Category Archives: Berroco Vintage Chunky

PROJECTS Giftable Socks

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When it comes to gifting socks for the holidays, I have a few key elements that are on my must-have list:

  1. They must be soft and comfortable – if nobody wants to wear them then what’s the point in making them?
  2. They must be machine washable AND stand up to wear. Once they leave the wrapping paper these socks are in the wild, they must be able to defend themselves!
  3. They need to be pretty, or interesting, or have something unique about them. Complicated is definitely not necessary, but some kind of design feature should be present to create a bit of a WOW factor.
  4. It can’t take forever to make them …. the thinnest yarn I want is a DK weight. House socks are a perfectly legitimate holiday gift, especially for wearing around the house during the holidays.

Berroco’s Vintage line of yarns is ideal for just such a purpose. They’re all super soft, machine washable, made with nylon so your socks will wear well, come in a bunch of pretty colours, and come in DK, Worsted and Chunky/Bulky weights, and they’re all affordably priced, so you’ll still be able to afford to go discount hunting after the holidays.

CHECK OUT OUR CURATED LIST OF KNITTING SKILLS

Ribbing Hack

  • When doing a K2P2 rib (also known as a 2×2 rib) always go down a full mm in size. 2×2 rib is looser that stocking stitch and you need the smaller needlet to get the proper tension.
  • K1P1 rib (1×1 rib) is naturally nighter than the 2×2, and you don’t need to go down as much to get the right tension (half a mm is fine).

Fairlee

FAIRLEE are a super pretty, but not particularly involved pair of socks. The pattern is written for 2 circular needles (see tuturial working in the round on 2 circular needles), but you can use any sock knititng technique you prefer. They are worked from the toe-up using judy’s magic cast-on (turkish cast-on) and increases, and the heel is done with wrap & turn short rows. The stitch pattern is an intro level fair isle technique of 4 stitches. The cuff is finsihed with a tubular bind-off, but you can do any type of bind-off you like.

Skill Level

  • Intermediate
  • If you’re a newer sock knitter and want to try out some new skills it’s a great project to practice with.

Size

  • Foot circumference: 7½ (8, 8¾)”
  • Foot length: 9 (10, 11)”, adjustable

Materials

Ayla

AYLA uses Berroco Vintage Chunky to quickly whip up a fast, super pretty pair of house socks. These socks are knit from the top down with a simple cable repeat worked on the front and top of the foot, as well as the back above the heel flap. The instructions are for two circular needles (see tuturial working in the round on 2 circular needles), but you can use any sock knititng technique you prefer. with a simple cable repeat worked on the front and top of the foot, as well as the back above the heel flap.

Skill Level

  • Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
  • Cable knitting is super simple, don’t let it intimidate you, you’ll love it!

Size

  • Approximately 8″ around leg and foot x 10″ from top edge to top of heel

Materials

Keel

KEEL are classic boot socks for men that work up quickly in Berroco Vintage DK. They feature contrast stripes on the toes and cuff. They’re made with a traditional top-down construction with a heel flap.

Skill Level

  • Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Size

  • Approximately 10″ around x 8″ to top of heel flap

Materials

Lumberjack

Tin Can Knits make great patterns that are clear, easy to follow, and always come in a range of sizes for the whole family. These simple boot socks are sure to please everyone!

Skill Level

  • Advanced Beginner

Size

Baby (Toddler, Child, Mama, Papa)

  • Baby: Cuff 5” around, 2.5” long. Foot 3.5” long.
  • Toddler: Cuff 6.5” around, 4.5” long. Foot 4.5” long.
  • Child: Cuff 7.5” around, 5.5” long. Foot 6” long.
  • Adult SM: Cuff 10.5” around, 6.25” long. Foot adjustable.
  • Adult L: Cuff 13.5” around, 7.5” long. Foot adjustable.

Materials

Resources

Basic Bed Socks

These socks are super cute and show how a simple, vanilla sock can come to life with a few extra colours thrown in. Berroco Vintage Baby in smaller 50g skeins, which are super convenient when you want to introduce extra colour to your project. It also comes in a palette of bright, pretty colours, perfect for happy colour blocked socks!

Skill Level

  • Advanced Beginner

Size

  • 22.5 (24, 25) cm long (Or whatever length you like)!

Materials

Camp Moran

These unisex socks make a great gift – in darker colours they’re handsome, in brighter colours they’re pretty! They’re a classic top-down heelp-flap construction with a simple and sweet fair isle design.

