    Reply

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