A lot of your write personal emails asking me to suggest the substitute yarns for my Cuddle and Play Baby Blankets so I decided to create this page on my website with the list of various yarn brands that are suitable for this project.
I’ve only listed yarns that are a similar weight to the original but it may also be possible to crochet with 2 strands of Aran and Worsted yarn at the same time instead if it is around 212 meters per 100 gram of yarn (which is half of the weight of original yarn which is 106 m per 100g).
IMPORTANT – Using the same yarn weight and hook as the designer doesn’t guarantee that you will achieve the same size item. We all crochet with different tension, some crochet tightly and some with looser tension therefore it’s important to check your gauge/tension by making a small swatch before you start the project.
READ BEFORE YOU BUY A SUBSTITUTE YARN: All of the yarns listed are either 100% acrylic or Acrylic and Wool blends which are not the best for making baby blankets for newborn babies. Because the yarn suitable for babies that will be also easy to maintain for parents didn’t exist in that yarn weight, I decided to create my own yarn – Dreamy Wool Cuddle Soft Chunky and I highly recommend using it for your blanket to make sure that will actually be used and you won’t waste your time making it.
1 King Cole Comfort Chunky
This is the original yarn I used for this project that I since changed to my own yarn Dreamy Wool Cuddle Soft Chunky. I used to love this yarn because of its nice pastel baby colours. Unfortunately, with time I have realised this yarn is not suitable for baby blankets that go to very small babies because it sheds excessively. It also has a very long halo which turns into ugly pills quickly so the blankets require using bobble remover. King Cole also discontinued 3 colours that I used in my patterns. All this made me create my own yarn brand – Dreamy Wool – that solves all of those problems.
Content: 60% Acrylic, 40% Nylon
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 106 m / 116 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 106 m (3.5 oz = 116 yd)
Buy this yarn in the UK on Love Crafts -> UK King Cole Comfort Chunky
Buy this yarn in the US on Love Crafts -> US King Cole Comfort Chunky
Buy this yarn in Australia on Love Crafts -> AUS King Cole Comfort Chunky
Buy this yarn in the UK on Deramores -> UK King Cole Comfort Chunky Deramores
2. Lion Brand Color Made Easy
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 200 g / 7.1 oz
Yardage: 226 m / 247 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 113 m (3.5 oz = 123 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 94% – Only slightly thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Love Crafts -> UK Lion Brand Color Made Easy
Buy this yarn in the US on Love Crafts -> US Lion Brand Color Made Easy
Buy this yarn in Australia on Love Crafts -> AUS Lion Brand Color Made Easy
3. Bernat Softee Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 99 m / 108 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 99 m (3.5 oz = 108 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 93% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Love Crafts -> UK Bernat Softee Chunky
Buy this yarn in the US on Love Crafts -> US Bernat Softee Chunky
Buy this yarn in Australia on Love Crafts -> AUS Bernat Softee Chunky
Buy this yarn in the UK on Amazon.co.uk -> Bernat Softee chunky
4. Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Aran Yarn
I don’t know why this yarn is classed as the Aran weight with it being in 100-130 meters per 100g range for a Chunky weight. This is exactly why we shouldn’t look at the yarn size given by the producer but look at how many meters is in 100 g. This yarn has so many colours to choose from which makes it a great yarn for Cuddle and Play blankets. It’s also made from premium ‘Anti Pilling’ acrylic.
Content: 100% Premium Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 116 m / 126 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 116 m (3.5 oz = 126 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 91% – Slightly thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Deramores website -> UK Scheepjes Chunky Monkey
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find this yarn being sold in the USA. Sheepjes is a Dutch brand yarn so I’m sure you can also get it in Netherland.
5. Red Heart with Love Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 141 g / 5 oz
Yardage: 158 m / 173 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 112 m (3.5 oz = 121 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 95% – Only slightly thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Buy this yarn in the US and Canada on the Yarnspirations website -> US Red Heart with Love
Buy this yarn in the US on Joann website -> US Red Heart with Love
6. Red Heart Super Saver Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 141 g / 5 oz
Yardage: 158 m / 173 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 112 m (3.5 oz = 121 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 95% – Only slightly thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Buy this yarn in the US and Canada on the Yarnspirations website -> US Red Heart Super Saver
7. Charisma™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 100 m / 109 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 100 m (3.5 oz = 109 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 94% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn in the US on Michaels Website -> US Charisma
