Yarn weight hub · CYC standard
Bulky and chunky weight yarn (CYC 5)
Chunky, craft and rug yarns (CYC 5): CYC hook and gauge, real meters per 100 g and 8 verified yarns to sort, compare and buy.
- CYC hook 6.5–9 mm
- CYC gauge (sc in 10 cm) 8–11
- Average m per 100 g 121 m
- Yarns in our database 8
What is bulky (chunky) yarn?
Bulky (CYC 5) covers chunky, craft and rug yarns, around 12 ply in UK terms. The thicker strand makes fast projects with a cosy, textured fabric, and it includes many chenille and plush yarns used for soft blankets.
Standard specs and real data
The Craft Yarn Council standard places 5 – Bulky yarns with a recommended crochet hook of 6.5–9 mm and a gauge of 8–11 single crochet stitches in 10 cm (4 in). Use these ranges as a starting point: the hook and gauge printed on each ball band, listed in the table below, always take priority.
Our database lists 8 yarns in this group from 6 brands. Their linear density averages 121 m per 100 g, ranging from 86 to 155 m per 100 g, and the average ball holds 161 m in 141 g.
Manufacturers recommend hooks from 3 to 8 mm for these yarns. 4 of them publish a reference gauge, averaging 12.8 stitches in 10 cm.
Most common main fibres in the group: Polyester (4), Acrylic (3), Cotton (1).
All Bulky / chunky yarns (CYC 5) in our database
| See colors & stock on Amazon → | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bernat Maker Home Dec | 5 | 72 % cotton, 28 % nylon | 250 g · 290 m | 116 | 8 mm | 13 | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
| Bernat Velvet | 5 | 100 % polyester | 300 g · 288 m | 96 | 6.5 mm | — | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
| Círculo Amigurumi Pelúcia | 5 | 100 % polyester | 85 g · 132 m | 155 | 3–4.5 mm | — | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
| Paintbox Yarns Chenille | 5 | 100 % polyester | 100 g · 120 m | 120 | 6–7 mm | — | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
| Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky | 5 | 100 % acrylic | 100 g · 136 m | 136 | 6 mm | 14 | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
| Premier Yarns Just Chenille | 5 | 100 % polyester | 50 g · 59 m | 118 | 8 mm | 11 | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
| Red Heart Hygge | 5 | 70 % acrylic, 30 % nylon | 141 g · 121 m | 86 | 6.5 mm | 13 | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
| Stylecraft Special Chunky | 5 | 100 % acrylic | 100 g · 144 m | 144 | 6 mm | — | See colors & stock on Amazon → |
Tap a column header to sort. Data from the manufacturers' ball bands; gauge only where the manufacturer publishes it.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links to Hobbii are affiliate links too: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Most searched comparisons: Bulky / chunky yarns (CYC 5)
Best projects and how much yarn you need
Choose bulky yarn for quick blankets, chunky hats and cowls, rugs, baskets and plush toys. Because each stitch is large, a blanket in this weight can be finished in a few evenings.
With the average ball of this group (161 m), a 1,100 m throw blanket needs about 7 balls and a 220 m hat about 2 balls. For an exact figure for your pattern, size and stitch, use the yarn calculator.
How to choose and substitute
Compare yarns by meters per 100 g rather than by brand or ball weight: two yarns within about 10 % of each other in density, with overlapping hook ranges, usually give the same fabric. Sort the table by density or hook size to find close matches quickly.
Before swapping yarns in a pattern, convert the number of balls by total length, buy every ball from the same dye lot and work a 12 × 12 cm swatch. Our side-by-side comparisons below show the exact ball conversion and a technical verdict for the most searched pairs.
Calculate yarn for a whole project → Granny square blanket calculator →
Frequently asked questions
What hook do I need for chunky yarn?
The Craft Yarn Council recommends 6.5–9 mm hooks for bulky (CYC 5) yarn. Chenille and velvet yarns often look better with a hook at the smaller end of the range so the stitches stay defined.
How many Bulky / chunky yarns (CYC 5) does CrochetMetrics compare?
Our database currently lists 8 Bulky / chunky yarns (CYC 5) with verified ball band data, from 86 to 155 m per 100 g. Every yarn links to its own data sheet with substitutes and a ball converter.
Can I swap one yarn of this group for another?
Usually yes, if their meters per 100 g are within about 10 % and the hook ranges overlap. Convert the number of balls by total length, not by weight, and always check your gauge with a swatch before starting.