Match Your Yarn Weight to the Project

When you visit your yarn shop, the choices of yarn can be overwhelming. How do you pick the right yarn weight for the project? When you understand the weight thickness system of yarn, your choices are many.

The thickness of the yarn is the yarn weight. From super fine to super bulky, there are six categories of yarn weights, according to the Craft Yarn Council of America.

Although not included in the standards, lace weight is a very fine weight used most often for intricately detailed lace patterns. A very small needle size is recommended with this yarn weight.

A super fine yarn is the sock weight. It is also called fingering or baby weight yarn. This 3-ply yarn is used for small items like socks and baby items and pet toys or doll clothing. Needles should be a size 0- 4 or 2mm – 3.5 mm. Knits about 28 stitches to 10 cm.

A fine yarn weight is sport. It is often used for baby blankets and ornaments. Sport weight yarns knit about 24 stitches to 10 cm. Needle sizes used are 3 - 5 or 3.25mm – 3.75mm.

DK weight is often called light worsted weight. It’s a lightweight yarn used for baby blankets and lighter sweaters. It is 8-ply with 21-24 stitches per 10 cm. Use size 5 - 7 (3.25mm - 4.5mm) needles.

The most common weight of yarn is the worsted weight or Aran. It’s a medium weight, 10-ply yarn used for throws, hats and scarves. It’s a diverse yarn well suited to the beginner to advanced knitter. The best needle sizes are 7 - 9 (4.5 mm – 5.5mm) for 16- 20 stitches to 10 cm length.

A bulky weight yarn is the craft, chunky or rug yarn. This thick yarn works up quickly on large needles. It’s great for scarves, blankets and pillows. A large needle size, such as a 9 –11 (5.5 mm – 8 mm) needle will create 12 – 15 stitches per 10 cm of length.

The final yarn weight is super bulky or roving yarn. A very thick yarn it is used for quick blankets and throws. For 11 stitches per 4 inches, use a size 11 (8mm) or larger needle.

When choosing a yarn weight for your project, consult the label and the pattern recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales consultants for her suggestions. Always do a test swatch to get the correct gauge with your choice of yarn. You might be pleasantly surprised with a different weight yarn than is recommended.