Nothing looks cozier on a sofa than a chunky knit blanket. Thick super bulky or jumbo yarn makes big, squishy stitches, and because each stitch covers so much space, you can finish a whole throw much faster than you would think.
We opened and checked all 10 of these free chunky knit blanket patterns. Some use giant US 50 needles, some use regular big needles and super bulky yarn, and two are knit right on your hands with no needles at all.
Chunky Knit Blanket Free Patterns
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What You’ll Need
- Super bulky (#6) or jumbo (#7) yarn
- Long circular needles in US 13 to US 50, per your pattern
- Extra-large plastic tapestry needle
- Jumbo stitch markers
- Sharp yarn scissors
- Large tote or basket to hold the yarn while you knit
1. Nantucket Throw
Photo: Loopy Mango
The Nantucket Throw is a ribbed blanket knit flat in one piece from just one skein of jumbo merino. It is listed as a beginner pattern and measures about 28 by 40 inches, a cozy lap or chair size. The page also links a free pattern for a bigger two-skein version.
- Designer: Loopy Mango
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Jumbo (#7)
- Needle size: US 50 (25 mm), 32″ circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Chunky Knit Blanket
Photo: Attic 166
This is a straightforward, beginner-friendly chunky throw that finishes at about 42 by 65 inches. It is written in US terms and uses giant US 50 needles, so the stitches are huge and the blanket grows quickly. Plan on around 1,250–1,350 yards of yarn.
- Designer: Attic 166
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 50 (25 mm), 40″ circular
- Price: Free Ravelry download (paid version also sold)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. The Cloud Blanket
Photo: Knitcue
The Cloud Blanket is a soft, heavy throw in a simple 2×2 rib that is easy to memorize. It is worked flat in one piece and finishes at about 51 by 60 inches. The designer says it suits confident beginners who can knit, purl, cast on and bind off.
- Designer: Knitcue
- Skill level: Beginner (confident)
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 17 (12 mm), 40″ or longer circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Fall Cuddler Chunky Blanket
Photo: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
This reversible lapghan mixes stockinette, double moss, reverse stockinette and eyelets for lots of texture, with garter borders to keep it flat. It is knit from the bottom up in Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick and finishes at about 45 inches square. Great for practicing several stitches in one project.
- Designer: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
- Skill level: Beginner to advanced beginner
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 15 (10 mm), 36″ circular
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Urban Grid Afghan (Knit)
Photo: Teresa Chorzepa / Lion Brand Yarn
Urban Grid is a beginner afghan knit in strips with super bulky yarn. Because you work one strip at a time, it is easy to carry along for short knitting sessions instead of hauling a whole blanket around. The finished size is about 54 by 65 inches.
- Designer: Teresa Chorzepa / Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Squishy Fisherman’s Rib Knit Blanket
Fisherman’s rib makes a thick, puffy fabric, and this blanket uses a simple two-row repeat of purls and knitting into the stitch below. It is rated easy and finishes at about 38 by 48 inches. Once you get the rhythm, it is a very soothing knit.
- Designer: Yarnspirations / Bernat
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Bernat Softee Chunky)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Offset Stripes Blanket
This striped blanket uses one main color and four contrast colors in offset bands for a fun, modern look. Super bulky yarn helps it grow fast. The pattern comes in baby, throw, queen and king sizes, so you can start small and go big next time.
- Designer: Premier Yarns
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm), 32″ or longer circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. BK Throw
Photo: Big Knitters
The BK Throw is a one-piece rectangle knit with several strands of super chunky yarn held together on giant needles. The more strands you hold, the chunkier the blanket, so you can choose your own look. It finishes at about 4.5 by 5.5 feet.
- Designer: Big Knitters
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6), multiple strands
- Needle size: US 50 (25 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Cozy Chunky Blanket
Photo: iknit2purl2
This one is knit by hand, literally. The designer describes it as a blanket you make with your hands and no needles, and there is a linked video tutorial to follow. It uses about 140 yards of jumbo yarn and finishes at roughly 45 by 58 inches.
- Designer: iknit2purl2
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Jumbo (#7)
- Needle size: No needles (gauge given for US 50 / 25 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Hand Knit Chunky Blanket
Photo: Jerica Tompkins
This free video tutorial shows you how to make a big chunky blanket with jumbo merino yarn. It is a good pick if you learn better by watching than by reading a written pattern. Follow along, pause when you need to, and you will have a statement blanket for your bed or sofa.
- Designer: Jerica Tompkins
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Jumbo (#7)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free (video)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First chunky blanket? Start with #2 Chunky Knit Blanket or #1 Nantucket Throw. Both are beginner patterns.
- Do not own giant needles? Try #4 Fall Cuddler, #3 Cloud or #7 Offset Stripes on regular big needles.
- Want to knit with no needles at all? #9 Cozy Chunky and #10 Hand Knit Chunky are made by hand.
- Short on time each day? #5 Urban Grid is knit in strips you can carry around.
- Want extra squish? #6 Fisherman’s Rib makes a thick, puffy fabric.
FAQ
What yarn is best for a chunky knit blanket?
Super bulky (#6) yarn works well on US 13 to 17 needles, while jumbo (#7) yarn is used on US 35 to 50 needles or for hand knitting. Acrylic and chenille are budget-friendly and washable. Merino looks beautiful but costs more and needs gentle care.
How long does it take to knit a chunky blanket?
Most chunky throws take a few evenings to a couple of weekends. Jumbo yarn on US 50 needles can be done in a single afternoon or two. Super bulky blankets on smaller needles take longer but give a denser, warmer fabric.
Are chunky knit blankets heavy?
Yes, they can be. A big throw in super bulky yarn can weigh several pounds, which many people love for a cozy, weighted feel. If you want a lighter blanket, choose a smaller size, use chenille or a fluffy acrylic, or go for a more open stitch.
Grab a few skeins of the thickest yarn you can find and cast on, because a chunky knit blanket is one of the most rewarding things you can make.