Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Berroco Vintage Chunky
Review Date: August 12, 2010
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2010

The Look

Those of you who have been lurking around auction sites hoping to snag a few skeins of vintage bulky weight heather toned yarns will be delighted with Berroco’s new Vintage Chunky. Building on the success of last season’s worsted weight Vintage yarn, the new bulky version brings back those much sought after qualities that seemed long gone from the market. Vintage Chunky is a traditional 4-ply softly spun yarn that comes in heather and solid colors. Blended of 50% acrylic, 40% wool & 10% nylon, it is silky, soft and beguiling.

The Feel

Vintage Chunky is extraordinarily soft and buttery smooth. Although it is called “vintage”, this is not the stiff plastic-y acrylic of yore. You will want to snuggle into scarves, cowls and collars knit in Vintage Chunky. It rates 9 on the softness scale.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Berroco Booklet #302 features Vintage Chunky in modern styles. The garments are easy enough for beginner to intermediate knitters, but the refined details add custom touches for sophisticated styling. Vashon, a classic Aran-style pullover, has been updated with three- quarter length sleeves, short waist and high collar. Another cropped cardigan, Pike Place, features a double breasted seed stitch front set off by painted buttons. Fancy buttons are also featured on Americano, a corset-style vest with a gathered back and deep neckline. Vintage Chunky is a natural choice for outerwear. The thigh-length Ravenna sweater coat is distinguished by top stitching to match the contrasting hem and collar linings. This collection will make you want to pick up your needles and start knitting now.

Color Range

Working It

Vintage Chunky is a gently plied yarn that can have a tendency to split if you’re a fast knitter who sometimes jabs the needle into the yarn. Because it is so soft, knitting with Vintage Chunky is pleasing and easy on the hands. Like all bulky yarns, it knits up quickly, too. All in all, this is a satisfying yarn to knit and you’ll be pleased with the results. The knitted fabric is smooth, has very good stitch definition and drapes beautifully. Use it for a scarf, shrug or anything with a big collar that lets you nuzzle into its comforting softness.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Chances are you will fall for Vintage Chunky before you have an idea of how you want to knit it. When this happens, play to the strengths of the yarn in deciding how to use it. You wouldn’t consider flannel for a cocktail dress or corduroy for bicycle shorts. Vintage Chunky knits into a hefty but fluid fabric that drapes well. It is not highly elastic so it doesn’t maintain a firm shape, even in ribbing, but it has good stitch definition. It’s also very soft and silky. Thinking about these qualities and the pattern suggestions in Berroco’s Book 302, Vintage Chunky suggests a slouch beret, poncho, shrug, cowl or cardigan, and a cozy afghan or lap robe. Use stitches and construction techniques to add body. The fluid lines and soft touch would be terrific in a brioche stitch scarf or cardigan.

Knitting Outside the Box

With a wide selection of color and easy care attributes, don’t overlook Vintage Chunky for situations where these properties really count: kid’s clothes, afghans, chemo caps and lap robes. If you are knitting for someone in a nursing or care facility, where everything is subjected to harsh laundry conditions, you will want a good quality yarn like Vintage Chunky that is soft, warm and durable.

Blocking It

Dry flat.

Washing It

Hand wash or machine wash in cool water using a gentle cycle.

Wearability

Berroco’s reputation for premium quality yarns has assured knitters for generations that their labor would stand up to repeated wear without losing its fresh finish. Vintage Chunky is another fine yarn in that line. Body and drape are integral to the yarn, not fillers and surface finishing which can wash or wear away. Vintage Chunky emerged from the washing machine with the same sheen and softness as when the last stitch was knit. Washing did not destroy the body or drape of Vintage Chunky.

Overall Recommendation:

Vintage Chunky has much to recommend it for today’s busy knitters: stupendous color choice, soft texture, easy care machine washability, and a good hand. I strongly recommend this yarn at #9.