Best chunky yarn for arm knitting blankets, pillows, and more

Knitting is an entertaining, versatile creative hobby to pick up!

For one thing, it’s therapeutic and calming for anyone needing a moment of zen. For another, you end up with a cute and colorful piece that will keep you warm even in the chilliest months.

Plus, with the help of some chunky yarn, you can create larger projects in much less time!

To help you choose the right materials for larger knitting projects (including arm knitting), I’ve laid out some of the best chunky yarn options available.

Before we get to the list, I’ll lay out some background info, but if you want to get started right away, you can’t go wrong with any of the quick picks listed below!

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How to choose the best chunky yarn for you

Regardless of whether you’re getting into arm knitting or looking for some incredibly thick yarn for a project, you need to decide what kind of chunky yarn is best suited for your needs.

If you want a softer blanket for babies and toddlers, choosing a jumbo size 7 yarn will be a better choice than tube yarn. For a stiffer project, such as a pet bed, a thicker tube yarn will be more suitable than a flimsy wool and acrylic blend.

Read also: Best online knitting classes

Also, thicker yarn will result in a sturdier structure and won’t attract dust or hair. Smaller chunky yarns are often warmer and more malleable. And, of course, the material itself will decide whether your project is easy to clean or if it requires special care or maintenance.

Prefer knitting with needles or want to try out arm knitting? There are different kinds of chunky yarn to accommodate either or both options!

Where to buy chunky yarn

Although I’ve linked my favorite chunky and super bulky yarns below, there are a few great shops where you can check out more products online. Here are some I highly recommend:

• Etsy
• Lovecrafts (formerly LoveKnitting)
• Lion Brand
• The Knitting Network (UK)
• Amazon

Best chunky yarn (and larger) for arm knitting

Now that you know a bit more about chunky yarns, let’s check out a few of my favorites. Note that for the sake of this list, I’m counting anything above a 5 on the Craft Yarn Council’s yarn weight scale.

That means there are plenty of jumbo options for those who want to set down their needles and try arm knitting!

1. Eastsure Chunky Braid Cotton Yarn

Best for: Arm knitting, pet beds, pillows, blankets

Fabulously soft, this big chunky yarn maintains a cool temperature no matter what you turn it into. Made from hollow fiber surrounded by cotton, this yarn is effortlessly bendable but will retain some stiffness for more sturdy projects.

Because of the outer cotton material, it doesn’t shed or gather hair, as commonly seen with other yarns. It’s also conveniently machine washable and pet-friendly for a variety of uses.

One skein is roughly half a pound, meaning it’s lightweight but also a little smaller than comparable chunky yarn skeins. About two pounds of this yarn will result in a lap blanket or throw, so more skeins than other brands are necessary upon ordering.

2. Cover Story Yarn

Best for: Pillow covers, blankets, afghans, scarves

Cover Story Yarn is a soft, extra-chunky, chenille yarn that comes in an incredible variety of solid neutrals and multi-colored options.

If you’re looking for creative hues and funky results, you’ll definitely get a kick out of this material. This super bulky size six yarn is suitable for 8mm knitting needles (and 9mm crochet hooks!) and is available in 20+ colors.

Cakes are extra big (1000g), so don’t worry about running out: there’s enough material to create a cozy, oversized afghan, a blanket, or a jumbo pillow. 

Yarn is 100% polyester, which is both machine wash and dry-friendly; pretty convenient if you’re making a piece that will be used daily.

Due to this material type, it’s common to come across a few knots in your skein. However, this isn’t a constant, and knots are easy to unravel when needed. 

3. HomeModa Super Bulky Vegan Chunky Yarn

Best for: Throw blankets, pillow covers, poufs, pet beds, chunky rugs, hand-knit home décor 

This velvety, vegan, super chunky yarn is ideal for arm knitting beginners. Because gauges and stitches are large, completing projects will be quick and easy to make.

It’s a great alternative to intricate traditional knitting — no needles will be needed here! This 1.2-inch thick tubular yarn is soft and durable, giving items a luxurious, quality touch and longevity.

There are various colors on offer as well as four-pound and two-pound skeins to choose from. If you’re just starting out, a two-pound skein will be more than plenty to jumpstart smaller, beginner-friendly projects. 

Suitable for vegans and anyone wanting to give arm knitting a shot, this is an excellent pick to start whipping up your first-ever chunky ventures. In addition, this soft cotton tubular roving is machine-friendly (washing and drying), making maintenance extra easy. 

4. Loops Studio Giant Merino Wool

Best for: Arm knitting, heavy blankets, pillows, scarves

This 100% Merino wool yarn is the softest choice for blankets or throws. The ideal yarn for arm knitting, this chunky wool yarn is far too large for any kind of needle but is easily worked with your hands. 

The largest yarn skeins for this wool are ten pounds, which perfectly makes a proper twin-sized blanket. Because this giant yarn has the potential to be very heavy, knitting with looser loops will make your project larger and also distribute weight.

