Chunky, fast-knitting, and wonderfully cosy — 12 ply yarn (also called chunky or bulky weight) is the perfect sweet spot for quick projects with beautiful texture and warmth. Big enough for satisfying progress but comfortable to work with, our 12 ply collection features luxurious mohair blends, soft merino, pure wool, and clever wool/acrylic blends that give you the size without the weight. Ideal for beanies, jumpers, hats, and blankets that knit up beautifully. Stocked in New Zealand and shipped fast from Rangiora.

What is 12 Ply Yarn Good For?
12 ply yarn is perfect for chunky jumpers and cardigans that work up quickly, thick beanies, scarves, and cowls for maximum warmth, textured blankets and throws with beautiful drape, statement accessories that make an impact, cable and Aran patterns that really stand out, beginner-friendly projects where you see fast progress, and large projects like blankets and oversized jumpers where you want size without excessive weight. The chunky weight means your projects finish faster while still creating professional, polished results.

What You'll Find in Our 12 Ply Collection:

• Luxury mohair blends — including Touch Yarns Mohair, Crucci Nimbus, and Sesia Eiffel, offering lightweight warmth with a beautiful halo and airy drape when knit on larger needles
• 12 ply merino — soft, warm, and perfect for cosy winter knits
• Pure wool options — natural, breathable, and beautifully warm
• Wool/acrylic blends — the clever choice for larger projects like blankets and big jumpers, giving you the chunky look and warmth without the heavy weight
• Alpaca 12 ply — luxurious warmth without weight, incredibly soft
• New Zealand wool 12 ply — locally sourced, sustainable, and durable

Common Questions About 12 Ply Yarn:
What needle size for 12 ply yarn? Most 12 ply yarns work best with 6.5mm–9.0mm (US 10.5–13) needles. Check your yarn label for specific recommendations — mohair blends often use larger needles for a looser, airier fabric, while merino and wool work beautifully on the smaller end of the range.

What crochet hook size for 12 ply yarn? For crochet, use a 6.5mm–9.0mm hook depending on your desired fabric and the specific yarn.

Is 12 ply the same as chunky yarn? Yes, 12 ply and chunky (or bulky) weight are the same — it's a heavier weight perfect for quick, cosy knits and crochet.

How long does it take to knit with 12 ply? 12 ply knits up much faster than finer weights — a beanie might take an evening, a simple scarf a weekend, and a jumper can be finished in a week or two  (ofr if you're a slow knitter like Rachel here at The Wool Shop you might want to double or triple those knitting times!

What's the difference between 12 ply mohair and 12 ply wool? Mohair blends are lighter and airier with a beautiful halo and soft drape, while pure wool or merino is denser and warmer with more structure. Wool/acrylic blends offer great warmth with reduced weight. (top tip: if you want a grat project ot take on hholiday, mohair yarn is perfect because it's light but... I've found that on planes sometimes people next to you "catch" little bits of mohair fluff as you knit. Genrally doesn't stop me but...)

What gauge for 12 ply yarn? Typical gauge is 14–16 stitches per 10cm in stocking stitch, but always follow your pattern's recommended gauge.

Where can I buy 12 ply yarn in New Zealand? The Wool Shop stocks premium 12 ply yarn including luxury mohair blends, merino, and practical wool/acrylic options. Fast shipping across NZ from our Rangiora store, with most orders dispatched same day.

Whether you're knitting a cosy weekend jumper, creating a chunky beanie, working on a textured throw, or making quick gifts that look impressive, our 12 ply yarn collection offers the warmth, texture, and beautiful fibres you need. From lightweight mohair to substantial merino and clever blends, each yarn is chosen for quality and the gorgeous results it creates.