Want to learn arm knitting? Then you'll need some arm knitting yarn! Below we round up our favourites for you to try. We've chosen big yarns and not-so-big yarns to suit a wide range of projects and budgets.
In the big yarn for arm knitting category, you'll find the super-sized yarns you're probably familiar with from social media. These are perfect for blankets and other home decor.
We have some fab options below, and you'll find loads more in our guide on blanket yarns, which features a number of big yarns ideal for arm knitting. You should also check out our how to make a chunky knit blanket tutorial, which will walk you through a quick-knit blanket on giant 10mm needles.
But of course, arm knitting is not just about blankets, so we've included lots of super chunky yarn for arm knitting in this list too. These lighter-weight yarns don't have the bulk of their giant cousins and can be used for all kinds of accessories and home decor, from scarves and snoods to bags and cushions, while still giving you the satisfaction of whipping up a project in a matter of hours.
What is arm knitting yarn?
Arm knitting yarn is yarn that's extra-thick and suitable for knitting on giant needles or, as the name suggests, on your arms.
Many of these big yarns are made from unspun roving, which means that they're astonishingly soft to handle and perfect for cuddling up under on cooler nights. If you want to see more of these fluffy delights, see our guide to the best roving yarns.
The downside is that these yarns don't have the strength of something that's been plied (ie made from a series of strands twisted together), so they need careful handling to keep them in tip-top condition.
Go slow and steady when you're knitting with them so the fibres don't pull apart, and try to avoid too much wear and tear on the finished item, which may cause pilling (or worse). As the price tags suggest, these are luxury yarns, and they require a bit of looking after!
If that all sounds like too much effort, and you're just hoping for a blanket that can be kept on the sofa and lounged on every day before being thrown in the wash, look for arm knitting yarns that aren't unspun and are made from man-made fibres or cotton rather than pure wool.
The best giant yarn for arm knitting 2024
Edited 04/11/24 to ensure pricing and product availability is up to date.
Wateralone chenille yarn
Best for: Home Accessories
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This 100% polyester arm knitting yarn is super soft and easy to look after (just throw it in the machine on a cold wash), making it ideal for everyday home accessories such as sofa throws and kids' blankets.
With 18m per bundle, it's good value too, and there are six different colours to choose from.
Pros: Versatile, affordable, shrinkage rate is only 5%
Cons: Colour range consists of all neutrals
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Wool Couture Epic Extreme
Best for: Giant yarn projects
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For knits on an epic scale, try this giant 100% unspun Merino yarn from Wool Couture. Each stitch is a hefty three inches long, so whatever you make it'll work up in a flash.
Great for scarves, blankets and more, you can order weights ranging from 0.25-10kg – and don't forget to request their free arm knitting instructions with your order!
Pros: Lots of weight options, 100% un-spun merino yarn
Cons: Needs spot cleaning or professional cleaning, no machine wash
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Woolly Mahoosive Mammoth
Best for: Colour range 
No list of the best giant yarn for arm knitting would be complete without Woolly Mahoosive. Their Mammoth yarn is made from unspun acrylic and designed especially for extreme knits.
Choose from more than a dozen colours (including this eye-catching Mustard shade) and balls weighing from 1kg to 10kg.
Pros: Lots of colour options, trusted seller
Cons: More expensive than other brands
When you've chosen your new yarn, see our guide to arm knitting and we'll help you cast on your first stitches. Why not then learn how to make an arm knitted lounger? And for more no-needle knitting ideas check out our complete guide to finger knitting.
Cheery Little Sheep Chunky Yarn
Best for: Both yarn and felting projects
Gorgeous 100% Merino wool roving in a huge variety of colours? Yes please!
For dreamy-soft blankets and throws, or oversized accessories for cold-weather snuggling, you can't go wrong with this chunky arm knitting yarn from Cheery Little Sheep.
Pros: Diverse, sustainable, hypoallergenic
Cons: Max 10lb weight
Lauren Aston Designs Giant Merino Wool
Best for: Modern yarn projects
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There are few things softer than unspun Merino, so snuggle up under a blanket made from this Giant Merino Wool from Lauren Aston Designs.
It comes in a choice of five colours (Natural White, Bright Pink, Mink, Grey or Mustard) and in weights ranging from 1-10kg.
Pros: Bright colours, optional needles, up to 10kg weight
Cons: Can be a two-week order wait
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Check out our brand-new shop!
Looking for more inspirational projects? Head over to the Gathered shop where you can find a huge range of beautiful patterns by all your favourite yarn and needlework designers.
Merino Wool Art 100% Merino Wool Yarn
Best for: Baby blankets
You'd have trouble finding a bigger range of colours on offer than the one at Merino Wool Art. Whatever your decor, they have a shade to match!
Buy their 100% Merino wool roving in 100g to 4.5 Kg balls, and cast on a new arm knitting project today.
Pros: Great price, many colours, soft
Cons: 4.5kg max weight available
Pure Wool Hut 100% Merino Wool Tops
Best for: Unique colourways
Beloved by spinners and felters, wool tops can also be used as arm knitting yarn. Pure Wool Hut's beautiful tops are made from pure Merino wool and carefully dyed in a host of different solid and variegated colours (we love this unicorn-themed colourway!).
Pros: Cool colours, 100% Merino Wool, 80 colour options
Cons: Only large quantities are available
Bergère de France Waouh Wool
Best for: Fashion accessories
This popular arm knitting yarn from Bergère de France is not easy to find at the moment, so snap it up when you see it!
Waouh Wool is made from 100% Merino and comes in 500g/62m balls. We think it's perfect for super-chunky accessories such as oversized scarves.
Pros: 100% Merino Wool, good price
Cons: Limited colourways
BeCozi Velvet Yarn
Best for: Child and Pet friendly
We love the luxe texture and look of this Velvet Yarn from American chunky yarn specialist BeCozi. It consists of a velvet fabric tube filled with polyester fibre, and is a durable pet- and kid-friendly option that's a good choice for families.
Pros: Durable, velvet feel, washable
Cons: Only up to 4lbs, polyester filled
Go big with our guide to arm knitting yarn
A big part of the fun of arm knitting is working with ginormous yarns, so treat yourself to some beautiful oversized yarn from our round-up and make something special for you or your home.
Whether you're looking for luxury or something that's designed to survive the rough and tumble of family life, there's a yarn here to suit every (arm) knitter.
Yarn buying ideas from Gathered
Want more ideas for expanding your stash? You know you do! We've rounded up the best blanket yarns to keep you cosy and warm.
