√ Loops & Thread Cozy Wool - My New Favorite!

√ I love chunky yarn! I love it becasue it's warm and cozy, but also because it works up quickly when working on a project. A nice big hug from a chunky scarf, shawl or sweater is just what the doctor ordered for the winter weather ahead.

Used to be that when I thought of a chunky project my first thought was Lion Brand Thick & Quick yarn. Yes there are lots of other brands, but most are much pricier so when thinking within budget, that was my default yarn. I loved using it. However, in the past few months I've discovered Loops & Thread Cozy. At first I didn't pay much attention, but when I started noticing colors that I really like and I felt the texture, I decided the water was fine and that I should jump in. I haven't looked back. Don't get me wrong, I still think Thick & Quick is a lovely yarn but here are my reasons for selecting Loops & Thread Cozy Wool more often:

1. The wool acrylic ratio in Cozy Wool is 50/50, in Thick & Quick it's 86% acrylic, 10% wool and 4% rayon. I like the idea of having more wool rather than less in the ball of yarn
2. Cozy Wool is a lot softer to the touch. It may because of the process they use, or it may be because of the wool content, whatever the reason, it's a smoother yarn.
3. Cozy Wool costs less. Now, I know that because Loops & Thread is a Michael's product they're going to want to sell it lower than the competition, but if you need to order Thick & Quick from Lion Brand directly, it will cost $9.50 a ball not including shipping. Cozy Wool costs $6.99 in the store
4. The color palette for Cozy Wool is much more varied with less varigation and more solid colors

Now, it's not all wine and roses with Cozy Wool because you can't really buy it online so if you need a color and you can't find it in the store you are pretty much lost. However, when Michael's decides to join the rest of us in online commerce, it may be dangerous!!

I will use both yarns depending on the project, but I do feel that I will gravitate to the Cozy Wool first then if not available in the color of choice check to see if Thick & Quick is available.

√ Knit Chunky Scarf - Free Pattern

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This was one of the first patterns I ventured to write. This knit chunky scarf is also a staple in my closet. I love it! I made myself one a few years back and it still gets tons of compliments simply because it is very impressive. I've sold several copies of this pattern, but now I'm retiring it from my shop(s) and giving it to you here for free! Why? Well a couple of reasons: 1) I want to focus my shop and efforts on crochet so I'm slowly retiring all knitting patterns. I love to knit, but I can't get as much done in that medium as I can in the limited time I have to crochet; 2) I love the supportive handmade community and sometimes you gotta give something back to show your love.

So here is the Knit Chunky Scarf Pattern for your enjoyment! You can also download a free copy if you're on Ravelry.

Materials:

- Size 11 needles

- Size I9 crochet hook

- 2 Balls Wool Ease Thick & Quick® or comparable yarn

Pattern Level:

- Beginner

Pattern Stitches:

K = Knit

P = Purl

Finished Length:

6 ft. or more

Instructions:

Cast on 16 sts

Cut 32 14’ pieces of yarn for fringe

Row 1: k across

Row 2: p across

Row 3: k across

Repeat rows 1-3 for pattern until 25” of yarn remain

Bind off

Weave Ends

Finishing:

Use two pieces of the previously cut yarn and loop through every other stitch along the edges using I9 crochet hook.

Note:

For men, the fringe may be excluded and the overall body made longer by repeating until yarn is exhausted and weaving in the ends.