Chunky Yarns in Today’s World
In the world of knitting and crocheting, the term chunky is very well known. The phrase “chunky yarn” refers to a variety of thick yarn that is used for knitting or crocheting warm articles of clothing. Other heavy weight items such as winter blankets are made from chunky yarns. Also called bulky weight by some, this type of yarn can be used for making large stitches, and is commonly used with a US size 10 knitting needle, or the United States 10. Can also be used with USK or USJ crochet hooks.
A thicker version of this yarn is available as well. It is given the name super chunky, and is much thicker than regular bulky yarns. Because super chunky is the thickest and heaviest yarn that can be purchased, the US 11 or other large needles will be needed. This type of thick yarn is often used with large crochet hooks. Both super and chunky yarns can be readily found in a variety of materials and textures.
A widely popular and elegant type of bulky yarn is cashmere. This soft and beautiful yarn is a favorite for making scarves, sweaters, and bed throws. Chunky cashmere yarns are manufactured in a rainbow of bright and bold colors, soft, delicate pastels, and soothing neutral shades. Cashmere yarn is produced from wool that is combed from the luxurious undercoat of Cashmere goats. Chunky cashmere yarns may be combined with silk fibers to create a more silkier feeling material.
Another elegant and highly rated yarn produced from the hair of goats is mohair. Created from the silky soft hair that is gathered from Angora goats, mohair has a strong, yet light and feathery texture once it has been crocheted or knitted. Chunky mohair yarns are offered in diverse multicolored balls, some of them may have a faint, watercolor like appearance. Certain types of chunky mohair yarns are hand painted in colorful rainbow patterns and other distinctive designs.
Lambs wool is used to make chunky yarns from wool, and many chunky wool yarns are blended with acrylic fibers. Bulky yarns made from cotton are natural alternatives to super chunky and acrylic chunky yarns. Many chunky yarns are one hundred percent acrylic, which means they are synthetic and economical. The course texture of acrylic yarns are easy to care for, but they do not have that silky soft feeling.
Bulky yarns are generally used to knit and crochet sweaters, while super chunky yarns are better suited for large stitch projects such as wraps and shawls. Uses for super chunky yarns include small rugs and covers for pillows. Bulky yarns are basically used to make scarves, hats, or vests, they can also be used to knit slippers, socks, and blankets. Leftover bits of yarn can be combined to make sweaters for dogs, doll clothes, pot holders, baby booties, and many other adorable items.
Bulky yarns are affordable options for creative individuals who regularly knit and crochet. Bulky yarns can be used to create gifts for birthdays and anniversary, or to make a personalized gift for new parents. Whether your knitting projects are for business or pleasure, these inexpensive chunky yarns are a practical way for you to continue to knit or crochet beautiful, customized items that your family and friends will love.
You can learn more about chunky yarns with Jenny.
Author: Jenny Mason
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What Are Chunky Yarns?
The term “chunky yarn” may seem to be quite an odd term, but its meaning is pretty easy to grasp. Chunky yarn simply refers to a thicker yard which is used to crochet or knit warmer clothing and other things that are heavier in weight. Sometimes is is even used for large stitching. It will also be referred to as bulky weight yarn. It is normally used with United States size 10, US 10 knitting needles or USJ or USK crochet hooks.
There is another version called super-chunky yard and it is even thicker than chunky. It is the heaviest and thickest weight of yarn available on the market. Super chunky is usually used with US11 or larger knitting needles. Sometimes it will be used with USM or larger crochet hooks as well. There are various textures and materials that are available in the chunkier yard weights.
Among the most beautiful of the chunky yarns is cashmere. It is a soft and elegant yarn which is perfect for creating beautiful scarves and throws. Cashmere chunky comes in many colors from the softer pastels to bold bright colors to some neutral tones. Cashmere is made by combining wool that has been combed from the silky undercoat of a Cashmere goat. There are also come cashmere chunky yards which are blended with silk to make a much silkier feeling.
Then there is mohair which is another kind of elegant and silky yard fashioned from goat hair. Angora goats have very soft and silky hair which is then used to make mohair chunky yarn. Mohair is well known for its strong texture as well as the light, feathery texture it creates when it is knitted or crocheted. The Mohair chunky yarns are available in multicolored or variegated balls which might have a watercolor appearance. Certain mohair yarns are painted by hand for a one of a kind look with rainbow color patterns.
Wool chunky yarns are made out of the wool from lambs. Some of the wool chunky yarns and super chunky yarns are mixed with acrylics. Cotton chunky yarn is a natural alternative to the acrylic chunky and super chunky yarns. Some of the chunky yarns may be completely acrylic. These yarns are synthetic and are economical. This makes them easier to care for as they may have a coarser texture almost like tweed instead of the normal soft and silky feeling.
Normally chunky yarns are used for knitting or crocheting sweaters, but the super chunky types are not typically suitable for clothing other than shawls or wraps because the stitches are so large. Super chunky yarns are great for pillow covers or smaller rugs. Chunky yarn is popular for things like vests, hats and scarves. Sometimes people also use them for blankets, socks and slippers as well. You might even want to use leftover pieces to string together to make dog sweaters and other cute pieces.
No matter what items you are making with chunky yarns, you will be happy to know they are an inexpensive way to continue practicing your knitting and crocheting while making great items!