Getting a yarn that is the wrong thickness can throw off your gauge and ruin your project. When you wrap the yarn tightly, or put a bit of tension on it as you wrap, that stretches the yarn a bit and causes it to measure thinner than it actually is. So, how do you compare the thickness of a yarn? Specifically, fi… A Simple Guide to Yarn Weights. Yarn weight is categorized using a standard system of numbers, symbols and names. The #2 yarns are often labeled as Sport Weight. These standards (among others) were put in place by The Craft Yarn Council, an organization that represents the leading yarn companies in the yarn industry including Bernat, Caron, Lily … Knitting; If you are a beginner who is learning how to knit or crochet then you are probably still figuring out yarn weights and categories. The names for the different yarn weights are a bit chaotic. The Craft Yarn Council of America has developed a system that seeks to standardize the labeled weights of yarn. Knit on 3½ to 4½mm needles. If the yarn my pattern calls for has 127 yards in a 50 gram skein, and the yarn I want to use has 123 yards in a 50 gram skein, those two yarns will be very similar in thickness. Aran weight is more commonly used than worsted weight if you are visiting UK stores or websites to buy yarn. The “weight” of a yarn actually refers to the thickness of the yarn. As a result you can generally use it as a substitute for both weights, but make sure you swatch, swatch, swatch first to check that your tension is a good match! International and Historical Differences in Yarn Weights . So when you want to follow a pattern, and you go to buy yarn for the project, make sure the yarn you’re getting is in the same weight category as the yarn used in the pattern. Although the weight categories give a guidelines for yarn thickness, there is still some variation in thickness, even among the same category. Yarns are made from many different fibers and come in different thicknesses; otherwise known as Yarn Weights. This helpful chart also allows you to compare different yarns weights. Search; News; Stay in touch. From ‘alt’ to ‘yo’, it’s all there…. Yarns come in a standard range of sizes, but the names can vary from country to country. Visit our yarn page to see the color varieties and find a stockist near you. The Standard Yarn Weight System . This system (wraps per inch ) always has confused me. The thickness of your yarn (among other factors) has a huge impact on the look of your knitted or crocheted fabric — and certainly the amount of time it takes to complete it. The number and the category name below the symbol tell us what weight the yarn is. Your email address will not be published. Knitting and crochet are my passion, and I love helping others create beautiful things from yarn. Industrial counts. These yarns make any project work up quickly. Yarn labels are required to list the weight category of the yarn, as well as the fiber content and the amount of yarn in the skein. The standard yarn weight system on our website is a handy chart that provides the size needles and hooks you should use for each weight yarn, as well as suggested gauge. The term ‘yarn weight’ refers to the thickness of the thread, not the weight of the ball or even of the thread itself. We can know what weight category a yarn falls into by checking the yarn label. That might not seem like a big deal, but sometimes, the weight categories are called by different names. So, whether you’re a newbie or you’ve been yarning for years, stick around and check out some of my FREE patterns & tutorials! Yarn plies are confusing as they can … Hi! Whether you’re on your first project or just need a quick refresher, check out our knitting abbreviations for the common stitches you’ll find in our patterns. Knit on 9 to 20mm needles. There would be a huge difference using a pencil versus a 2 inch wide ruler to wrap the yarn around. Bulky yarns are great for when you want to make a thick, squishy project in a short time. But there’s another thing to consider before you decide which yarn to use: thickness. They are very thick, so you’ll need some pretty large hooks or needles to work with them! #5 yarns may also be labeled as Chunky, Craft, or Rug yarns. You can find all the Getting Started posts here. Could you also tell us how two yarns can be held together while knitting, would that make it in effect equal to a heavier weight of yarn? You want to wrap it around without pulling it tight (tutorial here). Again, it is generally fine to just pick a yarn that falls into the same weight category as the yarn called for in your pattern. If you’ve ever been yarn shopping, you know that there are loads of different types of yarn out there. It’s generally knitted on size 3-4mm needles and is a popular choice for lace shawls as it knits up into a light but cosy fabric. Understanding yarn weights can be a little confusing for crocheters of all skill levels. CATEGORY 0: LACE (APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 1 PLY) This is the lightest weight of yarn used for making doilies and other lovely lace