7 Colorful Cozy Bulky Yarns for Your Winter Knitting
As winter sets in, there’s nothing better than cozying up with some colorful bulky yarns for your knitting projects. These thick yarns are perfect for quick knit projects, warm garments, and showcasing beautiful textures and stitches. If you’re looking to add a splash of color and warmth to your knitting stash, here are some of my favorite bulky yarns that are sure to inspire your winter creations.
1. Knit Collage Cast Away
Cast Away yarn from Knit Collage
Mittens knit with Cast Away and Daisy Chain yarns
A wonderfully soft, thick-and-thin textured yarn, Cast Away features a stunning blend of colors. Each skein is uniquely crafted through an intensive handmade process by women in India. I paired a skein of Cast Away with another bulky Knit Collage yarn, Daisy Chain, to knit these fun, warm mittens (the pattern is by Susan B. Anderson). If you love beautiful color, fun color, and quick knits, this is the yarn for you.
• Weight: Super Bulky
• Yardage: 68 yards (100g)
• Price: $38.50
Shop Knit Collage Cast Away Now
2. Ontheround Plush Bulky
Divine Hat knit with Plush Bulky
Ontheround Plush Bulky yarn
Plush bulky is made from an extra soft 19.5 micron superwash merino wool, so it not only takes color and shows off speckles brilliantly, it is perfect for next to skin knits. My Divine Hat is knit with two colors of Plush Bulky for beautiful results.
• Weight: Bulky
• Yardage: 109 yards (100g)
• Price: $28.00
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3. Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky
Botanic Hat
Heathered and solid colors of Ultra Alpaca Chunky
This 2 ply yarn has the perfect balance of luxurious super fine alpaca and Peruvian Highland wool. It’s warm, durable, and works up beautifully for chunky sweaters, hats, or cowls. This is one of my favorite chunky yarn to knit with!
• Weight: Chunky
• Yardage: 131 yards (100g)
• Price: $16.50
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4. Knit Picks Tuff Puff
Vibrant colors of Tuff Puff
Big, bold, and colorful, Tuff Puff is a super bulky 100% wool yarn that knits up lightning-fast. Its bright and saturated shades are perfect for making eye-catching scarves, hats, and even oversized sweaters.
• Weight: Super Bulky
• Yardage: 44 yards (100g)
• Price: $6.99
5. Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky
Hand Paint Chunky in a variety of colors
Cambrian Cowl knit in Hand Paint Chunky
Misti Alpaca is a soft 100% baby alpaca yarn, crafted into a light and airy 2-ply. Projects made with this yarn boast incredible drape and a sumptuous feel. Perfect for quick, cozy creations, this yarn is ideal for luxurious chunky hats and scarves that knit up in no time—making them thoughtful, high-end gifts.
• Weight: Chunky
• Yardage: 109 yards (100g)
• Price: $25.60
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6. Malabrigo Mecha
Mecha in a beautiful tonal colorway
Who doesn’t love Malabrigo’s amazing color? This hand-dyed, single-ply yarn is a fan favorite and a dream for knitters. Made from 100% superwash merino wool, it’s incredibly soft and comes in a dazzling array of colors, from vivid variegated shades to tonal neutrals. Perfect for hats, cowls, and mittens.
• Weight: Bulky
• Yardage: 130 yards (100g)
• Price: $17.00
7. Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick
Affordable and classic, Wool Ease Thick & Quick line is a bulky blend of acrylic and wool, offering softness and durability. The muted and modern color palette makes it ideal for chic winter accessories and home décor projects.
• Weight: Bulky
• Yardage: 137 yards (125g)
• Price: $6.99
Shop Wool Ease Thick & Quick Now
Bonus Tips for Working with Bulky Yarns
Working with bulky yarns can be incredibly rewarding, but they do come with some unique considerations. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your big, colorful skeins:
Choose the Right Needles
Bulky yarns require larger needles or hooks, typically in the range of 9mm to 12mm (US 13–17). Ensure your tools are smooth and sturdy to handle the thicker yarn without snagging. Circular needles will help balance the extra weight of these big yarns.Swatch for Gauge
Even though bulky yarn projects often focus on speed, taking the time to knit a quick swatch is worth it. This ensures your stitches are even and that your finished piece will fit as intended. When working with thick and thin yarns, a larger swatch will help you measure gauge more accurately.Watch Your Tension
It’s easy to knit too tightly with bulky yarns, which can result in a stiff fabric. Relax your hands and aim for a loose, even tension to keep your projects soft and pliable.Take Breaks and Stretch Your Hands
Bulky yarns often require more effort to manipulate, which can lead to hand fatigue or cramps. Remember to take regular breaks during your knitting sessions. Stretch your hands, wiggle your fingers, and roll your wrists to keep them feeling comfortable and pain-free.Optimize Yardage
Bulky yarns tend to have shorter yardage per skein, so plan your projects carefully to avoid running out of yarn mid-project. Always purchase an extra skein if you’re unsure.Mind the Weight
Projects made with bulky yarns can be heavier than expected. Consider this when making larger items like sweaters or blankets and choose patterns designed to balance weight distribution.
By keeping these tips in mind—and remembering to care for your hands—you’ll create projects that are not only quick and cozy but also polished and professional-looking!
Wrap Up
These colorful, cozy bulky yarns are sure to inspire your winter knitting. Whether you’re crafting warm mittens, oversized sweaters, or snuggly blankets, there’s a yarn on this list to match your project needs. Pick your favorite, grab your needles, and let your creativity flow this winter!
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