What Is Bouclé Yarn? (and What to Make With It)

When it comes to bouclé yarn, it's all about the texture: that loopy, cuddly, teddy-bear surface you can't stop touching is fun to work with and a joy to look at. Because of its one-of-a-kind feel, the rules for knitting and crocheting with it differ a little. In this educational guide, we'll answer the basics of "what is bouclé yarn?" — as well as explain how the loops are made, how to work with it, and what you can make. Let's get loopy!

What Is Bouclé Yarn?

Did you know "bouclé" is French for "curly" or "loop"? It's a fitting name — makers build bouclé yarn so one ply forms loops or curls along a core of two fibers, resulting in a wonderfully bumpy surface you just can't stop touching. That texture is the whole personality! The loops on bouclé wool yarn can vary by size: you might prefer smaller, cute curls or be partial to the bigger, loopy "loop yarn." Either way, this distinct textured yarn adds a cozy dimension to even the simplest stitch.

How Bouclé Yarn Gets Its Loops

Bouclé yarn is typically made from three or more strands — one strand in particular is given extra slack so it naturally curls and forms into loops. Basically, it's a plied yarn featuring a core ply to anchor; an effect ply held loosely so it bunches into loops; and a fine binder ply that locks the loops in place. This is why the surface is so bumpy and the loops can catch.

If you choose a bouclé yarn with smaller curls, your project will look dense — while larger loops will result in a fuzzy, fluffy project. One of the beautiful things about bouclé yarn is how it can mimic everything from linen and terry cloth to curly shearling.

How to Knit or Crochet with Bouclé

When it comes to working with bouclé wool yarn, it's all about vibes — you'll be working by feel, not by sight. BSY's bouncy 70% Highland Wool / 30% Alpaca blend might take a little getting used to at first — but I promise it's worth it! Since the loops hide your stitches, you won't be able to read the fabric easily. That's why counting rows is especially important. Simple stitches (think garter, stockinette, single crochet) let the texture do the work.

Be sure to keep even tension, and take care not to yank the yarn as you go. You'll often benefit from going up a needle or hook size to let the texture bloom — just make sure to check the yarn band first. A practical tip from our studio: don't split the loops. Just go into the core, rather than the loop itself. Frogging can be tough with loop yarn, so we recommend swatching before committing. If you're using our bouclé yarn for a knitting project, you'll want to use a size US 9-11 knitting needle — if you're crocheting, use a K-M crochet hook.

What to Make with Bouclé Yarn

Bouclé wool yarn that's bursting with soft curls is the perfect medium to play with cozy, texture-forward pieces. It hides uneven tension, so it's forgiving for newer stitchers on simple patterns. We love how it shows up on a classic scarf or a cuddly cowl — the nubs and loops lend a lovely nostalgic feel. We've also used it to make simple pullovers and cardigans, which lend a little more space to show off bouclé's bouncy personality. And we absolutely love it on pillows and throws. Imagine curling up under a dreamy lap blanket crafted with this luscious loop yarn you'll want to pet like an adorable lap cat — it's seriously so fluffy! Oh, and don't forget the teddy-soft baby items — you can make some pretty cute stuffed animals, rattles, hats, cardigans, and other accessories that are too sweet for words. If you're interested, here's some more inspo on what to make with the bulky bouclé!

A Note on Our Bouclé

We categorize our bouclé yarn as a specialty base because it's much more involved to make and source than our other yarn options, so we keep it in very limited stock. The inventory ebbs and flows throughout the year, so if you come across a textured yarn that's calling your name, consider inviting it into your stash — when a colorway is gone, it's usually gone for good. It's all part of the ephemeral charm of small-batch, special-occasion yarn. Come explore and see what's in our bouclé collection right now — I hope you find something that sparks your imagination!

We categorize our bouclé yarn as a specialty base because it's much more involved to make and source than our other yarn options, so we keep it in very limited stock. The inventory ebbs and flows throughout the year, so if you come across a textured yarn that's calling your name, consider inviting it into your stash — when a colorway is gone, it's usually gone for good. It's all part of the ephemeral charm of small-batch, special-occasion yarn. Come explore and see what's in our bouclé collection right now — I hope you find something that sparks your imagination!

We hope this guide was a helpful introduction to bouclé wool yarn. Don't be shy about reaching out if you need advice – it's our joy to connect you to yarn and projects that kindle your creativity. Thank you so much for supporting our small-batch dye studio. Oh, and let us know what you make with your bouclé yarn; we'd love to see and celebrate with you.

FAQ

Is bouclé hard to knit with?

It depends on your previous experience with knitting and crocheting, but in general it's not hard: there are just certain things to be aware of so you have fair expectations, like the fact you can't see your mistakes as you go — that's why counting rows is especially important.

What is bouclé yarn made of?

Bouclé yarns can be made from many different types of fiber — ours is a lovely 70% Highland Wool / 30% Alpaca blend that's full of fluffy, bouncy, nubby character.

What can I make with bouclé yarn?

You can make a classic scarf, a cuddly cowl, simple pullovers and cardigans, pillows and throws, and teddy-soft baby items (stuffed animals, rattles, hats, cardigans, and other adorable accessories).