As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes recommend products from other sellers at no extra cost to you. For more details see my disclosure policy and privacy policy.
This post may contain affiliate links - I may make commission from any purchases.
Arm knitting is a new trend that has been taking over the internet by storm. It’s an easy project to start and you can do it anywhere! You don’t need any fancy equipment or tools either, just your hands and some yarn. Whether you’re looking for best yarn for arm knitting projects or to judge if your existing yarn will work, this article will help guide you through all the best options out there!
Table of Contents
How Much Yarn Do I Need To Arm Knit A Blanket?
When you first start arm knitting, something like a chunky blanket is a great beginner’s project. So let’s use it as an example to give you some ideas about how much yarn you need. To arm knit a blanket, you will need for example:
- 30 x 50 inch blanket – 6 pounds of yarn
- 40 x 60 inch blanket – 8 pounds of yarn
Obviously this depends on the weight of the yarn and the style of blanket. But it gives you a starting point.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Yarn For Arm Knitting
There are a few factors to help you decide if a yarn is the right one for the project. A lot of it is personal choice but there are some things to help guide your decision.
Material quality
Always go for the best quality yarn you can afford because cheaper yarn doesn’t always last as long as it could or knit up as well. Also better quality yarn will wash more times and therefore what you create will last longer.
Softness
For most projects, you’ll want something as soft as possible, especially for blankets. So check the feel of the wool to see if you can imagine cuddling up with it to watch TV on a cold winter night.
Ease of Cleaning
As a rule, most yarn is machine washable or hand wash suitable but always check the label first. If the project is something for children that is liable to get dirty frequently, then look for a machine wash option.
Flexibility
Really stiff and thick wool can be really hard to work with for any project, especially for arm knitting. Rugs are really the only time you want a stiff yarn.
Colour Vibrancy
Look at the label of the yarn and see if it is stating that it will remain vibrant after every wash. You don’t want something that will lose its colour after just a few goes through the washing machine.
Texture
Tecture may be one of the most important elements when choosing yarn. Think about the project you are creating and how the yarn will feel with it. Will it be soft and comfortable against the skin for a jumper, scarf or other piece of clothing.
What Is The Best Yarn To Use For Arm Knitting?
If you are a knitter just trying arm knitting then you probably already have a favourite type of wool and there’s a good chance it will work with arm knitting. But here are some examples to help you pick the right type of yarn.
Merino wool
Merino wool is very soft and perfect for something like a warm blanket or scarf. It is very thick and chunky with that luxury feel. It is a little heavier than some types of wool so not always best for things like jumpers unless you want that heavier effect.
Chenille yarn
If you want a non-animal alternative, then something like chenille yarn is perfect. It is made from synthetic fiber which means it is long lasting and easy to wash. It is also very durable for frequently used items. For anyone looking for a vegan yarn, this is a good option.
Acrylic yarn
Acrylic yarn has come a long way from the coarse and false-feeling options of the past. It is now a soft yarn but still a durable material that is also lightweight. Pure acrylic yarn is also ideal if you are allergic to wool or simply don’t like it. Being a man-made material, it is the perfect yarn for everyday use projects.
Acrylic/Wool Blend
A blend of acrylic and wool, usually 49% of each with 2% polyester creates a bulky yet lightweight wool that has a nice fluffy feel to it. It often has ‘cobbles’ that fill in gaps when using arm knitting stitches. You can also combine two strands together for a more luxurious feel.
Wool yarn
Wool yarn is the classic and most commonly found type of wool. It is durable even though it is a natural material and it comes in a wide range of styles, thicknesses and colours from very thin through to jumbo yarn. It works well for arm knitting projects of any style.
The perfect yarn for the project
Whether you want bulky yarn for a chunky blanket or finer yarns for something more delicate, there are plenty of great options. Patterns will usually give you some ideas about what’s best but you can always experience and see if your favourite works for arm knitting yarn.
