What Is Chunky Weight Yarn? – All Your Questions Answered

While chunky weight isn’t an official yarn weight classified by the Craft Yarn Council, I get lots of questions about it. So here goes.

This post is part of my series of articles explaining everything about the topic of yarn weights and the types of yarn size.

Table Of Contents

• What Is It?
• Why Use It?
• Project Ideas
• Needle Sizes
• Substitutions
• FAQS

What Is Chunky Yarn?

Chunky yarn is a thicker yarn than what you’d find in worsted weight or DK.

• AKA – Bulky yarn, bulky yarns, bulky weight yarns, bulky weight yarn
• Weight Category – 5
• Wraps Per Inch (WPI) – 6 – 9⁽²⁾
• Knitting Recommended Gauge Range Equaling 12 – 15 stitches over 4 inches

• It’s thicker than lace, fingering, fine, light, and medium yarn
• It’s thinner than super bulky and jumbo yarn

Note: It’s not to be confused with super chunky yarn, which is also known as super bulky yarns. Here is a video tutorial by Hannah from Knit With Hannah on what this weight of yarn is. 

This excellent breakdown of this subject will help you!

Chunky Weight Key Facts

What Weight Number Is Chunky Yarn?

Chunky yarns (bulky weight yarn) are weight number 5.⁽¹⁾

What’s It Made From?

It’s made from the same materials as other yarns, including cotton (sometimes organic), wool yarn (sometimes merino), acrylic, polyester yarn, alpaca, mohair, silk, or cashmere.

Why Use It?

The beauty of this yarn is it works up quickly. It’s great for beginners as it’s easy to see your stitches and you can finish a project in no time. Since it’s thick, it’s easy to create something that’s warm.

Here is a video tutorial by Jenny from Crochet Now TV on how to make chunky yarns. 

This excellent breakdown of this subject will help you!

What If It’s Held Double?

If you hold two strands of these items together, it becomes like a super chunky yarn, creating an even bigger fiber.

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Uses For This Yarn

Here are ideas for what to make: a blanket, baby blankets, hats, accessories like scarves, cozy cowls, ponchos, amigurumi dolls & animals, baskets, rugs, doorstops, and throws.

Patterns To Try

Here are great free patterns for knitters using this yarn. They’re divided by skill level to make it easier for you. Hope you find a wonderful project to do next!

Beginner

• Super Soft Merino Hats for Everyone
• Simple Ribbed Cowl
• Sediment Scraps Blanket
• Cowl’d and Frosty Morning
• Squishy Soft Cowl

Intermediate

• Hemlock Ring Blanket
• The Basic Entrelac Scarf
• Phenomenon Mittens
• Cherie Amour Pullover
• Versatility Wrap

Advanced

• The Dude Jacket
• Nested Pentafold Felted Moebius Bowls
• Brioche Cables Hat
• Winding Ropes Coat

What Knitting Needles To Use

• US Needle Size – 9 – 11
• For those of you in Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand – 5.5 – 8mm

Note: The above are guidelines only. Always swatch before starting a project.

Substitutions

If you’ve run out of this yarn or can’t find it, here’s what to use instead.

• Try holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together

My previous article is bulky weight yarn and next up in the series is what is super bulky weight yarn.

FAQS About Chunky Weight Yarn

How Do You Spot Chunky Yarn At Craft Stores?

Look for the number 5 on the yarn label. Want recommendations on where to buy these yarn weights? See Lion Brand or Knit Picks. They both have many products in all shades for purchase, and should ship to your country. Sometimes they have things like less popular colors on sale.

Or try these yarn brands: Tahki Yarns, Ella Rae, Sirdar, or Berroco.

How Popular Is Chunky Yarn?

While there’s no hard data on this, a quick scan of popular knitting patterns on Ravelry shows it’s one of the most used.

How Much Chunky Yarn For A Blanket?

This depends on the size of your blanket and the gauge of your knitting. I recommend 4–6 skeins for a throw blanket.

How Much Chunky Yarn For A Sweater?

Again, this depends on the size of your sweater and your gauge. I would say 3-6 skeins for an adult sized sweater.

How Much Chunky Fiber For A Scarf?

For a chunky scarf, you’ll need 1-2 skeins of chunky-weight.

Is Bulky Weight And Chunky Weight Yarn The Same?

Yes, they are often the same thickness.

Is Super Chunky The Same As Chunky?

No, Super chunky (aka super bulky yarn) is a bigger, thicker yarn weight.

Why Is The Chunky Yarn Weight So Expensive?

Chunky yarn is expensive because it is thicker, it takes more material to make one skein. The manufacturing process is different for this weight yarn, which can also add to the cost.

Is Merino Wool Used For Chunky Yarns?

Yes, merino wool is used for chunky yarn. It’s one of the more common fibers, though they’re often at a high price.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you have questions, leave them in the comments. Happy knitting or crocheting.

References

1. “Standard Yarn Weight System | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council.” n.d. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system.
2. “How to Measure Wraps Per Inch (WPI) – the Craft Yarn Council.” n.d. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/how-measure-wraps-inch-wpi.