Many people love super bulky yarn (also known as super chunky yarn) because the projects work up so quickly. This heavy weight yarn is great for many knitting and crochet projects.
This weight of yarn is a staple in most every knitter’s and crocheter’s stash. From super bulky sweaters to hats made with this thick yarn, super bulky yarn is versatile enough for almost any project!
In this post, we’ll look at the different types of super bulky yarn available on the market today, what needle and hook size you should use with these yarns, why super bulkies are so popular among knitters and crocheters alike, as well as some of the different ways it can be used.
So grab your knitting needles or crochet hooks-it’s time to dive into some chunky wool!
What is super bulky yarn?
This weight of yarn is perfect for those just starting out in knitting or crochet. It is really easy to see your stitches in this weight and since the project works up so quickly it gives you a quick “win”.
It is a heavy weight yarn that is classified by the Craft Yarn Council as a #6 in their standard yarn weight system.
Super bulky used to be the heaviest yarn weight in the CYC system, until jumbo yarn (#7) was introduced. Super bulky yarn is heavier than lace weight yarn, sport weight yarn or double knitting ( dk weight yarn), worsted weight yarn and even bulky yarn. The only yarn heavier than it is the jumbo yarn.
Super bulky yarns work for so many projects! They come with various types of fiber and textures-so it pays to look around at the wide variety available before making your next purchase.
We’ll explore some of them below.
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Yarn Weight Chart
The Craft Yarn Council’s Standard Yarn Weight System can be broken down into just a few categories. Let’s take a look at how they compare to other systems used around the world.
In the US, we use the Craft Yarn Council (CYC)’s Standard Yarn Weight System as seen above, which gives yarn weights a number from 0 (super fine lace weight ) to 7 (jumbo yarn for large projects like arm knitting).
But, as you can see from our chart above, the UK, Europe, Australia and other parts of the world classify their yarns differently. They often use plies or numbers to describe the weights of their yarn.
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Recommended Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Sizes for Super Bulky Yarn
Super bulky yarn is classified as a #6, with an approximate gauge of 7 to 11 stitches per four inches in knitting gauge.
The Craft Yarn Council recommends using the following needle and crochet hook sizes for super bulky weight:
Knitting needles size US 11-17 (8-12.75mm)
Crochet hooks size M-Q (9-15mm)
The yarn label will provide a recommended needle and hook size, so your best bet will be to go with the recommended size in the pattern or on the label. If using a pattern, use the size that gets the same gauge called for in the pattern.
If you want a more drapable fabric (like for a baby blanket), then you should opt for a hook or needles one to two sizes larger than the recommended size. If you want a tighter fabric for things like toys, go down a hook/needle size or two.
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What is Super Bulky Weight Yarn Used For?
This weight yarn is extremely versatile. It is a perfect choice for heavyweight sweaters, hats, and blankets. Super bulky yarn also works well with other types of projects-so don’t be afraid to experiment!
This heavyweight yarn provides just the right amount of durability for many knitting or crochet projects. It’s heavier than worsted or bulky weight yarns, but lighter than jumbo weights.
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How Can I Tell if a Yarn is a Super Bulky?
That’s a great question! The easiest way in the US is to look on the ball band. Most yarns in the US will have these handy symbols from the CYC on them:
So, just look on the ball band and check for that number six! Sometimes you won’t see this symbol, you will just see a number 6 or “super bulky” as the weight.
But what if you have a skein of yarn that doesn’t have a label? Maybe you were given it as a gift, it’s hand spun or you lost the label?
Never fear, there is a way to tell! This is when you will use wraps per inch (wpi).
You can also get an idea if a yarn is a super bulky weight by checking how many stitches it gets for gauge. If it says it’s between 7 to 11 sts per inch in knitting, it’s more than likely super bulky. (Yes, you can use this measurement even if you’re a crocheter!;) It just gives you a general idea of the yarn weight.
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How to figure the weight of a yarn using wraps per inch
To figure out the weight of super bulky weight yarn using wraps per inch, follow these steps:
Take your skein and then wrap it around a ruler, fully covering one inch without pulling too tightly. Now count how many times you can fit into one inch.
A super bulky weight yarn will give 4-6 wraps per inch. You can even get this amazing tool from Knit Picks to help you figure wraps per inch – and it even has the numbers on it so you don’t have to look it up!
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Why Choose Super Bulky Weight Yarn?
Benefits of super bulky yarn
This yarn is perfect for beginners and those who are new to working with different weights as it is so easy to see your stitches.
You might find some of these yarns to be a bit more expensive than a worsted weight acrylic, as the cheaper yarns are not often made into this heavy of a yarn. But, a little goes a long way with this size yarn!
Super bulkies are extremely versatile, and can be used for all sorts of projects! You’ll find a ton of quick hat patterns, cozy cardis and lots more made with super bulky.
Another great benefit of super bulky yarn is it really shows the stitch definition, so it’s a great choice for textured knitting or crochet projects.
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My Favorite Super Bulky Yarns
These yarns should be a staple among knitters and crocheters-so don’t forget to add some when planning out your next project! Super bulky weights come in various textures, with different fiber types as well. They work for all sorts of projects, from crochet blankets to knitting sweaters or hats!
These are some of my personal favorite super bulky yarns:
LION BRAND WOOL EASE THICK & QUICK
This is my go-to super bulky yarn for most everyday items. I love the color choices, the feel of the yarn and how great the stitches look in this yarn. It’s one of my faves!
I’ve been using this yarn since I first started knitting in 2006. I’ve both knit and crocheted with it and have made my hubs a sweater in it (that I never released on the blog). It’s super comfy and warm and he loves it!
Fiber Content: 80% acrylic, 20% wool
Yardage/Weight: 106 yards/170g
Care: Machine wash and dry
Click here to see Wool Ease Thick & Quick!
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MALABRIGO RASTA
If you don’t mind hand washing your finished items, this is the yarn of your dreams. The colors are absolutely to dye for (haha!), it’s one of the most amazing yarns to knit or crochet with, and it’s super comfortable to wear.
I knit an Elbow Patch Sweater using this yarn in a tonal brown shade and I love, love how it turned out (I used the rest of the yarn to make mittens and a headband and love them all).
Fiber Content: 100% Merino Wool
Yardage/Weight: 90 yards/150g
Care: Hand wash
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BERNAT BLANKET
This blanket yarn is well known for its ability to create a warm, cozy blanket in record time. This Bernat yarn is a very soft yarn that works up so fast because it is a heavy yarn weight. People even use this as a jumbo yarn by holding two or three strands together.
You can also find Bernat Baby Blanket yarn, too!
Fiber Content: 100% polyester
Yardage/Weight: 220 yards/10.5 oz
Care: Machine wash and dry
Check out Bernat Blanket here!
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Free Patterns Using Super Bulky Weight Yarn
Knitting Patterns
Crochet Patterns
I sure hope you’ve enjoyed our talk about super bulky yarn! Be sure to check out all of my free knitting and crochet patterns while you’re here!
Amanda
[…] your project will work up, and the faster you’ll see results of your new skill! Amanda at Love Life Yarn gives an excellent description of yarn weights and how quickly you can finish a project with thick […]