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Knitspiration
🦸🏻♀️ It's a bird, it's a plane, it's SUPER Bulky yarn!
Strong, sturdy, and fast are terms I'd more likely describe Superman with than a yarn, but here we are.
If bulky yarn isn't big enough for you, that's ok.
Super bulky is here to save the day!
After American Threads Dawn Bulky Yarn gained traction during the 1960s the only direction was to go up, up, and away.
If big was good, then bigger was better, and soon craft stores found a new category of yarn on its shelves.
Today this thick yarn is the hero of beginners and Gen Z knitters alike, who love quick crafting and baggy sweaters.
But fear not fellow knitter, this yarn is so easy to use even you will be saying "I can do this all day."
What exactly is Super Bulky Yarn?
Super bulky yarn is defined by the Craft Yarn Council as a #6 weight yarn.
Any yarn with a stitch gauge between 7-11 stitches per 4 inches (10cm) falls into this category.
It's typically knit with needles ranging from size US 11 (8mm) to US 17 (12.75mm).
Most super bulky yarns are made from 2 to 4 plies, but some single ply bulky yarns exist. However, single ply yarns are known to have much more variance in their thickness as they are often loosely spun.
Super Bulky vs. Jumbo
For a long time Super Bulky was as big as yarns got.
But the popularity of arm knitting and oversized knits back in the early 2010s made way for a new yarn category. The CYC introduced JUMBO yarn in 2014 as it's #7 yarn weight, and redefined super bulky in the process.
Jumbo yarns are any yarn with a gauge under 6 stitches per 4 inches. That's just a starting point though. Yarns in this category can basically be as thick as they want, though very few jumbo yarns are produced for consumers.
Super bulky now inhabits a strange space between bulky and jumbo, where speed is the priority, and wearability less so.
Why knit with super bulky yarn?
All yarn has its place in the world. Even fun fur.
And super bulky has found a niche with big BOLD accessories and sweater. Especially among younger crafters.
This is with good reason, as super bulky weight yarn offers several advantages:
- Quick Results: Due to its thickness, bulky yarn works up quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gifts or projects with tight deadlines.
- Warmth: Its thick fibers provide excellent insulation, ideal for creating cozy winter garments and accessories.
- Easy Handling: For beginners, the larger size is easier to handle and see, which helps in learning basic stitches and techniques.
- Bold Textures: It lends itself well to creating bold textures and chunky stitch patterns, adding visual interest to simple designs.
Drawbacks of super bulky yarn
Despite its advantages, super bulky weight yarn also has some drawbacks:
- Less Detail: The thickness can obscure intricate stitch patterns, making it unsuitable for detailed lacework or fine textures.
- Heaviness: Garments made with bulky yarn can be quite heavy and less drapey, which might not be ideal for certain types of projects.
- Yarn Consumption: It requires more yarn to complete a project, which can make it more expensive compared to finer yarns.
- Limited Use: While it is possible to make garments and accessories, sweaters, hats, and scarves are less practical than when using smaller yarn weights.
Our Favorite Super Bulky Yarns
If you need a quick knitting fix and want to make a statement with your knits, super bulky is for you.
We've picked out some great options at all different price points.
Here are some of our favorites:
CYC #6 (Super Bulky) • 31 Colors
100% Merino Wool (87yds/100g)
Rowan Big Wool is a super-soft, sumptuous 100% Merino wool yarn. The super bulky nature lends itself well for all beginner makers and beyond, being a luxurious yarn that feels airy, yet warm and cozy - it's basically the perfect yarn! Perfect for knitting and crocheting up speedy garments, Rowan Big Wool also provides a unique opportunity for felting! If you would like to avoid this, we recommend hand-washing your finished garments. Make a statement piece with plush texture or chunky, cozy accessories, the possibilities are endless!
CYC #6 (Super Bulky) • 89 Colors
100% Merino Wool (90yds/150g)
Even though Malabrigo Rasta is a very thick and super chunky weight yarn, it feels lighter than a cloud! Rasta is a single-ply yarn that knits and crochets up quickly, making it the perfect yarn for beginners who want something a little more luxurious or a quick knit project! Available in a range of shades from semi-solids to variegated hues and watercolor multis makes us feel like a kid in a candy shop - the kettle-dye method always seems to grab our attention! It's also one of the softest yarns we've ever felt!
CYC #6 (Super Bulky) • 19 Colors
100% Merino Wool (52yds/120g)
You won’t be able to keep your hands off this soft, bouncy, bulky yarn! Alla Prima (formerly known as Array Super Bulky) is a chunky single-ply yarn made up of 100% Merino and beautiful, vivid colors.
The hand-painted colorways are the highlight of Alla Prima, which is named after a classic painting technique. Some hand-painted shades feature a wash of color on the cream base to coordinate with the hand-painted colors, and other shades let the natural wool act as a neutral base for the vivid colors. Hand-painted Alla Prima comes in hanks like it was dyed, and each hank is its own work of art.
CYC #6 (Super Bulky) • 24 Colors
100% Wool (44yds/100g)
For instant gratification, our super bulky yarn will have you completing projects in no time! Tuff Puff offers the resilience of 100% wool with vibrant colors and an extra wooly feel. IT's sure to become your large gauge favorite.
CYC #6 (Super Bulky) • 27 Colors
100% Acrylic (108yds/100g)
Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn is a full and round 6 ply 100% acrylic fiber that knits smoothly off the needles. The bulky gauge works up quickly with excellent stitch definition creating a clean and professional finished project whether you want to knit a quick and easy blanket or a fashion-forward cowl for winter. From neutrals to brights, this super bulky weight yarn is available in a range of solid and multi colored shades.
CYC #6 (Super Bulky) • 12 Colors
100% Acrylic (81yds/142g)
Hometown® comes in a wide range of bright, primary colors, versatile multi-colors, and textural tweeds, perfect for school and sports team projects and so much more. This easy-care yarn is machine washable and dryable, and works up quickly for fast knit and crochet projects.
Wool-Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand • Get it @ Amazon
CYC #6 (Super Bulky) • 80 Colors
80% Acrylic / 20% Wool (106yds/170g)
Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick® is the super bulky member of the Wool-Ease® family. It has the feel, warmth and softness of wool with the easy care of acrylic. This yarn is available in a wide variety of colors and can be worked up into everything from from chunky blankets and cozy scarves to stylish hats and mittens.
Conclusion
So what do you think?
Are you a fan of super bulky yarn?
Do you have a favorite we didn't mention?
Hit reply and let us know your thoughts!
Announcements
Knit Your Wardrobe Summit
FREE EVENT: February 20th - 23rd
I'm doing a presentation at my friend Hortense's event this week.
I'll be teaching my method for knitting a hat without a pattern.
By the end you'll be able to knit a simple hat, using any yarn for any size head.
Last year was a blast and there are more than 20 other amazing teachers sharing their expertise as well.
Are you interested?
Daily Stitch
Broad Spiral Rib Stitch
This is basically a two stitch cable, but it's created by flipping one stitch on top of the other.
If that sound weird to you, then check out the video tutorial for this stitch using the link below.
Deal of the Day
Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits by Barbara Benson (28% Off)
Lace has traditionally been knit in finer weight yarns to create airy, delicate designs. But when knit in bulky yarns, lace becomes bold, graphic, and dramatic.
For those new to bulky yarns, Barbara Benson shows you how these yarns work best in lace designs and provides tips and tricks for reading and executing lace patterns.
Knits & Giggles
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