Arm knitting is a unique and fun way to knit as it doesn't use traditional knitting needles. Instead, you use your arms as giant knitting needles, making the technique perfect for beginners or those who want to try something different.
To start arm knitting, you will, of course, need some thick yarn! But with so many different types and thicknesses of yarn available, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best yarn for arm knitting.
First, you'll want to choose a bulky weight yarn. This will ensure your project works up quickly and is easy to handle while you're knitting. Second, you'll want to choose a soft chunky yarn that won't irritate your skin. A merino wool blend or a soft acrylic super chunky yarn would be a good choice for your arm knitting projects. These materials will also be much easier to work with and will result in a sturdier final product.
Finally, you'll want to make sure the yarn you choose is able to hold up to some wear and tear. A strong chunky wool yarn that won't pill or fade over time would be ideal. You’ll also want to consider the overall weight of the chunky knit yarn you select. Heavier yarns will be more difficult to work with but will produce a denser final product, whether it's an arm knitting blanket or thick scarves.
In this article, we give you the five best yarns for arm knitting so you can get started on a new hobby and create a project you will be proud of. Choose the right yarn for your hand knitting project among our top picks and arm knitting will be a breeze!
Top 5 Arm Knitting Yarns
When it comes to arm knitting or finger knitting, the type of yarn you use is just as important as your skills. After all, the yarn is what will determine the overall look, feel, and drape of your final project. To create beautiful arm knitting blankets and shawls, we chose the chunky yarns on this list based on:
- Thickness: The yarn you use for arm knitting should be thick enough that it's easy to work with and doesn't split easily. A good rule of thumb is to look for a yarn that's labeled as "giant yarn ", "chunky yarn" or "super bulky yarn."
- Fiber content: Giant merino wool and acrylic yarn are both popular choices for arm knit yarn, but you can really use any type of yarn that you like. Just keep in mind that different fibers have different properties, so be sure to choose a yarn that will give you the results you want.
- Colors: While you can certainly arm knit with multi-colored chunky arm knitting yarn, it can be easier to work with a solid color.
- Length: During the arm knitting process, you'll use a lot of yarn! Be sure to choose a skein that's long enough to complete your project. A good rule of thumb is to get at least twice as much yarn as you think you'll need.
Now, let’s get onto our top picks for the best yarns for arm knitting.
Patons Cobbles
The Patons Cobbles yarn is a fun and textured, soft yarn that is perfect for adding interest to any project. This worsted weight yarn comes in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect shade for your knit projects. The Cobbles yarn has a unique twist that creates a nubbly texture, making it ideal for creating cozy sweaters, hats, and incredibly soft scarves.
Made of a blend of wool and acrylic, Patons Cobbles’ yarns create beautifully soft, fluffy, and bulky but lightweight projects. These characteristics make them a perfect choice for knitting soft blankets, creating a roving construction that yields an artisan and luxurious look.
Bernat Mega Bulky
The Bernat Mega Bulky yarn is a super bulky weight yarn that is great for creating thick and warm garments and accessories such as chunky knit throw blankets. This chunky yarn for arm knitting is 100% acrylic, making it machine washable and dryable. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can find the shade you want.
The Bernat Mega Bulky yarn is the ideal beginner arm knitting yarn because it is so easy to work with. It is also a great choice for people who are looking for a quick project since it works up quickly. However, joining a new ball of yarn with Bernat Mega Bulky strands can prove difficult. They do have the tendency to create a very visible knot, so when using this, it’s best to adopt more seamless yarn joining techniques.
Overall, though, this high quality yarn’s slightly shiny and plied appearance makes it a good option. Requiring only one and two skeins to create soft and comfy products (woven home blankets, pet beds), it is sure to become a favorite in your stash!
Red Heart Grande
This medium-weight yarn is perfect for a wide range of projects, from garments to home décor. The acrylic fiber and wool blend is soft and easy to work with, and the yarn comes in a variety of colors to suit your every need. Whether you're looking for a classic shade or something more vibrant, Red Heart Grande has you covered.
