WHAT IS BULKY YARN?

Officially (under US yarn standards), "bulky yarn" and "chunky yarn" are the same—heavier than a worsted and lighter than a super-bulky—see our Chunky Yarn page for more in that category. Great for heavy sweaters and scarves, but also for afghans, rugs and art pieces. Actual weights can vary depending on the maker and style of yarn. Figure 12-15 stitches per inch and use needle size 9-11 (5.5-8mm). Compare with our worsted weight yarns.

try SOME JUMBO NEEDLES (above right) WITH THAT BULKY YARN!

WHAT IS SUPER BULKY YARN?

"Super Bulky Yarn" can cover a huge range of weights and textures, include some of the most interesting yarns available and are generally used for special knitting projects from heavyweight garments to knitted "yarn paintings." They can sometimes be combined with lighter weight yarns or other super bulky yarn for interesting textural play. At the lighter end there are yarns like Malabrigo Mecha requiring a needle size US 9-11, moving up to Jade Sapphire Genghis, Malabrigo Rasta, and Zen Yarn Garden Superfine Bulky (needle size 13-15), then moving up further to what are officially "Jumbo yarns" like our bumps and roving yarns, using needle sizes of 25-50 or becoming "arm-knitting" yarns. Others almost defy categorization like the fantastic handspun yarns from Ozark Mountain with their varying texture and weights.

With Super Bulky Yarns you are entering the real world of excitement in fabulous fibers—if that's for you, you've come to the right place! Need help figuring out how to turn one of these amazing yarns into your next project? Just ask. and remember to send us a picture when you're done—we'd love to see it!