Best Chunky Yarn for Hand Knitting (What to Use & What to Avoid)

Choosing the right yarn is one of the most important steps when hand knitting a chunky blanket. While chunky yarn may look similar at first glance, not all options are beginner-friendly — and using the wrong type can make your project frustrating or uncomfortable.

If you’re wondering what chunky yarn works best for hand knitting, this guide will walk you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to get the best results for your blanket.

What Makes Yarn Good for Hand Knitting?

Hand knitting relies on thick, oversized yarn that’s easy to loop using your hands rather than needles. The best chunky yarns for hand knitting are:

• Soft and flexible

• Smooth (not scratchy or stiff)

• Thick enough to create large, cozy stitches

• Durable enough to hold shape over time

When yarn meets these criteria, it’s much easier to work with — especially for beginners.

Best Types of Chunky Yarn for Hand Knitting

Here are the most popular yarn types used for chunky knit blankets and how they perform.

1. Super Bulky / Jumbo Yarn

This is the most common choice for hand knitting.

Why it works:

• Easy to grip

• Creates bold, visible stitches

• Fast to knit

Super bulky yarn is ideal for beginners because it shows progress quickly and is forgiving if you make small mistakes.

👉 Our knit kits use carefully selected chunky yarn that’s ideal for hand knitting.

2. Soft Polyester or Acrylic Blends

Blended yarns are popular because they’re durable and often more affordable.

Benefits:

• Holds shape well

• Less shedding than natural fibers

• Often machine washable

These yarns are great for blankets that will be used daily or gifted.

3. Wool & Wool-Blend Yarns

Wool offers a classic, cozy feel.

Pros:

• Naturally warm

• Soft texture

• Beautiful stitch definition

Things to consider:

• Can be heavier

• May require special care when washing

If you love a traditional handmade look, wool or wool blends are a beautiful choice.

Chunky Yarns to Avoid for Hand Knitting

Not all yarn labeled “chunky” is suitable for hand knitting.

❌ Roving / Unspun Wool

While roving looks beautiful in photos, it’s often not ideal for long-term use.

Why to avoid it:

• Pills easily

• Loses shape over time

• Not very durable

❌ Scratchy or Stiff Yarns

If yarn feels uncomfortable on your hands while knitting, it will feel worse as a blanket.

❌ Thin “Chunky” Yarns

Some yarns labeled chunky are still too thin for hand knitting and are better suited for needles.

How Much Yarn Will You Need?

The amount of yarn you need depends on:

• blanket size

• yarn thickness

• stitch style

This is where beginners often get stuck.

👉 Our patterns and kits include exact yarn requirements so you don’t have to guess.

Want to Skip the Guesswork?

Choosing yarn can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first project.

• PDF Patterns provide yarn recommendations and sizing guidance

• Knit Kits include the exact yarn you need, plus instructions and video tutorials

👉 Browse chunky knit patterns
👉 Shop complete knit kits

The right yarn makes hand knitting easier, more enjoyable, and more successful. By choosing soft, flexible chunky yarn — and avoiding overly delicate or stiff options — you’ll set yourself up for a cozy, beautiful finished blanket.

If you’re ready to start knitting without the stress of choosing supplies, our beginner-friendly patterns and kits make it simple to jump right in.