As an avid crocheter and knitter, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting yarns to fuel my next project. Recently, I discovered a yarn called Big Twist Living Yarn that piqued my interest. I had never heard of it before, so I decided to do some research to uncover the mysteries of this unique yarn. Join me as I share everything I learned about Big Twist Living Yarn!
What Exactly is Big Twist Living Yarn?
Big Twist Living Yarn is a bulky weight yarn with a content of 70% acrylic and 30% nylon. It has a knitting gauge of 8 to 11 stitches over 4 inches on size US 19 needles. For crochet, it recommends a J or K hook.
The yarn has a nubby texture that adds great visual interest to finished projects. According to the manufacturer, Big Twist, it is designed to have excellent stitch definition.
One of the most unique features of Big Twist Living Yarn is that it is recyclable through the Big Twist Yarn recycling program. More on that later!
Where to Buy Big Twist Living Yarn
Big Twist Living Yarn can be purchased at Joann Fabric and Craft stores throughout the United States. It is one of Joann’s own in-house yarn brands.
You can also buy Big Twist Living Yarn online directly from Joann.com. They offer free ship-to-store or discounted shipping for online orders over $49.
If you don’t live near a Joann store, check to see if other online retailers like Yarn.com, WEBS or Craftsy carry Big Twist Living Yarn in their selections. And be sure to compare prices across retailers to find the best deal.
How Much Does Big Twist Yarn Cost?
One skein of Big Twist Living Yarn contains approximately 121 yards of yarn and retails for $5.99 per skein at Joann stores.
However, it goes on sale frequently at 40% off or more. So if you can catch it at the right time, you can snag skeins for as low as $3.59 each.
Buying in bulk can also save you money. A bag of 6 skeins is normally $35.94 but also goes on sale often. I try to stock up when I see a good bulk discount!
Overall, I found Big Twist Living Yarn to be very reasonably priced, especially compared to other bulky weight yarns. The regular price is already quite affordable, and the frequent sales make it a real bargain!
The Color Palette of Big Twist Yarn
One thing that drew me to Big Twist Living Yarn was the vast range of colors available. Whereas some other value yarns only come in basics, Big Twist has tons of options.
There are rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and ruby. Warm neutrals include almond, fig, and chocolate. For pops of color, you can choose fuchsia, citron, coral, or turquoise. And classics like black, ivory, gray and navy are available too.
I also found fun variegated colors like Peacock Feathers, Wildflower Meadow, Ocean Breeze and Bohemian. These add beautiful dimension when knitted or crocheted.
With over 50 colors in the Big Twist palette, you’re sure to find the perfect shade for any project. I love having so many choices!
Weight Classification of Big Twist Yarn
As I mentioned earlier, Big Twist Living Yarn is categorized as a bulky weight yarn. It meets the guidelines for a #5 Bulky according to the Standard Yarn Weight System.
Here’s a quick overview of what that means:
- The recommended needle size is 9-11.5 US (13-17mm)
- Crochet hook size recommended is J-M (6.0-13.0mm)
- Each skein covers about 45-90 yards
- The knitted gauge is 2.5 to 3 stitches per inch
Having a bulky thickness allows Big Twist Yarn to work up quickly compared to lighter weights. You don’t need as many skeins to complete projects.
The plush bulkiness also means Big Twist works up into wonderfully textured fabric. I find the chunky stitches so satisfying!
Perfect for Cozy Home Décor
With its comforting texture and affordability, Big Twist Living Yarn is an excellent choice for home décor projects.
I’ve used it to make pillows, blankets, rugs and even a storage pouf. The colors and texture add a fun, cozy feel to any living space.
For pillows, I’ll usually double up the yarn and use a size N hook for super plush, quick crocheting. Big Twist works up so fast, I can make a pillow cover in an evening!
I’ve also made a few chunky knit blankets with Big Twist. Using size 15 or 17 needles keeps the knitting loose and allows the colors and texture to really pop.
