Best Oversized Yarns for Chunky Knit Blankets
Are you looking for the best chunky knit blanket that will instantly elevate the look of your home? If so, you’ll love these post; all about best oversized yarns for knitting chunky blankets.
What is a jumbo yarn?
Jumbo yarn is a category recently added by the Craft Yarn Council. Jumbo yarns are essentially thick yarns. “Jumbo” can be used interchangeably with “oversized” or “chunky” yarn.
Jumbo yarns can be worked quickly into large projects like blankets, jumpers, and throws. They are ideal for arm knitting and big stitch patterns.
The best yarn for chunky blankets
Whether you like to snuggle up on the couch on a wintery evening, or you enjoy a cozy lie-in on a weekend morning, there is little comfort like that provided by a chunky blanket.
Wool is the ideal material for a chunky blanket. It is soft, bouncy, supple and will last for a long time. The main downside to wool yarn is that it can get heavy for large projects, and also can get tricky to keep clean. A wool blanket will need to be hand washed and dried flat to maintain its condition and quality.
Acrylic yarn is also available with the wool-like qualities of softness. Blankets made from chunky acrylic yarn can be thrown into a washing machine easily. They are also lightweight and ideal for daily use.
Why should I knit a chunky blanket?
You can buy them already made in many fabric and homeware shops. However, a chunky blanket you make yourself is always going to be treasured a little more.
You can also select the exact yarn texture and color that you want.
Making your own chunky blanket is also a great way of ensuring it’s the size you are looking for. You can easily add in colors and patterns to suit your taste or complement your decor.
Things to consider when choosing a chunky blanket
01. Material
There are many yarn options knitting for chunky blankets.
Merino wool, for example, is super soft and absolutely ideal for a warm blanket. It is thick, chunky, and beautifully luxurious but can be a little heavy.
If you are intending to make a large blanket for daily use, then you may want to consider wool alternatives.
Moreover, if you’re looking for a non-animal option then look no further than chenille yarn. It is made of synthetic material which is durable and lasting. It is also washable.
In addition, acrylic yarn, in general, is a great alternative to wool. Gone are the days where acrylic equals coarse plastic.
Acrylic yarn has evolved over the years to mimic wool and natural fibers. It can be soft, durable, warm as well as lightweight. It can be a great option if you are allergic to wool. It is also usually machine washable which is convenient if your blanket is going to be used daily.
Acrylic yarn, however, is made of substances which are non-biodegradable. This means it is not the best option for those who are seeking to live zero waste or plastic-free lifestyles. If that sounds like you, then natural yarn is going to be the better option.
02. Size
The amount of yarn you need will depend on the size of your blanket.
Generally speaking, a 4 by 5 feet blanket requires around eight pounds of yarn. But half this amount can also make a decent sized blanket and throw for personal use.
Ensuring you have enough yarn before you start will save you from the disappointment in an incomplete project. Since blankets are so versatile, it is also possible to decide on a certain number of skeins that suits your budget and then make the blanket as large as your skeins allow.
03. Color
The great thing about yarn color is that you are free to choose your colors to suit the occasion, season, or recipient. You can make the whole blanket in your favorite block color or add in bright contrast colors to bring character to the room or environment.
If you haven’t found the perfect color combination for while shopping at stores, this is a great incentive to knit your own. Simply source the yarn color that you favor and begin your chunky blanket knitting journey.
04. Durability
Durable yarn is an important consideration for blankets since many are possessions for life. If you are going to invest your time, as well as your yarn into a blanket; then you may as well choose a yarn that is lasting and easy to take care of.
05. Method
Ultimately, smaller knitting needles will give you tighter stitches, making your blanket firmer and denser.
For a chunky blanket you want to have looser stitches and use a large pole even your arms will help you achieve this.
06. Cost
Generally speaking, merino wool is a little pricey. If you’re looking to make a chunky blanket on a budget, then it may not be your best option.
However, blankets are usually worth the investment, since, if they are well looked after, they may be around long after you are gone. If you are restricted by a budget, then chunky acrylic yarn is a great alternative to wool.
07. Care
Taking care of your knitted garments appropriately is key to ensuring that they are long-lasting. If you are someone who struggles to hand wash or don’t have the patience to flat dry your blanket, then you may need to consider alternatives to wool.
This is because wool is delicate, and it loses shape when it is wet. If you don’t let it dry flat, it can quickly become misshapen and fall apart.
Acrylic yarn, on the other hand, is more enduring. It can withstand machine washes and can sometimes even be thrown into the tumble dryer, giving you a warm blanket to enjoy.
What are good yarns to knit a chunky blanket?
Look for super bulky or super chunky yarns to knit a chunky blanket or throw. These yarns typically have a gauge of 2-3 stitches per inch. Jumbo yarns, which have a gauge of 1-2 stitches per inch are another great alternative.
- Tjockt Fat and Sassy, US 50/25 mm recommended needle
- Bergere de France Waouh Wool, US 50/25mm recommended needle
- Big Freakin’ Wool, US 70/35mm recommended needle
- LB Collection Wool, US 50/25 mm recommended needle
- Lion Brand Wow Yarn, US 50/25 mm recommended needle
- BeCozi Merino Super Chunky Yarn, US100/38mm recommended needle
Do I need large knitting needles to make a chunky knit blanket?
Large-sized knitting needles can help create the loose stitch that makes these chunky blankets so desirable. Having said that, it is possible to also use anything that resembles large knitting needles.
Broomsticks and flag poles can also make excellent makeshift needles and so you don’t need to spend money unnecessarily on buying large needles.
Can I arm knit my chunky blanket?
The tension of the fabric is created by the size of your arms. This makes the stitches larger, making it possible to arm knit large blankets and throws in very small amounts of time.
If you sit down with a large ball of oversized yarn, you can expect to knit up a fantastic blanket in just a few hours or even less.
How many skeins of wool do I need for a chunky blanket?
A skein of yarn is an oblong ball of wound yarn. In weight, you need approximately 4 pounds of wool yarn to make an average-sized blanket. If you want a larger blanket or throw, then this will require more yarn. For small blankets, like baby blankets, you can make the ideal blanket in just 1 pound of yarn.
Whether you purchase one or make it yourself, there is nothing more luxurious and relaxing than a chunky knit blanket.
