Yarn weight is a fundamental concept that every yarn artist-knitter or crocheter must know and understand. Much more than colorful yarns, or even the fiber, weight has much more important role to play in planning your yarn projects. Yarn weight is a term quite thrown around among fiber artists whenever they talk about yarn. And, why not? It is a decisive factor in determining how your projects will turn, the knitting needle or crochet hook size to use, gauge and yarn yardage. In this blog, we’ll help you to understand the concepts with a yarn weight guide.
Yarn weight is not actually the weight but the thickness. It is categorized from 0 (lace) to jumbo (7). A handy yarn weight table is the starting point for every knitter or crocheter stepping into yarn crafting.
The Yarn Weight System
Several systems categorize yarn weights, with the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) system being widely recognized. Here’s a standard yarn weight table.
Yarn Weight / Name
Type of
Yarns in
Category
Recommended knitting needle size (mm)
Recommended crochet hook size (mm)
0 or Lace
Fingering 10-count crochet thread
1.5 - 2.5
1.5 - 2.5
1 or Super Fine
Sock, Fingering, Baby
2 - 3
2.25 - 3.5
2 or Fingering
Sport, Baby
3 - 4
3.5 - 4.5
3 or Light
DK,
Light Worsted
4 - 4.5
4.5 - 5.5
4 or Medium
Worsted,
Afghan, Aran
4.5 - 5.5
5.5 - 6.5
5 or Bulky
Chunky, Craft, Rug
5.5 - 8
6.5 - 9
6 or Super Bulky
Super Bulky, Roving
>8
>9
7 or Jumbo
Jumbo, Roving
12.75 mm and larger
15 mm and larger
*as mentioned in Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight Table
Common Yarn Weights and Their Uses
Lace Weight (0)
The thinnest category of yarn, lace weight is used for delicate, creating airy, openwork fabrics. Lace knitting and crochet patterns work with the yarn to work on shawls, doilies, jewelry and other decorative work.
Fingering Weight (1)
Fingering weight yarn is next on the yarn scale producing a fine-gauge fabric with good drape. This lightweight yarn also goes by the name sock yarn as they are the perfect weight to knit socks for all ages. The yarn is suitable for knitting and crocheting projects such as socks, shawls, lace shawls, baby clothes, hats and lightweight sweaters.
Sport Weight (2)
A versatile weight, the yarns create a balance between delicate and sturdy fabrics. It is ideal for baby garments, light sweaters, shawls, and accessories.
DK (Double Knitting) Weight (3)
DK-weight yarn is a popular yarn weight. Most knitters and crocheters work with DK yarn for their projects. With a good stitch definition and drape, the yarn is suitable for a wide range of projects such as sweaters, cardigans, hats, scarves, and blankets. It is a medium weight yarn that is perfect for beginners to start with.
Worsted Weight (4)
Another popular yarn weight category, worsted-weight yarns produce a sturdy fabric with good stitch definition. A slightly bulky variety it is perfect for cozy projects such as sweaters, blankets, accessories, and home decor. Knitters especially beginners enjoy working with worsted-weight yarns as it allows quick stitch making.
Aran Weight (5)
Slightly thicker than worsted yarn, aran weight yarn creates a warm and textured fabric. Suitable for chunky sweaters, blankets, and accessories.
Bulky Weight (6)
Creates a thick and warm fabric with a bold texture. Perfect for chunky sweaters, blankets, and large accessories.
Super Bulky Weight (7)
Extremely thick yarn, ideal for quick and cozy projects such as blankets, scarves, and large accessories.
Yarn weight plays a significant role in determining gauge. Thicker yarns generally produce fewer stitches per inch compared to finer yarns. Though most yarn manufacturers work with these standard categories there might be minor differences in the recommended knitting needle or crochet hook size due to ply or fiber or any other factor. It is recommended to follow the information on the yarn label.
Tips for Choosing the Right Yarn Weight
Read the Pattern: Most patterns specify the recommended yarn weight and needle or hook size. Work on a gauge swatch with the size of needle or hook with the yarn mentioned. If you have the gauge as mentioned in the pattern you are doing it right. If the results are more or less stitches than mentioned switch to a smaller or larger size to recreate the pattern successfully.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different yarn weights to achieve your desired look.
Consider the Season: Lighter yarn weights are suitable for warmer weather, while heavier yarns are ideal for colder months.
Remember, these recommendations are just starting points, and personal preference plays a significant role in selecting yarn. It's always a good idea to experiment and test different yarns to find the ones that work best for your specific crafts and projects. With Symfonie yarns explore four exclusive lines of hand-dyed yarns in more than 100 semisolid shades and variegated hues. Terra is a merino-polyamide blend in fingering weight. Viva is an extrafine merino wool in DK weight. Bella in worsted-weight is extrafine merino wool. Luna is a DK-yarn of merino-silk. So, the next time you think of yarn projects, explore the curated collectio
