Are you new to arm knitting? Or are you interested in finding the best chunky yarn for arm knitting? There is a lot of yarn out there to pick from. But it is not all created equal.
Below, I have listed my 10 favourite chunky yarns for arm knitting. There is a variety of materials from natural fibres to cotton and polyester fibres. There is also a huge selection of colours for all your projects.
What is Arm Knitting?
Just as the name suggests, arm knitting is knitting performed with your arms. There is no need for knitting needles or any other tools other than a pair of scissors. Instead of casting stitches on a knitting needle, you cast them on your forearm.
Then, you use your hands to work the yarn and create stitches. Instead of turning your work when you reach the end, you work back and forth, moving the stitches from your right arm to the left and back again.
Why is Arm Knitting So Much Fun?
Have you tried arm knitting yet? It is an enjoyable hobby for newbies and expert knitters alike. There are many reasons why people love arm knitting. Below are just a few facts about arm knitting that makes it so much fun.
- Arm knitting is easier than traditional knitting.
- Most projects use chunky yarn for arm knitting. However, you can use less bulky yarn for projects such as scarves, cowls, etc.
- Arm knitting patterns work up quickly. You can often finish a full size blanket in just a day.
- You do not have to buy a bunch of knitting tools. All you need is some yarn, your arms, and a pair of scissors.
- The tension of your fabric is created by the size of your arms. Since the stitches are so much bigger than those created with standard knitting needles, the projects do not take forever to make.
How to Pick the Right Chunky Yarn for Arm Knitting
Before you go out and purchase the first skein of chunky yarn for arm knitting you find, there are some things you will want to consider.
- Material
What is the chunky yarn for arm knitting made from? Are you looking for something eco-friendly and hypoallergenic? Or maybe you are looking for yarn you can throw in the washer whenever it gets dirty. Make sure you check to see what the yarn is made from and how it must be cared for.
- Texture
Are you looking for smooth, anti-pilling yarn? Or are you looking for yarn with lots of texture? I find that smooth yarn is easier to work with. But I love the softness created by some of the textured yarns.
- Durability
How durable is the yarn? Is it strong enough to handle the wear and tear that it will be put through? Make certain you purchase a yarn that will last without falling apart.
- Size of the Skein
A skein of chunky yarn for arm knitting may look like a lot of yarn but looks can be deceiving. Always check the yardage. You may be surprised at how many skeins of jumbo yarn you will need to complete a simple project.
- Weight of the Yarn
Even though most arm knitting projects use jumbo yarn, there are some projects that use lighter weight yarn. Check the pattern to see what yarn weight you should be using. For reference check my Yarn Weights Comparison Chart Guide.
- Know Your Budget
Before you get your heart set on a certain brand of yarn, know your budget. Chunky yarn for arm knitting can vary greatly. You can usually find mass-produced yarn at an affordable price. However, if you are wanting to use handmade and hand died luxury yarn, you will need to spend a little more money.
10 Best Yarn for Arm Knitting
1. Mashable Cotton Chunky Yarn for Arm Knitting
Created as an alternative to chunky wool yarn, this yarn is more resistant and machine washable. It is a tube yarn that has cotton outside and polyester filling. It is 100% vegan and pet friendly. It is a wonderful yarn for arm knitting, big knits, and chunky knitting.
The chunky yarn for arm knitting is sold by the pound (kg). One pound (.453 kg) is approximately 16 yards (15 meters). It is available in 20 colours.
2. LB Collection® Yooge Yarn
Machine washable and dryable, this yarn is easy to care for and super squishy. Yooge yarn is perfect for Hygge-esque home decor projects.
The jumbo Yooge Yarn is made from 35% cotton and 65% polyamide. Each skein includes 109 yards (100 meters) of yarn. It is available in charcoal grey, chalk grey, rose pink, denim blue, creamy white, and dusty moss green.
