Alternative Super Bulky Yarns to Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick

Searching for an alternative super bulky yarn?

You’ve come to the right place!
I’ve been looking for alternatives super bulky yarns to knit with. I usually knit with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick yarn, which will be referenced as LBT&Q from here on out. It’s an affordable super bulky wool that’s easy to get your hands on.

I’ve been asked a lot “What yarn can I use instead of LBT&Q?” So I decided to do some doing some research & testing of my own.

I’ve tested several different yarns that claim to be “super bulky” and I was surprised by how much of a variance there was in the yarns.

I expected them all to be about the same thickness but only 5 come close to matching LBT&Q.

For my test I knitted some swatches of each one to get a better idea of how they compare to one another.

What I’ve learned is that not all super bulky yarns are created equally.

When I’m knitting a pattern, gauge is a vital part of the equation and when I knit up a gauge and it’s no where close to what the pattern calls out, major disappointment, crying and/or a small tantrum will ensue.

PS. There’s an easy to reference chart at the bottom of the page.

Gauge Pattern:

CO 23 STS

Rows 1-5: *K* {garter stitch}

Row 6 {RS} : K5, P13, K5
Row 7: *K*
Repeat rows 6-7 10 more times

Row 28-31: *K* {garter stitch}
Row 32: BO in all knit STS

Top 9 Super Bulky Yarn Alternatives

Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick Yarn:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 10 sts x 15 rows
This is my go-to yarn. It makes for a quick & affordable project.

Rico Essentials Super, Super Chunky Yarn:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 10 sts x 15 rows
This is a lightly spun wool/acrylic blend yarn.
In my opinion, this yarn will felt pretty easy.

Phil Alaska, Phildar:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 10 sts x 16 rows
100% Laine wool
This is a lovely cream color. It’s a nice stretchy yarn.

This looks to be a tiny bit thinner than LBT&Q, but I would recommend it as an alternative, especially if you’re looking for an all wool alternative.

I used almost 1 whole ball to make this swatch, it didn’t go very far.
It’s about 33 yards, so 3 balls of this makes 1 skein of the LBT&Q.

Millamia:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 9.5 sts x 15 rows
100% wool. {They don’t specify what kind of wool.}
My first thought when casting-on: “buttery soft”

This is a bit thicker than LBT&Q, but I would still recommend it as an alternative if you’re knitting something where the gauge is flexible. Especially if you’re looking for a 100% wool alternative.

This is some super squishy yarn. :)
I’m loving how it’s working up!

Lang Yarns, Kim:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 10.5 sts x 17 rows
68% Wool, 29% Alpaca, 3% Polyester
This is a “fluffy” yarn and the alpaca gives it a woolly look to it.

It reminds me of flyaways when my hair is up and a few hairs are being unruly.

My stockinette stitches are uneven, but the garter stitches look beautifully plump and are squishy, which is very important. That being said, if my project called for a garter stitch or seed stitch, I would consider using this yarn, otherwise I’d pass.

I think the stockinette stitch would look nicer if I went down a needle size, but I wouldn’t be able to obtain the same gauge.

Lang Yarns, Virginia:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 10.5 sts x 15 rows
100% wool {Again, I’m not sure what breed of wool.}
This is a nice 100% wool alternative.
The gauge is close to LBT&Q.
This is a medium spun, 1 ply, super-wash yarn.

Cloudborn Superwash Super Bulky Yarn:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 9 sts x 14 rows
This is 100% superwash Peruvian Highland wool.
The gauge is a little bulkier than LBT&Q.
It’s very soft and I love the dark gray!

Cascade Lana Grande Yarn:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 10 sts x 15 rows
This is 100% Peruvian Highland wool.
My gauge is almost identical to LBT&Q.
It’s not as dense as LBT&Q. This makes it a lovely fluffy yarn. :)

Rowan Big Wool Yarn:

Needle size: US 11
Gauge: 10.25 sts x 15 rows
The label says: Made with Merino wool. 100% wool. It doesn’t specifically say it’s made with 100% Merino wool, so I don’t know if it’s a blend or not.
My gauge is almost identical to LBT&Q.
This is a tiny bit thinner.
It’s not as dense as LBT&Q.
It has beautiful stitch definition.