I love a good bulky weight yarn. It’s so cozy and warm on those chilly winter days and can be a really fun way to show off fun stitches and texture. Today I’m sharing my review of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn from Yarnspirations along with project ideas and everything you need to know about working with it.
Read my review below…
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I want to share that these thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. I have not been paid or asked to write this review and all comments are based on my own experiences of purchasing and crocheting with this yarn.
Fibre Content:
Bernat Softee Chunky is made from 100% acrylic fibre.
Yarn Information:
This yarn is listed as super bulky, weight 6. The weight of each skein is approximately 3.5 oz/100 g and the length is 108 yds/99 m. I have only ever seen this one size so I don’t believe larger skeins are available.
The recommended hook size for Bernat Softee Chunky is an 8mm crochet hook (US L/11) or if you’re knitting, 8mm needles (US 11). I have found going up a hook size or two to be beneficial with this yarn as it helps keep your stitches from getting too stiff and provides a bit of drape for wearables. I have a moderate tension and find that the yarn thickness can create a more dense project so going up a hook size loosens things up nicely.
Washing Instructions:
Because this yarn is acrylic, it makes for easy washing and project care. Bernat Softee Chunky is machine washable and can be placed in the dryer. I haven’t had to wash a project (yet) that is made with this yarn so I can’t comment on those results. However, most acrylic yarn that I have put in the washer and dryer come out of the process nicely. When in doubt….lay flat to dry.
Other Label Details:
This yarn does not contain a dye lot which can be both beneficial but tricky. Not having a dye lot means that yarn is manufactured and dyed in large batches. Once those batches get sold and need to be replenished, a new batch is made. This means that the colours in the next batch could vary slightly from the previous batch. When planning for your project with yarn that does not have dye lots, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have enough and maybe purchase an extra skein just in case.
Bernat Softee Chunky is a 3 ply yarn. This means that it is made from 3 separate strands wound together.
What Can I Make With It?
Super bulky yarn is great for extra cozy makes. Items like scarves, neck warmers, hats, ear warmers are all lovely options. Thick blankets for cold winer nights would certainly keep you warm as well. I personally wouldn’t use this yarn for baby blankets due to how thick and heavy they can get but a small mat for floor time might be a good option instead.
This yarn would also make fabulous throw pillow covers!
Where Can I Buy It?
I have purchased Bernat Softee Chunky yarn at Yarn Canada, Walmart, Amazon and Michaels. It’s a fairly common yarn to find at local yarn shops and big box retailers. You can also find it directly through the Yarnspirations website. Each skein averages to be priced between $4.19-$5.00 CDN. The Yarnspirations website lists 36 different colourway options to choose from.
So, How Does It Work Up?
Super bulky yarn works up very fast. Combined with a larger hook, the bigger sized stitches allow your project to grow quickly. If you’re short on time or have a last minute gift to make, this yarn is the way to go because you’ll have a finished project in a flash. One thing to note is that because this yarn is thick, the stitches can be quite dense and heavy which can make for a stiff project. As I mentioned above, going up a hook size can help in this department and provide a little bit of drape for wearables. Items like throw pillows or baskets, you don’t need to worry too much about loosing the stitches because you most likely want those to be a little bit more dense for keeping shape.
This type of yarn is often known for displaying texture in an amazing way. The thick yarn can add some really fun depth and eye catching accents within your project so definitely get creative!
I worked with two skeins of Bernat Softee Chunky and only came across a knot in the yarn once. I did not find any issue with splitting and it was quite soft and enjoyable to work with.
Is This Yarn a Hit?
I like this yarn. I don’t use it too often because it is very heavy and thick but I always feel inspired to buy a few skeins once the colder fall and winter temperatures arrive. I like crocheting quick Christmas gifts with this yarn because it’s soft, easy to care for and has some great colour options. I often see select colourways go on sale so it’s worth grabbing a few to keep in your stash for when you need to make a warm and cozy project. I usually have a few variegated options and a few single colour skeins on my shelf.
Do you like working with super bulky yarn? What projects do you enjoy making with it? Let me know in the comments below!
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Can I use this yarn for arm knitting a blanket
Hi Tammy! I don’t have any experience with arm knitting so I can’t offer any advice with what yarn would be most appropriate. I’d be very interested though to see if you’re able to make it work for that purpose, it’s a lovely yarn.
It’s thick but not a super bulky. Not as thick as Lion Brand Thick and Quick. A size Q hook works well though. Maybe you could use two or three strands for arm knitting.
I am using this yarnfor first time to knit my granddaughter a blanket, 40 x 50. I love working with it but the farther along I go it has begun to pill. Very disappointed about that. Wondering if it will make it wirse to wash & dry?
Oh no, that’s frustrating. Softer yarn does have a higher chance of pilling unfortunately. I’m not sure if washing will help or worsen the issue. If you have a lint shaver, that might be a helpful tool to smooth things out.
I bought a Leisure Arts pattern book for Huggable Amigurumi Zoo Animals. The Shopping List says (Super Weight Yarn (6)
5 skeins Yellow
2 skeins Brown
1 skein Beige
1 skein Ecru
It is an adorable giraffe and he loves giraffes. When he was born his first stuffed animal was a Giraffe that he calls “Raffie”!
I have searched the internet and I cannot find all 4 colors and quantities. If someone could help me with this I would be so appreciative. Thank You in Advance!
Hi Wendy! I don’t have any experience with this particular pattern book but I would check out WeCrochet’s selection of weight 6 yarn (Mighty Stitch Super Bulky or Mill House Super Bulky). I haven’t used those lines yet but I do order from WeCrochet often and am always happy with their selection and quality.