Chunky Yarns for Last-Minute Gifts

As makers, we love to show friends and family that we care about them by giving them one-of-a-kind handmade treasures. But invariably, we find ourselves running out of time with more items on our list than we have time to complete. What’s a knitter or crocheter to do? Enter: chunky yarn!

Above: Image source – Getty Images

Bigger-than-life chunky yarns are classified by the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) on the upper end of the yarn weight scale: bulky yarn is a 5-weight, super bulky is a 6-weight, and jumbo is a 7-weight. All three weights of yarn—from big to bigger to biggest— will have projects flying off your hooks and needles faster than you can count your stitches. Let’s take a look at project ideas in each of these three weights.

Bulky-Weight Yarn

5-Weight Bulky yarn is versatile and still lightweight enough to be used for sweaters without being unbearably heavy. It’s perfect for accessories, too, like hats, mittens, scarves, and cowls. Berroco Vintage Chunky is a wonderful staple yarn that comes in 64 solids and heathers. It’s a blend of acrylic, wool, and nylon, making it machine washable and perfect for gift-giving! With just a single skein, you can knit or crochet the trendy headband.

Super Bulky-Weight Yarn

Super bulky yarn is just as it sounds—it’s like the big sister to bulky-weight yarn! At around 7-11 sts to 4” in knit and 7-9 sts to 4” in crochet, this heavy yarn will make projects go even more quickly than its little sister. Cascade Yarns Magnum is a giant 250g skein of soft, single ply Peruvian Highland wool goodness! Also available in a Tweed variety, this yarn can be another ally for you in your quest to Make All The Things in time! With plenty of color options, a simple scarf can add a pop to your recipient’s winter wardrobe.

Jumbo-Weight Yarn

If you’re really down to the wire, consider gifting projects made with jumbo yarn! The thickest of the thick when it comes to chunky yarn, there are plenty of cool projects to be made with the super-sized stuff. Premier Yarns has a line called Parfait XL that’s squishy fluffy chenille goodness! You can find it in solids, speckles, sprinkles, and shimmer varieties, each with loads of color options. Jumbo yarn works up quickly enough, that even for super last-minute making, blankets are not off the table!

If this article has given you hope that you still have time for last-minute gift making with chunky yarns, then our job here is done! Let us know in the comments below what you’ll be busy stitching away at this season!

Originally from Iowa, Amy Gunderson lives in sunny Reno, NV. She’s been the creative director for Universal Yarn, yarn director for Jimmy Beans Wool, and all-around yarn enthusiast for over a decade. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in most major magazines including Interweave Knits. When she’s not dreaming up a crazy sweater idea, you can find her violining, knitting at the dog park or smashing balls on the tennis court. Follower her on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson.

Favorite Projects with Chunky Yarn