8. Hobby Lobby I Love This Chunky!
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 100 m / 109 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 100 m (3.5 oz = 109 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 94% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn in the US in Hobby Lobby
9. Hobby Lobby Baby Bee Sweet Delight Chunky
Content: 80% Acrylic, 20% Nylon
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 99 m / 108 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 99 m (3.5 oz = 108 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 93% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn in the US in Hobby Lobby
10. Lincraft Veronica Yarn
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 110 m / 120 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 110 m (3.5 oz = 120 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 96% – Only slightly thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try a larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Get in in Australia-> AUS Lincraft Veronica
11. Cygnet Chenille Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 106 m / 116 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 106 m (3.5 oz = 116 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 100% – Although this yarn is 100% match with original yarn, note that it is a chenille type yarn so it has a different texture to it.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Deramores -> UK Cygnet Chenille
Buy this yarn in the US on Woolwarehouse -> UK Cygnet Chenille
12. Yarn Art Merino Bulky
Content: 70% Acrylic + 30% Wool
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 100 m / 109 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 100 m (3.5 oz = 109 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 94% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Amazon -> Yarn Art Merino Bulky
Buy this yarn Internationally from Hobium Yarns-> Yarn Art from Hobium Yarns See Hobium’s shipping charges
13. Premier Serenity Chunky Solids
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 100 m / 109 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 100 m (3.5 oz = 109 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 94% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Amazon -> Premier Serenity Chunky Amazon
Buy this yarn in the USA -> https://www.premieryarns.com/products/dnscnkysp or Walmart
14. Hobbii Amigo Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 100 m / 109 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 100 m (3.5 oz = 109 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 94% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Hobbii.co.uk -> Hobbii Amigo Chunky
15. Premier Basix Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 107 m / 117 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 106 m (3.5 oz = 116 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 100% – Although this yarn is 99% match with original yarn, note it is more twisted so could feel thicker/heavier than the King Cole yarn.
Buy this yarn in the USA on the Premier yarn website –> Premier Basix Chunky
16. James C. Brett Lazy Days Super Chunky Acrylic
Content: 80% Acrylic +20% Polyamide
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 110 m / 120 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 110 m (3.5 oz = 120 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 96% – Only slightly thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try a larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Buy this yarn in the UK at Deramores ->James C. Brett Lazy Days Deramores
Buy this yarn in the UK at Love crafts -> James C. Brett Love Crafts
Buy this yarn in the USA at Love crafts -> James C. Brett Love Crafts USA
17. Kartopu Cosy Wool Super Chunky
Content: 75% Acrylic +25% Wool
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 110 m / 120 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 110 m (3.5 oz = 120 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 96% – Only slightly thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try a larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Buy this yarn in the UK at magicloop.co.uk -> Kartopu Cosy Wool Magicloop.co.uk
Buy this yarn in the US at hobiumyarns.com – > Kartopu Cosy Wool US
Buy this yarn on Etsy, delivery from Turkey £7.95 -> Kartopu Cosy Wool Etsy
18. Alize Superlana Maxi
Content: 75% Acrylic + 25% Wool
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 100 m / 109 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 100 m (3.5 oz = 109 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 94% – Slightly thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly.
Buy this yarn on Etsy -> Alize Superlana Maxi on Etsy
NOTE: BELOW ARE SUBSTITUTES THAT HAVE BEEN USED BY MY CUSTOMERS BUT ARE LESS THEN 90% MATCH WITH THE ORIGINAL YARN SO THE SIZE OF THE BLANKET CAN END UP DIFFERENT.
19. Red Heart Soft Essentials
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 141 g / 5 oz
Yardage: 120 m / 131 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 85 m (3.5 oz = 91.7 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 80% – Much thicker so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a smaller hook or crochet more tightly or accept the fact that the blanket will be slightly larger/heavier.
Buy this yarn in the US and Canada on Yarnspirations -> US Red Heart Soft Essentials
20. Hayfield Bonus Chunky Extra Value
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 137 m / 150 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 137 m (3.5 oz = 150 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 77% – Much thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a larger hook or crochet more loosely. Note: using a hook that is too large can result in more visible and bigger holes. If you want to avoid holes you can choose to crochet with the hook recommended for this yarn but accept that the size of the blanket might end up slightly smaller.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Love Crafts -> UK Heyfield Bonus Chunky
Buy this yarn in the US on Love Crafts -> US Heyfield Bonus Chunky
Buy this yarn in Australia on Love Crafts -> AUS Heyfield Bonus Chunky
21. Stylecraft Special Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 144 m / 157 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 144 m (3.5 oz = 157 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 74% – Much thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a larger hook or crochet more loosely. Note: using a hook that is too large can result in more visible and bigger holes. If you want to avoid holes you can choose to crochet with a hook recommended for this yarn but accept that the size of the blanket might end up slightly smaller.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Love Crafts -> UK Stylecraft Special Chunky
Buy this yarn in the US on Love Crafts -> US Stylecraft Special Chunky
Buy this yarn in Australia on Love Crafts -> AUS Stylecraft Special Chunky
22. King Cole Yummy
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 120 m / 131 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 120 m (3.5 oz = 131 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 88% – Thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a larger hook or crochet more loosely.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Love Crafts -> King Cole Yummy UK
Buy this yarn in the UK in Deramores -> King Cole Yummy UK
23. Marriner Chunky
Content: 100% Acrylic
Yarn Weight: Size 5, Bulky (US), Chunky (UK), 12 Ply (Australia)
Skein Weight: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Yardage: 140 m / 153 yd
Weight to Length ratio: 100 g = 140 m (3.5 oz = 153 yd)
Match with King Cole Comfort Chunky: 75% – Much thinner so if your gauge doesn’t come out the same try using a larger hook or crochet more loosely. Note: using a hook that is too large can result in more visible and bigger holes. If you want to avoid holes you can choose to crochet with a hook recommended for this yarn but accept that the size of the blanket might end up slightly smaller.
Buy this yarn in the UK on Amazon -> Mariner Chunky
I hope you’ve found this list useful. If you know of any other close substitutes of yarn please send me an email to crochetarcade@gmail.com. Thank you!
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning when you click on them and then make a purchase, I may receive a commission which helps with designing more amazing patterns at NO extra cost to you.