If making a blanket, the finished project will have similar traits to weighted blankets. The recommended care for Giant Merino Wool is to dry-clean only because of the fibers. Spot-cleaning is also possible, but avoiding spills on the wool will allow it to last longer with greater strength and durability.

Note that this jumbo yarn ships from the EU, so US readers may need to wait a week or two for delivery (it’s worth it, trust me). If you absolutely can’t wait, US-based Loopy Mango sells another excellent super bulky Merino wool yarn, although it’s frequently out of stock.

5. NXqilixiang Chunky Giant Tube Yarn

Best for: Arm knitting, pet beds, pillows, blankets

Another chunky yarn for arm knitting, Nxqilixiang’s yarn strands are approximately one inch in diameter for easy handling.

Although the product description refers to wool, this chunky yarn is actually composed of cotton tube yarn. That said, this material has little or no chance of breakage or fraying, meaning it won’t shed fibers or collect lint.

Read also: Best yarn winders you can buy

Because it’s extra chunky, this yarn will have you complete projects much quicker than smaller yarn types, making it especially beginner-friendly. It’s also machine washable and, therefore, more flexible regarding cleaning requirements and maintenance.

This yarn is one of the best options for bulkier projects like DIY bed pets, as its thickness makes it nice and stiff for easy shaping. However, because it’s more rigid, expect less elasticity. That said, when knitting with this yarn, it’s vital to keep your loops nice and loose if you want a larger, less dense project.

6. Bernat Blanket Yarn

Best for: Blankets, throws, home decor

A soft, chunky knit yarn for blankets and throws, this Bernat yarn comes in a variety of colors. Easy to knit with 25 mm needles or finger crochet, this isn’t quite the same caliber of thick yarn as the Merino wool or tube yarn. Instead, the weight is super bulky (6), the standard super chunky yarn for typical yarn stores.

Read also: Yarn bowl buyer’s guide

Made from polyester instead of wool, each skein is soft and fluffy and a great alternative for anyone with wool allergies. An entire skein of this yarn weighs 300 grams, making it one of the lightest on our list.

Mind you that due to the soft fibers, this yarn tends to pick up dust and pet hair more easily.

The Bernat Blanket lineup includes just about every color under the sun. The brand makes a few other lines as well, including one specifically intended for baby blankets.

7. LB Collection Yooge Yarn

Best for: Arm knitting, large blankets, afghans

This size 7 jumbo yarn is fantastic for arm-knitting blankets, afghans, and bedspreads.

A cotton and polyamide blend, Yooge is easy to care for by machine washing and drying. It’s also super easy to handle, making it an ideal arm knitting yarn for quick projects.

One skein weighs roughly five pounds, which can give blankets the feel of weighted comforters or help keep DIY projects like pet beds in shape. Two of these skeins are enough to make a queen-sized blanket.

While this is the largest in the Lion Brand collection, it can be a bit hard to get your hands on. Thankfully, the brand makes plenty of other jumbo yarns to choose from.

8. Go Handmade Happy Chunky Double

Best for: Blankets, baby accessories, pillows, bathmats

This 100% polyester chenille chunky yarn is incredibly soft and velvety and is one of the best choices for baby blankets or baby accessories. Easy to crochet or knit, Happy Chunky yarn uses six-millimeter to ten-millimeter-sized needles. 

Each skein consists of 50 grams, keeping any project super lightweight and fluffy. Because of the polyester material, this bulky yarn is effortlessly cleaned in a washer and dryer. 

Happy Chunky Double Yarn also boasts an AZO certification, which is given to yarns that pass testing. AZO dyes found in wool can sometimes cause allergic reactions, so little to no AZO dyes will result in certification from the European Union.

Produced in Denmark, anyone in the EU can get their hands on this yarn at the link below. However, readers outside the US might have to try another option.

9. Paintbox Yarns Recycled T-Shirt

Best for: Finger-knitting, blankets, rugs, afghans, scarves

Made from recycled jersey fabric, this t-shirt yarn is super bulky and great for a variety of knitting projects. 90% cotton and 10% synthetic material keep this yarn cool for items like blankets or rugs, and it won’t shed like other fluffier yarns.

Able to use with 10–15-millimeter needles or with fingers, this thick yarn is great for beginner knitters or seasoned veterans alike. It comes in 18 different colors, although the shades will vary slightly depending on the recycled fabric available.

Each skein is roughly two pounds and requires gentle hand-washing for maintenance. The width of the strands will be slightly different for each skein due to the nature of the fabric. 

For anyone wanting to experience an environmentally-conscious yarn, Paintbox’s t-shirt yarn has not been re-dyed, gone through extra processing, or resulted in misused water.

Instead, the company refurbishes the fabric to knitting standards while also utilizing every aspect to cut back on waste. Plus, it’s super affordable. You can also save more by grabbing a 5-ball value pack.

10. Alpaca Meadows Super Bulky Rug Yarn

Best for: Arm knitting, rugs, pet beds, blankets

This often-elusive yarn comes from Suri and Huacaya alpaca wool. It is spun around a core of cotton to make the yarn extra bulky for large projects like rugs or throws. This is a jumbo 7 yarn, making it one of the biggest sold by Alpaca Meadows.