Whether you want to add boho chic with a wooly lumbar pillow or a burst of color with a handknit throw, Big Twist Yarn is a versatile home décor choice. The affordability means you can deck out your whole house in handmade goodness!
How Does It Work for Wearables?
In addition to home furnishings, Big Twist Living Yarn can also be used to create cozy, textured clothing and accessories.
Its bulkiness means it will have more structure and drape compared to lighter yarns. I would recommend using it for items that are more loose fitting where the bulk is a benefit.
For example, Big Twist would make a wonderfully thick, snuggly cowl or infinity scarf. Using a larger needle size, you could also knit a poncho, jacket or sweater – perfect for the colder months!
Some other accessories that work well with bulky yarn include beanies, mittens, boot cuffs and neck warmers.
I probably wouldn’t choose Big Twist for something like a fitted tee or tank top where drape is more important. But for outerwear and accessories, the colors and texture lend beautiful visual interest.
Recommended Needle and Hook Sizes
To get the proper gauge with Big Twist Living Yarn, recommended needle and hook sizes are:
- Knitting needles: US 15 – 17 (10 mm – 12 mm)
- Crochet hooks: J – M (6.0 mm – 13.0 mm)
However, you can adjust depending on your desired fabric drape and density. Going down needle sizes will produce tighter stitches with more structure. Larger needles or hooks will be better for open lacy patterns.
For home décor pieces, I like to use N or P hooks (10 mm or 15 mm) to get ultra plush, squishy fabric with the Big Twist yarn.
For garments, I’d opt for something in the J to L hook range (6 mm to 10 mm) to maintain nice drape in the fabric.
Don’t be afraid to play around with different hook and needle sizes to get the fabric characteristics you prefer. With its texture and colors, Big Twist Yarn is very forgiving!
Caring for Big Twist Yarn Items
One thing I love about Big Twist Living Yarn is that it’s super easy to care for. Items made with this yarn are machine washable and dryable.
I like to use a gentle cycle and low heat when drying to prevent excessive pilling. But otherwise, it holds up remarkably well to laundering.
To help finished pieces maintain their shape and texture, I block my Big Twist projects before using or wearing them. A quick spritz of water and some time to air dry allows the stitches to set.
If items do get heavily pilled or matted over time, Big Twist Yarn can actually be recycled. I’ll talk more about that next!
Recycling Big Twist Yarn Scraps
Here’s where the “Living” part of the name comes in! One amazing feature of Big Twist Yarn is that it’s recyclable through Joann’s free take-back program.
You can bring old Big Twist products or unused skeins to any Joann store. Simply deposit them in the designated bin near the yarn section.
Joann then recycles the yarn and uses it to manufacture more Big Twist Yarn in partnership with Unifi. It’s a closed loop process allowing the yarn to live on!
Knowing that I can recycle any leftover yarn or worn-out projects gives me peace of mind. It’s so rare to find recyclable crafting materials.
Big Discounts Available in Bulk
If you’re as obsessed with Big Twist Yarn as I am, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of bulk discounts when stocking up.
Regularly priced skeins are already very affordable at $5.99 each. But buying in bundles brings the per-skein cost down substantially.
Here are some of the best bulk deals I’ve found:
- Bag of 6 skeins – $35.94 ($5.99 each)
- Bag of 12 skeins – $59.88 ($4.99 each)
- 25% off any 24+ skeins
Joann also runs 40-50% off sales on Big Twist Yarn frequently. I try to stock up then for the best possible price. With the discounts, I’ve scored skeins for as low as $2.99!
Check the weekly Joann ads and keep an eye out for sitewide yarn sales. You can really maximize the savings buying Big Twist in bulk when deals align.
Hassle-Free Returns and Exchanges
I always worry about getting stuck with the wrong colors or too much yarn, so return policies are really important to me.
Joann makes returns and exchanges super easy with their generous policy on Big Twist Yarn. Unopened skeins can be returned for a full refund up to 30 days from purchase.
