Yarn Bee 44th Street Yarn
We designed 44th Street to give makers soft chenille texture in a bulky weight that works up fast for cozy projects. The 100% acrylic fiber creates a plush hand feel without the stretching issues of traditional chenille, so your finished blankets and scarves hold their shape through everyday use.
Each 140-yard skein covers generous yardage for blankets, throws, and oversized cowls. The bulky weight pairs with size US 11 needles or a K-10.5 crochet hook, making it ideal for weekend projects when you want quick results without sacrificing softness. We offer five core colors from neutral taupes to rich jewel tones that coordinate with modern home decor.
- Bulky weight (5) chenille construction
- 100% acrylic fiber for easy care and shape retention
- 140 yards per 3.5 oz skein
- Recommended needle size US 11 / hook K-10.5
- Machine washable and dryable on low heat
Fiber composition and texture
We chose 100% acrylic for 44th Street because it delivers chenille’s signature plushness without the structural problems of rayon or cotton chenille. Acrylic fibers resist stretching and maintain stitch definition even in large-format projects like queen-size blankets.
The chenille construction creates a velvety surface texture that feels soft against skin while remaining durable through repeated washing. Unlike natural fiber chenilles that can pill or shed, our acrylic blend stays intact through regular use. This makes 44th Street practical for high-touch items like baby blankets and frequently used throws where softness and durability both matter.
Yardage and project planning
Each 140-yard skein provides enough yarn for approximately 50 square inches of fabric at the recommended gauge. For a standard throw blanket measuring 50 × 60 inches, you’ll need 21-23 skeins depending on your tension and stitch pattern.
Quick yardage estimates
A chunky infinity scarf uses 2-3 skeins. An oversized cowl requires 3-4 skeins. A lap blanket (40 × 50 inches) takes 14-16 skeins, while a full afghan (60 × 72 inches) needs 30-34 skeins. We recommend purchasing all skeins from the same dye lot to ensure consistent color across larger projects.
Recommended needle sizes and gauge
We recommend US size 11 (8mm) needles for knitting or a K-10.5 (6.5mm) crochet hook to achieve the standard gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows per 4 inches in stockinette. This gauge creates a fabric that drapes well for scarves and blankets while maintaining enough structure for shaped garments.
If you prefer a denser fabric for winter accessories, size down to US 10 needles. For airier shawls or lighter throws, size up to US 13 needles. Always work a gauge swatch before starting large projects, as individual tension varies. The chenille texture can make it harder to see individual stitches, so good lighting helps when counting rows or fixing mistakes.
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Common questions about 44th Street yarn
For a standard 50 × 60 inch throw blanket, you'll need 21-23 skeins at the recommended gauge of 12 stitches per 4 inches. If you crochet tighter or knit looser than standard gauge, plan for 2-3 additional skeins.
We recommend purchasing all skeins from the same dye lot to ensure color consistency. For larger afghans or queen-size blankets, calculate approximately 0.7 skeins per 100 square inches of finished fabric.
Yes, machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat. The 100% acrylic fiber won't shrink or felt, making it practical for blankets and accessories that need regular laundering.
Avoid high heat in the dryer to preserve the chenille pile texture. For items you wash weekly, air dry flat every third wash to extend the plush feel.
The chenille construction is more resistant to splitting than standard plied yarns because the fibers are locked into the core thread. Use a crochet hook with a smooth tip rather than an inline hook to minimize any catching.
Good lighting helps you see where to insert your hook, especially in darker colors. Most makers find 44th Street easier to work with than traditional rayon chenille, which tends to be more delicate.
44th Street features chenille construction, which creates a velvety pile texture rather than the smooth surface of standard acrylic yarn. This gives finished projects a plush, luxurious hand feel similar to velvet fabric.
The chenille structure also provides more loft and warmth at the same bulky weight, making blankets feel cozier without adding extra weight. Regular bulky acrylic shows stitch definition more clearly, while 44th Street creates a softer visual texture.
You can make garments, though the chenille texture works best for loose-fitting cardigans, ponchos, and oversized cowls rather than fitted sweaters. The bulky weight creates substantial fabric that drapes well in relaxed silhouettes.
Avoid fitted garments or items with a lot of ribbing, as the chenille pile can obscure stitch patterns and reduce elasticity. Scarves, shawls, and open-front cardigans showcase the soft texture without requiring precise shaping.
At 140 yards per 3.5 oz skein, 44th Street provides standard yardage for bulky weight chenille. This equals approximately 40 yards per ounce, which matches most category 5 yarns on the market.
The acrylic fiber is lighter than cotton or rayon chenille of the same thickness, so you get slightly more yardage per skein weight. This makes shipping more economical for large blanket projects compared to heavier fiber alternatives.
The synthetic acrylic fiber holds dye exceptionally well, so colors remain vibrant through dozens of wash cycles. Unlike natural fiber yarns that can fade with sun exposure, acrylic-dyed projects maintain their original shade.
Wash in cold water and avoid chlorine bleach to maximize color longevity. Even lighter shades like Cream resist yellowing better than cotton or wool chenille alternatives.