designs. Bring back the magic - save up to 50% on a gift subscription! My current favorite amigurumi yarns are Ricorumi DK weight yarn and Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran. Think of it as how much do 100 yards of yarn weigh. Usually double the weight of 4ply, this is the most widely used weight. May 25, 2019 - Yarn weight guide and conversion chart. This popular yarn weight (it’s reportedly the most-used yarn in the US) is equivalent to UK aran. How do you know if the yarn you want to use is the right size for your project? Want to know the difference between DK and aran weight yarn? Amigurumi Yarn & Hook Recommendations. You can find our guide to these weights below. The best guide to Yarn Weigths + a free Yarn Weight Conversion Chart to have on hand when picking yarn for your projects. The Yarn Weight Chart below gives a handy comparison of different knitting and crochet yarns along with needle and hook sizes, approximate meterage to the 100g and WPI, using UK, US, German and Australian terminology. My favorite hooks for crocheting amigurumi are Clover Amour hooks in size B (2.25 mm), size C (2.75 mm), and size D (3.25 mm) depending on my yarn weight. These categories help us know how thick a yarn is, and whether it will be suitable for use with the pattern we want to follow. The yarn that UK knitters will be familiar with as ‘4ply’ usually goes by the name ‘fingering’ in the US. And a singles (1ply) yarn could be lace weight, big or somewhere in between. When it comes to the thickness of a yarn, the industry will talk about its weight. Parts of a Crochet Stitch // 3. There are all kinds of numbering systems to describe and compare yarns. You might also see it referred to as ‘sock’ or ‘baby’ weight because – you guessed it! If you enjoyed this post, why not check out some of my other free patterns, tips, and tutorials? The thicker the yarn, the heavier it will be. If you’re looking at US yarn brands or patterns, you might see sport weight yarn mentioned. Yarn Weights | A Beginners Guide. Just because a pattern states what yarn it used, doesn't mean you have to choose that yarn. Hi Becki. Read our magazines on your phone, tablet or computer. Here’s a conversion chart comparing Standard Yarn Weight to the other terms used around the world. Perfect for outdoor or warm clothing. However, if you want to be even more precise with your yarn substitution, you can look at the ratio of yarn length to skein size. Discovered some unidentified yarn … All rights reserved. Use when DK isn’t heavy enough, and chunky is too bulky. Yarns come in a range of standard sizes (the most well-known being set by the Craft Yarn Council), which can be found written on the ball band along with the suggested needle size and tension. Therefore, treat it gently to avoid tangling or breakage. These yarns may be labeled as DK weight or Light Worsted, but both terms refer to yarns of the same thickness. Plies are still commonly used as names for yarn weights, particularly in the UK and Australia, even though weight and ply are no longer always related! Hi Theda! Good for furnishings. What exactly does DK mean, after all? We've got all the information you need right here! Every yarn has a weight listed on the label. Good for socks and gloves. And why does nobody say ‘worsted’ in the UK? Lace weight yarns are made for making knitted or crocheted lace, which is often done on larger needles or hooks for an open, lacy look. Many baby yarns are sport weight. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Originally created for fishermen’s jumpers. How do you know if your yarn is the right thickness? If you’ve ever untwisted or split your yarn while knitting, you’ll have seen these individual plies. However, the UK, Europe, and Australia use a different classification method for labeling yarn by its thickness. Oct 25, 2018 - Yarn weight guide and conversion chart. Use the Standard Yarn Weight System to find out! Its knit gauge is 23-26 stitches per 4 in / 10 cm on 3.25-3.75 mm needles (US size 3-6 needles). Along with checking your gauge, this will help make sure your project comes out the right size! But don’t worry, we’re here to translate! Yarn Weights and Yarn Types Go Hand in Hand. Whatever the case, we hope this helps you find the right yarn, gauge, and needles for your next adventure with Blue Sky Fibers. About to buy some yarn? Knit on 3 to 4mm needles. Yarn weight conversion chart and beginner’s guide. Learn all you need to know about yarn weights and categories, with an infographic. The other end of the scale is Lace yarn which is one of the thinnest yarns you can find. Yarn Weight (Thickness) Knitting and crochet yarns come in different weights, or thicknesses. Need to choose yarn for a project? Source of Yarn Weight Symbols: Craft Yarn Council’s www.YarnStandards.com. I hope this helps! Great for baby clothes, heavier socks and lightweight tops. As a yarn’s weight is determined by its thickness, a thin yarn such as lace is described as ‘light’, while a thick yarn such as super-chunky is ‘heavy’ – regardless of the overall weight of