Alpaca wool is incredibly soft and very warm, making it one of the best choices for floor coverings. It’s also easy to both knit or crochet; each skein weighs about three and a half pounds.

This yarn uses ungraded secondary Alpaca fiber, meaning it uses the wool that helps to insulate an Alpaca during cold winters. Because of this, this yarn retains the same insulating ability to provide super warm, cozy material. 

Using alpaca wool is also very eco-friendly. Therefore, if you’re concerned about processing methods for other wools, you can consider Alpaca yarn for your next project.

Note that the link below goes to a relatively small shop, so it may be out of stock. If that’s the case, Debbie Bliss and Blue Sky Fibers also make great chunky alpaca yarns, although they’re lighter and more suited to scarves.

11. Pink Unicorn Studio Chunky Yarn

Best for: Finger knitting, arm knitting, blankets, scarves, pillows

This Merino wool yarn is thick and sturdy, promising no itchy irritation. Super soft and cozy, this super bulky-sized yarn can be knit with needles, fingers, or arms.

Merino wool is subject to the shedding of fibers and, therefore, requires delicate handling while knitting. Hand-washing is a must to protect this type of wool and maintain its properties.

However, after you’ve completed your project, you’ll have a strong, warm item that’s durable over time. The biggest skein available for shipping this yarn is 11 pounds, which is enough to make a full-sized blanket.

And despite the brand name, there are more than 50 color options to choose from! Orders ship from Poland but will still arrive in the US or just about anywhere within a week.

What size of yarn is best for arm knitting?

While anything above a size 5 chunky yarn is technically suitable for arm knitting, it’s much easier to work with super chunky (size 6) or jumbo (size 7) yarn.

The larger the fibers, the easier they’ll be to grip. They’ll also require fewer stitches to complete larger projects like blankets. Plus, they’re super soft and look absolutely gorgeous!

As for what type of yarn to use for arm knitting, it really depends on your project — and personal preference. Check out the next section for more details.

What to make with super chunky knit yarn

If you don’t have any idea what to do with super chunky or bulky yarn, here are some options:

• Rugs
• Blankets
• Pillows
• Accessories
• Pet Beds

Here’s a quick breakdown of what kind of chunky yarn to buy for each project:

Rugs

Tube yarn, in particular, is great for rugs or bath mats because they don’t shed, attract fibers, or take a long time to make. You can quickly put together an arm-knitted rug that will be soft on your feet, durable, and, most importantly, machine washable.

We recommend: Eastsure Chunky Braid Cotton Yarn or NXqilixiang Chunky Giant Tube Yarn

Blankets

Super soft bulky yarn or tube yarn are both easily knitted into blankets of all sizes. The only thing to watch for is how much yarn you need according to the size of your blanket.

If you’re knitting a queen-sized bedspread, you might need six or seven skeins of one brand compared to two skeins of another. 

Bulky yarn blankets for babies are a great idea because they’re generally softer and can encourage tactile development in an infant. Arm-knitted blankets are often temperature regulating so users won’t overheat in the middle of the night!

For thick blankets, we recommend: Loops Studio Giant Merino Wool

For thinner blankets, we recommend: Bernat Blanket Yarn or Pink Unicorn Studio Chunky Yarn (although most chunky yarns are suitable).

Pillows

A chunky yarn pillow or pillow cover can be a great way to accessorize your living space. Smaller bulky yarn provides a soft and chunky texture to pillow covers. You can make your own if you don’t have any or if they don’t match. 

Weaving arm knitting yarn into a firm pillow is easy to do, and it will hold whatever shape you desire. From square to round pillows, a good tubing yarn is soft and comforting yet durable.

We recommend: Any chunky yarn or larger is suitable

Accessories

The chunkier the yarn, the better it is for keeping you warm. Hats, scarves, and afghans all benefit from bulkier material. The same is true if you’re looking at knitting or crocheting some bootie slippers. To keep your feet warm and toasty in the cold winter months, chunky yarn is a fantastic option.

Not only does thicker yarn protect your feet from the cold floor, but it’ll also be soft, comforting, and easy to slip on and off.

We recommend: Any chunky yarn or larger is suitable

Pet Beds

A good stiff tube yarn is perfect for a pet bed because it’s soft and comforting but also won’t lose its shape. You can knit the yarn into a circle for the base of the bed and add whatever height walls you want. Your pet can curl up inside and feel safe and secure. 

Most tubing is also ideal for pets because it’s easy to clean and won’t attract hair. Beyond being a great material for holding shape, it won’t overheat your pet, will be comfortable, and won’t turn into a nest of flyaway fur.

We recommend: Eastsure Chunky Braid Cotton Yarn or NXqilixiang Chunky Giant Tube Yarn

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Hopefully, this primer on the best chunky yarns for arm knitting has provided you with the tools and knowledge you need to get started on your very own project!

Have any other recommendations? Let everyone know in the comments below!