Sweaters and cardigans
Build warm high necks, relaxed layers, oversized cardigans and modern silhouettes with visible structure and quick progress.
Mode at Rowan Chunky Wool
Pure-wool warmth with bold texture and quick-knit satisfaction
Mode Chunky Wool is beautifully spun from 100% pure wool for cosy garments and accessories with warmth, strength and excellent stitch presence. Its substantial 12 ply weight makes progress easy to see, while the refined Mode at Rowan palette keeps chunky knitting modern and wearable.
- 100% wool gives natural insulation, breathability and resilient warmth.
- 100m per 100g ball creates satisfying fabric and visible progress.
- Clear stitch definition makes ribs, cables, garter stitch and bold texture shine.
- Eleven coordinated shades move easily from soft neutrals to confident colour.
100% WoolWarm, breathable and resilient
100m / 100gSubstantial quick-knit coverage
7mmOfficial needle recommendation
13 x 16Reference gauge per 10cm
The appeal of a beautifully made chunky wool
Cosy enough for winter, polished enough for the wardrobe
Chunky yarn can be wonderfully practical without looking rustic or bulky. Mode Chunky Wool combines the honest warmth of pure wool with an even, smooth construction that gives garments a clean finish and lets considered stitch patterns take centre stage.
- Natural warmth with wool's helpful breathability
- Fast progress for larger pieces and last-minute gifts
- Strong definition for cables, ribbing and textured stitches
- Enough structure for sweaters, cardigans, hats and scarves
- Dedicated Mode at Rowan patterns with clear ball requirements
Big stitches.
Beautiful wool.
Less waiting.
Beautiful wool.
Less waiting.
A satisfying yarn for makers who want the warmth and presence of a hand knit without committing to weeks of fine-gauge work.
Where Chunky Wool works beautifully
Texture-led knitting
Show off fisherman rib, moss stitch, garter stitch, bobbles and bold cables in a smooth strand that makes each feature count.
Winter accessories
Create cosy hats, snoods, scarves and bibs with enough presence to feel special and enough speed to make excellent gifts.
Choose from all eleven Chunky Wool shades
Layer quiet neutrals, add a fresh botanical shade or make a rich winter statement. Each tile below uses the exact image assigned to that live Direct Sewing variant, so shade names and numbers are easy to match.
010Smoke
011Winter
012Mist
013Mocha
014Ghost
015Vanilla
016Cappuccino
017Primrose
018Palm
019Bondi
020Burgundy
Screens and lighting vary, so shade images are a guide. Match the shade number and dye lot when buying several balls for one project.
Patterns written especially for Mode Chunky Wool
Direct Sewing carries a strong range of printed Mode at Rowan patterns designed around this yarn's warmth, structure and gauge. Choose the design first, then use its size-specific ball count to order confidently.
Relaxed Cardigan
Alby
An oversized drop-shoulder cardigan in clean stocking stitch, using 9 to 17 balls by size.
Textured Sweater
Kessingland
A boxy high-neck fisherman-rib sweater using 10 to 17 balls by size.
Everyday Sweater
Watton
A warm high-neck sweater with moss stitch and stocking stitch, using 9 to 17 balls.
Statement Texture
Sheringham
A relaxed crew-neck sweater with a bold bobble motif, using 12 to 22 balls by size.
Roll-Neck Sweater
Elowen MIP64
A cosy dropped-shoulder sweater in textured garter stitch, using 11 to 20 balls.
Two Accessories
Daphne MIP65
A ribbed beanie and matching high-neck cable bib, using 2 and 3 balls respectively.
Layering Pair
Southwold and Salle
A mistake-rib waistcoat plus quick snood, with size-specific garment requirements.
Gift-Worthy Set
Highoak and Isle
A one-ball garter beanie and five-ball cabled scarf in one printed pattern.
How far can a 100g ball take you?
The amount depends on the size, stitch pattern, fit and needle choice. These examples come from the matching printed patterns above and are a useful guide before you select a project.
A satisfying small project and an excellent way to experience the yarn.
Two balls for the beanie or three for the cable bib.
A generous 26cm x 200cm scarf with strong stitch detail.
The exact total varies significantly by design and size.
Buy for the pattern, not the estimate: check the exact ball count for your chosen size, add any allowance you want for swatching or adjustments, and order the full quantity together so the dye lot can be matched.
A washed swatch protects the fit
Use the pattern gauge as your final authority
Rowan's reference tension is 13 stitches and 16 rows per 10cm on 7mm needles. Dedicated patterns may intentionally use a different needle size or stitch pattern, so swatch exactly as the instructions specify, wash gently, dry flat and measure the relaxed fabric.