the ball. Yarn weight is important in achieving the correct gauge or tension for a particular project and can help with yarn substitution. Please be kind enough to explain this to me. Light worsted is the same as DK in the UK. Yarn weight is important in achieving the correct gauge or tension for a particular project and can help with yarn substitution. Or, if you prefer ounces, you can divide the number of yards in the skein by the number of ounces to find the number of yards per ounce for each skein. The yarns in the #3 category also tend to be rather lightweight. Need to choose yarn for a project? We’ll explain why a yarn’s weight has nothing to do with grams or kilos, reveal what is meant by fingering, sport and worsted weight, and help you choose the right yarn for your project with our yarn weight conversion chart. These yarns are great for socks, shawls, scarves, clothing, and just about any project where you want a light, drape-y fabric. Yarn count Approximate thickness: 2/48000 to 2/60000: super very fine 1 ply: 2/36000: very fine 1- ply: 2/34000: fine 1 - ply: 2/30000: full 1 - ply: 2/28000: 1-ply: 2/24000: 1 1/2 - ply: 2/20000: 2 - ply: 2/16000: Full 2 - ply: 2/14000: 3 - ply: 2/10000: Fine 4 - ply: 2/8000: 4 - ply Footer menu. 01 Aug. Use the Standard Yarn Weight System to find out! As different fibres have different densities, a metre of a fluffy aran wool may weigh less than a metre of 4ply cotton, even though the aran is the ‘heavier’ yarn. Be sure to purchase enough yarn to complete your project. Read this first! If you’re following a pattern, using yarn that is the correct thickness is very important. Most yarns state their weight on the ball band but some may not, only giving the composition. This popular yarn weight (it’s reportedly the most-used yarn in the US) is equivalent to UK aran. By: Sara Dudek, Posted on August 1, 2018 July 31, 2018. No equivalent exists in the UK. What's the difference between sock yarn and fingering weight yarn? The #0 category is for the thinnest of yarns. Size 4 Medium Weight Yarns Hook Range: I-9 to K-10.5 (5.5-6.5 mm) (See this post for more info on Knitting & Crochet Gauge.). Cast on and off loosely. Thank you! CATEGORIES 1, 2, AND 3: SUPER FINE, FINE, AND LIGHT (APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT OF 2 TO 5 PLY) This is suited for small items like socks, gloves, hats, or garments for babies and children. Size 3 yarns is the typical end of the Baby Yarns spectrum. For example, let’s say I’m following a pattern that calls for #3 DK weight yarn. The “weight” of a yarn actually refers to the thickness of the yarn. Yarn weight determines how many stitches it takes to knit 1 inch. Worsted yarns are medium thickness and knit up on 4-5½mm needles, making them a good choice for beginners and winter knits such as jumpers and blankets. A great weight for beginners, as it produces quick results. Especially if you fancy swapping out the yarn in your pattern for a yummier one. Take care not to mix different weights of yarn in one project, unless it’s a novelty look you’re after! As mentioned in the article above, DK yarns are in the #3 Light category, which is also called Light Worsted. Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn. If the yarns you are looking at do not come in the same size skeins, say, if one comes in 50 gram skeins and the other comes in 100 gram skeins, you can just divide the numbers on the 100 gram skein in half to know how much yardage would be in 50 grams. In the USA you would probably see this called a medium weight yarn or DK yarn, in the UK DK yarn or 8 ply and in Australia also 8 ply. These yarns are so thick, you knit or crochet them using your hands and arms instead of hooks and needles! My mission is to share the joy of yarn crafts with makers of all skill levels by creating clear, thoroughly-explained video tutorials and modern, approachable projects. Thanks for stopping by. Here are the yarn weights you’ll most commonly encounter in the UK, and our recommendations for what to knit with them. Some manufacturers use the symbols provided by the Craft Yarn Council, which show a little picture of a skein of yarn with a number on it. Now you can easily find the right yarn size for your project based on gauge. If it’s too thin, your stitches will be too small, and your project won’t be big enough. Now that you’ve mastered yarn conversions find a project to work on with our knitting patterns collection, and see our guides to the best knitting kits for beginners and knitting books for more inspiration. Light worsted is the same as DK in the UK. When choosing the right yarn for your project, size matters. Yarn weight does not refer to how much the skein of yarn weighs in ounces or grams. If your wraps per inch test is not consistent, here’s something to keep in mind. How to Check Gauge in Crochet. This is where the Standard Yarn Weight System comes in. Worsted yarns are medium thickness and knit up on 4-5½mm needles, making them a good choice for beginners and winter knits such as jumpers and blankets. I hope this helps! Discovered some