Chunky-weight yarns are a beauty. Crocheting with chunky yarns is wonderful for many reasons. It is quick to work with. Even the simplest of patterns look plush, and if you put in some dedicated hours, it makes for a quick project too. Imagine a gorgeous and warm scarf or a super cozy blanket or a beautiful basket to grace your home. If you are thinking of how to crochet with chunky yarn, we’ll walk you through some points to consider.
Chunky Yarn and Crochet Hook Sizes
Yarn is the soul of the craft of crochet. After all, you’ll be transforming the yarn with your crochet hook into stitches and fabric that will shape your garments, accessories and other projects. The size of the stitch solely lies in the weight of the yarn and the hook size (chosen according to the diameter of the crochet hook). You can refer to our guide on everything you need to know about crochet hook sizes.
Lightweight yarns + small crochet hook sizes = small stitches and light fabric.
Heavy-weight yarns + big crochet hook sizes = large stitches and thicker fabric.
Chunky yarn can be identified just by looking at it. The heavy-weight yarn is a broad range with different weights. Many yarn brands also label them as craft, rug, and roving. The symbol is #5, #6 or #7 weight yarn. Almost all yarn labels mention the crochet hook size and the knitting needle size that matches the yarn weight.
Weight #5 or Bulky yarn is known by the names of chunky, craft, and rug. This yarn is usually crocheted with a hook of 6.5 to 9 mm (US hook sizes of K-10.5 to M-13).
Weight #6 or Super Bulky is known by the name of roving. This yarn weight requires a crochet hook in metric sizes of 9 to 15 mm and the (US hook sizes of M-13 to Q).
Weight #7 or Jumbo is the heaviest of yarns available. You would need to work with a hook 15mm and higher.
While choosing the crochet hooks for heavier yarns always
Yarn Size |
Yarn Category |
Description |
Metric hook size |
Crochet Gauge Ranges in Single Crochet to 10 cm |
#5 |
Bulky |
chunky, craft, rug |
6.5 - 9 mm |
8 – 11 sts |
#6 |
Super Bulky |
bulky, roving |
9 - 15mm |
7 – 9 sts |
#7 |
Jumbo |
jumbo, roving |
15mm and higher |
6 sts and fewer |
Even though you have a standard chart to assist you, always make your gauge swatch. Even though you have pattern instructions always make a square of around 10 cm with the crochet hook and yarn. Make sure to use the crochet stitches you’ve planned and when you are done, wash and block the swatch. Many heavy-weight yarns change in size and appearance after their first ash. The tension square will help you understand if you have the right hook size, how much yarn you’ll need for a project of particular dimensions and finally what your fabric will look like.
Chunky Yarn Crochet Stitches
It’s easy to have a love affair with chunky yarn. It's super cozy and makes your crochet projects work up super quickly. But not all stitches are ideal for chunky yarn crochet. Some are better than others at amplifying your design.
1. Double Crochet (DC)
The basic crochet stitch makes humble loops that make a tightly woven fabric. If you are using chunky yarn for a warm fabric this stitch will definitely shine.
2. Half Treble Crochet (HTR)
This basic crochet stitch also highlights the beauty of the large yarn. Because of the way it’s worked, it has more twist (and a third loop).
3. BLO Basic Crochet Stitches
More of a technique than a stitch, the back loop crochet stitches are worth mentioning because it works so well for chunky yarn. In fact, you will find it easier to insert large crochet hooks into just the back loop of the stitch. The ridge effect created by working in the back loop gives an amazing texture to the fabric. This looks very beautiful for blankets, scarves, sweaters and even hats.
4. Post Stitches
For the perfect warm accessories and garments, the post stitches are lovely. When you think of beautiful cables and textures with bulky yarn it is best to work post stitches. Here the stitches are worked around the stitch, rather than through the loop, from the row below. You simply maneuver your crochet hook around the stitch rather than insert it through the loop in the row below.
5. Puff Stitch
The textured crochet stitch uses the basic stitches of crochet to create a three-dimensional pattern. The beautiful puffy bubble of chunky weight yarn will give an extra-special touch to any basic pattern or project.
Besides these stitches, you can try other stitches too. Just make sure to practice and make a swatch first.
Now, you only need to start with your projects. Here are a few suggestions. Before you start make sure to have stitch markers, a wool needle and a sharp pair of scissors. Refer to our guide on how to use a stitch marker correctly in crochet. These essential accessories will assist you in your craft.
What to crochet with Chunky Yarn
1. Scarf
The easiest and quickest project to make with chunky yarn is definitely a scarf. Chunky-weight scarves are cozy for the necks, and the extra-thick stitches are worthy of being a fashion statement. Another plus for starting your chunky scarf right away is that don’t even need a pattern, as you can easily plan your own design. Just make sure to have the right crochet hook size and you are ready!
2. Blanket
A perfect gift for a loved one or self-live, chunky weight blankets are wonderful. You don’t even need a pattern, you can easily design on your own. Although finger or arm crocheting is a possibility, using crochet hooks will result in a more even outcome and save your arms and wrists from suffering.
3. Jumper or Cardigan
A size #6 chunky yarn makes for a beautiful garment. You can easily make them into pieces and later seam them together with a wool needle or crochet in the round.
5. Hat
Chunky yarns look beautiful for a hat. You can easily crochet a hat in the round. Start with a magic ring for the perfect no-hole circle. Plan your increases carefully. You can have a hat made in a few hours. The perfect last-minute gift for your loved ones.
5. Home Décor
Though the word home décor is a wide range of projects, with bulky and chunky weights you can make wall buntings, cushion covers, baskets and so much more.
Hopefully, we have guided you through everything you need to know on how to crochet with chunky yarn. The trick to enjoy crocheting with chunky yarns is practice and the right tools.
Ready for crocheting?
