Top 10 Super Bulky Yarn Patterns

Super bulky yarn, also known as super chunky yarn, depending on where you’re located, is the second-heaviest yarn out there, right after jumbo. This is a very thick fibre that is great for beginners and experienced knitters and crocheters alike. It works great for sweaters, hats, and winter socks, but also for items such as home decor or jewellery. Due to the thickness of the fibre, super bulky yarn projects tend to progress quite quickly, so they’re also a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of patience or free time.

Crocheting and Knitting Tips for Super Bulky Yarn


The weight of the yarn is one of the deciding factors that will influence the final look and feel of your knitting and crocheting project. It will also impact decisions such as which needle or hook to use. Not all yarn weights work for all types of projects. When it comes to super bulky yarn (which, by the way, is categorized as number 6 in the standard yarn weight system), the best projects to start with include winter garments, decor, or kitchen and bathroom pieces.


While super bulky yarn is generally considered easy to work with, there are still some tips that you should keep in mind, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with it yet:


- The Right Hook Size — Super bulky yarn requires a hook size from M-13 (9mm) to Q (15mm), depending on the type of project and stitches you’re using.

- The Right Needle Size — If you’re planning on knitting rather than crocheting, you should look for needles between sizes 11 and 17. Again, the precise size will vary depending on the project. If you’re using a pattern, you should stick to the sizes recommended there.

- Fix Those Stitches — Super bulky yarn can fit only around 7-11 stitches per four inches, meaning that the stitches will be large. In other words, mistakes will be quite visible, so don’t hesitate to go back and fix any errors you make while working.

- Take Your Time — If you’re used to lighter yarns, such as worsted weight yarn, working with super bulky fibres can feel quite awkward at first. Don’t hesitate to play around with hand and finger positioning until you find what’s most comfortable for you.


10 Superb Patterns to Knit With a Super Bulky Yarn

Now that we’ve covered some basics of working with super bulky yarns, it’s time to take a look at the best super bulky yarn patterns for your next project.


Super Bulky Yarn Pattern for Scarfs

If you’re looking to crochet a fashionable scarf, whether for yourself or as a gift, this Stranded Scarf Pattern might be a good fit. You will need an S-size hook and, obviously, some super bulky yarn. The pattern is beginner-friendly and produces a 7” x 22” piece.


Super Bulky Knit Hat Pattern
Source: Mary Maxim

If scarfs aren’t really your thing, maybe this free Looped Tassel Hat Knit Pattern will be more up your alley. The pattern uses Red Heart Curly Q super bulky yarn and a size-11 (8mm) needle. It is beginner-friendly, and a great way to get used to working with super bulky threads. 

Toy Crocheting Pattern
Toys are a can’t-miss type of gift for any kid, but when they’re hand-made by a loved one, they carry an even higher sentimental value. If you’re looking for an easy toy crochet project, we recommend this free Floral Fun Crochet Motif Ball pattern. You will need a J-6 hook and Bernat Baby Blanket super bulky yarn in six colours of your choice. These six balls of yarn will produce three toys. 

Super Bulky Pair of Socks
If you’re looking to challenge yourself a little more, this free Slipper Socks pattern requires an intermediate skill level. You will need a total of four balls of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn in two different colours, as well as a size K hook and size L hook. The pattern provides options for two different sock sizes, so you will be sure the final product will fit just right.

Super Bulky Afghan Pattern

We have already mentioned that super bulky yarns are great for items such as blankets, throws, and afghans. So if you’re looking to knit an afghan, this free Mirage Afghan pattern will be just right. You will need six balls of Bernat Illusions super bulky yarn and a size 11 needle for a 54” x 60” afghan. 

Super Bulky Yarn Basket Pattern
Source: Mary Maxim

Are you trying to come up with a unique housewarming gift or a way to add a pop of colour to your own kitchen? Our free Square Basket pattern is just what you need! The basket calls for one ball of frizzy T-shirt yarn in the colour of your choice (if you ask us, the brighter, the better). You should also get a size N or size Q hook. The pattern is easy to follow and doesn’t take much time to finish, but the final product is stunning.

Pillow Crochet Pattern
While we’re on the topic of home decor, why not check out this Basketweave Pillow pattern? Not only is this a great way to add a pop of colour to your living room, but the fun, distinct texture of the basketweave stitch makes the pillow even more interesting to look at. Aside from super bulky yarn, you should also make sure you have a size K hook.