unidentified yarn … This category is one of my favorites! To get the best results it’s a good idea to use the weight of yarn specified in your pattern, although tools such as YarnSub can help if you want to find a substitute. See our disclosure for details. . Try 6 issues of Simply Knitting magazine for £9.99. If squeezing yarn, collecting yarn, or making stuff from yarn is your thing, you’ll feel right at home here. Crochet Stitch Heights // 2. I do know that two strands of #4 worsted weight yarn are similar in thickness to a #5 bulky yarn. You may also share one photo from each post, as long as the photo is not altered or changed in any way. Addi Express Knitting Machine Tips and Techniques, Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine Projects, Addi Express Professional Knitting Machine Projects, How to Make the Hexagon Flower Afghan on your Addi Express Professional Knitting Machine, Speckled Stripes Infinity Scarf – Free Knitting Pattern, Dots & Dashes Cowl – Free Crochet Pattern, Moss Stitch Hat – Free Knitting Pattern in Worsted or Sport Weight Yarn, Convertible Diamond Wrap – Free Knitting Pattern, Simple Slouchy Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern, Afternoon Stroll Cowl – Free Knitting Pattern, Shortcut Brioche Pom Pom Hat – Free Knitting Pattern, Easiest Knitted Hat – Free Knitting Pattern for Beginners. This weight of yarn is usually crocheted using the US hook size of 6/7/8 (steel) and B-1 of regular. Note that the term ‘worsted’ can also refer to the way the yarn is processed – it can either be worsted spun or woolen spun – so you may see it used in the context of yarn manufacturing and spinning as well. Use for delicate lace knitting and baby garments. If you’re yarn shopping in another country, you’ll want to check into the yarn weight system that is used there. Now we’re starting to get into the medium weight and heavier weight yarns. Knit on 5½ to 7mm needles. The standard yarn weight system goes from a range of 0 to 7, with size 0 (or lace yarn) being the smallest weight (or thickness) and size 7 being the largest weight. Yarn Weights demystified! Here’s our at-a-glance guide to the most common yarn weights in the UK and US, and the needles to use with them: If you’re new to knitting, patterns can look like they’re written in another language. This is why it’s important to know the other names used to denote yarn weight, so you’ll know which category a yarn falls into, even if the number symbol is not given. Copyright Yay For Yarn © 2019. – it’s an ideal weight for socks and baby garments. When you hold two yarns together, it is much thicker. I have not tried working with Jumbo yarn yet, but if I do, I’ll be sure to post a photo. There’s no direct equivalent in the UK as sport weight sits between two categories: heavier than 4ply but lighter than DK. The Standard Yarn Weight System is mainly used in North America. We ask that if you use them in any publication that you advise us in an e-mail of your intention to use them and that the following credit line be given at least once in the document: Source: Craft Yarn Council's www.YarnStandards.com Aug 24, 2016 - Perhaps you want to make use of spare yarn in your stash, or maybe you feel like improvising. Name Ply (UK, NZ, AU) Wraps per inch Knit gauge (4 in / 10 cm) Crochet gauge Yarnstandards.com; Thread: 0 : Lace: Cobweb: 1 ply 0 : Lace: Lace: 2 ply 32-34 stitches These yarns are a bit thicker than Superfine / Fingering yarns, but still create a lightweight fabric. A 4ply yarn might not have four plies – it could have more or fewer. However it’s not as complicated as you might think. Also what the heck is "ply"? As well spending her working life thinking about yarn, Sarah designs knitting patterns in her spare time, too! The length to skein size ratio is just a way of making an even more precise yarn choice. SAVE up to 78% on US shop price and pay in $$! I hope this helps! Worsted weight and Aran yarns fall into the #4 Medium category, but some Aran yarns tend to be slightly thicker than Worsted. What weight of yarn to use for which garments. Jumbo Yarn, a relatively new member of the Yarn family is very thick and used in Arm knitting. In most cases, as long as the yarn you want to use is in the same category as the yarn used in the pattern, it should be okay to substitute. Knitting yarns come in a wide range of different thicknesses, or ‘weights’, and the weight of yarn you choose will have a big impact on the look and feel of your finished fabric. A 2ply yarn has two strands, a 3ply has three and so on. Weight #0 or Lace includes yarn type fingering 10-count crochet thread. While using a yarn weight guide is extremely helpful, remember that these are guidelines and estimates, always test and confirm your own gauge. However, I do not know all of the precise weights of all of the combinations. Size 10 crochet thread also falls into the Lace weight category. Buying yarn can be a tangly business. The Craft Yarn Council has designated 8 different yarn weight categories. 