Find it on Lion Brand Yarn Here
3. Arm Knitting Yarn for Chunky Yarn Blanket
Here is some gorgeous chunky yarn that has a comfortable cotton shell filled with polyester. The yarn does not pill or deform. The thick yarn is ideal for countless DIY arm knitting patterns.
The jumbo yarn can be washed in a washing machine. It measures 2.5 cm in diameter. A 2.2 lb skein measures approximately 47 yards (43 meters). It is available in 10 different colours.
4. iDIY Fluffy Chenille Yarn Perfect Arm Knitting, Crocheting and DIY Crafts and Projects
The iDIY 3 pack contains about 72 yards (66 meters) of soft, chunky chenille yarn. It is a great choice for making super chunky blankets, rugs, scarves, and more. The yarn is lightweight and easy to work with.
To arm knit a throw blanket 6 skeins are recommended. A queen-sized blanket will take about 8-9 skeins. A king-sized blanket will take about 10-12 skeins. There are 24 colours to choose from, including variegated ones.
5. Merino Wool Roving Arm Knitting Yarn
This chunky yarn for arm knitting is made from 100% merino wool. It is slightly twisted, and hand spun. The yarn wool is hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking. It is a nice choice for anyone that needs to regulate their body temperature.
The gorgeous chunky yarn is offered in a variety of sizes. There are 33 luxurious colours to pick from. It is dry clean only. So, it is not the best choice for children or pets.
6. Chenille Chunky Yarn for Arm Knitting
Use this super soft yarn to make items that you want to cuddle. The high quality, handmade chenille yarn is gentle to the touch. It is anti-pilling, non-fading, and holds its shape.
This chunky yarn for arm knitting is machine washable. It can be tumbled dried on normal to low heat. It measures approximately 25 mm in diameter and 24 yards (22 meters) long.
7. LB Collection® Go For Faux® Yooge Yarn
I think everyone loves to cuddle up in a faux fur blanket. If you are on the hunt for the best faux fur chunky yarn for arm knitting, this is it. The Go for Faux Yooge yarn from Lion Brand is amazingly soft.
The yarn is made from 100% polyester, so it is machine washable. It should be laid flat to dry. Each skein includes 81 yards (74 meters) of yarn. It is available in ivory and pale grey brown fur, silver and charcoal fur, pastel pink and charcoal fur, and millennial pink.
Find it on Lion Brand Yarn Here
8. AR Workshop Chunky Knit Yarn
This hygge-esque chunky yarn for arm knitting is perfect for area rugs and lapghans. The fluffy yarn is great for fall and winter projects.
The AR Workshop Chunky Knit Yarn is made from 100% polyester. It is machine washable. It should be laid flat to dry. Each skein includes 28 yards (26 meters) of yarn. It is available in 16 different colours.
Find it on Lion Brand Yarn Here
9. Chunky Knit Super Bulky Yarn
Made from 100% OEKO TEX organic cotton casing and polyester fill, this yarn is perfect for arm knitting. There are no side stitches, and it does not shed.
The chunky yarn is sold by the pound (kg). One pound (.453 kg) is approximately 16 yards (15 meters). When ordering, you get to pick from 22 lovely colours.
10. Chunky Merino Wool Knit Yarn
Soft, warm, and cosy, this merino wool looks and feels great. The chunky yarn for arm knitting is very thick and silky. It will not irritate your skin.
This yarn is dry clean only. It is very delicate and can experience some shedding. When working with this yarn, 1 stitch will equal close to 3 inches (7.62 cm). The yarn is sold by the lb. (kg). There are over 50 colours to choose from.
Arm knitting is a fun and rewarding hobby. If you are looking for the best chunky yarn for arm knitting, look no further.
Whether you have been arm knitting for years, or are just starting your very first project, you need a good yarn to work with.
Make these handmade chunky arm knit blankets using these yarns. And share your works on our Facebook page, we’d love to see them.
I hope my list of chunky yarn for arm knitting helps you pick the best yarn for your project.