Skill Level

  • Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Size

  • Small (Medium, Large)

Materials

Candy Cane Bedroom Socks

So it’s time to come clean … I’ve always wanted a pair of candy cane socks. Barber-pole stripes are my favourite christmas aesthetic. The pattern is designed as tube socks, but it’s easy to add an afterthought heel.

Skill Level

  • Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Size

Women’s sizes Small (Medium, Large)

  • 7 (8.25, 9.5) inches in circumference, unstretched
  • 8 .5 (10, 11.5) inches in circumference, comfortably stretched
  • 14 (15, 16) inches long

When you’re deciding which size to make, consider getting the sock over your heel. That is the widest part of the journey, and these socks are not super stretchy! The size shown in these pictures is a Small.

Materials

Bulky Sleep Socks

Cold feet? These bulky slipper socks are just the ticket to keep your feet warm all winter. They also knit up quickly, and therefore make good holiday gifts. Even if you’ve never knit socks before, the bulky yarn makes these toe-up socks easy, and will teach you the skills necessary to knit other toe-up socks patterns. The pattern includes links to a four-part video tutorial.

Skill Level

  • Advanced Beginner to Intermediate

Size

  • Kids (Womens, Mens)

Materials

Want a full-on online sock knitting tutorial? No problem, here are a few options for you:

Beginner Socks

More Advanced Techniques

BABY BLANKETS Round is the New Square

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The more I look at these round blankets, the more I love them! It’s amazing how changing the shape can shake up a concept as simple as a blanket. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just refine the shape a bit!

The Yarn

Berroco Vintage Chunky is a bulky weight yarn that’s great for just about everything: babies, kids, men, blankets, afghans, etc. It is machine washable, soft, easy to work with and come in a spectrum of great colours, both solid and heathered. It’s a blend of wool and high-end synthetic fibres, but it isn’t shiny (or squeaky), and doesn’t feel acrylicy. 40% Wool, 52% Acrylic, 8% Nylon, 100g/125m (136yds). Made in Peru, machine wash, lay flat to dry. 

Pre-Order

Please note, while these kits are a special order, we stock the yarn all year round, and generally the chances are good that we will have your colour in stock and your kit will be ready quickly. 

These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

Knit from the centre out, Cecelia is a botanical blanket that’s perfect for cuddling a baby, wearing as a shawl or simply decorating the home. Stitch pattern is charted. The finished projects on Ravelry for this pattern are beautiful, and people seem to make it over and over again!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skills: knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends, centre double decrease, cast-on (provisional), yarn-over (double), lifelines, K2tog & SSK, stitch markers (in lace)

Prerequisites: You should already have tried some basic lace knitting and knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 48” across (piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Solaria Baby Blanket

To make this cheerful circular blanket, one cable pattern is repeated sixteen times, resulting in a profusion of texture. Diamonds and cables intertwine, forming negative spaces that are as interesting as the raised design. Cable pattern is charted, blanket is worked from the outer circumference and decreases into the centre. The finished projects for this pattern on Ravelry are absolutely GORGEOUS!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skills: cables, knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends.

Prerequisites: You should already have tried basic cables and knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 36″ across (the piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Key Lime Baby Blanket

This simple, fresh baby blanket is created by combining two-by-two rib and garter stitch in concentric circles. Worked from the centre outward, all the increases occur on knit rounds, which makes the counting easy to manage. The off-white centre and border mimic the look of a sliced lime. This blanket would also be adorable as a lemon (colour 6122) or a watermelon (colour 6123 for the interior, 6101 and 6135 for the rind, and 6125 if you want to throw in some seeds).

Skill Level: Advanced-Beginner to Intermediate

Skills: cables, knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends.

Prerequisites: You should already have tried knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 36″ across (the piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

4 Retro Inspired Baby Blanket Kits

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The Yarn

Most of these projects are made with Berroco Vintage, a soft, worsted weight machine washable wool/synthetic blend. A knitting store staple, it features a wide color range, an incredibly soft feel and yardage that goes on and on. Its unique fiber blend makes laundering a breeze and perfectly suited for easy care garments for both children and adults. 52% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 8% Nylon, 100g/199m (218 yds). Made in Peru, machine wash inside out in cold water, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry.

