12 Ply & Chunky Yarn NZ
12 PLY, CHUNKY & SUPER CHUNKY YARN
Big stitches. Beautifully cosy projects.
Shop 12 ply, chunky and super chunky yarn in New Zealand for warm jumpers, scarves, beanies and blankets. Explore pure wool, alpaca, mohair and easy-care colour-changing blends from Rowan, Crucci, Sirdar and Wool and the Gang.
Choosing chunky yarn: weights, projects, quantities & care
Are 12 ply, chunky and super chunky the same?
No. These are broad weight descriptions, not interchangeable pattern specifications. This collection brings together locally labelled 12 ply yarns, chunky yarns and a separate super chunky option. Match the pattern's tension and fibre, not just the name. MODE at Rowan Mohair Soft is sold here as 12 ply but has an airy, Aran-like gauge of 16 stitches per 10cm on 5.5mm needles; it is not a direct substitute for dense super chunky wool.
Which chunky yarn suits your project?
For defined ribs, cables and cosy outer layers, compare MODE at Rowan Chunky Wool and Lil' Crazy Sexy Wool. Crucci Aella 12 Ply adds a brushed alpaca-merino halo, while Alpachino Merino and its marled Twist version offer a merino-and-baby-alpaca blend. For oversized stitches, bold accessories and substantial throws, choose Crazy Sexy Wool Super Chunky with a pattern written for its much thicker strand.
Colour-changing yarn for blankets and baby knits
Sirdar Jewelspun With Wool Chunky creates stripes in a machine-washable wool blend. Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky is a wool-free acrylic-and-nylon option with changing stripes and a flower-print effect, useful for baby cardigans, hats and blankets. Stitch count, shaping and knitting or crochet construction affect colour placement, so finished pieces will vary. The separate Jewelspun Aran and Jewelspun Ombre ranges are not chunky substitutes.
What needles or crochet hook should you use?
Start with the pattern and ball band. Our finer 12 ply options can begin around 5.5mm, while some super chunky patterns use much larger tools. Use the correct size for the intended fabric, then wash and dry a swatch before checking gauge. A smooth, light-coloured yarn can make stitches easier to see when learning; a brushed halo can make counting and undoing stitches harder.
How many balls do you need?
Use the total metres required for your chosen pattern size, divide by metres per ball and round up, allowing for swatching and alterations. Ball weight alone is misleading: Lil' Crazy Sexy Wool contains 80m per 100g, while original Crazy Sexy Wool contains 80m per 200g. They are different thicknesses. Buy the project quantity together and check dye lots before starting.
Can chunky yarn be machine washed?
Only when the individual yarn allows it. Our Machine washable button selects Jewelspun With Wool Chunky and Baby Blossom Chunky. Follow each ball band's cycle, temperature and drying instructions. The wool, alpaca and mohair options elsewhere in this range need gentle hand washing; support wet garments, reshape and dry flat. Wool content alone does not tell you whether a yarn is machine washable.
Complete your project with knitting needle sets, crochet hooks and knitting accessories. Explore all baby yarn or all knitting and crochet supplies.