Natural wool tip: blocking can settle the stitches and change both width and length. Measure only after the swatch is completely dry, especially for oversized garments and textured ribs.
13 x 16Official reference stitches and rows per 10cm using 7mm needles. Your chosen pattern always takes priority.
Turn metres into the ball count you need
Find the exact requirement
Use the ball count for your chosen size, or find the total metreage when substituting into a compatible pattern.
Divide metres by 100
A project calling for 900m requires 9 balls before any allowance for swatching or changes.
Round up and check the dye lot
Order enough together and compare every label before casting on for the most consistent finished colour.
Three luxurious fibres, three different results
Chunky Wool for warmth and speed
Choose this 100% wool 12 ply yarn for substantial sweaters, cardigans and accessories with bold texture and satisfying progress.
Mohair Soft for luminous halo
For an airy-looking 12 ply fabric with mohair glow and plush softness, explore Mode at Rowan Mohair Soft.
Softest Alpaca for brushed lightness
For a soft alpaca-rich Aran yarn with an airy chain construction, explore Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca.
Verified yarn details
Mode at Rowan Chunky Wool specifications
| Brand and range | Mode at Rowan Chunky Wool |
|---|---|
| Fibre content | 100% wool |
| Yarn weight | Chunky / 12 ply equivalent |
| Ball weight | 100g |
| Ball length | Approximately 100m / 109yd |
| Recommended knitting needles | 7mm / UK 2 / US 10.5 |
| Reference tension | 13 stitches x 16 rows per 10cm |
| Handle and fabric | Warm, substantial and naturally breathable with an even strand and clear stitch presence |
| Care | Hand wash gently; dry flat in the shade; do not bleach or tumble dry; low iron and suitable professional dry cleaning are permitted by Rowan; always follow the ball band |
| Live Direct Sewing shades | Eleven |
Keep your chunky wool knit looking beautiful
Use cool water and a suitable wool cleanser. Avoid rubbing, twisting, vigorous agitation and sudden temperature changes.
Lift the wet item carefully, press out moisture without wringing, reshape it to its measurements and dry flat in the shade.
Fold rather than hang heavy garments, keep them clean before storage and use suitable protection against clothes moths.
Before you cast on with Chunky Wool
Is Mode Chunky Wool the same as 12 ply in New Zealand?
It is sold locally as a chunky / 12 ply equivalent. Regional ply labels are only a guide, so Rowan's 13-stitch reference gauge and your pattern tension are the safest way to confirm compatibility.
Is it made from 100% wool?
Yes. Mode Chunky Wool is spun from 100% wool with no synthetic fibre listed in the official composition.
Is this yarn suitable for beginners?
Yes. The thick strand is easy to see and projects grow quickly. A simple hat, scarf or garter-stitch piece is a friendly first project; always make a swatch when fit matters.
Will pure wool feel itchy?
Touch sensitivity varies. If you are sensitive to animal fibres, handle the yarn or wear a washed swatch against the skin before planning a next-to-skin garment.
Can I use it for crochet?
Yes. It can make warm hats, scarves, cowls, garments and home accessories when the pattern gauge and metreage suit a chunky 100% wool yarn. Crochet may use more yarn than knitting, so follow the pattern quantity.
Can I substitute another 12 ply yarn?
Possibly, but compare fibre, metres per 100g, strand structure and washed gauge rather than relying on the 12 ply label alone. A substitute should create the fabric, fit and drape the pattern intends.
How many balls do I need for a sweater?
The matching adult garment patterns shown here use from 9 to 22 balls depending on design and size. Use the exact requirement for your chosen pattern and size rather than a general estimate.
Can I mix several shades?
Yes. The coordinated palette is well suited to stripes, bold colour blocks and simple colourwork. Make a swatch to confirm contrast and keep floats relaxed in stranded sections.
Should I buy all the balls together?
Yes. Ordering the full quantity together gives the best chance of receiving one dye lot. Check every label before beginning and alternate balls if slight variation is visible.
Are the online colours exact?
The colour card uses the exact live variant images, but screens and lighting differ. Use the shade number as the most dependable reference and allow for natural dye-lot variation.
Make winter knitting feel wonderfully rewarding
Pick one of eleven Mode shades, pair it with a dedicated Chunky Wool pattern and enjoy pure-wool warmth, beautiful texture and the satisfaction of seeing every row become something special.
Return to the Colour Card