Pre-Order

These kits are a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them any time (they will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). That said, we Berroco Vintage in stock all year and are always reordering, so if the yarn is in stock your kit will be available very quickly. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

High Fidoodlity Crochet Blanket Kit

This colourful depiction of sound waves makes a cheerful blanket (and a great tent). If you’d like to make a grown-up sized throw you should purchase two kits. This piece is worked in blocks and sewn together. If you don’t have it in you to do that you can try using the instructions from the wavy blanket. I’ve played around and worked out some colour palettes that are harmonious with the design, but you can also choose your own colours if your inspiration leads elsewhere.

  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 38″ wide x 46″ long
  • Gauge: 16 sts & 20 rows = 4″ (10cm) in single crochet stitch

Kit Includes:

  • Berroco Vintage: 2 skeins each of 4 colors, 1 skein in one colour of (total
  • of 9 skeins).  Shown in colourway 01: 5104, 5121, 5125, 51180, 5107.
  • Pattern

Kit DOES NOT include:

Vintage Baby Blanket Kit

The Vintage Baby Blanket is a retro-inspired sampler of color, texture, and cable stitches. The design is closely tied to the mustardy yellows and browns popular in the 1970s. We’ve sat down with the yarns and come up with a the colour combinations that match just right and will make your project pop. You can also choose your own colours if your inspiration takes you in another colour direction (I love seeing what other eyes come up with!).

  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 30” wide x 36” long
  • Gauge: 20 sts & 27 rows = 4″ (10cm) in stocking stitch

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Moderne Baby Blanket

This blanket is inspired by the colours and geometric construction of mid-twentieth-century artwork. It’s made of twenty garter stitch blocks – some blocks are knit in a solid colour and others are worked in multiple colours. It’s an easy project to tackle, one square at a time. The small squares also make it easier to work on in warmer weather, and make it easy to pop in your bag. I’ve worked out some additional colour combinations, but like always you are welcome to choose your own colour adventure!

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Glamping Blanket

The Glamping Blanket was extremely popular when it was first came on the scene, so much so that the company ran out of the suggested yarn colours and had a hard time getting more because of COVID. Now that the company is starting to catch up, I think it’s a viable option again, especially for a fun baby blanket.

The Glamping Blanket is a graphic combination of colours and textures. The yarn, Berroco Vintage Chunky, is the PERFECT blanket yarn – it’s soft and cozy, it knits up quickly, and it’s easy to wash – ideal for comfy snuggling for all ages. I went to town, working on new colour combinations that will work in balance with the design, in including (but not exclusive to) grown-up palettes, and I even came up with a few Christmas colourways (for those of you who go all-out at the the holidays). Like all our other kits, please feel free to choose your own colours!

Skill Level: Intermediate (trying different stitch patterns)

Sizes

  • Cat Blanket: 18″ X 22”
  • Baby Blanket/Small Dog/Portly Cat: 24″ X 36”
  • Dog/Lap Blanket (or a larger baby blanket):  35″ X 44”
  • Sofa Blanket: 46″ X 58”

Kit Includes

  • Berroco Vintage Chunky: colour A. 1 (2, 3, 5)hanks, colour B. 1 (2, 2, 4) hanks, colour C. 1, (2, 2, 4) hanks, colour D. 1, (1, 2, 3) hanks.
  • The sample blanket is done in: A: 6121 Sunny (yellow), B: 6101 Mochi (off white), C: 6110 Fondant (pink), D: 6104 Mushroom (beige).
  • Pattern

Kit DOES NOT Include

PROJECT Modern Mocs

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Modern Mocs

I stumbled across these cool slippers and thought they’d make AMAZING holiday gifts! There are lots of yarn options, and they just look gorgeous. Cascade Eco has amazing yardage, and 1 skein makes a pair of slippers with lots left over. Berroco Vintage Chunky is soft, affordable and easy to both wear and care for (it’s totlly machine washable and is a blend of wool and synthetic, so it’s sturdier than a 100% wool yarn). Fleece Artist Back Country is a super soft, hand-dyed merino wool that would knit up some unforgettably super funky slippers.

One note: this pattern is for intermediate to experienced knitters. Techniques include German Short Rows (full instructions included in pattern), working in the round (magic loop technique is suggested), picking up stitches, crochet chained border (full instructions included in pattern). It also uses a double knit stitch for the sole, which is not hard but a neat new thing to try out (note, this stitch is NOT the same as the technique of “double knitting”, nor does it have anything to do with the yarn thickness of “Double Knit”).

Oh, and if these slippers aren’t your thing but you’re interested in slippers, the same designer, Bekah Knits, has some other really pretty slipper designs that are worth checking out.