This great yarn that mimics wool is also machine-washable and dryable, so you can easily care for your finished projects. Red Heart Grande is an excellent and versatile choice for both beginners and experienced crafters alike because of its soft and lofty feel. It is often dubbed as a less bulkier alternative to giant yarns such as Bernat Mega and is at par with a popular Wool Ease Thick & Quick yarn from Lion Brand.
It’s important to note, however, that because the Red Heart Grande is not as bulky as other chunky luxe big yarns on the market, you’ll have to work double-stranded when arm knitting. It has a great rope-like effect on chunky blankets and other loose garments. Check out our Red Heart yarns collection.
Premier Yarns Couture Jazz
The Premier Yarns Couture Jazz yarn is a luxurious and soft option for your knitting or crocheting needs. It comes in a wide range of beautiful colors, but the most popular ones are almost always out of stock, so it might be hard for you to obtain what you need.
This yarn is made from 100% acrylic, making it easy to care for. It's also machine-washable and dryable, so you can keep your projects looking great for years to come. It is a great choice for garments, accessories, and home decor items because of its large and thick construction. It's sure to add a touch of elegance to any large blanket project thanks to its mesh quality and softness.
However, the same characteristics make it rather difficult to work with, especially for beginner knitters. Because it has short skeins, you’ll need to join a new ball of yarn several times throughout your project. Despite being time-consuming, this shouldn’t be a big problem, though, as the yarn allows for seamless joins that are almost invisible.
Lion Brand Yarn
Lion Brand Yarn is a popular yarn brand that offers a wide range of quality yarns for knitters and crocheters. The company has been in business since 1878 and offers a variety of natural fibers, including wool, cotton, and bamboo, as well as synthetic options like acrylic. Lion Brand Yarns are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles to suit any project. Try out our free Lion Brand Mandala yarn patterns if you just love multi-color, acrylic yarn crochet projects.
They are known for their softness, durability, and easy-care properties. The company's yarns are available in a wide variety of weights, from light DK to chunky Bulky. Lion Brand also offers a range of specialty yarns, including Pound of Love baby colors yarn, lace weight yarn, and fun novelty yarns. In addition to their regular line of yarns, the brand also has limited edition options and yarns at deep discounts.
The best part about yarns from this brand is that they offer less expensive yarn options than others made of natural fiber (such as merino wool). Lion Brand products enable arm knitters to knit with multiple strands while achieving a good thickness and weight. It might be the best arm knitting yarn for beginners and experienced knitters alike.
Common Questions about Arm Knitting Yarn
What weight yarn is best for arm knitting?
The best weight of yarn for arm knitting is typically a chunky or super chunky weight yarn. This type of yarn is easy to work with and produces a finished product that is both sturdy and stylish. If you are new to arm knitting, it is recommended that you start with a lighter-weight yarn so that you can get a feel for the technique before moving on to heavier yarns.
How much yarn do you need for an arm knit blanket?
The amount of yarn you'll need for an arm knitted blanket will depend on the size of the blanket and the thickness of the yarn. For a small chunky knit blanket, you'll need around 1 to 2 skeins of yarn, while a larger blanket will require 3 to 4 skeins. If you're using a thicker yarn, you may need even more yarn to achieve the desired thickness.
How do you determine gauge with arm knitting?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as every knitter's gauge will be slightly different. However, there are a few general tips that can help you get an accurate gauge when arm knitting a chunky blanket.
First, it's important to use the same type of yarn throughout your project. If you switch between different types of yarn, it will be difficult to get an accurate gauge. Second, make sure that your tension is even throughout the project. If you knit too tightly or too loosely in one area, it will throw off your gauge.
Finally, it's a good idea to measure your gauge periodically as you knit. This way, you can catch any problems early on and adjust accordingly. With these tips in mind, you should be able to get an accurate gauge when arm knitting.
Ready to start your first arm knit pillow or lap blanket? We have hundreds of free patterns to choose from! Check out this downloadable pattern.
