The Best Crochet Stitches for Bulky Yarn: Complete Guide

Bulky yarns are unlike any other type of yarn out there. They take a lot of skill (and even strength!) to crochet with, and the results often look completely different than they would with a lighter-weight yarn. If you’re just starting to learn how to work with this yarn weight, here are some of the best crochet stitches for bulky yarn. 

Use a Larger Hook

Since bulky yarn is quite thick, crocheting with smaller hooks will be difficult, if not practically impossible. As a rule of thumb, bulky yarn requires a size L, M, N, or P crochet hook. However, you should always refer to the label and pattern to decide which hook to use.

Experiment With Stitch Combinations

Once you get more comfortable working with bulky yarn, don’t hesitate to play around and experiment with different stitches. Who knows, you might end up creating a really fun and unique texture!

Consider Your Project

Obtaining the right gauge with bulky yarn can be a challenge. So, if you’re not sure you’re doing it right, always refer to the pattern. Additionally, keep in mind the type of project you’re working on – for example, a baggy sweater will likely have looser stitches than, say, a hat. 

The Best Crochet Stitches for Bulky Yarn

Single Crochet (SC) Stitch

Single crochet stitch is one of the first stitches crocheters learn how to do. It might be simple and basic, but it is still one of the most beautiful stitches out there, especially for winter garments. The bulky yarn makes it even more textured, so you can really see every detail. In most patterns, it is referred to using the abbreviation SC.

Note: If you’re following a pattern in UK English, this stitch will be referred to as double crochet. To avoid confusion and having to redo your projects, always check which language the pattern is written in.

Half Double Crochet (HDC) Stitch

Half double crochet stitch is referred to in patterns as HDC. This is basically a crossover between the single crochet and double crochet stitch. Much like SC, this is a simple, beginner-friendly stitch that is usually covered in the early phases of learning how to crochet. The main difference is that, in HDC, there will be a yarn over before inserting the hook into the stitch, and you will have to pull the last yarn over through all three loops.

In UK patterns, this stitch is referred to as the half treble crochet (HTC) stitch.

Double Crochet (DC) Stitch

Double crochet stitch, which is abbreviated to DC in patterns, is pretty much just two single crochet stitches put together, as the name suggests. Much like SC, double crochet gets an extra level of texture when done in thick, bulky yarn, especially if you’re working with lighter colors.

If you’re using a UK English pattern, you will see this stitch referred to as the treble crochet (TC) stitch.

Treble Crochet (TR) Stitch

Treble crochet stitch is – you guessed it – basically, three single crochet stitches stacked on top of each other. In patterns, this stitch is abbreviated to TR (or, less often, TC or TRC), and you might also see it referred to as the triple crochet stitch. This is a commonly used stitch for shawls, scarves, and other winterwear.

Keep in mind that the US treble stitch is not the same as the UK treble stitch. Additionally, this stitch is referred to as double treble crochet (DTC) in UK patterns.

Basketweave Stitch

It’s time to move away from the basics of crocheting with the basketweave stitch. But don’t worry – this isn’t a particularly difficult stitch, either. It boils down to a combination of front post double crochet stitches and back post double crochet stitches (the only difference between the two being whether you’re inserting your hook from the back or the front rather than the top of the stitch).

The basketweave stitch doesn’t really have a common abbreviation, but most patterns will provide step-by-step instructions rather than just telling you to do a basketweave stitch. If you want to give it a shot, try this Free Bernat Basketweave Pillow Pattern using Bernat’s bulky Crushed Velvet Yarn.

V-Stitch

As the name suggests, the V-stitch sort of looks like a bunch of V-shaped clusters. It is a combination of chain stitches and double crochets, which gives it an eye-catching, lace-like texture (although “lace” might be an exaggeration when it comes to bulky yarn). It might take some time to learn, but once you get the hang of it, it will be pretty easy. If you want to practice making this stitch with heavier yarns, check out this Free Relaxing V-Stitch Crochet Blanket Pattern. 

Bobble Stitch

A bobble stitch is a fun-looking stitch that can add a whole new dimension to your projects. It looks, well, like a bobble sticking out of the fabric. It is most commonly used for home decor items such as pillows, but if you like to turn heads, it can also look stunning on clothing garments. This is an easy-level stitch, as it is just a combination of some basic chain, single, and double stitches. In patterns, it is commonly abbreviated to BO.

Cable Stitch

The cable stitch is by far one of the most popular crochet stitches, especially for items like sweaters and hats. It does take some practice to get it right, but once you do, the gorgeous pattern on your finished projects will make all the effort worth it. 

Puff Stitch

If you like the idea of a bobble stitch but are looking for something a little more discrete, then the puff stitch is exactly what you need. While it still pops out of the fabric, it’s a little more toned down. If you crochet a puff stitch using bulky yarn, it will create a bubble-like pattern, sort of like a push bubble toy. If you want to give this stitch a shot, try this Free Puff Stitch Set Pattern using Mary Maxim Titan Bulky Yarn. 

Moss Stitch

The moss stitch is a densely textured stitch that works great with variegated and other multi-colored yarns (although there’s nothing wrong with crocheting it using solid colors). It is also known as the linen, granite, or woven stitch, and it is especially popular for sweaters and similar wintertime garments. If you want to start practicing the moss stitch, why not give this Free Bernat Moss Stitch Stripes Blanket Pattern a shot?

Cluster Stitch

Source: Bella Coco on YouTube

The cluster stitch is another stitch similar to bobble and puff stitches in the sense that it is a combination of several other stitches clumped together. However, unlike the two, it doesn’t pop out. It is actually quite flat and looks like a bunch of triangles joined together. This texture might be a little harder to spot in heavier yarns (such as in this Super Bulky Crossed Cluster Throw), but it is still an eye-catching stitch regardless. 

Conclusion

Remember – working with bulky yarn will likely be more challenging than, say, worsted-weight yarn. So be ready for some trial and error, and remember that every mistake is a part of the learning process. Once you get the hang of the stitches we listed below, you’ll become a true bulky yarn crocheting expert!

The Best Crochet Stitches for Bulky Yarn: FAQs

What crochet stitch is best for bulky yarn?

One of the best crochet stitches for bulky yarn is the single crochet (SC) stitch since it is both beginner-friendly and creates a beautiful texture. However, there are many other stitches out there that work great with bulky yarn, too. 

Is it hard to crochet with bulky yarn?

Crocheting with bulky yarn can be a little difficult for beginners. This is because the larger hooks and flimsier tension are often hard to handle if you’re not used to the feeling. Once you get the hang of it, however, it will get much easier. 

Is there a difference between chunky and bulky yarn?

Both bulky and chunky yarn belong in the same weight category – #6. However, bulky yarn is generally slightly thicker than chunky. Keep in mind, too, that what we call bulky yarn in the US is known as chunky yarn in the UK. 

What can I do with bulky yarn when crocheting?

Bulky yarn is excellent for crocheting warm winter items, such as sweaters, shawls and scarves, mittens, beanies, blankets, afghans, and so on. It can also be a great choice for decorative items such as pillows, throws, and rugs.