Uptown Bulky – Universal Yarn Creative Network

July 24, 2026July 24, 2026

Collection Spotlight – Back to School: Home

Moving is about more than unpacking boxes; it’s about decorating a place to truly feel like home. Our Back to School: Home collection brings cozy vibes and big personality to even the smallest dorm room. Featuring four quick and satisfying projects, this collection is designed to mix and match, adding layers of softness and school spirit to every corner. Customize each piece with your favorite team colors for a look that’s uniquely yours. Introducing Alma Mater, Ivy League, and School Spirit, designed by Alexandra Frankel, and Study Buddy, designed by Amy Gunderson.

Curl up under the Alma Mater blanket, knit in our brand new Uptown Bulky yarn. Chunky cables, wide ribs, and spirited stripes combine to create a plush, polished throw rich in texture and classic style.

Knit in colorful Uptown Bulky, Ivy League exemplifies preppy style and collegiate flair. Tossed onto your bed, couch, or favorite comfy chair, this argyle throw pillow brings a pop of vibrance and handmade charm.

Let your colors fly with School Spirit! This festive pennant bunting brightens up any space with bold solids and cheerful stripes. Pairing fan-favorites Uptown Worsted and Deluxe Worsted Superwash, School Spirit is a cinch to stitch and a joy to display.

Meet Study Buddy! This adorable teddy bear is the perfect companion for all your academic adventures. Featuring both knit and crochet elements in Uptown DK, Uptown Bamboo DK, Ricorumi DK, and Ricorumi Furry Furry, this cuddly pal is an engaging project that puts your skills to the test.

Shop the individual patterns on Ravelry, or pick up the complete e-book, including all four designs. And this weekend only, we’re offering 15% off ALL yarns, so you can stock up on everything you need to make the projects in the Back to School: Home collection or anything else in your queue!

Happy knitting,

Afifa and Alex

December 20, 2018April 6, 2021

Holiday Crafting – Don’t Panic!

How’s everybody doing? All caught up on your handmade gifts?

If you are, then good for you! If you’re not… join the club! Fortunately, there are still some quick, good-looking projects that you (and I) can make at the last minute. And if you still can’t quite finish, well… we have some options at the end of this post.

When I’m in a pinch, I go big! Take a look at the Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hats.

Coffee Beans and Sugarcubes hats in Uptown Super Bulky

What I like about them:

Knit in Uptown Super Bulky on size 11 needles, they go really fast.
They’re designed to take one ball each of two colors – and you can get two hats out of those two skeins!
Did I mention they were really fast?

I’ve made more than a few of these, and they’ve always been popular. My most recent set were super bright for two friends, who loved them.

These are also available as a kit from your LYS.

Are you a crocheter? How about the Racing Cowl?

This takes just one skein of self-striping Uptown Super Bulky Amplify on a size N-15 (10mm) hook.

striped crochet cowl in Uptown Super Bulky Amplify yarn — Just half double crochet all the way around. Easy peasy.

If you want to knit something bulky but not super-bulky, try the Latta Park Hat and Mittens from e-book Colorful Commute.

I made one of these myself, and it was fun and easy. The Classic Shades Frenzy is a smart choice because it lends visual interest without extra work – always a consideration when you’re on a deadline.

As a little holiday gift, we’re running a giveaway of the Latta Park Hat and Mittens. (Also, consider signing up for our newsletter. Subscribers already heard about this!)

You can enter this coupon code by going to the Latta Park Hat and Mittens page on Ravelry, and entering FRENZY at the “use a coupon code” link that appears during purchase. Use it by 12/23.

Finally, if you’re just not gonna make it, we still have some options. How about a card to let your giftee know that their gift is on the way? We made a few printable options for you.

Regardless of how your holiday gifting turns out, we hope you’ll be able to make time to slow down and enjoy the season as best you can.

Happy crafting!

November 16, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Megascarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Megascarf in Uptown Super Bulky Amplify and it’s solid-color companion, Uptown Bulky (pattern link here).

The scarf gets its name from the plump yarn and extra-long length. Despite the length, this scarf knits up so quickly! Can you believe you only need to cast on 20 stitches?

This scarf mixes intarsia and self-striping Uptown Super Bulky Amplify for exciting results. We think this pattern is great for beginners looking to learn a new skill. Intarsia is easy, we promise!

Universal Yarn Uptown Bulky — Complimentary colors forever!

Be careful – if your outfit matches a free pattern too closely, your colleagues may insist that you model it!

It’s okay, though! I’m totally up for wrapping myself in knitwear all day, every day! Plus, I’m almost always cold! We wrapped this scarf around my neck many times. Perfect for the snowy weather the north has been experiencing this week!

We hope you enjoy this week’s free pattern! Have a fabulous weekend!

May 5, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – BFF Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the BFF Scarf in Uptown Bulky and Bamboo Bloom Handpaints.

We’re calling this the BFF scarf because there are so many elements that play together as friends here. First, there’s the blend of multi-hued Bamboo Bloom Handpaints held together with solid Uptown Bulky.

Second, there’s the combination of two big yarns and US Size 17 (12 mm) needles, so the whole thing knits up fast.

And third, there’s the designer, Sandy Harris. A talented crafter and knitting teacher, she’s always been a friend to Universal, designing beauties like the One Side Cowl in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints.

Put it all together and you have a pattern that’s fun, quick, and easy. It’s a home run.

Happy knitting!

January 13, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Inside Job

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Inside Job hat in Uptown Bulky.

Sometimes you just want to make something fun and quick, you know? Inside Job fits the bill.

This basic hat flies by in our Uptown Bulky anti-pilling acrylic yarn (87yds/100g). It’s worked from the bottom up in the round, with US Size 11 (8mm) needles for the ribbing and US Size 13 (9mm) needles for the brim. Top it with a cute pompom, and voila!

What makes this hat a little different is that it’s worked in reverse stockinette. The plain striping shows on the inside, and the more intricate patterning shows on the exterior. Hence the name “Inside Job.”

We hope you enjoy this quick and thick topper.

Happy knitting!