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What Is Yarn Weight?

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What are the common things you consider whenever you go yarn shopping? Is it the rainbow-like color variations of the yarn? Or perhaps their fiber content?

Whatever it is, I suggest that you never ever forget about the yarn weight. 

I bet that you heard about yarn weight from fellow crocheters and perhaps saw it several times on some patterns before, but really — what is it?

Yarn weight basically refers to the thickness of the yarn. And there are numerous yarn weight categories (established by the Craft Yarn Council), so it’s often a bit confusing for crocheters, especially beginners, to immediately know what yarn would work best in achieving a particular project size or gauge.

I have created for you a Yarn Weight Conversion Chart — a very handy cheat sheet for crocheters!

Yarn Weight Chart

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Standard Yarn Weight	UK Yarn Type	US Yarn Types	Australian Yarn Ply	Suggested Hook in Metric Size Range	Suggested Hook in US Size Range
	1 ply	Lace	2 ply	1.5 – 2.25 mm	Steel 8-1 Regular Hook B1
	2 ply	Fingering	3 ply	2.25 – 3.5 mm	B1 – E4
	4 ply	Sport	5 ply	3.5 – 4.5 mm	E4 – 7
	DK	DK	8 ply	4.5 – 5.5 mm	7 – I9
	Aran	Worsted	10 Ply	5.5 – 6.5 mm	I9 – K10 ½
	Chunky	Bulky	12 Ply	6.5 – 9 mm	K10 ½ – M/N13
	Super Chunky	Super Bulky	Over 12 ply	9 – 15 mm	M/N13 – Q
	Jumbo	Ultra /Roving	Over 20 Ply	15mm and larger	Q and larger

Scroll below to download the complete yarn conversion chart.

Printable Yarn Weight Chart

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A yarn weight conversion cheat sheet on the go would be useful whenever you’re unsure of what yarn is best for a project.

Click on the button below to download the one-page PDF version of the chart.

Yarn Weight Categories Explained

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 0 – Lace

The finest & thinnest yarn weight and commonly used for lightweight projects and laceworks such as shawls, wraps, and doilies.

1 – Super Fine

Also known as Fingering or Sock yarn, it is often used to make socks, mittens, and other delicate garments.

 2 – Fine

Also called Sport-Weight or Baby yarn, this yarn is recommended for crocheting lightweight wearables and accessories such as cardigans, wraps, and hats. 

3 – Light

This category includes light worsted and double-knitting (DK) yarns that are slightly thicker than a fine yarn but thinner than a medium one — usually used for projects like sweaters, heavier baby garments, and blankets!

 4 – Medium

Worsted, Afghan, and Aran yarn types fall in this category. It’s recommended for beginners since it’s versatile and easy to work with.

5 – Bulky

The category includes Chunky, Craft, and Rug yarn types that are handy if you want to make something thick and cozy projects that can provide warmth like scarves, sweaters, and throws.

6 – Super Bulky

It’s also known as Super Chunky, the ideal yarn weight if you want projects like cowls and hats that’ll work up quickly!

 7 – Jumbo

Due to the ultra chunky yarns introduced in the market that can’t be classified as super bulky, Jumbo (Roving/Ultra) was added to the yarn weight categories in 2014. These yarns are perfect if you love chunky braided blankets or arm-knitting!

How Do I Know The Weight Of My Yarn? 

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You can tell the weight of your yarn in 2 different ways. It’s either by checking the yarn label or using a yarn weight gauge tool.

As you learned from the chart, each category has a corresponding name and symbol. In most yarn labels, the yarn weight symbol is located (a picture of a skein of yarn with a number in the middle) beside the recommended needle and hook sizes.

But if in case you have already thrown out the yarn label and you have random balls of yarn around that you want to know the thickness of — then you might need to use a  good yarn gauge tool to determine their weights.

Here are some options for you:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Is Yarn Weight 4 The Same As DK?

No, they are not the same. Yarn weight 4 only includes Aran, Afghan, and Worsted yarn types — not DK. Double Knit yarn is classed as yarn weight #3 or light-worsted.

Can I Mix Yarn Weights?

Yes, you can. However, you need to keep in mind that using various yarn weights for a single project requires meticulous planning and a LOT of swatches to finally get the result you desire. Mixing yarn weights are ideal if you want to create some patchwork or unique, cool-textured items.

Are Aran And Chunky Wool The Same?

No, they are not the same. Aran yarns belong in the 4-Medium yarn weight category while chunky wool is under 5-Bulky.

What Is DK Weight Yarn?

DK is the double-knitting yarn type (8 ply) that falls into the 3-Light worsted yarn weight category. It’s one of the most used yarns to crochet numerous projects like baby items, sweaters, jumpers, and blankets!

How Do You Substitute Yarn Weights?

The simplest way to substitute yarn weights and skip the complex math is by doubling the strands of the lighter yarn weight.

For instance, if you hold 2 strands of fingering weight at the same time, you get DK (double-knitting). If you double DK yarn, you get Aran. If you double the latter, you’re getting up to bulky weight.

Just a friendly reminder that the substitution might affect the texture and overall appearance of your finished project.

What Is The UK Equivalent Of Super Bulky Yarn?

The UK equivalent of super bulky yarn is super chunky yarn. 

What Is Weight 2 Yarn Called?

Yarn Weight 2 is called Fine (Sport-weight, baby). This yarn works best for delicate, airy accessories like socks, wraps, and baby clothing.

Why Is Yarn Weight Important?

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Your choice of yarn weight will directly affect the final appearance and size of a project.

For instance, if you use a thinner yarn than what a pattern calls for, you’ll have a smaller output.

Likewise, if you use thicker yarn, then you’ll end up having a chunkier, bigger project.

That’s why it’s essential to use the right yarn weight if you want to achieve a specific gauge or precisely follow a pattern. 

I hope you found this yarn conversion chart and guide helpful, don’t forget to Pin it and share it with your fellow crocheters. Follow me on Pinterest here.

Looking For Similar Techniques?

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Happy crocheting!

Save Now, Make Later