Chunky yarn has so much to offer. It can give a dramatic appearance, snuggly texture – and it works up into fabric fast. If you’re itching to give it a try, you’ll want to know what to crochet with chunky yarn – and we’re here to help!
We’re going to look at 16 different crochet items that work brilliantly with heavier weight yarn. And whether you’re a beginner, or an experienced crocheter, we have options to suit you.
Ready to find out more? Then let’s get started!
What to Crochet with Chunky Yarn
1. Coaster
Coasters are a great project, whether you’re just starting out with crochet or are more experienced. And chunky yarn is a great choice to make them with for a number of reasons.
First up, it’s thick enough to properly protect your furniture. The extra weight means your coasters won’t go sliding around your table. And they’ll work up fast too. You could crochet a whole set of coasters in just a few hours.
Because coasters are small, they’re a good way to use up any scraps of yarn you have left over from other projects. They make lovely gifts too.
2. Granny square
No list of crochet items is complete without the granny square. Use it on its own as a coaster, or stitch a quantity of them together to make a whole host of other items. Blankets, throws, scarves, or bags can all be made from granny squares.
Chunky yarn is a great choice for granny squares. It will create a thick, snuggly fabric. And the wider thread means you can make bigger squares with minimal effort.
If you have odds and ends of chunky yarn you want to use up, granny squares are an excellent way to do it. You can mix in as many different colors as you want to create something truly unique.
3. Bag
We love chunky yarns for bags, whether they’re totes, clutches, or anything in between! They’re strong, look great and have a reassuring weight. And if you’ve already made granny squares from chunky yarn, turning them into a bag is a fun project that’s not too demanding.
Some people prefer their bags to be lighter weight – but even then, chunky yarn can perform a valuable service. Its strength makes it an excellent choice for crocheting bag straps.
4. Beanie Hat
Beanie hats look brilliant crocheted in chunky yarn. That snuggly texture is made for keeping your head warm on chilly winter days. And the elasticity you get with chunky is perfect for pulling your hat down all the way to your eyebrows!
Beanie hats are pretty easy to make too, and they’ll work up fast with chunky yarn. And because they’re not too big, you won’t need to spend a fortune on supplies.
5. Sweater
If you’re an intermediate crocheter looking for a more challenging project, a sweater made from chunky yarn is a great choice.
Keeping your gauge consistent will be important here. That will make sure your sweater comes out the size you want it to. That can be easier with chunky yarn, because the fabric will work up more quickly. That will help you spot any sizing problems early on.
Even better, chunky yarn means you’ll have a sweater with a deliciously snuggly texture. And the thicker stitches mean the stitch pattern will be bolder too.
6. Leg warmers
Leg warmers are a fun and practical crochet project. They don’t require a lot of yarn, so if you want to use up leftovers, let your imagination run free with color and pattern.
Chunky yarn works beautifully for legwarmers because it creates a toasty, thick fabric that holds its shape well. You could even add a fleece lining for an extra snuggle factor.
Make them a bit longer and they’ll also fold beautifully over the tops of boots. No more chafing from those wellies on your next winter walk!
7. Gloves
Chunky yarn is great for gloves. It creates a padded, squishy feel that’s perfect for cold weather. And if you want to use up smaller scraps of yarn, fingerless gloves are a quick, fun project. They’ll go down a storm as gifts too.
Choose monochrome yarn for a more sophisticated look, or mix up colors for something that’s fun and funky.
8. Blanket
Blankets and chunky yarn are a match made in heaven. Heavier weight yarns deliver warmth and snuggle factor, and work up quickly too. So if you’re making your blanket to a deadline, chunky is a great choice.
There are loads of different blanket patterns out there to suit everyone from beginners to expert crocheters. And if you’ve been honing your crochet skills making lots of granny squares, turning them into a blanket is a really satisfying project.
Crochet blankets make wonderful gifts too, often becoming heirloom items that are treasured for years.
9. Sofa throw
All the reasons for using chunky yarn for blankets apply just as well to throws. You’ll get a cosy fabric that’s great to snuggle up in.
What’s more, the extra weight of chunky yarn means your throw won’t slide all over the place. So you won’t have to straighten it out on your sofa every five minutes.
You can choose a pattern that’s as simple or as complex as you like. And when you’ve finished, you’ll be ready to accept compliments from everyone who visits your home!
10. Cushion
Crocheted cushions – or throw pillows – are another item of home décor guaranteed to draw admiring glances from your guests.
Choose chunky yarn for cushions with top grade squish-ability. You can crochet them in the round, or create a square or rectangular cushion.
If you’re using a pillow insert, make sure your pattern will produce a cover that’s the right size. Alternatively, you can create a bespoke size and use rags as stuffing for a unique, comfy and eco-friendly result.
11. Holiday decorations
Crocheted Halloween pumpkins, Christmas holly leaves or Easter eggs add a unique touch to the holiday season. Make them from chunky yarn and they’ll work up faster, giving you more time for your shopping or turkey basting!
Chunky yarn is great at holding its shape too, making it perfect for three-dimensional decorations with real impact.
Experienced crocheters may want to design their own motifs. But if you’re not ready for that, there are loads of great patterns freely available online.
12. Scarf
The cosy feel and thick texture of chunky yarn makes it perfect for scarves. And there’s a huge range of different designs to choose from.
Use a single color for a smart, urban look, or go technicolor for something bright and distinctive. Our personal favourites are scarves made from granny squares, which bring home-made charm to any winter outfit. Classic or infinity designs work equally well.
Experiment and have fun with the design. Mixing up colors and textures is a great way to use up any yarn leftovers too.
13. Shawl
Widen out your scarf pattern, and hey presto - you have a shawl. And with chunky yarn, it won’t take long to do.
This is another crochet project with endless adaptability. Beginners can create an attractive shawl with a single color and basic stitches. Intermediate crocheters can experiment with their own customization or more complex patterns. And crochet experts can create their own design from scratch.
Whatever approach you take, using chunky yarn will give you a shawl with impact and warmth.
14. Keychain
Keychains are a brilliant way to use up small scraps of chunky yarn. The thicker fibers will create a chain that’s amazingly strong. And you can use as many different colors as you like to make your own unique design.
Why not crochet a loop to create a keychain you can wear over your wrist? Just add a keyring clasp and you’re done. These make great stocking fillers or birthday gifts.
15. Amigurumi
Amigurumi – crochet toys – are often associated with thinner yarn and tiny animals. But chunky yarn can work amazingly well to create bigger toys with real impact and hug-ability.
Chunky yarn will work up more quickly than lighter weight yarns like DK or Aran. And it’s particularly good for surface crocheting, because the larger stitches are easier to see and to get your hook into.
16. Baskets and storage containers
Chunky yarn is great for crocheting items that can hold their shape. That makes it perfect for creating baskets and storage containers in a whole range of sizes.
We’ve seen chunky yarn used to crochet everything from toilet roll holders to pet baskets. The size of the stitches gives the finished products real visual impact. And you can achieve anything from a traditional to a contemporary look, depending on the patterns and colors you choose.
Summary: What to crochet with chunky yarn
Chunky yarn is a great option for thick, snuggly fabric. That makes it perfect for winter warmers like hats, gloves, scarves, legwarmers and blankets.
But it’s also more versatile than people sometimes think. It works incredibly well for super-sized amigurumi. And you can also make a whole host of items for the home – everything from coasters to keychains, storage baskets to cushions.
Whatever you choose to crochet with chunky yarn, we wish you luck with your project!