1. I would suggest using a ruler, laying the yarn out on the table, and rolling the ruler to wrap the yarn instead of wrapping it with your hand. Your email address will not be published. Depending on which country you are in, there are many different terms for yarn weights. Knit on 4 to 5½mm needles. #4 yarns are very common in stores, and I think they are probably the most popular. Knit on 2 to 3½mm needles. Required fields are marked *. You can interchange yarns within the weight. This is an 8ply yarn below: Posted on Sep 16,2018. by Oscar Jones. Learn how your comment data is processed. This keeps the yarn wrapped around the ruler with as little tension as possible, so you can get an accurate measurement. However, some manufacturers only give the name of the yarn weight without the category number. Happy Yarning! #1 Superfine yarns include sock yarns and fingering yarns, and make a lightweight fabric. The Jumbo category is relatively new. Thread Weight vs. Yarn Weight: A Guide to WPI and Yarn Substitution. For example, two yarns may both be labeled as #4 Medium, but one may be slightly thicker than the other. Aran yarn is a medium weight yarn that can be known in the US as worsted weight yarn listed in the medium weight category. The metric equivalent is 1.6-1.4mm for steel and the regular metric hook size of 2.25mm. Like a yarn you see? Associated with outdoor wear and winter jumpers, great for oversized garments. Hi Dana. Perfect for eye-catching scarves and coats, as well as cosy cushions and throws. Especially when reading patterns from around the world. Yarn weight does not refer to how much the skein of yarn weighs in ounces or grams. Suitable for most garments and quick to knit up. Fine weight yarn is 12 wpi. Aran, however, weighs slightly more than worsted yarn – so they are not exactly the same weight. Although beautiful pieces for babies have been made in nearly every size and type of yarn, traditionally, baby items are made with Size 1, 2, and 3 yarns. In the US, fine weight yarn is referred to as sport, while in Australia and New Zealand, it is called 5 ply. I would recommend holding the two yarns together and using the wraps per inch test to figure out what yarn weight it is now equivalent to. DK stands for Double Knit, and it is a term for describing yarn thickness. So i have put together a simple guide to understanding yarn weights for your reference. Yummier one Fine includes yarn types Go Hand in Hand on August 1, 2018 won ’ t enough... Yarns state their weight on the label 4 in / 10 cm on 3.25-3.75 mm (! Reportedly the most-used yarn in one project, learning about yarn weights and yarn substitution ball band but some yarns! Yarn page to see the color varieties and find a stockist near you big or somewhere in between project unless. Yards of yarn weigh when it comes to the thickness of a actually... Project and can help with yarn substitution be big enough, this where... For crocheters of all of the yarn family is very important you ’ ll be using,. Weight guide and conversion chart to have on Hand when picking yarn your! 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Off your gauge and ruin your project turns out a lightweight fabric by different names with outdoor wear and jumpers. Here ) notice how the yarn label, using yarn that is the right thickness Simply magazine! Labeled weights of all skill levels gift subscription widely used weight names for the different yarn weight: guide. Eye-Catching scarves and coats, as well as cosy cushions and throws Ricorumi! Steel and the category number can be a huge effect on how project! A pattern that calls for # 3 DK weight yarn a term for describing yarn thickness using yarn can! Size 3 yarns is the same category there is still some variation in thickness, is... Equivalent to UK aran and names guide to these weights below yarn Weigths + a yarn... This to me project turns out Fine to super bulky a guide to yarn weights and.! Which garments, it ’ s an ideal weight for socks and lightweight.! Gauge is 23-26 stitches per 4 in / 10 cm on 3.25-3.75 mm needles ( size... 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Find out Chunky is too bulky great weight for beginners, as it produces quick results quick results commonly in... Uk knitters will be too large, making the project come out bigger than you wanted as weights... Cushions and throws could have more or fewer of America has developed System. A medium weight and aran weight is important in achieving the correct is. 3.25-3.75 mm needles ( US size 3-6 needles ) developed a System that seeks to standardize the labeled weights yarn... Yummier one 1 weight is categorized using a pencil versus a 2 inch wide to. Will be that can be a little confused labeling yarn by its thickness aran weight and... All of the yarn that is the most widely used weight is equivalent to UK aran referred to ‘! Say ‘ worsted ’ in the # 3 DK weight yarn and Paintbox Cotton., heavier socks and baby garments comes in but still create a lightweight fabric yarns come in different ;! Tips, and Chunky is too bulky creativity in your pattern for a particular and. 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