  Size

  • S (M, L, XL, XXL) to fit US shoe size:  W’s 5-6 (W’s 7-8, W’s 9-10, W’s 11/M’s 9-10.5, M’s 11-12.5)
  • Fits Foot Length: 8.75” (9.5”, 10”, 10.75”, 11.5”) / 22 (24, 25, 27, 29) cm

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Yarn Options

  • Cascade Eco: 1 skein per colour (or 1 skein if you make them a solid colour)
  • Berroco Vintage Chunky: Colour no. 1 (uppers/cream): 2 skeins, Colour no. 2 (bottoms/oatmeal: 1 skein. To make similar slippers, I would use colours 6101 and 6105 in this yarn.
  • Fleece Artist Back Country: 2(3, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins for a pair of slippers in a single colour, otherwise Colour no. 1 (uppers): 2 skeins, Colour no. 2 (bottoms): 1 skein.

Other Materials

  • Pattern
  • 4mm/US6 straight needles (optional)
  • 4mm/US6 – 47″ (or 40″) circular  needles (for magic loop)
  • 4mm/US6 double pointed needles (2)
  • Crochet hook (size H)
  • Stitch markers
  • stitch holders
  • tapestry needle
  • fabric paint for soles (optional)

modern mocs combo

CLEARANCE Discontinued Colours Berroco Vintage & Vintage Chunky

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We’re clearing out discontinued colours of two of our most popular yarns, Berroco Vintage and Berroco Vintage Chunky. It’s super soft, machine washable, easy to work with, and great for all kinds of projects (unless you want to felt them). Get it while it’s still available!

 

Berroco Vintage DISPLAY SALE

20% OFF Berroco Vintage (clearance colours)

Berroco Vintage is an extremely versatile yarn, and we consider it a staple. It’s soft, comfortable, machine washable, and easy to work with. Its a worsted weight, and can be used for any pattern that calls for worsted weight yarn. Vintage is great for all kinds of projects, including babies, kids, men, women, boot socks, slippers, blankets and afghans, pillows, etc, but it will not felt. It also comes in a broad spectrum of colours which is always expanding. This yarn is also available in a Chunky/Bulky version, Berroco Vintage Chunky.

  • 40% Wool, 52% Acrylic, 8% Nylon
  • 100g/198m (217 yds)
  • Worsted Weight
  • Knitting Gauge with 4.5mm/US7 needles: 20 sts & 27 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Knitting Gauge with 5mm/US8 needles: 18 sts & 24 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash, lay flat to dry.
  • Made in Peru
  • Pattern ideas for this yarn

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Berroco Vintage Chunky DISPLAY SALE

20% OFF Berroco Vintage Chunky (clearance colours)

Berroco Vintage Chunky is a bulky weight yarn that’s great for just about everything: babies, kids, men, blankets, afghans, etc. It is machine washable, soft, easy to work with and come in a spectrum of great colours, both solid and heathered. It’s a blend of wool and high-end synthetic fibres, but it isn’t shiny (or squeaky), and doesn’t feelacrylicy. This yarn is also available in a Worsted weight, Berroco Vintage.

  • 40% Wool, 52% Acrylic, 8% Nylon
  • 100g/125m (136yds)
  • Bulky Weight
  • 6mm/US10 needles, 6mm/J hook
  • Knitting Gauge: 14 sts & 21 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 12sc & 14 rows = 4″ (10cm)
  • Machine wash inside out in cold water on gentle cycle, lay flat to dry.
  • Made in Peru
  • Pattern ideas from Ravelry

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Berroco VIntage clearance combo.jpg

 

PROJECT Big Mike

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Photo: Brandi Simons

Big Mike

I think my client Adrienne just introduced me to my soul mate, Big Mike. Big Mike hails from Huge & Huggable Mochimochi, and we’re going to have to continue to get to know each other better before we commit (I have to acquire the book), but I really feel like he’s the ‘one’. It;s no surprise that I’d fall hard for him, I’ve always felt pretty sentimental about Claes Oldenberg’s ‘Floor Burger’, it’s one of my must-sees on every visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario. I’ll probably use Berroco Vintage Chunky, it’s the right tension and it wears well, and that’s important because this dude is gonna received a LOT of hugs!