Even opened yarn can be exchanged as long as you have the receipt. This gives me the flexibility to grab colors I think I like and exchange later if needed.
For defective or damaged skeins, returns are accepted at any time. So quality issues are never a concern with Big Twist Yarn from Joann’s.
Between the affordable price, frequent sales, and lenient return policy, I never feel stressed about purchases. This makes Big Twist my go-to yarn for trying new projects.
Substituting Big Twist in Patterns
While Big Twist works great on its own, you can also substitute it for other bulky weight yarns in pattern instructions.
The key is making sure you match the gauge and yardage as closely as possible to the recommended yarn.
Because Big Twist has a gauge of 8-11 stitches over 4 inches, I look for patterns written for yarns with a similar gauge, like Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.
As long as I’m using the right hook or needle size for Big Twist Yarn, the gauge should be a close match and the finished size will be accurate.
For yardage, I compare the meters/yards per 50g skein and multiply to estimate how many Big Twist skeins I’ll need.
With a 121 yard Big Twist skein, I can usually substitute it for other bulky yarns easily. And the colors are so much more vibrant!
Creative Ways to Use Big Twist Yarn
The texture and colors of Big Twist Yarn lend themselves beautifully to all kinds of projects. Here are some of my favorites ways to use it:
- Chunky baskets – Work up a simple bowl shape for a rustic handmade basket.
- Boho wall hangings – Create a fun wall accent by crocheting or knitting a large tapestry.
- Statement pillows – Combine bold colors in fun patterns for eye-catching throw pillows.
- Furry poufs – Knit a dense sphere and stuff to make a floor pouf.
- Rambling afghans – Use scrap yarn in single crochet to make patchwork blankets.
- Textured rugs – Alternate knit and purl stitches in a simple rectangle rug pattern.
- Oversized totes – Crochet a bag with thick strap handles using double strands of yarn.
- Cozy critters – Knit 3D shapes like spheres, cones and cubes then sew together to create stuffed animals.
The possibilities are endless with Big Twist’s versatility. Let your creativity run wild!
How Big Twist Compares to Other Yarns
There are so many bulky weight yarns on the market. Here’s how Big Twist stacks up against some top competitors:
- Wool-Ease Thick & Quick – Very similar gauge and yardage but 2-3x the price of Big Twist. Not machine washable. Limited colors.
- Bernat Blanket Yarn – Slightly thinner than Big Twist. Acrylic vs. cotton/acrylic blend. Less yardage per ball but comparable price.
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky – 100% acrylic like Big Twist. Similar gauge. Less yardage per skein but more colors available.
- Loops & Threads Cozy Wool – Wool/acrylic blend with higher price point. Comparable gauge. Less yardage than Big Twist.
Overall, Big Twist has the best mix of affordability, yardage, and color selection. The washability and texture add to the value. It beats out the competition in my book!
Rave Reviews from Fellow Makers
Looking at reviews from fellow crafters and DIYers, Big Twist Yarn earns consistently high marks. Here’s just a sampling of what people love about it:
👍 “The colors are so vibrant and it’s very soft despite being acrylic. Works up into very durable projects.”
👍 “I can’t believe the quality for the price! Much better than cheaper acrylic yarns that pill easily.”
👍 “Made the thickest, coziest blanket ever! Great for beginners because you work up projects fast.”
👍 “The variety of colors is amazing. I never run out of options with Big Twist.”
👍 “I love that I can reuse yarn from old projects through their recycling program. Very eco-friendly.”
With so many rave reviews, it’s clear that Big Twist Yarn makes lots of crafters happy. The quality, value and sustainability hit the sweet spot.
Yardage on Each Skein
Each skein of Big Twist Living Yarn contains approximately 121 yards of yarn. This is based on a 100g skein.
With a bulky weight yarn, that goes a long way compared to lighter weights. It means fewer skein changes when you’re working on a project.