Knit Jacket Pattern
Source: Mary Maxim

Jackets might take quite a bit of effort to knit, especially due to their size, but this Bear and Tree Jacket makes all the work worth it. You will need two needle sizes — size 8 and size 10.5, and, of course, a lot of super bulky yarn. This jacket makes for a great Christmas present, but we can’t say we’d blame you if you decided to just keep it for yourself.

Textured Checks Cardigan Pattern
If you already have a little bit of experience working with super chunky yarn and are looking for a project to challenge yourself, this Textured Checks Cardigan will do just that. Aside from an intermediate skill level, the pattern requires 12 to 16 balls of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn, depending on the size of the cardigan you’re planning on making. You will also need to use size 10.5 and size 11 needles. 

Super Bulky Boot Slippers Pattern
In the cold winter months, there is nothing more comforting than a pair of soft, warm boot slippers. Get ready for next winter with this free Boot Slippers pattern. With three balls of Mary Maxim Mega yarn and needle sizes 15, 35, and 36, you can knit a thoughtful Christmas gift for a loved one or treat yourself.

What Else Can You Crochet With Super Bulky Yarn?
It is a common misconception that super bulky yarn is restrictive in the types of projects you can make. Sure, sweaters and jackets made of this type of yarn might be more common than summer garments, but even super bulky yarn swimsuits aren’t unheard of (although they are generally more fashionable than practical). In short, if you let your imagination run loose, you can really make almost anything with super bulky yarn — winterwear and blankets, baby items, home decor, kitchen and bathroom items, bags and purses, jewellery, and so much more!

What Are the Best Super Bulky Yarn Patterns for Beginners?
The list above contains some great super bulky yarn patterns for all skill levels. However, if you don’t have any experience with super bulky yarn (or have very little experience knitting and crocheting overall), even those patterns can look somewhat intimidating. So to help you get started, we’ve put together a list of beginner-friendly super bulky yarn patterns. Keep in mind that not all of the patterns linked below are Mary Maxim's patterns, but rather projects others have been generous to share with the internet. 

A Super Bulky Scarf
Scarfs generally tend to be an easy project due to their simple shape and design. If you’re looking to knit an easy super bulky scarf, we recommend giving this vibrant Super Slash Scarf pattern a shot. If you’d rather crochet your beginner scarf, why not try this bi-colour Beginner Scarf pattern? 

Super Bulky Yarn Boot Slippers
Source: Mary Maxim

The list above already contains a pattern for boot slippers, but this alternative is a little simpler and more beginner-friendly. This free Slipper Boots pattern allows you to crochet booties in vibrant colors and various sizes, so your whole family can match. Depending on the size of the boot, you will need two to three balls of yarn per pair. 

Super Bulky Baby Sweater
Looking for an easy sweater to make as a baby shower gift? This Bernat Baby Cardigan pattern is easy to knit and allows you to create the piece in different sizes, from 6-month-old babies to 2-year-old toddlers.

Mittens
Mittens are one of those items that look difficult to knit but don’t really have to be. Such is the case with these State Your Nation Mittens, too. The simple bi- or tri-colour pattern was designed to showcase your favourite sports team, but you can use any colour combination you like.

Baskets
Source: Mary Maxim

Baskets are many people’s favourites when it comes to knitting and crocheting, as they can be surprisingly easy to make but are highly practical and aesthetically pleasing. This crochet Stash Basket is a perfect table-top storage item for trinkets, keys, jewellery, or anything else that fits.

Baby Blanket
Blankets, much like other traditionally square-shaped projects, are generally a great place for beginners to start, regardless of the type of yarn they’re using. So if you’re both a novice in the craft and inexperienced with super bulky yarn, this In a Wink Baby Blanket is a great place to start. 

A Beanie
Beanies seem to never go out of fashion, so if you’re looking for a timeless, fashionable, and practical gift, crocheting a beanie is an excellent choice. Check out this Bernat Beginner Pom on Top Beanie pattern to get started. As a bonus, you’ll also get to learn how to make a pom pom.

Toys
Don’t let the seeming complexity of most toys discourage you. In reality, toys don’t have to be difficult to make at all. For instance, this Bernard Bee Knit Toy is simple to make, and it can also double as a decorative cushion. 

A Pillowcase
Looking for a beginner-friendly pillowcase project? We recommend giving this Barcelona Pillow Cover pattern to knitters and this Stripes Pillow pattern to crocheters. 

A Headband
Headbands are yet another item that is generally easy to create but makes for an awesome gift. This beginner-friendly Bernat Knit Twisted Headband is a good place to start. 

Ready to Give Super Bulky Yarn a Try?
We hope one of the projects recommended above is just what you’ve been looking for. If so, get your needles or hooks ready and dive into it. Good luck!