Size

  • 14″ (35.5cm) wide and 10″ (25.5cm) tall

Materials

 

KAL Carbeth

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Carbeth BLOG COMBO

Photos: Kate Davies

Carbeth KAL

I love the simple lines of this casual, oversized sweater (Carbeth), and after a few people told me chatted me up about it I thought I should definitely share.  Mason Dixon Knitting is hosting a “Bang Out A Carbeth” KAL (knit-along), and should you want to join, I’ve got a few post-holidays affordable yarn suggestions …

Cascade Eco

  • 2 skeins (holding 1 strand) … all sizes come to about $60
  • This 100% Peruvian wool is great for an oversized sweater, and you can’t beat the price!

Berroco Vintage Chunky

  • 4(5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7) skeins (holding 1 strand) … $40 to $70
  • Soft, comfortable and machine washable, Berroco Vintage Chunky is a great choice for people with sensitive skin who can’t wear wool, or anyone who may not be inclined to wash by hand. Plus, it comes in a full palette of gorgeous colours!

Berroco Remix Light

  • 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins (holding 2 strands together) … $46 to $62
  • Wool-free, soft, pretty, comfortable, machine washable and environmentally friendly, Berroco Remix Light is a great option for a sweater that will carry you from winter through to spring (I don’t know about the climate where you live, but where I am it doesn’t really get particularly warm until mid-May).
  • The Carbeth pattern was originally written for two strands of yarn held together, so doing this with the remix shouldn’t be a problem, and the yarn’s tweedy texture will blend well. Plus, using two strands gives you the opportunity to use two different colours at the same time to create a marled effect … I think i may do this with mine.

Size

Finished measurement at bust: 92.5 (101.5, 110.5, 122, 133.5, 142, 151) cm / 36½ (40, 43½, 48, 52½, 56, 59½) in.

FREEBIE Cocoon

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Cocoon

I tried this pattern a couple of years ago and it was definitely a very popular choice around here. It’s a great project that doesn’t require too much brain power but makes a great gift! It works up relatively quickly with a bulky weight yarn like Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca Sport, hand dyed merino Malabrigo Mecha, or budget friendly Berroco Vintage Chunky.

Yarn Options

Materials

  • 5mm/US8 – 16″ circular needles
  • 5.5mm/US9 – 16″ circular needles
  • 5.5mm/US9 double pointed needles
  • stitch marker
  • FREE Pattern
  • Our Project Notes

FREEBIE Galilee

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Galilee-1_medium2

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Galilee

As soon as I saw this FREE pattern I knew I wanted to share it, but I figured I’d better wait until the heat settled down, and all the best yarn options had arrived. I love the elegant shape and texture in this “swancho” (it’s like a poncho, but with little sweater sleeves). If the textured panel seems a little daunting you can omit it and just knit the front panel like the same as the back, in stocking stitch.

You can use any chunky weight yarn (something that knits up on a 6mm/US10 needle). Berroco Vintage Chunky is soft, machine washable, and comes in a spectrum of great colours. Cascade Eco is made with 100% Peruvian wool that comes in both dyed and undyed natural colours, and is the most cost-effective choice, especially as the sizes grow). For a stunning statment, use Malabrigo Mecha, a gorgeous hand-dyed, machine washable, buttery soft single ply merino wool.

Size

  • Small (Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X, 3X)
  • Bottom edge – 55 (59, 64, 68, 71, 76)”
  • Length – 24½ (25, 25½, 26, 26½, 27)”

Yarn Options

Berroco Vintage Chunky: 9(10, 11, 13, 14, 15) skeins

Cascade Eco: 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 5) skeins

Malabrigo Mecha: 9(10, 11, 13, 14, 15) skeins

Other Materials

  • FREE Pattern
  • 5.5mm/US9-16″ circular needles
  • 5.5mm/US9-29″ circular needles
  • 6mm/US9-29″ circular needles
  • 2 stitch markers
  • tapestry or darning needle

 

 

 

FREEBIE Cabled Throw

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Chunky Aran Cabled Throw

Whenever clients come into the store wanting to make a blanket or throw I always recommend this pattern, the Chunky Cabled Aran Throw. I have several clients who have made it with Berroco Vintage Chunky, it always comes out beautifully and they are always thrilled with the results. The yarn is soft, easy to care for (machine washable), easy to work with, and affordable. This is definitely a project that will be treasured!

Popular Colours

People usually make of this blanket in neutrals (especially when they are making them as gifts), but if you want another colour and we don’t have it in stock just contact us and we can order more for you!

Size

  • 50″ (127cm) wide x 55″ (140cm) long

Materials

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