The 121 yard skeins are convenient for both small and large projects. You can make a scarf, hat or cowl with just one skein. For bigger items like blankets or rugs, you’ll just need a few skeins to have plenty of yardage.
The generous yardage combined with the affordable price makes Big Twist Yarn a great value. You get more bang for your buck compared to many competing bulky yarns.
Minimal Pilling or Felting
One frequent complaint with inexpensive acrylic yarns is that they pill easily. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that Big Twist Yarn resists pilling fairly well.
The nylon fibers mixed into the acrylic likely help strengthen the yarn and reduce pilling. Items I’ve made have maintained their texture nicely after being washed and worn.
There can be a tiny bit of pilling where two pieces rub together often, like underneath the arms of a sweater. But it’s minimal and can be shaved off with a sweater shaver.
Overall, Big Twist performs far better than basic economy acrylics. The stitches stay smooth and fabic keeps its loft after laundering.
And because it’s acrylic, Big Twist doesn’t felt like wool yarns can. No need to hand wash only!
Where to Find Big Twist Patterns
To get inspired for projects using Big Twist Yarn, there are tons of free patterns available online. Here are some top sources I found:
- Joann.com – Dozens of patterns using Big Twist specifically, including clothes, accessories, toys and home goods
- Yarnspirations.com – Search bulky weight yarn patterns and filter by yardage
- Ravelry.com – Search patterns by yarn weight and yardage or look for projects others have made with Big Twist
- Allfreecrochet.com – Filters help narrow down to bulky weight free patterns
- Yarnhookneedles.com – Popular crochet website with some great bulky yarn patterns
Many designers on Etsy also offer patterns created with Big Twist Yarn, so browsing there can provide inspiration too.
With all the resources available online today, you could make a lifetime’s worth of projects without running out of patterns!
Fun Variegated Options
In addition to its wide selection of solid color options, Big Twist Living Yarn also comes in beautiful variegated shades.
These add great visual interest through the variations in color. The tones blend and fade from light to dark in organic, flowing sequences.
Some of the variegated Big Twist options include:
- Bohemian – Earthy tones of spiceberry, fig, tan and chocolate
- Wildflower Meadow – Soft mix of lavender, pink, robin’s egg blue and sage green
- Ocean Breeze – Cool blend of aqua, sky blue, mint and seafoam
- Café au Lait – Warm cream, caramel an brown tones like a milky latte
- Peacock Feathers – Vibrant jewel tones of emerald, sapphire and violet
The variegated yarns look gorgeous on their own in simple stitches. But they also pair beautifully with solids for striped and color block projects.
Where to Buy In Stores and Online
As I mentioned earlier, Big Twist Yarn is widely available at Joann Fabric and Craft stores across the U.S.
To find it in person, just head to your local Joann and you’ll see Big Twist on the shelves with all the other yarns. Sometimes it’s also on display in the aisles with project ideas.
If you don’t live near a physical Joann store, Big Twist Yarn is also available on Joann.com. They offer free ship-to-store pickup and discounted shipping on larger online orders.
You can also find select colors of Big Twist Yarn at:
- Walmart – Available for in-store purchase and online
- WEBS Yarn – Available online
- Craftsy – Online selection may vary
- eBay – Sold by independent sellers in limited quantities
- Etsy – Some sellers offer Big Twist but usually at a markup
Joann is definitely the best source with the full range of Big Twist colors at the best prices. But if you need just a skein or two, check other retailers for convenience.
Satisfy Your Yarn Cravings
As a hopeless yarn junkie, I’m so glad I gave in to my curiosity and tried out Big Twist Living Yarn. Its affordability lets me indulge my cravings and build up my stash.
With so many colors to choose from, machine washability, great reviews, and even a recycling program – how could I resist?
I hope after learning all about Big Twist Yarn in this post, you’re ready to give it a try in your next project. Let me know in the comments what colors catch your eye and what you’d love to make! I can’t wait to see what beautiful creations you’ll craft.