Are 2 strands of double knitting equal to 1 of chunky?

Answer 1

Usually yes. The best way to test it is to take a ruler and wrap the two strands together around the ruler continuously for one inch length (make sure the yard does not overlap, nor leave gaps). Then take a strand of chunky yarn and do the same. You should get the same number of rotations around the ruler for each.

You may also want to note that using two yarns together of different colors will give you a nice heathered effect in the finished product.

Answer 2

If you are making an item where it is important that it come out exactly the same size the pattern indicates, then you need to make a gauge swatch to be sure you are choosing compatibly sized yarns. Not all medium weight yarns are equal, nor are all chunky weight yarns equal.

You can find yarn weight information at the Craft Yarn Council's web site.

In general terms

Two strands fingering equal one strand sport.

Two strands sport equal one strand worsted.

Two strands worsted equal one strand bulky

Chunky and bulky are similar but not equal. Chunky is considered #5 and Bulky #6.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, both dk and chunky yarns vary in thickness quite a lot. In general, two strands of dk would be slightly thicker than most chunkies. If your pattern is not too size sensitive, you'd probably get away with it. There is a yarn comparison chart on Ravelry which gives some useful information, but the only way to be sure is to make a size swatch.